CH712398B1 - Reversible display device for watch movement. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device (1) for a clockwork movement, comprising: at least one display member (5) intended to be driven in a first direction of rotation under the control of said movement; a first scale (9a) associated with said at least one display member (5). According to the invention, said display device (1) further comprises: a switching device (15) having a first state, in which it is arranged to drive said at least one display member (5) according to said first direction of rotation, and a second state, in which it is arranged to drive said at least one display member (5) in a second direction of rotation, opposite to said first direction; a second scale (9b) associated with said at least one display member (5) when the latter is driven in said second direction of rotation; a control device (13) comprising a manual control member (11), said control device (13) being arranged to change said switching device (15) from its first state to its second state and vice versa following an action of a user on said manual control member (11); wherein said controller (13) is arranged to bring said first scale (9a) to a reading position in said first state and to bring said second scale (9b) to said reading position in said second state.

Description

Description Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking. More particularly, it relates to a display device which can rotate in one direction or the other at the request of the user.

STATE OF THE ART [0002] Several variants of mechanical display devices are known from the prior art which indicate the time either in the conventional sense, that is to say either clockwise or clockwise. counterclockwise. This kind of display lends a playful aspect to a timepiece, and / or can be of cultural interest for people of Arab culture.

For example, document US 2007/201 316 discloses a timepiece comprising two time displays located one next to the other. One of these displays includes hands that rotate clockwise on a conventional scale. The other of these displays includes a scale and hands that advance and read counterclockwise.

The main defect of this kind of display is the reduced size of each display, which affects the readability of the time.

Another solution of the prior art is known from document FR 2 785 689. This document discloses a reversible watch with two faces. The axes which carry the needles end on both sides of the coin, and the needles therefore rotate clockwise on the front side, on which they are associated with a conventional scale presenting western figures, and rotate counterclockwise on the back side of the coin. The scale on the back side includes Arabic numerals, the progression of the numbers in a counterclockwise direction.

However, this piece must be removed from the wearer's wrist in order to read the time in the other direction, and has limitations in terms of the usable movements, because the axes of the hands must pass through the movement. In addition, the fact that the watch has two faces prevents the use of a transparent background allowing visualization of the movement.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a display device for a timepiece, in which the above-mentioned defects are at least partially overcome.

Disclosure of the Invention More specifically, the invention relates to a display device for a watch movement. This display device comprises at least one display member, such as one or more needles, discs or the like, intended to be driven in a first direction of rotation, typically clockwise, under the control of said movement. The device also comprises a first scale associated with said at least one display member, this scale being able to be digital, symbolic, or abstract (colors, drawings, lines, etc.). According to the invention, said display device further comprises a switching device having a first state, in which it is arranged to drive said at least one display member in said first direction of rotation, and a second state, in which it is arranged to drive said at least one display member in a second direction of rotation, opposite to said first direction, and a second scale associated with said at least one display member when the latter is driven in said second direction of rotation.

A control device is provided, which includes a manual control member such as a push button, a pull tab or the like. The control device is arranged to make said switching device evolve from its first state to its second state and vice versa following an action by a user on the control member.

Furthermore, the control device is arranged to bring said first scale into a reading position in said first state and to bring said second scale into said reading position in said second state. The reading position can be identified by counters in a dial, through which the correct series of indexes is visible depending on the state of the device, by means of markings or the like in case all indexes are visible at once, or even implicitly identified by the orientation of the indexes.

A single display member or set of display members can therefore be used for correct reading in both directions of rotation, and on a scale suitable for each operating mode of the display device. Each "mode" of operation corresponds to a "state" of the switching device, and these terms are used interchangeably. The first scale may include, for example, Western indexes suitable for reading clockwise (for example Arabic, Roman or similar numbers), and the second scale, Arabic (or Western) indexes suitable for reading counterclockwise . The display elements can thus be of large format as for a conventional time display, without having to turn the part over to provide the other direction of display.

