CH713520B1 - Indicator comprising variable length hands. - Google Patents

Abstract

The indicator (1), like a timepiece or a measuring instrument, comprises at least one dial (2) and a movement driving hands (3, 4) indicating the time or the quantity measured. At least one of said hands (3, 4) has a variable indicator length between its tip and its axis of rotation, said indicator length being adapted to the position of the hand (3, 4) on the dial (2).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of indicators, such as timepieces, wristwatches, clocks, stopwatches, or even measuring instruments and other similar products. In the remainder of the application, the general concept of "watch" will be used for the sake of simplification, it being understood that the present invention applies to any type of indicator of a quantity measured as indicated above and is not not limited to watch in common sense (time indicator).

More specifically, the present invention relates in particular, but not exclusively, to the hands which are used to indicate the measurement of time (in particular the hour) in a clock or a watch and other similar products.

[0003] When said watch has a non-symmetrical shape or, for example, rectangular, oval or other, the size of the hands, that is to say their length, must respect the smallest dimension of the watch, otherwise the hand cannot not make a complete revolution in the dial.

[0004] On the other hand, the fact that the hands have a reduced length makes it difficult to read the time (or to measure time) in the large size of the watch because of this reduced length. This problem is particularly present when the two dimensions are very different (for example if the watch is very narrow) or even when the dial is small.

SUMMARY AND DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An object of the invention is to improve the reading of timepieces such as watches, clocks, chronometers, etc. and to add to them, in addition, special technical means to allow the hands indicative of these timepieces to follow an unconventional or symbolic path such as a cardioid for example.

[0006] More specifically, an object of the invention is to propose means making it possible to overcome the problem of the size of the hands in relation to that of the watch and to facilitate the reading of the measurement of time despite the asymmetry of the watch. or timepiece.

According to the present invention, one idea is to provide technical means allowing the needles to have a variable length. More precisely, one idea is to propose means which allow them to adapt to their position on the dial, in other words over time.

[0008] The hands will therefore have the ability to vary their length in order to clearly indicate the time (or time) for a reader, even if the asymmetry of the dial is significant, thus facilitating reading for a user.

[0009] The technical means allowing this variation in length can be of various equivalent types: integrated in the needles or external for example.

The various embodiments described will make it possible to better understand the present invention.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to an indicator comprising at least one dial and one of the means driving hands indicating a measured quantity, in which at least one of said hands has a variable length adapted to its position. relative to the dial.

[0012] Each hand can have a variable length adapted to its position relative to the dial.

[0013] In one embodiment, the dial is non-symmetrical or rectangular, oval or otherwise.

[0014] In one embodiment, the needle or needles comprises a telescoping arrangement.

[0015] In one embodiment, the indicator comprises a drive means located on the periphery of the dial, the drive means being linked to one end of one of the hands so as to vary the length of said needle according to the measurement.

[0016] In one embodiment, the drive means is linked to the tip of the needle or any intermediate position located between one end and the maximum retraction of the needle.

[0017] In one embodiment, the drive means is linked to the end opposite the tip of said needle or any position between the opposite end and the minimum retraction of the needle.

[0018] In one embodiment, the indicator is a timepiece such as a clock, or a watch, or a stopwatch, or another device for measuring time or any other quantity to be displayed on the indicator.

[0019] In one embodiment, the variation in length of one or more needles is carried out by a centralized mechanism.

[0020] In one embodiment, the indicator length variation of one or more needles of fixed length is achieved by the displacement or sliding of the set of needle(s) relative to the fixed support in rotation around a axis, the variable indicator length being given by the distance between the indicator block and the fixed support.

[0021] In one embodiment, the drive system is an eccentric rotating element.

[0022] In one embodiment, the drive system is a cam of suitable or appropriate shape.

[0023] In one embodiment, the variation in length of one or more needles uses a member assisting the movement of the components of the needle or needles.

