EP2104009B1 - Tauchchronograph - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a diving watch provided with a depth measuring device, comprising a sensor mechanism for measuring the external pressure.

The integration of such a device for measuring the depth in the box of existing watches without changing the movement poses considerable problems.

There are currently very few movement manufacturers and watchmaking is considerably centralized, which makes the task difficult when it is desired to add or modify functions of a watch such as those of a diving watch described hereinafter. The invention therefore aims to provide a depth measuring device that can be installed in watches, while respecting the design developed by the manufacturer of the watch case for receiving the measuring device and movement.

On the other hand, in the functions of a diving watch, it is necessary to capture the pressure to trigger an action, the chronograph mechanism, at a given depth. The device according to the present invention also makes it possible to solve this requirement.

Document is known CH 448901 a diving watch, characterized in that it comprises a rotary dial subdivided into zones intended to indicate the depths and the durations of decompression stops, means being provided so that this dial rotates, in a position determined with respect to the minute hand, at a rate of one revolution per hour, when the ambient pressure is normal or does not exceed a limit value, means being provided so that the speed of rotation of said dial increases with the ambient pressure, once said value past limit, so that the advance that said dial takes with respect to the minute hand, during a dive, is a function of the duration thereof and the depth or depths to which it has performed, means finally being provided for the said dial to stop when the ambient pressure falls below a limit value, until the minute hand has reached, relative to said dial, the position in which it rotates with it, all so that, on the one hand the diver can read at any time, by observing the position of the minute hand with respect to this dial, what are the decompression stops he should then perform if he wanted to stop the dive, and that on the other hand, during said decompression stops, the end of each of these is indicated by the passage of the minute hand in view of the next zone of said dial, which is stationary during said bearings.

This watch is used to indicate the depths and durations of the decompression stops. It does not allow to automatically time the dive time. The present invention aims to overcome this disadvantage and aims at producing a diving watch for measuring the automatic dive time.

The present invention relates to a diving watch comprising a mechanical sensor mechanism of the external pressure, this mechanical sensor cooperating, via a transmission mechanism, with means for starting and / or stopping a mechanical mechanism of the watch so that the mechanism is started and / or stopped automatically according to the external pressure, characterized in that the mechanical mechanism is a chronograph mechanism comprising at least one counter, the mechanical sensor thus enabling the control timing of a dive time by starting and / or automatically stopping the chronograph mechanism.

Thanks to these characteristics, the depth measuring device can be easily integrated into the existing watch box without having to modify the box or the movement. The aforementioned characteristics also make it possible to obtain a small pressure sensor which can nevertheless control the chronograph mechanism of the watch.

The features also provide high depth of measurement accuracy and durability, while providing simplicity of construction and small footprint.

An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the transmission elements comprise a circular slide pivoting relative to a casing ring disposed around the movement of the watch and at least one gear train, the piston or pistons being subjected to external pressure and arranged to produce a rotation of the circular slide which cooperates with at least one pressure indicating member through said gear train.

This gives a compact construction, reliable and very accurate.

According to a variant, the device comprises at least two pistons slidably mounted on the casing ring in a plane substantially parallel to the main plane of the watch, the displacement of the pistons under the influence of the external pressure producing a corresponding rotation of the circular slide.

These characteristics make it possible to obtain a construction of great longevity and low wear of the parts.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a piston slidably mounted in an axial direction perpendicular to the main plane of the watch between the movement and the bottom of the watch, at least one ramp-shaped cam cooperating with a follower the cam is arranged between the piston and the circular slide so that an axial displacement of the piston produces a corresponding rotation of the circular slide.

Thanks to these characteristics, the measuring device occupies a small footprint and integrates particularly easily into watches and pre-existing boxes. The ramp-shaped cams facilitate an eventual modification of the profile to adapt it to the desired displacement of the needles indicating the depth.

Advantageously, the return element is constituted by a conical washer or Belleville disposed between the casing ring and the piston.

This type of return element offers the advantages of using only a small space, to provide a large restoring force to make the gear wheels work and to present a linear response between the pressure and the deformation stroke of the washer.

Preferably, the device comprises a scrolling membrane serving as a sealing element disposed between the piston and the bottom which is provided with openings for water.

These features enable rational construction, shorter and less cumbersome, while reducing friction and ensuring high accuracy.

Favorably, the gear comprises a first mobile which is arranged to drive a second coaxial mobile during an increase in the external pressure and to be disengaged from the second mobile during a decrease in the external pressure, the first mobile cooperating with a first member indicating the instantaneous external pressure and the second mobile cooperating with a second member indicating the maximum external pressure reached, secured to a locking wheel cooperating with a unidirectional locking member to retain the second member indicator against the effect of a return element.

This gives a double indication of very precise depth.

An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the first mobile is engaged with a first central pinion secured to a needle of depth constituting the first indicator member, the first central gear meshing with a first return wheel, and in that the second mobile is formed by a toothed sector arranged to cooperate with a driving element of the first mobile exclusively when an increase in the external pressure, the toothed sector being engaged with a second central pinion coaxial with the first central gear and secured to a dead needle forming the second indicator member and a wheel cooperating with a disengageable unidirectional locking member , such as a pawl, this second central pinion being engaged with a second return wheel for resetting the dead needle under the effect of a return spring.

These features allow a very accurate and reliable construction of a dual indication of depth.

Advantageously, the device comprises a first display device of a first flag likely to appear in a first window, this first display device comprising a pivoting arm carrying the first flag and subjected to the spring action ensuring it a bistable function with an active position of displaying the flag and a retracted position of the flag, the change of position of this arm between the two positions being caused by two pins arranged on the first mobile.

By virtue of the aforementioned characteristics, a safety or danger flag is obtained which is displayed immediately and at a predetermined depth and pressure.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor mechanism comprises a crown piston slidably mounted in the crown of the watch to act on at least one body of the watch.

In the functions of a diving watch, it is desirable to capture the pressure at a given depth to start and stop a chronograph mechanism. The difficulty of realizing and integrating such a function of capturing the pressure resides above all in the reduced volume available. The chronograph mechanism must be able to engage automatically by a pulse between 0 and -5 meters at the descent (it is noted that in this description the depth values are indicated either by a negative number or by their absolute value). It must also be stopped automatically by the same impulse at the ascent between -5 meters and the surface. Reading is then possible once out of the water. The solution of this problem is made possible by the aforementioned features.

According to a preferred embodiment, the crown piston is displaced by the external pressure along the axis of the ring against the effect of a return spring to activate and / or deactivate, via a mechanism transmission, starting and stopping a chronograph mechanism.

With this arrangement, we obtain a very compact construction of the sensor mechanism.

Favorably, the crown piston is secured to a cam having two ramps arranged to give the transmission mechanism a first control pulse during the increase of the external pressure and a second control pulse during the decrease of the external pressure.

This results in a precise operation of the sensor and a considerable force to achieve the automatic control of starting and stopping the chronograph.