Advantageously, said first state and said second state are each of the stable states, the control device being arranged so that an action on said control member makes a transition from one state to another. The user can thus leave the display device in the desired mode, without having to maintain an action on the control member.

CH 712 398 B1 Advantageously, said control device comprises a selection member intended to interact with said control member, said selection member being rotatably mounted on an axis integral with a fixed element, for example an element of built. A return member is pivoted on said selection member on a relative pivot axis, and a return spring is provided which preferably acts in traction on said return member. The positions of said axis, said relative pivot axis, and said return spring are arranged so that said selection member can adopt two stable angular positions. A compact bistable arrangement is thus proposed, other bistable arrangements being also possible.

Advantageously, said first scale and said second scale are associated with a mobile index mobile movable between two positions associated respectively with the first and second directions of rotation of the display member. This index mobile can for example be a wheel, a ring or a crown, toothed or not, which directly carries indexes, or else a wheel, a ring or a crown, toothed or not, which drives other bearing elements indexes. For example, a plurality of flaps can each carry an index of each series, the flaps being pivoted when the user wishes to change the display mode of the device. Compared to this last possibility, several systems of this kind are known, which are implemented in clocks having different indices for on the one hand the hours 00 to 12 and, on the other hand the hours 13 to 24, the change of indexes occurring automatically under movement control. It is therefore not necessary to describe such systems in detail.

Advantageously, said index mobile comprises a toothing meshing with a toothing integral in rotation with said selection member. A simple and compact drive arrangement of the selection member is thus proposed.

Advantageously, said switching device is arranged to be controlled in one or the other of said states by means of said index mobile, for example by means of a pin, of a stud, a finger, a toothing or the like with which the index mobile is provided. An additional control device is therefore not necessary.

Advantageously, said switching device comprises a first cam representative of the angular position of said at least one display member in said first direction of rotation and a second cam representative of the position of said angular position of said at least one member display according to said second direction of rotation. The switching device further comprises a rake in kinematic connection with said at least one display member. The rake carries a first feeler for pressing against said first cam in said first state and a second feeler for pressing against said second cam in said second state. A drive of the display member in two directions in a simple and reliable manner is thus proposed.

Advantageously, said switching device comprises a spring piece arranged to apply a force to said rake and which serves to bring one or the other of said feelers against said corresponding cam. A single elastic element can thus be used to palpate the two cams.

Advantageously, said rake is pivoted on an axis integral with a fixed element, said spring piece being pivoted on said rake at a relative pivot point further away from said cams than said axis. In other words, said axis is closer inside the device than said relative pivot point. A bistable system which is simple and compact is thus proposed.

Advantageously, the switching device further comprises a lever pivoted at one of its ends on a pivot point located on a fixed element, such as an element of the frame, the other end being linked to said part. spring so that the latter applies a tensile force to said relative pivot point. A simple bistable system for bringing the rake against each of the cams, that is to say in both directions of rotation, is thus proposed. In the case of a drive of the switching device via the index mobile, the latter advantageously acts on said lever to modify the state of the switching device.

Advantageously, at least one of said probes is retractable in order to avoid that the device is blocked during a time setting in the opposite direction.

The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising such a display device, and a timepiece comprising such a movement.

Brief description of the drawings [0024] Other details of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

fig. 1a and 1b are views of the dial of a timepiece incorporating the display device according to the invention respectively in "conventional" and "reverse" modes; fig. 2 is a schematic view of the device according to the invention, the dial having been removed; fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the device according to the invention, the index mobile having been removed;

CH 712 398 B1

fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of the bistable control device; fig. 5a to 5d are transparent plan views illustrating the sequence of operation of the bistable control device; fig. 6a and 6b are transparent plan views illustrating the two states of the switching device; and fig. 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b illustrate in detail the retraction of the probes when setting the time in reverse.

