EP3779609A1 - Display device for a timepiece - Google Patents

Abstract

Display mechanism for a timepiece comprising a first display disc (1) and a second display disc (2) arranged to be coplanar and each carrying reference marks (10, 20) and a window (3), arranged on the line of the centers of the first and second display discs (1, 2). The display mechanism is arranged to rotate the first and second display discs (1, 2) in opposite directions and in the same plane so as to successively display the marks of the first display disc (1) then the marks on the second display disc (2) through the window (3).

Description

The present invention relates to a display mechanism for a timepiece, in particular a date display mechanism.

One of the difficulties encountered in displaying the date for a timepiece, and in particular a wristwatch, is its readability. Indeed, with thirty-one markers to be distributed over a display mobile (date disc), the size of the markers is often very small, or even too small to be read comfortably. The problem is the same for the display of the number of the week which includes fifty-two or fifty-three marks.

Several solutions to this problem have been considered; either optical enlargement means, such as a magnifying glass, are provided on the glass to facilitate reading, or the digits of units and tens are distributed over separate mobiles and the size of these digits can then be considerably enlarged.

The date mechanisms applying the latter solution are commonly called “large date” and are well known. The document CH 310 559 describes for example a date display, in which the date is indicated by two juxtaposed or coplanar discs, one bearing the tens digits, the other those of the units. Other arrangements of the units and tens disks are possible. The documents EP 0 529 191 and EP 1 017 996 describe a date display with a coaxial and superimposed units disk and tens disk. The documents CH 690 515 , FROM 1020050106012 and CH 688 671 describe a date display with a units disk and a coplanar and coaxial tens disk.

These mechanisms have several drawbacks. On the one hand, when the tens and the units are carried by coplanar display discs, it There is then a space between these two figures visible through a window and which is not particularly aesthetic. Then, when they are superimposed, the height difference between the display discs, also visible through an aperture, affects the reading and the aesthetics of the date display. On the other hand, these mechanisms are often complex and bulky.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a display mechanism for a timepiece, in particular a date display mechanism, offering great readability without harming the aesthetics of the display and while remaining simple and easy. not bulky in its construction.

The present invention relates to a display mechanism according to claim 1 as well as a timepiece according to claim 11.

The appended figures illustrate schematically and by way of example only one embodiment of a display mechanism according to the present invention.

The figures 1 to 10 illustrate a date display mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention in different positions: the displayed date is respectively 2, 3, 4, 5, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 26.

The figure 11 is a perspective view of the mobile driving the display mechanism of the date of the figures 1 to 10 .

The display mechanism according to the present invention is intended to equip a timepiece, and in particular a wristwatch or a pocket watch, for displaying information through a window. In the embodiment illustrated, the display mechanism is a date display mechanism.

The date display mechanism illustrated in figures 1 to 11 comprises a first date disc 1, the circumference of which is truncated over a sector of approximately 60 ° (in the example illustrated, this sector therefore has a radius strictly smaller than the outer radius of the solid part, not truncated, of the rest of the disc ). This truncated sector is designated by notch 11 below. The first date disc 1 bears the marks 4 to 18 (fifteen marks designated by the reference 10) arranged on the rest of its circumference (that is to say on its solid part of 300 °). In this embodiment, each mark 10 occupies an angular sector of 20 ° and the notch 11 therefore occupies the place of three marks.

The date display mechanism also comprises a second date disc 2, the circumference of which is truncated over a sector of approximately 60 °, designated by notch 21 below (in the example illustrated, this sector therefore has a strictly radius less than the outer radius of the solid, untrimmed part of the rest of the disc). The second date disc 2 bears the marks 19 to 31, 1, 2 and 3 (sixteen marks designated by the reference 20) arranged on the rest of its circumference (that is to say on its solid part of 300 °) . In this embodiment, each mark 20 occupies an angular sector of 18.75 ° and the notch 21 therefore occupies the place of three marks (3.2 marks according to the strict division).

According to the invention, the first and second date discs 1 and 2 are arranged to be coplanar and to cooperate with a single window 3 arranged on the line of the centers of the first and second date discs 1, 2.

In addition, the first and second date discs 1 and 2 are arranged so that the distance between their center is strictly less than the sum of the radii of their solid part (part with the largest radius). There should therefore be an overlap but the notches 11, 21 are chosen and the discs are arranged relative to each other so that they can pivot, the first in one direction, the second in the opposite direction, without block although being coplanar.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second date discs 1, 2 have a similar shape and size: that is to say that their solid part have the same outer radius while the notches 11, 12 are truncated sectors of almost identical size and shape.

The first date disc 1 is integral with a first pinion 5 comprising eighteen teeth in the embodiment illustrated. A first jumper 7 is arranged to ensure the angular positioning of the first pinion 5.