Advantageously, the measuring device comprises a locking device for blocking and unblocking the transmission mechanism, this locking device comprising a locking lever which is arranged to lock the transmission mechanism in a first position and to unlock the transmission mechanism. transmission mechanism in a second position, the locking device comprising a release lever that can be actuated by a user and connected by connecting elements to the locking lever to move it from the first to the second position.

Thanks to these characteristics, the user has the choice of an automatic or manual starting and stopping of the chronograph according to the type of dive envisaged.

Favorably, the measuring device comprises a second display device for a diving flag, this second display device comprising an arm integral with the locking lever, this arm equipped with the diving flag being shaped so that the diving flag is visible in a second aperture of the dial in the second position of the locking lever and spaced from this window in the first position of the locking lever

This produces a precise dive display device and a small footprint easily integrated into the dive watch.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the crown comprises a crown tube fixed to the watch case, a cylindrical wall of the ring being disposed facing the outer face of the crown tube, the crown piston being mounted to the inside this crown tube and the crown to slide along a rod extension secured to the ring, at least one seal sealing the inside of the ring, openings being provided in the crown to allow the water to move the piston.

Thanks to these characteristics, we obtain a very rational, precise and reliable construction.

Preferably, the seal consists of a scrolling membrane disposed between the ring and the piston.

These characteristics allow a shorter construction, a significant decrease in friction and increased accuracy.

• de façon à agir sur l'organe de blocage unidirectionnel débrayable pour produire la remise à zéro de l'aiguille morte,
• de façon à interposer le secteur denté entre le premier drapeau et le premier guichet lors de la descente de plongée,
• de façon à agir sur un organe de remise à zéro du mécanisme chronographe,
• de façon à agir sur le levier de blocage pour que ce dernier soit déplacé de la seconde position vers la première position dans laquelle le mécanisme de transmission est bloqué, et
• de façon à écarter le drapeau de plongée du second guichet.

Advantageously, the measuring device comprises an arranged reset device

• so as to act on the disengageable unidirectional locking member to produce the resetting of the dead needle,
• in order to interpose the toothed sector between the first flag and the first window during the diving descent,
• in order to act on a resetting member of the chronograph mechanism,
• in order to act on the locking lever so that the latter is moved from the second position to the first position in which the transmission mechanism is locked, and
• in order to remove the diving flag from the second window.

Thanks to these characteristics, we obtain a reliable, complete reset and requiring only a small number of components.

• Les figures 1 à 7 se réfèrent à un premier mode d'exécution.
• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective de ce premier mode d'exécution.
• Les figures 2 à 4 sont des vues en perspective de parties de ce premier mode d'exécution.
• Les figures 5a et 5b représentent une partie des éléments de transmission en deux positions, lors de la remontée (fig. 5a) et lors de la descente (fig. 5b).
• La figure 6 illustre le cercle d'emboîtage en perspective coupée.
• La figure 7 représente une coupe axiale d'un piston.
• Les figures 8 à 16 concernent le second mode d'exécution.
• Les figures 8 et 10 sont des vues latérales dans deux positions.
• Les figures 9 et 11 représentent des vues en coupe axiale dans ces deux positions.
• Les figures 12 et 13 sont des vues en perspective illustrant le second mode d'exécution installé sur un mouvement de montre.
• La figure 14 est une vue agrandie d'une particularité A de la figure 13.
• La figure 15 illustre en vue latérale le mécanisme de transmission.
• La figure 16 est une vue agrandie d'une particularité B de la figure 15.
• Les figures 17 à 35 se rapportent au troisième mode d'exécution.
• La figure 17 est une vue de face d'une montre de plongée avec mécanisme chronographe intégrant ce troisième mode d'exécution.
• Les figures 18 et 19 sont des vues en perspective éclatés de dessus et de dessous de ce troisième mode d'exécution.
• La figure 20 est une vue en perspective du piston et de la rondelle de belleville.
• La figure 21 est une vue en coupe transversale de la montre illustrée à la figure 17.
• Les figures 22 à 25 représentent une partie de ce troisième mode d'exécution vue de dessous en quatre positions, à savoir en position initiale de repos (fig.22), lors du déblocage avant la plongée, (fig. 23) lors de la descente (fig. 24) et à la fin de la descente (fig. 25).
• Les figures 26 et 27 représentent une partie de ce troisième mode d'exécution vue de dessus à la fin de la descente et après la remise à zéro correspondant à la position initiale de repos.
• Les figures 28 à 33 sont des vues de dessus d'une autre partie du troisième mode d'exécution en position initiale de repos (fig. 28), au début de la descente (fig. 29), à la fin de la descente (fig. 30), à la fin de la remontée à -5 mètres (fig. 31) à la fin de la remontée à -4 mètres (fig. 32), et à la fin de la plongée après la remise à zéro.
• La figure 34 est une vue latérale du dispositif de captage intégré dans la couronne et la figure 35 est une vue en coupe axiale selon le plan A-A de la figure 34.

Other advantages emerge from the features expressed in the dependent claims and from the following description of the invention in more detail with the aid of drawings which show schematically and by way of example three modes of execution.

• The Figures 1 to 7 refer to a first embodiment.
• The figure 1 is a perspective view of this first embodiment.
• The Figures 2 to 4 are perspective views of parts of this first embodiment.
• The Figures 5a and 5b represent a part of the transmission elements in two positions, during the ascent ( Fig. 5a ) and during the descent ( Fig. 5b ).
• The figure 6 illustrates the casing circle cut perspective.
• The figure 7 represents an axial section of a piston.
• The Figures 8 to 16 relate to the second embodiment.
• The figures 8 and 10 are side views in two positions.
• The figures 9 and 11 represent views in axial section in these two positions.
• The figures 12 and 13 are perspective views illustrating the second embodiment installed on a watch movement.
• The figure 14 is an enlarged view of a particularity A of the figure 13 .
• The figure 15 illustrates in side view the transmission mechanism.
• The figure 16 is an enlarged view of a particularity B of the figure 15 .
• The Figures 17 to 35 relate to the third embodiment.
• The figure 17 is a front view of a diving watch with chronograph mechanism incorporating this third embodiment.
• The figures 18 and 19 are exploded perspective views from above and below of this third embodiment.
• The figure 20 is a perspective view of the piston and the belleville washer.
• The figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the watch shown in FIG. figure 17 .
• The Figures 22 to 25 represent a part of this third embodiment seen from below in four positions, namely in the initial position of rest ( fig.22 ), when unlocking before diving, ( Fig. 23 ) during the descent ( Fig. 24 ) and at the end of the descent ( Fig. 25 ).
• The figures 26 and 27 represent a part of this third embodiment seen from above at the end of the descent and after the reset corresponding to the initial rest position.
• The Figures 28 to 33 are top views of another part of the third embodiment in the initial rest position ( Fig. 28 ), at the beginning of the descent ( Fig. 29 ), at the end of the descent ( Fig. 30 ), at the end of the ascent to -5 meters ( Fig. 31 ) at the end of the ascent to -4 meters ( Fig. 32 ), and at the end of the dive after resetting.
• The figure 34 is a side view of the sensing device integrated in the crown and the figure 35 is an axial sectional view according to the plane AA of the figure 34 .