Mode (s) of Carrying Out the Invention Figs. 1a and 1b illustrate the principle of the invention from the point of view of the user. In fig. 1a, the display device 1 according to the invention is in its first state, which corresponds to a "conventional" mode, in which the display members 5 rotate clockwise in superposition of a dial 3. This the latter hides the mechanism of the display device 1, but can be perforated to allow viewing of the mechanism. This dial is provided with a plurality of apertures 7 which reveal a first scale 9a comprising a first series of indexes carried by an index mobile 9 (see fig. 2). This first series 9a of index is associated with the “conventional” mode and the indices progress clockwise, in a conventional manner (that is to say 1,2, 3 ..... I, II, III. ... or similar). The reading position of the index mobile 9 is thus defined by the position of the counters.

In fig. 1b, the display device 1 is in a second state, which corresponds to a "reverse" mode, in which the display members 5 rotate counterclockwise. The index mobile 9 has been angularly moved in order to reveal a second scale 9b consisting of a second series of indexes through the windows 7. This series of indexes is associated with the "reverse" mode, and therefore the corresponding indexes move counterclockwise. The presence of a dial 3 provided with windows 7 is not obligatory - the reading position of the mobile of the indexes 9 can be indicated otherwise, for example by means of ad hoc markings, or implicitly by the orientation of the two scales 9a, 9b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the display device 1 is arranged so that it is bistable, that is to say that it remains in one of its states within one intervention by the user, but it is also possible to provide a monostable display device. By pressing on a control member 11 (see fig. 2), such as a pusher (not illustrated), the user actuates a control device 13, which rotates the index mobile 9 by one step (1 / 24 of a turn) in the appropriate direction in order to bring the other series of indexes 9a, 9b into the reading position and thus to let it appear through apertures 7. At the same time, the control device actuates a switching system 15. This actuation can in principle be done directly or indirectly, and the concrete variant illustrated will be described in more detail below. The switching system 15 is in kinematic connection with the display members 5 and drives them in the appropriate direction for the controlled operating mode. Alternatively, the index mobile 9 can be a mobile, for example a wheel, a ring or a crown, which switches a plurality of flaps from one position to another in order to position one or the other of two indexes carried by each flap, in the reading position. This tilting can be done by means of levers, gear teeth, cams or the like.

The operation of the bistable control device 13 will be better understood in the context of FIGS. 3 to 5. This device 13 drives the pivoting of the index mobile 9 by means of a rake 17 which meshes with a corresponding toothing 19 provided on the index mobile 9. FIG. 3 is a view on the dial side, the index mobile 9 and the rake 17 having been removed, FIGS. 4 and 5a-5d showing the device 13 from the bottom side.

The rake 17 is integral in rotation with a selection member 21, these two elements pivoting along an axis 23. The selection member 21 comprises an opening 21 a with two lobes 21 b, 21 c separated by a spout 21 d, the operation of which will be described in more detail below.

In order to make the angular position of the selection member 21, and thus that of the index mobile 9, bistable, a return member 25 is pivoted on the selection member 21 on a relative pivot axis 25a . A return spring 27, acting in traction, connects the return member 25 to the frame (not shown) by means of a pin 27a. The pivot axis 23 of the rake 19 and of the selection member is located between the pin 27a and the relative pivot axis 25a which links the selection member 21 to the rake 17. Alternatively, an arrangement using a force of compression recall can also be chosen, the necessary modifications being within the reach of those skilled in the art.

A stud 31, here provided with a ball bearing carried by a transmission lever 33 itself pivoted on the control member 11, takes place in the opening 21a of the selection member 21.

Figs. 5a-5d illustrate the sequence of actions which result from user pressure on the control member 11. In FIG. 5a, the display device is in the “conventional” mode (cf. the first state of the mechanism), and the control member is at rest, the return spring 27 holding the return member 25 in its position extreme counterclockwise angular (compared to this figure). The stud 31 is distant from the spout 21 d, and is in contact with the opposite face of the opening 21a. Thanks to the angular position of the selection member 21, the stud 31 is located opposite one of the sides of the spout 21 d.