[0024] The moving assistant member can be a gas spring, or a spring or an electric member, or a mechanical member, or a pneumatic member or an electronic member. It can also be a combination of said assistant organs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now described with reference to the following figures Figure 1 illustrates a general view of the invention on a rectangular dial; Figures 2 and 3 illustrate two embodiments of the needles according to the invention; Figures 4 and 5 illustrate three embodiments of drive means according to the invention; Figures 6 and 7 illustrate in perspective an embodiment using the needle of Figure 3 and a means of producing the variation in length to follow in the case of Figures 6 and 7 a rectangular path suitable for an elongated dial or rectangular, Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of the needles whose length variation is achieved by a central mechanism. FIG. 10 illustrates another possible embodiment of a timepiece according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A general perspective view of the invention is illustrated in Figure 1.

The illustrated timepiece is a clock 1, but the principle of the invention applies to other types of similar objects, such as a wristwatch, etc., as indicated above. According to the convention indicated at the beginning of this description, the general notion of watch will mainly be used in the remainder of this description, without this having any limiting meaning.

[0028] The watch 1 as shown is therefore formed of three nested rectangular dials 2,14, 18 which can bear the indication of the measurement of time (for example the hour, the minutes or the seconds). In this example only the hours have been marked on the outer dial. According to the usual convention, in the field of watchmaking, a small hand 3 indicates the hours and a large hand 4 indicates the minutes. It is of course also possible to add a hand 15 indicating the seconds.

According to the invention, the watch comprises technical means making it possible to vary the length of the hands 3, 4 and 15 according to their position on their dial, that is to say time. In the illustrated embodiment, these means comprise on the one hand first drive means 10, 12, 16 which surround the corresponding dials 2, 14, 18 and which are each linked to the tip of a needle 3, 4, or 15 so that the movement of the point of attachment of each needle 3, 4, or 15 to the first drive means 10, 12, 16 follows the edge of the corresponding dial 2, 14, 18. In addition, the needles 3, 4, and 15 are special in that they have a telescopic construction so that their lengths can vary.

Thus, the needle 4 will vary its length following the edge of the dial 2 taken by the first drive means 10 and adapt its length to the dimension of the dial 2 automatically. It will be the same for the needle 3 with the drive means 12 around the dial 14 and the needle 15 with the drive means 16 and the dial 18.

[0031] Preferably, the first drive means comprise a linear, flexible element, closed on itself and segmented such as a toothed belt, a chain with links or balls, mounted on wheels adapted to the type of segmentation (segmented wheels 11, 11', 13, 13', 17, 17' for example, toothed or notched wheels). The number of segmented wheels will depend on the shape of the dial and the path you want to travel at the end of the hands 3, 4, 15.

[0032] A toothed wheel (11' in FIG. 1) is connected to the watch mechanism, for example by a gear train in order to move the belt 10 around the dial 2 at the correct speed for indicating the minutes. .

[0033] The system is the same for the middle hand 3 with its own drive means 12 mounted on toothed wheels 13, 13', of the dial 14, the motorized wheel 13' being used to regulate the movement to the correct speed for indicating the hours.

It is also identical for the small hand 15 with its drive means 16 also mounted on toothed or toothed wheels 17', 17 of the dial 18. The wheel 17' being the drive wheel at the correct speed for indication of the seconds.

Obviously the indicator function of each hand can be changed and chosen according to need.

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a needle 3, 4, 15 according to the invention: this principle applies identically, regardless of the size of the needle (large 4, medium 3 or small 15).

In this mode, the needles 3, 4, 15, have a telescopic configuration with several sliding elements 30-32 into each other. The first 30, is mounted on an axis of rotation 34 and the third (last) 32 comprises a fixing means 33 to the drive means (for example the belt 10 of FIG. 1). Of course, the number of sliding elements is not limited to three, it is possible to have less (for example one or two) or more than three.

[0038] Figure 3 illustrates another needle embodiment 3, 4, 15. In this mode, the needle comprises at least one support 40 mounted on an axis of rotation 44, two sliding elements 41, 42 which slide in the support 40 and which are held together at each end by blocks 43 and 45. The block 43 forms the end of the hand which indicates the time and comprises a means of attachment to the driving means (for example belt 10 in Figure 1). Block 45 may be omitted depending on the implementation. It can also be used as a drive means and contain the means for fixing to the drive means.

[0039] This embodiment also allows the fixed-length needles to vary their indicator length between the support 40 and the block 43 over time by sliding in the fixed support 40 but in rotation around the axis 44 The position of the fixed support 40 varies between the ends 43, 45 This function can also be performed with a single sliding element 41 or 42 but which would have a non-circular section which does not allow it to rotate around its axis of movement. Polygonal, elliptical or ovaloid shapes can be perfectly suitable.