In particular, the depth measuring device for watches comprising a sensor mechanism (41; 141; 321,324) for measuring the external pressure may comprise a sensor mechanism (41; 141; 321,324) which comprises at least one piston (21; 112; 343,406) which can be displaced by the external pressure against the effect of a return element (20,23; 110; 349,413), the displacement effected by the piston being a function of the external pressure and being transmitted by transmission members (9-12, 104, 105; 342) to at least one member (3; 125; 307,308,427) of the watch.

The transmission elements may comprise a circular slide (9; 350) pivoting with respect to a casing ring (8; 330) arranged around the movement (320) of the watch and at least one gear train (10 to 12). 359), the piston or pistons (21; 343) being subjected to the external pressure and arranged to produce a rotation of the circular slide (9; 350) which cooperates with at least one indicator member (3; 307,308). the pressure through said gear train.

The device may comprise at least two pistons (21) slidably mounted on the casing ring (8) in a plane substantially parallel to the main plane of the watch, the displacement of the pistons (21) under the influence of the pressure exterior producing a corresponding rotation of the circular slide (9).

The gear train may comprise at least two toothed sectors (11, 12) arranged to rotate a dead needle (3) serving as an indicator member during an increase in the external pressure, disengageable locking means (13) , 15) being provided to block the dead needle (3) during a decrease in the external pressure so that the dead needle (3) indicates the maximum depth reached.

The locking means may comprise a toothed wheel (13) integral with the dead needle (3) and cooperating with a pawl (15) intended to prevent the toothed wheel (13) from returning to a rest position under the effect of a return spring (14), the pawl (15) being removable from the toothed wheel (13) by a resetting device (16).

A first of the two toothed sectors (11) can be driven by the circular slide (9) and bears an acronym (17), the second toothed sector (12) coaxial with the first sector (11) being driven by the latter exclusively unidirectional during an increase in pressure, this second sector toothed (12) driving the dead needle (3) and having a flap (18) may hide the acronym (17) when the second sector gear (12) is driven by the first sector (11) during the increase of the pressure at the beginning of the dive and revealing the acronym (17) in a window of a dial (2) of the watch when the pressure has decreased to a predetermined pressure.

The device may comprise a piston (343) slidably mounted in an axial direction (345) perpendicular to the main plane of the watch between the movement (320) and the bottom (332) of the watch, at least one cam in the form of a ramp (351) cooperating with a cam follower (353) being arranged between the piston (343) and the circular slider (350) so that axial displacement of the piston (343) produces a corresponding rotation of the circular slider (350); ).

The return element (344) may be constituted by a conical washer or Belleville (349) disposed between the casing ring (330) and the piston (343).

The device may include a pull-down membrane (346) serving as a sealing member disposed between the piston (343) and the bottom (332) which is provided with openings (348) for water.

The gear train (359) may include a first movable (363) which is arranged to drive a second coaxial mobile (370) upon an increase in the external pressure and to be disengaged from the second movable (370) during a decrease in the external pressure, the first mobile (363) cooperating with a first indicator member (307) of the instantaneous external pressure and the second mobile (370) cooperating with a second indicator member (307) of the maximum external pressure reached, secured to a locking wheel (376) cooperating with a unidirectional locking member (377) for retaining the second indicator member (307) against the effect of a return member (381).

The first mobile (363) can be engaged with a first central gear (364) integral with a depth hand (307) constituting the first indicator member, the first central gear (364) meshing with a first return wheel (366). ), the second mobile can be formed by a toothed sector (370) arranged to cooperate with a driving element (373) of the first mobile (363) exclusively during an increase in the external pressure, the toothed sector ( 370) being engaged with a second central gear (375) coaxial with the first central gear (364) and integral with a dead needle (308) forming the second indicator member and a wheel (376) cooperating with a gear member disengageable unidirectional lock (377), such as a pawl, the second central gear (375) being engaged with a second return wheel (380) for resetting the dead needle (308) under the effect of a return spring (381).

The device may comprise a first display device (323) of a first flag (389) capable of appearing in a first window (309), this first display device (323) comprising a pivoting arm (390) the first flag and spring action (392) providing a bistable function with an active flag display position and a flag retracted position, the change of position of this arm (390) between the two positions being caused by two pins (393,394) arranged on the first mobile (363).

The toothed sector (370) may be shaped to be interposed between the first flag (389) and the first window (309) at the beginning of the dive descent and after the reset.

The sensor mechanism (141; 324) may comprise a crown piston (112; 408) slidably mounted in the crown (103; 314) of the watch to act on at least one member (125; 427) of the watch.

The crown piston (112; 406) can be moved by the outer pressure along the axis of the ring against the effect of a return spring (110; 413) to activate and / or deactivate via a transmission mechanism (144; 419), starting and stopping a chronograph mechanism.

The crown piston (112; 406) can be integral with a cam (119; 408) having two ramps arranged so as to give the transmission mechanism (144; 419) a first control pulse during the increase of the external pressure and a second control pulse when decreasing the external pressure.

The transmission mechanism (144; 419) may comprise a first lever (104; 420) having a cam follower in the form of a roller (120; 422) urged by a resilient member (106; 428) against the cam (119; 408), said first lever (104; 420) cooperating with the start and stop control (125; 427) of the chronograph mechanism via at least one second lever (105; 424).

The device may comprise a locking device (327) for locking and unlocking the transmission mechanism (419), the locking device (327) having a locking lever (432) which is arranged to lock the transmission mechanism ( 419) in a first position and to unlock the transmission mechanism (419) in a second position, the locking device (327) having a release lever (316) operable by a user and connected by link members (430,431) to the locking lever (432) to move the latter from the first to the second position.

The device may include a second display device (326) for a dive flag (443), the second display device (326) having an arm (440) integral with the lock lever (432), the arm (440) ) equipped with the diving flag being shaped so that the diving flag (443) is visible in a second window (310) of the dial in the second position of the locking lever (432) and spaced from this window (310) in the first position of the locking lever.

The ring gear (103; 314) may comprise a crown tube (107; 401) fixed to the box (301) of the watch, a cylindrical wall (403) of the ring being arranged opposite the outer face of the crown tube. (401), the crown piston (112; 406) being mounted within this crown tube (107; 401) and the crown (103; 314) for sliding along a stem extension (108; 404) secured to the ring gear, at least one seal (113; 114; 410) sealing the inside of the ring gear, openings (116; 411) being provided in the ring gear (103; 314); ) to allow the water to move the piston (112; 406).

The crown piston (112; 406) can be integral with a piston rod (111; 407) sliding on the rod extension (108; 404) and carrying at its end the cam (119; 408) formed by a double cone .