CH 712 398 B1 The control member 11 is now partially depressed, as illustrated in fig. 5b. In this figure, it is clearly seen that the stud 31 has come into contact with said side of the beak 21a, which has guided it in one of the lobes 21c of the selection member.

By pushing the control member 11 fully, the stud 31 rotates the selection member 21 clockwise (fig. 5c). This drives the rake 17 as well as the index mobile 9 in the same direction, consequently bringing the device 1 into the "reverse" mode (the second state of the mechanism). At the same time, the return member 25 has also moved, which keeps the device in this mode under the effect of the return spring 27.

By releasing the control member 11 (fig. 5d), the stud is withdrawn from the spout 21 d, and is now located opposite the other side of the spout 21 d. Additional pressure on the control member 11 will therefore cause the selection member 21 in the other direction, which will trigger the reverse sequence of events in order to return the device 1 to its "conventional" mode.

The switching system 15 will now be described, mainly with reference to FIGS. 3, 6a and 6b.

This switching system 15 has certain similarities to that described in the document CH 709 717. Its general operating principle is based on the driving of each display member 5 via a pair of cams, each cam representing the information to be displayed according to each operating mode of the device. Either one or the other of these cams is palpated in order to define the information to be displayed, the probe being in kinematic connection with the corresponding display member.

The switching system 15 is divided into two independent sub-assemblies, 3 pm associated with the hour display unit, and 15 m associated with the minute display unit. The respective operations of the two sub-assemblies are similar, and therefore only the sub-assembly 15m associated with the minutes will be described in detail. The same considerations apply mutatis mutandis for the other 15h subset, the elements indicated by reference signs ending with "h" having a respective function corresponding to that of the elements indicated by the corresponding reference signs ending with "M".

The 5-minute display member is integral in rotation with a pinion 35m, which meshes with a rake 37m, which is pivoted on an axis 47m fixed on the frame. Said rake 37m is associated with a first minute probe 39m1, which is in contact with a first minute cam 41m1 in the views of FIGS. 3 and 6a, and a second 39m2 minute probe, which is intended to come into contact with a second 41m2 minute cam (see fig. 6b). Said probes are in a different plane from that of the 37m rake so that the latter can pass over the cams 41 m1.41 m2. These 41 m1, 41 m2 cams are driven at the rate of one revolution per hour by means of a road pinion 43 which serves as a PTO for the basic movement (not shown) and a return 45m. The equivalent 45h reference for the hour display also meshes with the floor pinion 43, and serves as a reduction gear so that the cams for hours 41 h1 and 41 h2 rotate at the rate of one revolution per twelve hours.

In the variant shown, all the cams 41 h1.41 h2, 41 m1.41 m2 rotate in the same direction - clockwise in the present case.

The first minutes cam 41 m1 has a shape representative of the angular position of the minutes display member according to the "conventional" mode, and therefore, when this cam 41 m1 is palpated by the first probe of the minutes 39m1, the rake 37m moves so that this display member pivots clockwise. Similarly, the second 41 m2 minute cam is shaped to represent the angular position of the minute display in the "reverse" mode. When this 41 m2 cam is palpated by the second 39 m2 minute sensor, the minute display rotates counterclockwise.

In each case, when the display member 5 has completed one turn and is found at twelve o'clock, the corresponding probe 39m1.39m2 is located at the top of the corresponding cam 41 m1.41 m2, and then falls towards its root. The display member 5 therefore jumps almost 360 ° backward (relative to its direction of rotation in the active mode).

In order to keep one of the probes 39m1.39m2 in contact with the corresponding cam 41 m1.41 m2, the rake 37m is associated with a 16m bistable actuation system, driven by a first actuating pin 51m integral of the index mobile 9. A second actuating pin 51 h, also integral with the index mobile 9, has the same function in relation to the display of the hours.