The second date disc 2 is integral with a second pinion 6 comprising nineteen teeth in the embodiment illustrated. A second jumper 8 is arranged to ensure the angular positioning of the second pinion 6.

The first and second date pinions 5, 6 are driven by a driving wheel set 9 kinematically connected to the finishing train of the movement of the timepiece for its drive at the speed of one step per day (around midnight).

The driving wheel 9 is kinematically connected to the first date disc 1 for its drive in a first direction (counterclockwise in the figures), while it is kinematically connected to the second date disc 2 for its drive in a second direction opposite to the first (clockwise in the figures).

In the illustrated embodiment, the driving mobile 9 comprises a first driving wheel 91 and a second driving wheel 92 coaxial, superimposed and integral with one another. The first driving wheel 91 has a toothless sector 911 and a toothed sector 912 comprising sixteen teeth and the second driving wheel 92 has a toothless sector 921 and a toothed sector 922 comprising seventeen teeth (see figure 11 ).

The first drive wheel 91 cooperates with an intermediate gear 4 which itself meshes with the first pinion 5. The second drive wheel 92 cooperates directly with the second pinion 6.

• Entre le 5 et le 17 du mois, seul le premier disque de quantième 1 est entraîné d'un pas par jour aux environs de minuit via le secteur denté 912 de la première roue entraîneuse 91, le renvoi intermédiaire 4 et le premier pignon 5; durant cette phase, le secteur sans dent 921 de la seconde roue entraîneuse 92 coopère avec le second pignon 6 du second disque de quantième 2 qui reste ainsi immobile ;
• Entre le 17 et le 20 du mois, les premier et second disques de quantième 1, 2 sont entraînés simultanément d'un pas par jour par les première et seconde roues entraîneuses 91 et 92 et leur secteur denté respectif 912, 922, les repères 17 et 18 étant affichés par le premier disque 1 tandis que les repères 19 et 20 sont affichés par le second disque 2 ;
• Entre le 20 et le 2 du mois, seul le second disque de quantième 2 est entraîné d'un pas par jour via le secteur denté 922 de la seconde roue entraîneuse 92 et le second pignon 6; durant cette phase, le secteur sans dent 911 de la première roue entraîneuse 91 coopère avec le premier pignon 5 du premier disque de quantième 1 qui reste ainsi immobile ;
• Entre le 2 et le 5 du mois, les premier et second disques de quantième 1, 2 sont entraînés simultanément d'un pas par jour par les première et seconde roues entraîneuses 91 et 92 et leur secteur denté respectif 912, 922, les repères 2 et 3 étant affichés par le second disque 2 tandis que les repères 4 et 5 sont affichés par le premier disque 1.

The first and second drive wheels 91, 92 are superimposed but offset, in particular their toothed sector 912, 922 are offset so that:

• Between the 5th and the 17th of the month, only the first date disc 1 is driven one step per day around midnight via the toothed sector 912 of the first drive wheel 91, the return intermediate 4 and the first pinion 5; during this phase, the toothless sector 921 of the second drive wheel 92 cooperates with the second pinion 6 of the second date disc 2 which thus remains stationary;
• Between the 17th and the 20th of the month, the first and second date discs 1, 2 are driven simultaneously by one step per day by the first and second drive wheels 91 and 92 and their respective toothed sectors 912, 922, the references 17 and 18 being displayed by the first disc 1 while the marks 19 and 20 are displayed by the second disc 2;
• Between the 20th and the 2nd of the month, only the second date disc 2 is driven one step per day via the toothed sector 922 of the second drive wheel 92 and the second pinion 6; during this phase, the toothless sector 911 of the first drive wheel 91 cooperates with the first pinion 5 of the first date disc 1 which thus remains stationary;
• Between the 2nd and 5th of the month, the first and second date discs 1, 2 are driven simultaneously by one step per day by the first and second drive wheels 91 and 92 and their respective toothed sectors 912, 922, the marks 2 and 3 being displayed by the second disc 2 while the marks 4 and 5 are displayed by the first disc 1.

Thus, we note that when the driving wheel 9 makes a complete revolution (31 steps), it drives the first date disc 1 alone for 12 steps in a first direction, then the two discs simultaneously in opposite directions for 3 steps (the notches 11, 21 occupying the place of 3 marks), then the second date disc 2 alone for 13 steps in a second direction opposite to first and finally the two discs simultaneously in opposite directions for 3 steps.

The figures 1 to 10 illustrate this operation. In particular, the figures 1 to 4 illustrate the passage from the 2nd to the 5th of the month.