• de façon à agir sur l'organe de blocage unidirectionnel débrayable (377) pour produire la remise à zéro de l'aiguille morte (308),
• de façon à interposer le secteur denté (370) entre le premier drapeau (389) et le premier guichet (309),
• de façon à agir sur un organe de remise à zéro du mécanisme chronographe,
• de façon à agir sur le levier de blocage (432) pour que ce dernier soir déplacé de la seconde position vers la première position dans laquelle le mécanisme de transmission (419) est bloqué, et
• de façon à écarter le drapeau de plongée (443) du second guichet (310).

The seal may be a scrolling membrane (410) disposed between the ring gear (103; 314) and the piston (112; 406).
The device may include a reset device (328) arranged

• in order to act on the disengageable unidirectional locking member (377) to produce the resetting of the dead needle (308),
• to interpose the toothed sector (370) between the first flag (389) and the first window (309),
• in order to act on a resetting member of the chronograph mechanism,
• so as to act on the locking lever (432) so that the latter night is moved from the second position to the first position in which the transmission mechanism (419) is blocked, and
• in order to move the diving flag (443) away from the second window (310).

The depth measuring device for a chronograph watch may comprise a first sensor mechanism (141; 324) for activating and / or deactivating the starting and stopping of a chronograph mechanism as a function of the external pressure measured by this first sensor mechanism and a second sensor mechanism (41; 321) cooperating with at least one indicating member (3; 307,308) of the pressure so that the indicator displays on the watch a depth associated with the pressure measured by the second sensor mechanism.

Each of the first and second sensor mechanisms may comprise at least one piston (21; 112; 343,406) movable by the external pressure against the effect of a biasing member (20,23; 110; 349,413); displacement effected by the piston being a function of the external pressure and being transmitted by transmission elements (9 to 12; 104,105; 342) to at least one member (3; 125; 307,308; 427) of the watch.

A first embodiment is described with reference to Figures 1 to 7 .

The figure 1 illustrates in perspective a chronograph movement 1 enveloped by the casing ring 8 and having a device for measuring the diving depth 40. Above the casing ring and the movement, the dial 1 has displays 6a, 6b, 6c associated with three small needles, at 9H the thirty-minute counter 6a, at 6H the 12-hour counter 6b, at 3H the permanent seconds counter 6c. At the center of the dial are the three hands of the hours 6d, minutes 6th and seconds counter 6f. A fourth hand 3 adds to the previous ones to give the indication of the depth. At 4 o'clock, a window 32 makes it possible to read the indication of the date. At 12H another counter 2 gives the safety indication by a triangle that a landing must be done on the ascent and arrived at -5 meters. Through holes 7 for the pusher of the reset and 5 for the passage of the crown are practiced in the casing ring 8.

The figure 2 shows the casing ring 8, the dial being removed. This view illustrates the transmission mechanism between a circular slide 9 and the depth needle 3. The casing ring 8 is machined with a circular groove allowing the displacement of this circular slide 9. On this slide, a rack 27 is cut to drive a pinion 29 secured to a small wheel 10. The latter drives a set of two toothed sectors 11 and 12, which rotate a central pinion 30 shown in FIG. figure 3 , thus giving the indication of depth. On this central gear 30 is crimped a gear 13 cooperating with a pawl 15 to lock this central gear 30 at each advance of the toothed wheel 13. The pawl 15 is extended by a leaf spring 15a ensuring the perfect contact tooth bottom . The reset is provided by a lever 16 pushing the pawl 15. The lever 16 is actuated by a reset pushbutton disposed in the passage of the bore 7.

The figure 3 represents the whole of the figure 2 turned 180 ° and showing the underside of the casing ring 8. On this face three holes with countersinks 19 are made to accommodate the O-rings 28 (see figure 7 ) to seal between the bottom of the chronograph case and the casing ring. We find on the figure 3 the central pinion 30 driven by the wheel sector 12 itself driven by the small wheel 10 via the wheel sector 11.

The figure 4 corresponds to the figure 3 but the casing ring is removed here. The slide 9 is clearly visible and comprises three studs 25 driven into its upper surface. These pads are intended to ensure the reception of the thrust of three pistons 21 rendered sealed to the external pressure by O-rings 22 to form a sensor mechanism 41 for measuring the external pressure. When the pistons 21 push the studs 25, the rotation of the slide 9 takes place and, via the rack 27, the pinion 29 is biased, causing rotation of the small wheel 10 and the gear chain to the central gear 30. The slide 9 is recalled by a pusher piston 20 associated with a spring 23. The displacement carried out by the pistons 21 and the slide 9 is a function of the external diving pressure transmitted by transmission elements to the needle 3.

The Figures 5a and 5b represent the set of two toothed sectors 11 and 12 coaxial. The toothed sector 11 has on its periphery a toothing 11 to be engrained with the small wheel 10. An angular sector on this toothed sector 11 appears releasing a symbol 17 in the shape of a triangle intended to indicate a danger. When starting the dive and the depth needle 3, the toothed sectors 11 and 12 take the arrangement illustrated in FIG. figure 5b . The first sector 11 rotates the second sector 12 exclusively unidirectionally during an increase in the external pressure. The two blanks 26a and 26b of these sectors are touching, hiding the symbol 17 "Danger" by a flap 18 of the sector 12, and cause the assembly to rotate the pinion 30 and the needle 3 indicating the depth. As a result, the toothed wheel 13 also rotates causing tooth-to-tooth jump of the pawl 15. As the plunger rises, the pressure decreases, the slider 9 rotates in the opposite direction, the sector 11 moves back, the sector 12 retained by the central gear 30 meshing with a toothing 12a of this sector, remains locked on a tooth of the pawl 15. Thus the toothed wheel 13 and the pawl 15 form disengageable locking means for blocking the depth needle 3 when a decrease in the external pressure so that this needle indicates the maximum depth reached during a dive. When the toothed sector 11 approaches the value of 5 meters below the surface, the symbol 17 "Danger" appears in the window 2 of the figure 1 . The diver is warned that he must perform a landing. On the surface, the dive time is read on the dial for the seconds via the 6f hand and for the minutes thanks to the minute counter 6a to 9H.

During the reset caused by the pusher disposed in the bore 7, the toothed sector 12 released from the pawl 15 returns against the other sector through the action of a spiral 14 ( figure 2 ). The flap 18 of sector 12 then hides the acronym 17 "Danger" positioned under the window 2.

The figure 6 shows the casing ring 8 cut along the axes of the pistons 21. It distinguishes the drilling 5 for the crown and the holes 4 and 7 for the chronograph pushers and reset. On the same sectional plane the pusher piston 20 is housed in a hole also disposed in the cutting plane. The spring 23 of the push piston 20 ensures the return of the pistons 21 and the slide 9 during the ascent. The pistons 21 are slidably mounted on the casing ring 8 in a plane substantially parallel to the main plane of the watch. The displacement of the pistons 21 under the influence of the external pressure produces a corresponding rotation of the slide 9.