The actuating pin 51 m takes place in a longitudinal slot 53f that includes a lever 53m, pivoted at a pivot point 53p on the frame. The pivot point 53p is substantially on the diameter D joining the axis 47m and the axis of rotation of the pinion 35m. The distal end of the lever 53m is pivotally connected to a spring piece 55m, which acts in traction and is pivoted on the rake 37m at a relative pivot point 57m further from the center of the device 1 than the axis 47m. In order to pass around the 47m axis, the latter has a slot 55f in which the 47m axis takes place.

In FIG. 6a, the lever 53m is oriented to the left (that is to say counterclockwise), and therefore the relative pivot point 57m is located to the left of said diameter D. The resulting force of the workpiece comes out 55m ( indicated by the thick right arrow) thus generates a rotation of the rake 37m clockwise. Therefore, the first

CH 712 398 B1 minute probe 39m1 senses the first 41m1 minute cam, and the minute display rotates clockwise when this 41m1 cam rotates.

In FIG. 6b, the index mobile 9 has been pivoted counterclockwise, and consequently the actuating pin 51m has tilted the spring piece 55m to the right (that is to say clockwise), this which moved the relative pivot point 57m to the other side of said diameter D. Consequently, the resulting force of the workpiece spring 55m rotates the rake 37m counterclockwise, and the second probe 39m2 palpates the second cam 41 m2 , which generates a rotation of the minute display member counterclockwise when this 41 m2 cam rotates.

Figs. 7a and 7b illustrate a detail of the second 39m2 minute probe and FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate a detail of the first probe of the minutes 39m1. The aspects illustrated in these figures allow the sensors to be retracted when setting the time in the opposite direction. In the case of a simple probe, constituted for example by a pin, a stud, or by a rigid spout, driving the cams 41 m1.41 m2 counterclockwise will cause a blocking of the probe in the corner at the root of drug. In order to avoid such a blockage, each probe 39m1.39m2 is retractable and is arranged so that it can be lifted by the inactive face 59, 61 as well as by the top of the cam 41 m1, 41 m2 respectively.

Now looking at Figs. 7a and 7b, the second 39m2 minute probe is integral with an intermediate rocker 63, which lies in a plane different from that of the second 41 m2 minute cam as well as that of the second 39m2 minute probe. This intermediate lever is pivotally mounted on the minute rake 37m along an axis of rotation 64, and is subjected to a restoring force exerted by an elastic element 65 secured to the rake 37m. This elastic element 65 bears against a pin 67 secured to the intermediate rocker 65 so that said probe 39m2 is pressed against said cam 41m2. In order to limit the angular displacements of said probe 39m2 relative to the rake 37m, a limiting pin 79 secured to the probe 39m2 and the intermediate lever 63 takes place in a slot 81 one of its ends of which serves as a stop for said pin 79.

When the second 41 m2 minute cam rotates counterclockwise, its inactive face 61 is pressed against a lateral face 69 of the second minute sensor 39m2, and begins to raise the latter. Thereafter, the top 71 of the cam bears against said lateral face 69 and continues to retract said second minute cam 39m2. The lateral face 69 of said probe 39m2 has a shape, in particular at least partially concave, which is suitable for this retraction.

Similarly, Figs. 8a and 8b illustrate the geometry of the first 39m1 minute probe. The latter is integral with another intermediate lever 73 pivoted on the minutes rake 37m along an axis of rotation 74. A spring 75, integral with the intermediate lever 73, bears against a pin 77 provided on the minutes rake 37m so that said probe 39m1 is pressed against said cam 41 m2.

The first 39m1 minute probe is guided and limited in its angular position relative to the rake 37m by means of the cooperation of a limiting pin 83 with a curved slot 85 provided in an arm of the rake 37m.

The inactive face 59 of the first minute cam 41 m1 interacts with a side face 87 of said probe 39m1 in order to make the latter retract when said cam rotates counterclockwise, and thus avoid blocking of the mechanism during 'setting the time in reverse.

The same considerations also apply to the probes of the hours 39h1 and 39h2, mutatis mutandis.