In the figure 1 , the date displayed through the window 3 is the 2 carried by the second date disc 2. The notch 11 of the first date disc 1 is opposite said window 3. At the next step of the driving wheel 9, the first and second Date discs 1, 2 are driven simultaneously via the toothed sectors 912, 922 of the first and second drive wheels 91, 92 which cooperate respectively with the deflection 4 and the second pinion 6. The first date disc 1 pivots in a first direction while that the second disc 2 pivots in a second direction opposite to the first. The date displayed through window 3 changes to 3 carried by the second date disc 2, while the first date disc 1 has also stepped but its notch 11 is still opposite window 3 ( figure 2 ).

At the next step of the driving wheel set 9, the second date disc 2 pivots in the second direction in a position in which its notch 21 is now opposite the window 3, while the first date disc 1 pivots by one step in the first direction in a position in which the mark 4 of this first disc 1 is displayed through the window 3 ( figure 3 ).

At the next step of the driving mobile unit 9, the second date disc 2 pivots in the second direction in a position in which its notch 21 is still facing the window 3, while the first date disc 1 pivots in the first direction of a step in a position in which mark 5 is now displayed through window 3 ( figure 4 ). In this position, the toothless sector 921 of the second drive wheel 92 now cooperates with the second pinion 6.

During the following steps of the mobile trainer 9, the second date disc 2 remains stationary, while the first disc 1 pivots in the first direction, still driven by the toothed sector 912 of the first drive wheel 92, ensuring the passage from 5 to 17 (passing in particular through 13 as illustrated in figure 5 ).

Thus, the second date disc 2 will remain stationary during the successive steps of the driving mobile unit 9 ( figures 5 and 6 ) until the toothed sector 922 of the second drive wheel 92 again co-operates with the second pinion 6. At this time, the date displayed through window 3 is 17 carried by the first date disc 1 ( figure 6 ).

At the next step of the driving mobile unit 9, the first and second date discs 1, 2 are driven simultaneously in their respective direction of rotation: the date displayed through window 3 goes to 18 carried by the first date disc 1, while the second date disc 2 has also taken a step but its notch 21 is still opposite window 3 ( figure 7 ).

At the next step of the driving wheel set 9, the first date disc 1 pivots in the first direction in a position in which its notch 11 is now opposite the window 3, while the second date disc 2 pivots by one step in the second direction in a position in which the marker 19 is displayed through window 3 ( figure 8 ).

At the next step of the driving mobile unit 9, the first date disc 1 pivots in the first direction in a position in which its notch 11 is still facing the window 3, while the second date disc 2 pivots by one step in the second direction in a position in which the marker 20 is now displayed through window 3 ( figure 9 ). In this position, the toothless sector 911 of the first drive wheel 91 cooperates with the intermediate gear 4.

During the following steps of the driving mobile 9, the first disc 1 remains stationary, while the second disc 2 pivots in the second direction, still driven by the toothed sector 922 of the second driving wheel 92, ensuring the passage from 20 to 2 (including passing through 26 as illustrated in figure 10 ). Back to 2, the cycle can resume.

In the embodiment illustrated, the date display mechanism is therefore a display of the “large date” type offering large markers and therefore legible without means of magnification, displayed in a single window, without separation between the tens. and the units or variation in height between the different marks displayed, whether the marks are carried by the first or the second date disc 1, 2 thus offering a very readable and aesthetic display. In addition, the construction of the mechanism is simple.

The date display mechanism described above could of course include a date correction mechanism, manual or automatic, in particular for the change from the 30th to the 1st of the month or from the 28th or 29th to the 1st of the month.

The date display mechanism above has been described by way of example only and the present invention can be applied to a large number of displays such as the display of the number of the week, a time display, of the phases. moon, month ...

In general, the display mechanism for a timepiece according to the present invention comprises a window, a first display disc and a second display disc, the display discs being coplanar and each bearing reference marks. The aperture is disposed on the center line of the first and second display discs.

The display mechanism is arranged to allow the rotation of the first and second display discs in opposite directions and in the same plane so as to successively display the marks of the first display disc then the marks of the second disc. display through the counter.

Preferably, the first and second display discs each have a solid part characterized by a first, respectively second outer radius and a recess or notch. The marks carried by each of the discs are distributed over their solid part.

The first and second discs are arranged so that the distance between their center is strictly less than the sum of the first and second outer radii.

As for the notches, they are each shaped so that when the notch of one disc is opposite the window, it can contain the solid part of the other disc so that the first and second discs can be coplanar without overlapping.

1. 1. le premier disque d'affichage seul dans un premier sens, le second disque restant immobile ;
2. 2. les deux disques simultanément, le premier disque dans le premier sens, le second disque dans un second sens opposé au premier ;
3. 3. le second disque d'affichage seul dans le second sens, le premier disque restant immobile ;
4. 4. les deux disques simultanément, le premier disque dans le premier sens, le second disque dans un second sens.