The figure 7 shows a section perpendicular to the previous plane passing through the axis of the pistons 21. The seal between the base of the chronograph box and the casing ring 8 is provided by the O-ring 28 housed in the counterbore 19. The external pressure passes through the bore 31, then into a chamber 24. The seal between the chamber 24 and the piston 21 is provided by the O-ring 22. Once the pressure is established in the chamber 24, the piston 21 moves the pin 25 to rotate the slide 9 a few degrees to equilibrium with the spring 23 of the pusher piston 20.

It should also be noted that the chronograph starts when the pressure difference between the outside of the watch or the chronograph and the interior is equivalent to 0.5 atmosphere, ie 5 meters deep. The chronograph start mechanism located in the crown pushes a pusher located at 2H dial by a gear, as will be described below.

Thus, the invention described above makes it possible to produce a mechanical device for measuring the depth integrated in a mechanical chronograph watch that makes it possible to measure the diving depth and to monitor also the time of dive by engagement and the stop of the chronograph. The pressure take-off device is integrated in the box without any modification of the movement.

The principle of the capture of the pressure consists of a set of several pistons 21 pushing a circular slide 9 giving rise to a rotary movement proportional to the measured quantity. A gear train device transmits the information to a needle 3 located in the center of the dial giving the value of the diving depth. A second device 13 to 15 allows the needle which indicates the depth to lock at the lowest value and keep it to the surface. A third device 11, 17, 18 makes it possible, during the ascent, to inform the diver that at a predetermined distance from the surface he must respect his decompression stop by information appearing in the window 2 of the watch. Finally the dive time is permanently given by triggering the stopwatch from the start of the descent to a given depth. Once the dive is complete, simply press the reset pushbutton to make the stopwatch function first to tell the time or time.

The second embodiment illustrated at Figures 8 to 16 consists of a depth measuring device 100 comprising a sensor mechanism 141 integrated into a crown 103 of a mechanical chronograph cooperating with a control device 143 comprising a transmission mechanism 144 for triggering the stopwatch during the underwater diving descent. marine, then stop it during the ascent to the surface to control the weather.

Indeed, in the functions of a diving watch, it is sometimes necessary to capture the pressure to a certain depth to trigger the stopwatch. The difficulty lies especially in the volume made available to achieve such a function. The stopwatch must it can be automatically switched on by a pulse between 0 and -5 meters. During the ascent, it must be stopped automatically by the same impulse between -5 meters and the surface. Reading is possible once out of the water, then the device is reset by a pulse on the reset push button, this manually. The automatic engagement is performed by a piston device detecting the external pressure housed in the volume of the winding crown.

The figure 8 shows the general shape of the crown. We distinguish the crown 103 with its teeth. Openings 116 allow the passage of water underwater. A crown tube 107 is welded to the middle part of the watch. At the exit of the crown assembly, a cut stone in the form of a double cone forms a cam 119 with two ramps intended to ensure that the first lever 104 figure 14 ).

The figure 9 shows in detail section this pressure device. The ring gear 103 is secured to a rod extension 108 by means of a driven attachment 115. This rod extension 108 is intended to be fixed by screwing by means of a threading 109 to a winding stem 126 (FIG. figure 14 ) some movement. It provides the functions of rotation and longitudinal movements of the winding stem. An assembly comprising a piston rod 111 and a piston 112 with O-rings 113 and 114 is slidably mounted on the rod extension 108 and the winding stem 126 and performs the longitudinal displacement of the cam 119 at the end of the piston. piston rod 111 to form a sensor mechanism 141 of the external pressure. The crown tube 107 welded to the watch case serves as internal guide means for the piston 112 and outside for the crown 103.

The pressure of the water thus passes through the openings 116 between the crown 103 and the crown tube 107 to enter a chamber 118. Under the effect of the pressure during the descent, the piston and piston-rod assembly moves to the left at the figure 9 for compressing a spring 110 pushing the cam 119 at the same time.

In order to balance the pressures within the watch case and the spring-side ring 110, a hole 117 is made through the pin piston 111. Sufficient clearance is provided between the stem extension 108 and the barrel tube. crown 107 to ensure the continuity of the air flow.

The Figures 10 and 11 correspond to Figures 8 and 9 but the measuring device 100 is in a pressure position beyond five meters deep. The piston 112 compressed the spring 110 by moving to the left in these figures. The cam 119 is completely out.

The figure 12 shows the mechanical movement 102, the ring 103 and its tube 107 positioned around the casing ring 101. It distinguishes the transmission mechanism 144 with a first lever 104 and its pivot axis 122. This lever 104 actuates a second lever 105 pivoting on an axis 123. This lever is extended by a blade 106 acting as a return spring. It has a reduction ratio of one in two. Both levers are mounted on the casing ring 101.

The cam 119 mounted on the piston rod cooperates inside the casing ring 101 with the first lever 104.

The figure 13 shows the same set as the figure 12 but returned 180 ° to present the detail view A being the subject of the figure 14 . On the latter, one distinguishes the tube 107 and at its output the cam 119 in contact with a roller 120 mounted on an axis 121 secured to the first lever 104. The latter is rotated by the displacement of the cam 119 and leads to rotation the second lever 105. This second lever 105 is supported by its pin 124 on the control tab 125 of the chronograph. The winding stem 126 is fixed in the rod extension 108.

The figure 15 shows all moving parts. The ring 103, the cam 119, the first lever 104, the second lever 105, the return spring 106 and the pin 124. The assembly is in zero pressure position, the roller 120 being biased against the cam 119 by the spring of reminder 106.

The figure 16 shows the detail B with all the elements described above, namely the crown tube 107 and the cam 119 disposed at its output, the lever lever 104 rotating about the pivot axis 122 and cooperating with its roller 120 mounted on the the axis 121 with the cam 119, as well as the second lever 105 cooperating with the first lever 104.

The operating principle is as follows: the pressure arrives through the openings 116 of the ring gear 103 and the crown tube 107 and then stops in the chamber 118. The piston 112 pushes the piston rod 111 due to the tightness of the seals The piston 111 then compresses the spring 110 acting as a return element and releases the piston-rod 111 from the crown tube 107. The ring 103 and the rod extension 108 secured by the driven fastener 115 enable the crown to transmit the functions to the rod extension 108, then to the winding stem 126 of the movement to perform the functions of reassembly in a first notch and reset time in a second notch etc. The thread 109 of the rod extension 108 corresponds to the thread of the winding stem 126 of the movement.

Note that the crown assembly 103 and stem extension 108 is completely independent of the piston assembly 112 and rod piston 111. The only fixed part is the crown tube 107, which is fixed to the housing. Due to the displacement of the piston and piston rod assembly with the cam and the combination of the two levers, during the pressure taking on the descent, the first lever rises on the top of the cam and then goes back to its initial position causing through the second lever a first pulse on the control tab of the movement. During the depression at the lift the first lever back on the top of the cam then down to its initial position provoking through the second lever a second pulse on the tongue. The combination of the two levers allows an adequate gear ratio.

In the functions of a diving watch, it may be necessary to pick up the pressure to trigger the chronograph.