Although the invention has been described above in connection with specific embodiments, additional variants are also possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (14)

Claims 1. Display device (1) for a clockwork movement, said display device (1) comprising: - at least one display member (5) intended to be driven in a first direction of rotation under the control of said movement; - a first scale (9a) associated with said at least one display member (5); characterized in that said display device (1) further comprises: - a switching device (15) having a first state, in which it is arranged to drive said at least one display member (5) according to said first direction of rotation, and a second state, in which it is arranged to drive said at least one display member (5) in a second direction of rotation, opposite to said first direction; - a second scale (9b) associated with said at least one display member (5) when the latter is driven in said second direction of rotation; a control device (13) comprising a manual control member (11), said control device (13) being arranged to cause said switching device (15) to evolve from its first state to its second state and vice versa following a action of a user on said manual control member (11); wherein said controller (13) is arranged to bring said first scale (9a) to a reading position in said first state and to bring said second scale (9b) to said reading position in said second state. CH 712 398 B1 2. Display device (1) according to claim 1, in which said first state and said second state are each stable states, the control device (13) being arranged such that an action on said control member manuel (11) transitions from one state to another. 3. Display device (1) according to claim 2, wherein said control device (13) comprises a selection member (21) intended to interact with said manual control member (11), said selection member (21 ) being mounted in rotation on an axis (23) integral with a fixed element, a return member (25) being pivoted on said selection member (21) along a relative pivot axis (25a), and a return spring (27) preferably acting in traction on said return member (25), said axis (23), said relative pivot axis (25a), and said return spring (27) being arranged such that said selection member (21) can adopt two stable angular positions. 4. Display device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first scale (9a) and said second scale (9b) are associated with an index mobile (9) mobile between two associated positions respectively the first and second directions of rotation of the display member. 5. Display device (1) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein said index mobile (9) comprises a toothing (19) meshing with a toothing (17) integral in rotation with said selection member (21). 6. Display device (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein said switching device (15) is arranged to be controlled in one or the other of said states via said mobile d 'index (9). 7. Display device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said switching device (15) comprises a first cam (41 m1; 41 h1) representative of the angular position of said at least one member d display (5) according to said first direction of rotation and a second cam (41 m2; 41 h2) representative of said angular position of said at least one display member (5) according to said second direction of rotation, said switching device ( 15) further comprising a rake (37m; 37h) in kinematic connection with said at least one display member (5), said rake (37m; 37h) carrying a first probe (39m1; 39h1) intended to bear against said first cam (41 m1; 41 h1) in said first state and a second probe (39m2; 39h2) intended to bear against said second cam (41 m2; 41 h2) in said second state. 8. Display device (1) according to claim 7, in which said switching device (15) comprises a spring piece (55m; 55h) arranged to apply a force to said rake (37m; 37h), said spring piece ( 55m; 55h) used to bring one or the other of said probes (39m1.39m2; 39h1.39h2) against said cam (41 m1.41 m2; 41 h1.41 h2) corresponding. 9. Display device (1) according to claim 8, wherein said rake (37m; 37h) is pivoted on an axis (47m; 47h) secured to a fixed element, said spring piece (55m; 55h) being pivoted on said rake (37m; 37h) at a relative pivot point (57m; 57h) further from said cams (41 m1.41 m2; 41 h1.41 h2) than said axis (47m; 47h). 10. Display device (1) according to claim 9, in which the switching device (15) further comprises a lever (53m; 53h) pivoted at one of its ends at a pivot point (53p) located on a fixed element, the other end being linked to said spring part (55m; 55h) so that the latter applies a tensile force to said relative pivot point (57m; 57h). 11. Display device (1) according to claims 6 and 10, wherein said index mobile (9) is arranged to act on said lever (53m; 53h). 12. Display device (1) according to one of claims 7 to 11, in which at least one of said probes (39m1, 39m2; 39h1.39h2) is retractable. 13. Clock movement comprising a display device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12. 14. Timepiece comprising a movement according to claim 13.