[0040] Figure 4 illustrates different embodiments of drive means with sliding needles according to Figure 2. These drive means may include: a toothed belt 10 and / or a ball chain 10 'and / or another chain with 10" links. In this figure, an hour hand 50, a minute hand 51 and a second hand 52 have been illustrated, all mounted on an axis 53. These hands correspond to the mode of execution of the figure 2 and needles 3, 4, and 15 for example.

[0041] Figure 5 illustrates the different embodiments of the drive means with the embodiment of the needle of Figure 3, comprising the hour hand 60, the minute hand 61 and the seconds hand 62, all mounted on an axis 63. The drive means 10, 10', 10" in this mode are already described with reference to figure 4

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate an embodiment with a needle 3, 4, 15 according to Figure 3 and the description of this figure applies to Figures 6 and 7. More specifically, we see in these two figures a embodiment of the means for driving said hand 3, 4, 15. These means comprise for example a belt 10 which is mounted on four wheels 11, which makes it possible to go around the dial with said belt 10. Of course, the number of wheels 11 can vary and be adapted to the shape that one wishes to give to the assembly (a rectangle in FIGS. 6 and 7). It is also taken for granted that one of the wheels 11 must be motorized 11' at the correct speed for the belt 10 to perform a complete rotation in the allotted time. It is also understood that the wheels 11, 11' do not necessarily all have the same diameter.

As described above, the position of the display given by the block 43 depends on the position of the attachment between the block 43 and the belt 10 along the path which the latter follows and the movement of the belt will determine the length of the needle on the side of the block 43 with respect to the axis 44.

Figure 7 is a perspective view from below of Figure 6 which illustrates a way of fixing the block 43 of the needle 3, 4, 15 to the belt 10. It is possible for example to provide a bulge 20 of the belt 11 traversed by a pin 21 which is linked to block 43. Of course, this is only an example of embodiment and other equivalent variants are possible.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of a variable length needle according to the present invention with a central drive. In this mode, the needle 70 comprises a first part forming the point 71 which has a cutout 72 in the form of a slot, and a second part comprising the means for driving the needle 70 and the means for adjusting its length.

[0046] The drive means comprise for example a rotation arm 73, one of its ends 74 of which slides in the slot 72 and the other is mounted on an axis 75 driven by the mechanism of the timepiece to give the time indication (hours or minutes or seconds, depending on the function of the hand 70). Thanks to the sliding in the slot of the end 74 of the arm, the needle 70 is rotated regardless of its length.

[0047] The means for adjusting the length of the needle comprise at least one partially toothed wheel 76 and two racks 77, 78 arranged opposite one another, the cooperation between the teeth of the wheel 76 and the 'one of the racks 77, 78 defining the length of the needle 70. The wheel 76 is driven in rotation by the axis 75' whose speed of rotation will be defined by the function of the length of the needle 70 during the time. This length adjustment is defined with reference to Figure 9 which illustrates in detail an example of operation.

At A in Figure 9, there is illustrated a "long position" (extended state) of the needle 70 ready to go in a direction of shortening (in the retracted position).

By turning the wheel 76 in the direction of the arrow, one arrives at the position illustrated under B in FIG. 9 by the meshing of the teeth of the wheel 76 in the rack 78. This position can be qualified as the "middle position". .

[0050] If we continue the rotation in the direction indicated, we arrive at the position illustrated under C in FIG. 9 where the needle is fully retracted (“short position”).

And if we continue the rotation of the wheel in the direction indicated, by meshing of the teeth of the wheel 76 in the rack 77, the needle 70 moves again in the direction of a deployment to arrive at the position illustrated under A.

Steps A to D and return to A of Figure 9 therefore illustrate a complete cycle that a needle 70 can execute from its deployed position to its retracted position and back to the deployed position by the rotation of the toothed wheel 76 and its interaction with racks 77 and 78.

[0053] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a watch in which the needle drive comprises offset discs 82, 83 which are attached not to the tip of the needles but to the opposite end. The operating principle is the same with a variable length of the hands 80, 81 depending on their position (and therefore the time to be displayed). The discs are not necessarily in an aligned position, they can also be arranged around the dial in a star-shaped position for example. The number of discs is obviously not limited to two. The shape of the disc does not matter, a rotary arm can also be used.