The difficulty lies especially in the volume and the surface that must be obtained to ensure certain movements for the engagement of the chronograph. The value in Newton to actuate a relative pusher is between 9 to 15 newtons for a displacement of 1 mm, or to obtain such a value at 5 meters deep, with a piston diameter of 8 mm maximum, the effort obtained can only be 2 to 3 newtons.

According to this second embodiment, this piston diameter is used less than one centimeter, and therefore these 2 to 3 newtons of force, but the space available in the crown is used to obtain a displacement of 4 to 5 times the displacement on the piston. push; thanks to a suitable lever arm, a sufficient effort on the feeler of the movement can thus be obtained.

The pressure sensor is therefore constituted for this purpose by a piston retained by a spring housed in the winding crown. Everything is integrated in the crown to respect the original design of the watch.

The third mode of execution is illustrated in Figures 17 to 35 . It concerns a diving chronograph watch as illustrated in FIG. figure 17 comprising a watch case 301, a telescope 302 with an ice 303, and a dial 304 with at 9 o'clock a thirty-minute counter 306a, at 6 o'clock a 12-hour counter 306b and at 3 o'clock a counter of the permanent seconds 306c. The watch furthermore comprises the usual hours, minutes and central seconds counter not shown, a 307 depth hand and a 308 dead hand indicating the maximum dive depth, at 11 o'clock a first 309 window for the display a danger or safety flag S, at 1 o'clock a second window 310 for the display of a diving flag and at 5 o'clock a third window 311 for displaying the date. The watch is further provided at 2 o'clock with a first pusher 312 enabling the manual engagement and stopping of the chronograph, at 4 o'clock a second pusher 313 for the reset of the chronograph and 3 o'clock of a crown 314.

The latter is surrounded by a bridge 315 on which is articulated a release lever 316 as for example described in the European patent application EP1010043A .

• un mouvement 320 de préférence mécanique pour mesurer et afficher l'heure;
• un dispositif de mesure 321 de la profondeur permettant de mesurer et d'afficher en permanence la valeur de la profondeur de plongée;
• un dispositif indicateur maximal 322 de la profondeur maximale atteinte lors d'une plongée;
• un premier dispositif d'affichage 323 pour un drapeau de sécurité S 389;
• un dispositif de captage de la pression 324 associé
  • à un dispositif de commande 325 pour l'enclenchement et l'arrêt automatique du chronographe,
  • à un second dispositif d'affichage 326 pour le drapeau de plongée 443, et
  • à un dispositif de blocage 327 du dispositif de commande 325 du chronographe,
• un dispositif de remise à zéro 328 du dispositif indicateur maximal 322, du dispositif de commande 325 du chronographe et du second dispositif d'affichage326.

With reference to the figure 18 , this third embodiment comprises the following main modules:

• a preferably mechanical movement 320 for measuring and displaying the time;
• a depth measuring device 321 for continuously measuring and displaying the value of the diving depth;
• a maximum indicator device 322 of the maximum depth reached during a dive;
• a first display device 323 for a security flag S 389;
• an associated pressure sensing device 324
  • to a control device 325 for switching on and off the chronograph,
  • a second display device 326 for the dive flag 443, and
  • a locking device 327 of the control device 325 of the chronograph,
• a resetting device 328 of the maximum indicating device 322, the control device 325 of the chronograph and the second display device326.

With reference to Figures 18 to 21 , the movement 320 is surrounded by a casing ring 330 on which is fixed the dial 304 by means of screws. The casing ring 330 is mounted in the box 301 which is provided with a bottom 332 and the bezel 302 connected to the ice 303.

The depth measuring device 321 comprises a sensor mechanism 340 for measuring hydrostatic depth or external pressure, indicating members 341 of the measured value or values and transmission elements 342 connecting the sensor mechanism 340 to the indicating members 341. .

In this embodiment, the sensor mechanism 340 is mainly constituted by a piston 343 that can be displaced by the hydrostatic pressure against the effect of a return element 344 in an axial direction 345 perpendicular to the main plane of the piston. shows. This piston is housed between the bottom 332 and the movement 320. In the direction of the bottom, it is in contact with a scrolling membrane 346 fixed to an intermediate ring 347 and acting as a seal disposed between the piston 343 and the bottom 332. The water enters through apertures 348 provided in the bottom to push the piston 343 through the pull-down membrane 346. The axial displacement is a function of the hydrostatic pressure and corresponds to 2mm for a diving depth of 60m. .

The return element 344 is here constituted by a conical washer or Belleville 349 which bears, at its outer edge, on the casing ring 330 by means of the intermediate ring 347 and, at its inner edge, on the piston 343. The Belleville washer 349 has the advantages of a small footprint, a high elastic resistance and a linear response between the pressure and its stroke or deformation corresponding to the displacement of the piston 343. Its frustoconical shape is clearly visible at the figure 20 .

The transmission elements 342 comprise a circular slide 350 slidingly housed in the casing ring 330. This slide is provided with three ramps 351 (FIG. figure 19 ) forming cams.

The piston 343 ( figure 20 ) comprises three extensions 352 each having two rollers 353 and 354. A first roller 353 acting as cam follower is intended to cooperate with one of the ramps 351 associated therewith. The second roller 354 bears on a bearing face 355 ( figure 19 ) of the casing ring 330 to prevent any rotation of the piston 343. Thus, the axial displacement of the piston produces a corresponding rotation of the slide 350, the axial displacement / rotation ratio is a function of the slope of the ramps 351 which can be fixed according to the application. The profile and the angle of the slope of the ramps can therefore easily be modified for adaptation to the desired displacement of the depth needle 307.

The transmission elements 342 are clearly visible at the figure 22 and comprise the slide 350 provided with a rack 360 cooperating with a gear train 359 having a pinion 361 integral with a small wheel 362 which is engaged with an intermediate wheel 363 which drives a central pinion 364 integral with the needle depth 307 through a first barrel 365. The slide 350 is biased to a rest position by a return spring 368.

The central pinion 364 is also engaged with a return wheel 366 biased by a spiral spring 367 towards a rest position. This wheel 366 ensures precise contact of the different gears of the transmission elements 342 and eliminates any play in the drive train.

The maximum indicator device 322 is clearly visible at the figure 28 . It comprises a toothed sector 370 mounted freely rotating on the shaft 371 of the intermediate wheel 363. This toothed sector 370 has an extension 372 arranged to cooperate with a drive pin 373 secured to the intermediate wheel 363 to be driven into. rotation when the intermediate wheel rotates counterclockwise to the figure 29 , ie when the external pressure increases. This toothed sector 370 is disengaged from the intermediate wheel 363 when the external pressure drops.

Toothing 374 of the toothed sector meshes with a second central gear 375 ( figure 22 ) coaxial with the central pinion 364 and which is integral with the dead needle 308 and a ratchet wheel 376. The latter cooperates with a ratchet 377 forming a disengageable unidirectional locking member to lock the second central gear 375 and the dead needle 308 at each advance of the intermediate wheel 363. The pawl 377 is extended by a leaf spring 378 providing a perfect contact tooth base.