In particular, the display mechanism is designed to be able to drive the first and second display discs according to the following cycle:

1. 1. the first display disc alone in a first direction, the second disc remaining stationary;
2. 2. the two discs simultaneously, the first disc in the first direction, the second disc in a second direction opposite to the first;
3. 3. the second display disc alone in the second direction, the first disc remaining stationary;
4. 4. both discs simultaneously, the first disc in the first direction, the second disc in a second direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second display discs 1, 2, and their solid part have essentially the same outer radius (discs of similar size). In general, the first and second outer radii of the solid parts of the first and second discs may be different and will be chosen according to the type of display or the position of the window on the dial (at 6 o'clock, at 3 o'clock, etc.) which could require having one disk larger than the other.

As to the size and shape of the notches in each of the discs, while they are essentially the same in the illustrated embodiment, they may also vary depending on the size of the first and second discs. Thus, the notches could have the shape of a flat (following a string for example), an arc of a circle or a "pie chart", that is to say a sector truncated to the center of the disc. They could also be different in shape and / or size from one disc to another.

Preferably and as illustrated in the figures, the window and the display discs are arranged so that, when a mark is displayed in the window, a portion of the disc bearing said mark extends under the entire window in order to ensure an aesthetic visual without parasitic geometry (empty or edge of the disc which would be visible through the window).

More preferably, the marks are arranged on each of the first and second display discs so that the two circles passing substantially one through the center of the marks of the first disc and the other through the center of the marks of the second disc are intersect a point located essentially in the center of the window. This ensures that the marks are centered in the window when they are displayed.

Preferably, the size of the marks of the first and second display disks is the same even though their number may vary between one disk and the other, as illustrated in the embodiment above.

Claims (11)

Display mechanism for a timepiece comprising a first display disc (1) and a second display disc (2) arranged to be coplanar and each carrying reference marks (10, 20) and a window (3), arranged on the line of the centers of the first and second display discs (1, 2), characterized in that the display mechanism is arranged to rotate the first and second display discs (1, 2) in opposite directions and in the same plane so as to successively display the marks of the first display disc (1) then the marks of the second display disc (2) through the window (3). Display mechanism according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first and second display discs (1, 2) each have a solid part characterized by a first, respectively a second outer radius and a recess or notch (11, 21), the marks (10, 20) carried by each of the discs (1, 2) being distributed over their solid part; in that the first and second display discs (1, 2) are further arranged so that the distance between their center is strictly less than the sum of the first and second outer radii; by the fact that the notches (11, 21) are each shaped so that when the notch of a disc is opposite the window (3), it can contain the solid part of the other disc so that the first and second discs (1, 2) can be coplanar without overlapping. Mechanism according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is arranged to be able to drive the first and second display discs (1, 2) according to the following cycle: ∘ the first display disc (1) alone in a first direction, the second disc (2) remaining stationary; ∘ the two discs (1, 2) simultaneously, the first disc (1) in the first direction, the second disc (2) in a second direction opposite to the first; ∘ the second display disc (2) alone in the second direction, the first disc (1) remaining stationary; ∘ both discs (1, 2) simultaneously, the first disc (1) in the first direction, the second disc (2) in a second direction. Mechanism according to Claim 3, characterized in that the mechanism comprises a driving mobile (9) kinematically connected to the first display disc (1) for its drive in the first direction and to the second display disc (2) for its drive in the second direction opposite to the first. Mechanism according to Claim 4, characterized in that the driving mobile (9) comprises a first and a second driving wheels (91, 92) which are coaxial and integral; the first drive wheel (91) being kinematically connected to the first display disc (1) for driving the latter in the first direction, the second drive wheel (92) being kinematically connected to the second display disc (2 ) for driving the latter in the second direction opposite to the first, the first and second driving wheels (91, 92) each comprising a toothed sector (912, 922) and a toothless sector (911, 921), said toothed sectors (912, 922) being superimposed but offset so that the driving mobile (9) can successively drive the first and second display discs (1, 2) alone or simultaneously according to said cycle. Display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second outer radii characterizing the solid parts of the first and second display discs (1, 2) are essentially equal. Display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the marks (10, 20) are arranged on each of the first and second display discs (1, 2) so that the two circles passing substantially l 'one by the center of the marks (10) of the first disc (1) and the other by the center of the marks (20) of the second disc (2) intersect a point located essentially in the center of the window (3). Display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the marks (10, 20) of the first and second display discs (1, 2) have essentially the same size. Display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the window (3) and the first and second display discs (1, 2) are arranged so that, when a marker is displayed in the window (3), a portion of the disc bearing said mark extends under the entire window (3). Mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a date display mechanism, the first display disc (1) bearing fifteen successive marks among the series of numbers 1 to 31 and the second display disc (2) bearing sixteen successive marks among the remaining numbers of the series 1 to 31. Timepiece comprising a display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims.

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