The embodiments described in this application are illustrative examples and should not be considered limiting. Variations are possible within the scope of the protection claimed, in particular by using equivalent means. The embodiments described can also be combined if necessary or desired.

As is easily understood, the present invention applies in any configuration of shapes of the dials 2, 14, 18: rectangular, oval, star-shaped, cardioid or even linear, etc. and any combination of differently shaped dials.

The movement of the drive means 10, 10', 10" can be controlled directly or indirectly (by gears, cams, or the like). It is preferably coupled to the movement of the watch or of the mechanism of the timepiece, to be able to transmit the necessary movement to the hands for measuring the time or quantities to be indicated

The drive means of each needle can be coupled together (all or only in part) or be independent. This gives complete freedom to adapt to the shape of the dials and to the indication (time or other) that you want to represent (hours, time zones, pressure, temperature, etc.).

[0058] The movement of the components of the needle or needles can be facilitated by the use of springs or gas cylinders or any other mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, electronic devices, etc., assisting the relative movement of the elements of the needles to fit the requested length. These means can of course be combined with one another.

It is also possible to apply the present invention to a single needle of the indicator.

The present invention is not limited exclusively to watches as defined above but can also be applied to any indicator or instrument having an analog indication of variable length and whose movement would not come from a time function at regular rate. . For example: measuring instruments, certain planetarium models, even more exotic functions such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, heartbeat, length of days during the year, etc. or a combination of values measured.

The embodiments described in this application are by way of illustrative examples and should not be considered limiting. Variations are possible within the framework of the protection claimed, in particular by using equivalent means. The embodiments described in the present application can also be combined with one another.

Claims (13)

1. Indicator (1) such as a timepiece or a measuring instrument comprising at least one dial (2, 14, 18) and hands (3, 4, 15, 50, 51, 52, 61, 62, 70, 80, 81) making a complete revolution to indicate a quantity measured on the dial, in which at least one of said hands has a variable indicating length between the tip (33, 43) and the axis of rotation (34, 44, 53, 63, 75) of the needle, said indicating length being adapted to the position of the needle on the dial when indicating the quantity measured on the dial so that the point (33, 43) follows a non-circular path. 2. Indicator according to claim 1, in which each hand has a variable indicator length with respect to the axis of rotation which is adapted to the position of the hand on the dial. 3. Indicator according to one of the preceding claims, in which the dial is rectangular, or oval, or star-shaped, or cardioid. 4. Indicator according to one of the preceding claims, in which the needle comprises or the needles comprise a telescopic arrangement (30, 31, 32) to vary its indicator length or their indicator length. 5. Indicator according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a drive means (10, 10 ', 10 ") located on the periphery of the dial, said drive means being linked to one end of one of said hands of so as to adapt the indicator length of said hand to its position on the dial. 6. Indicator according to the preceding claim, wherein the drive means is connected to the tip (33, 43) of said needle. 7. Indicator according to claim 5, in which the driving means (82, 83) is connected to the end opposite the point of the said needle (80, 81). 8. Indicator according to claims 1 to 3 wherein the variation of the indicator length of at least one of said hands relative to the axis of rotation (75) is carried out by a central drive means located at the level of the axis of rotation (75). 9. Indicator according to claim 8, in which the central drive means causes the variation of the indicator length of one or more needles (70) with respect to the axis of rotation (75) by the movement of a needle ( 70) or needles (70) of fixed length relative to the axis of rotation (75). 10. Indicator according to one of the preceding claims, in which the variation of the indicator length of one or more needles (3, 4, 15, 50, 51, 52, 61, 62, 70, 80, 81) with respect to the axis of rotation is produced by a member assisting the movement of the components of the needle or needles, the member assisting the movement being an electrical member, or a mechanical member, or a pneumatic member, or an electronic member. 11. Indicator according to claim 10, in which the member assisting the movement is a gas spring or a spring. 12. Indicator according to one of Claims 10 and 11, in which the member assisting the movement is a combination of two or more of said members. 13. Indicator according to one of the preceding claims, said indicator being a timepiece such as a clock (1), a watch or a stopwatch.