When the pressure is reduced, the intermediate wheel 363 rotates in a clockwise direction at the figure 29 . The toothed sector 370 is then not driven, but remains locked on the maximum dive depth reached.

The second central gear 375 ( figure 22 ) is also engaged with a return wheel 380 biased by a return spring 381 to a rest position.

This return wheel 380 ensures precise contact of the elements of the maximum indicating device 322 and the return to zero of the dead needle 308 during the reset.

The indicator members 341 are therefore constituted by the depth needle 307 and the dead needle 308 indicating the maximum depth reached. The needles cooperate with a scale 382 applied to the telescope 302 or the dial 304 ( figure 17 ).

With reference to Figures 28 to 33 , the first display device 323 for the security flag S likely to appear in the window 309 comprises a bent arm 390 pivoted and articulated on a pivot 391 and carrying at its free end the security flag S 389 ( figure 32 ). This arm is secured to a spring 392 providing it with a bistable function with two rest positions, namely an active position for displaying the flag ( figures 28 , 29 , 32 , 33 ) and a retracted position ( figures 30 , 31 ) of the flag. The change of position of this arm between these two rest positions is caused by two pins 393, 394 ( figure 30 ) integral with the intermediate wheel 363.

During the dive descent, the pin 393 gives a downward impulse to the figure 29 , then the tilting of the bent arm 390 to the retracted position ( Fig. 30 ) is freely performed. Similarly during the climb, the pin 394 tilts the bent arm 390 to the active position ( figure 32 ) in which the flag S 389 is visible in the wicket 309. It should be noted that the toothed sector 370 is interposed between the flag S 389 and the wicket 309 at the beginning of the diving descent and after the reset ( figures 28 , 29 , 33 ). The flag S is not visible in the window 309 although it is in the active position.

The pressure sensing device 324 is illustrated in particular in FIGS. Figures 34 and 35 and is integrated in the crown 314 of the watch. The ring gear is axially slidably mounted on a crown tube 401 which is screwed onto the watch box 331. An O-ring 402 seals. The cylindrical wall 403 of the ring 324 is arranged facing the outer face of the crown tube 401 to guide the ring during its axial displacement.

The ring 314 is integral with a rod extension 404 which is intended to be fixed by screwing to a winding stem 405 ( figure 21 ) of the movement 320 to perform the functions of rotation and translation of the winding stem.

A piston 406 integral with a piston rod 407 is mounted inside the ring 314 and the crown tube 401. The piston rod 407 is slidably arranged on the rod extension 404 and carries at its free end a cam 408 with two ramps shaped double cone advantageously formed by a cut stone. The tightness of the sensing device 324 is provided by a pull-down membrane 410 which is fixed at its outer edge to the crown tube 401 and at its inner edge to the rod extension 404. This membrane 410 is housed between the crown 314 and the piston 406 by marrying the outer shape of the latter.

The water enters through openings 411 provided in the ring in a chamber 412 located between the rolling diaphragm 410 and the ring 314 to move the piston 406 along the axis of the ring against the effect of a retaining element consisting of a spring 413 bearing on the crown tube 401 and the internal face of the piston 406. The achievement of the seal by scrolling membrane allows a shorter construction, very small and reliable.

The friction is minimal and the accuracy is only greater.

This sensing device 324 cooperates with the control device 325 for starting and stopping the chronograph automatically. With reference to figures 24 and 25 , the control device 325 of the chronograph comprises a transmission mechanism 419 with a first lever 420 pivoting on an axis 421 and having a roller 422 intended to cooperate with the cam 408. A spout 423 of this first lever 420 cooperates with a second lever 424 pivotably mounted on an axis 425. A pin 426 of this lever is intended to cooperate with a control tab 427 of the chronograph for its start by a first pulse upon the output of the cam 408 in descending diving at increasing external pressure and for stopping by a second pulse during the removal of the cam 408 upward decreasing external pressure.

A spring blade 428 integral with the second lever 424 serves as an elastic return element for the levers 420 and 424.

The figure 24 shows the position of the parts of the control device 325 during a pulse corresponding to a pressure and a predetermined depth, for example 5 meters. In the position of the figure 25 , the chronograph is running and the depth is greater than the predetermined depth.

The sensing device 325 is further associated with the locking device 327 for blocking and unlocking the transmission mechanism 419 and comprising the unlocking lever 316 pivotally mounted on an axis 429 (FIG. Figures 22 to 24 ) and intended to be actuated by a user by means of a round-trip motion. This lever acts on a stepped shaft 430 which, via a V-shaped spring 431, hooks a locking lever 432 pivoting about an axis 441. The connection by means of the spring 431 makes it possible to compensate for differences in effort and height.

In a first position ( figure 22 ), a resetting rod 433 rests on a shoulder 434 of this locking lever 432 under the effect of a return spring 435. By means of a second shoulder 436, the locking lever 432 maintains in addition to the first lever 420 in the rest position to block the transmission mechanism 419.

When the shouldered stem 430 is pulled up to the figure 23 or 25 , it turns the locking lever 432 clockwise to a second position to unlock the first lever 420 and the transmission mechanism 419. The reset rod 433 then passes under the tip 437 of the locking lever 432 which is then retained in this active position, in which the first and second levers 420, 424 are capable of starting and stopping the chronograph under the control of the sensing device 324.

With reference to figures 26 and 27 , the second display device 326 for the diving flag 310 comprises a second angled arm 440, which is integral with the locking lever 432 and which thus pivots about the axis 441. The diving flag 443 is applied to the end of the second bent arm 440 to appear in the active position in the window 310. A return spring 442 ensures the return of the second bent arm 440 to the retracted position of the flag 310 ( Fig. 27 ).

The second bent arm 440 is retained in the active position by the locking lever 432 cooperating with the resetting rod 433, more particularly by virtue of its tip 437, as previously described.

The resetting device 328 is for resetting the diving chronograph, in particular resetting the maximum indicator device 322, the chronograph control device 325 and the second display device 326.

With reference to the figure 27 , this reset device comprises a push rod 450 cooperating at one of its ends with the reset push-button 313 ( figure 17 ) to reset the chronograph mechanism and with its other end with the pawl 377. Upon a pressure on the pusher 313, the push rod 450 releases the tip of the pawl 376 of the toothing of the ratchet wheel 377. Under The effect of the return wheel 380 and its spring 381, the ratchet wheel 376 and the dead needle 308 resets them.

The push rod 450 also cooperates with a lever 451 articulated to the reset rod 433 to move the latter against the effect of its return spring 435. The free end of the reset rod 433 is then released from the tip 437 of the locking lever 432 ( figure 26 ) which pivots towards its rest position under the action of the return spring 442. In this position, the first lever 420 and all the transmission mechanism 419 is blocked by the locking lever 432 ( figure 27 ) and the automatic start of the chronograph is made impossible.

With the rotation of the locking lever 432, the second bent arm 440 is also rotated to move the diving flag 443 away from the wicket 310.

When resetting the dead needle 308, the toothed sector 370 rotates clockwise at the figure 33 to return to its original resting position, in which it makes the flag S invisible in box 309 ( figures 27 and 33 ).

The operation of the dive chronograph watch is as follows.

The various elements of the watch are illustrated in the rest position at figures 22 and 28 .

Before the dive, the unlocking device 327 is actuated by pivoting back and forth of the release lever 316 ( figure 23 ). The first lever 420 is then unlocked and is in contact with the cam 408 and ready for the automatic engagement of the chronograph.

The locking lever 432 and the second bent arm 440 are rotated and the diving flag 443 appears in the aperture 310. The locking lever 432 remains in this rotated position due to the action of the reset rod 433.

During the descent, the depth measuring device 321 measures the depth and displays it by means of the depth needle 307.

Meanwhile, the sensing device 423 advances the cam 408 to engage the chronograph at a given depth, for example 3 meters ( figure 24 ).

At the beginning of the dive, the security flag S 389 is arranged opposite the wicket 309, but it is hidden by the toothed sector 370 ( figures 28 and 29 ). At a predetermined depth the pin 393 tilts the bent arm 390 and the safety flag S 389 to the retracted position illustrated in FIG. figure 30 .

The two needles 307 and 308 advance together to the maximum depth, the cam 408 being fully extended ( figures 25 , 26 ).

During the ascent, the dead needle 308 remains in the position of maximum depth, while the depth needle rotates counter-clockwise indicating the instantaneous depth ( figure 31 ).

At a predetermined depth, for example 5 meters, the pin 394 of the intermediate disk 363 tilts the bent arm 390 and the security flag S 389 in their active position, in which the security flag S appears in the window 309 ( figure 32 ), the dive flag 443 being visible throughout the dive in the box 310. The diver can then perform its safety stop.

During the ascent, the cam 408 gradually enters the crown. When it reaches the position illustrated in figure 24 corresponding to a given depth, it causes a second pulse on the tab 427 of the chronograph to automatically stop the latter.

At the end of the dive, the diver will read the maximum depth reached thanks to the dead needle 308 and the dive time given by the chronograph. The reset can then be performed by acting on the pusher 313.

The dead needle 308 and the toothed sector 370 are then returned to the initial resting position ( figures 27 and 33 ). The toothed sector 370 covers the security flag S in the window 309 and the dead needle 308 is placed under the depth needle 307. The locking lever 432 keeps the first lever 420 locked thus preventing automatic engagement of the chronograph. The second bent arm 440 is pivoted so that the diving flag 443 is spaced from the wicket 310. The chronograph and its indicator organs are reset in a known manner.

During a snorkeling or other circumstances, automatic engagement and stop of the chronograph is not desired. It is then not necessary to actuate the release lever 316. The dive watch measures and displays, however, in these conditions also the instantaneous and maximum depth, as is shown in FIGS. Figures 29 to 32 .

The dive chronograph watch thus comprises two separate but interactive mechanisms, a first comprising the measurement and display of the instantaneous and maximum depth and the establishment of a safety flag, the second being intended for engagement and the automatic stop of the chronograph under the control of an independent pressure sensing device and the installation of a diving flag.

The manual reset acts on both mechanisms when the second mechanism is engaged.

It is understood that the embodiments described above are not limiting in nature and that they can receive any desirable modifications within the frame as defined by claim 1. In particular, the two modes of execution of measuring devices acting on the slide may be used alone or in combination with the sensor integrated in the crowned. This sensor may also be used alone or in combination with other measuring devices acting on the slide. The transmission mechanisms with their transmission elements connecting the piston or pistons with the indicating devices or the chronograph control members can be designed differently.

Devices indicating the depth could be of any other type than needles, for example discs or rotating rings.

The devices indicating the depth may be single or double, namely instantaneous permanent indication and / or maximum indication.

Other flags or acronyms may be integrated to indicate other particularities.

Instead of the ramps or cams being provided on the circular slide, they may also be mounted on the piston and cooperate with cam followers provided on the circular slide.

The Belleville washer could be replaced by any other booster, such as one or more coil springs.

The ratchet wheel and the ratchet could be replaced by any other disengageable unidirectional locking device, such as a non-ratchet wheel cooperating with a disengageable pad.

Claims (14)

1. Diving watch comprising a mechanical detecting mechanism (141, 324) of the external pressure, this mechanical detector (141, 324) cooperating through a transmission mechanism (144, 419) with start and/or stop means (125, 427) of a mechanical mechanism of the watch so that the mechanism is started and/or stopped automatically in function of the outside pressure, characterized by the fact that the mechanical mechanism is a chronograph mechanism comprising at least one counter (6a, 6b), this mechanical detector (141, 324) permitting thus to control the chronometric measurement of a diving time by the automatic start and/or stop of the chronograph mechanism.
2. Watch as claimed in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the mechanical detector (141, 324) comprises a cam (119, 408) able to transmit through the transmission mechanism (144, 419) to the said start and/or stop means (125, 427) a first control pulse when the outside pressure increases and a second control pulse when the outside pressure decreases.
3. Watch according to claim 2 characterized by the fact that the cam (119, 408) is fast with a piston (112, 406) of the mechanical detector mechanism (141, 324).
4. Watch according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the mechanical detecting mechanism (141, 324) is located in a crown (103, 314) of the watch, and by the fact that the piston (112, 406) is slidingly mounted with respect to a stem (126, 405) of the crown.
5. Watch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the transmission mechanism (144, 419) comprises at least one lever.
6. Watch according to one of claims 3, 4 and 5, characterized by the fact that the transmission mechanism (144, 419) comprises a first lever (104, 420) cooperating with the piston (112, 406) of the mechanical detecting mechanism and a second lever (105, 424) cooperating with the start and/or stop means (125, 427) of the mechanical chronograph mechanism.
7. Watch according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized by the fact that the start and/or stop means (125, 427) of the chronograph mechanism comprises a control lug.
8. Watch according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the watch is provided with a pusher (312) enabling the manual start and stop of the chronograph.
9. Watch according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that the mechanical detector (141, 324) delivers through the transmission mechanism (144, 419) a pulse to the start and/or stop means (125, 427) of the mechanical chronograph mechanism when the outside pressure corresponds to a predetermined water deepness.
10. Watch according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the predetermined deepness is comprised between 0 and 5 meters.
11. Watch according to claim 10 characterized by the fact that the predetermined deepness is 3 meters.
12. Watch according to one of claim 1 to 11 characterized by the fact that is comprises also a locking device (327) intended to lock and unlock the transmission mechanism (144, 419) at will, actuated by a user.
13. Watch according to claim 12 characterized by the fact that the locking device (327) is made to present a flag (443) in a window (310) to indicate whether the watch is in a start or not for which the chronograph mechanism can be started and/or stopped automatically in function of the outside pressure.
14. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the mechanical detector (141, 324) enabling to control the chronometric measurement of a diving time through the automatic start and stop of the chronograph mechanism.

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