Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G04—HOROLOGY
  • G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
  • G04F7/00—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means
  • G04F7/04—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means using a mechanical oscillator
  • G04F7/08—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph
  • G04F7/0842—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph with start-stop control mechanisms
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G04—HOROLOGY
  • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
  • G04B47/00—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece
  • G04B47/06—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece with attached measuring instruments, e.g. pedometer, barometer, thermometer or compass
  • G04B47/066—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece with attached measuring instruments, e.g. pedometer, barometer, thermometer or compass with a pressure sensor
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G04—HOROLOGY
  • G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
  • G04F7/00—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means
  • G04F7/04—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means using a mechanical oscillator
  • G04F7/08—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph
  • G04F7/0804—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph with reset mechanisms
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
  • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
  • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
  • B63C11/02—Divers' equipment

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a depth measuring device for watches, in particular diving watches, comprising a sensor mechanism for measuring the external pressure.
• the integration of such a device for measuring the depth in the existing watch box without modifying 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 different types and models of the watch, while respecting the design developed by the manufacturer of the watch case for receiving the measuring device. and the movement.
• the device according to the present invention is characterized for this purpose by the features of claim 1, in particular by the fact that the sensor mechanism comprises at least one piston that can be moved by the external pressure against the effect of a return element, the displacement effected by the piston being a function of the external pressure and being transmitted by transmission elements to at least one organ of the watch. 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 that can nevertheless control different functions of the watch, such as the chronograph mechanism.
• the features also provide high depth of measurement accuracy and durability, while providing simplicity of construction and small footprint.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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, at least one function of the watch, such as starting and stopping a chronograph mechanism.
• 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.
• 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.
• the user has the choice of an automatic or manual starting and stopping of the chronograph according to the type of dive envisaged.
• the measuring device comprises a second display device for a diving flag, this second display device comprising an arm secured to 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
• 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.
• the seal consists of a scrolling membrane disposed between the ring and the piston.
• the measuring device comprises an arranged reset device in order to act on the disengageable unidirectional locking member to produce the zeroing of the dead needle, so as to interpose the toothed sector between the first flag and the first window during the dive descent, so as to acting on a reset member of the chronograph mechanism, so as 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 blocked, and - so as to move away the diving flag of the second wicket.
• the invention also relates to a watch incorporating a device for measuring the depth as defined above.
• Figures 1 to 7 refer to a first embodiment.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of this first embodiment.
• FIGS 2 to 4 are perspective views of parts of this first embodiment.
• Figures 5a and 5b show a part of the transmission elements in two positions, during the ascent (Figure 5a) and during the descent (Figure 5b).
• Figure 6 illustrates the casing circle cut perspective.
• Figure 7 shows an axial section of a piston.
• Figures 8 to 16 relate to the second embodiment.
• Figures 8 and 10 are side views in two positions.
• Figures 9 and 11 show views in axial section in these two positions.
• Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views illustrating the second embodiment installed on a watch movement.
• FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a feature A of FIG. 13.
• Figure 15 illustrates in a side view the transmission mechanism.
• Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of a feature B of Fig. 15.
• Figures 17 to 35 relate to the third embodiment.
• Figure 17 is a front view of a diving watch with chronograph mechanism incorporating this third embodiment.
• Figures 18 and 19 are exploded perspective views from above and below this third embodiment.
• Figure 20 is a perspective view of the piston and the belleville washer.
• Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the watch shown in Figure 17.
• FIGS. 22 to 25 show a part of this third embodiment seen from below in four positions, namely in the initial rest position (FIG. 22), when unlocking before the dive, (FIG. downhill (Fig. 24) and at the end of the descent (Fig. 25).
• Figures 26 and 27 show part of this third embodiment seen from above at the end of the descent and after the reset corresponding to the initial position of rest.
• FIG. 28 to 33 are top views of another part of the third embodiment in the initial rest position ( Figure 28), at the beginning of the descent ( Figure 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.
• FIG. 34 is a side view of the sensing device integrated in the crown and
• FIG. 35 is an axial sectional view along the plane AA of FIG. 34.
• FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective a chronograph movement 1 enveloped by the casing ring 8 and comprising a device for measuring the diving depth 40.
• the dial 1a has displays 6a, 6b, 6c associated with three small needles, 9H the thirty-minute counter 6a, 6H the 12-hour counter 6b, 3H the counter of permanent seconds 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.
• a window 32 makes it possible to read the indication of the date.
• 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 made in the casing ring 8.
• FIG. 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.
• a rack 27 is cut to drive a pinion 29 secured to a small wheel 10.
• the latter causes a set of two toothed sectors 11 and 12, which rotate a central pinion 30 shown in Figure 3, thus giving the indication of the 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 ensured by a lever 16 pushing the pawl 15.
• the lever 16 is actuated by a reset pusher disposed in the passage of the bore 7.
• FIG. 3 represents the assembly of FIG. 2, turned 180 ° and showing the lower face of the casing ring 8. On this face, three holes with countersinks 19 are made to house O-rings 28 (see FIG. to ensure the seal between the bottom of the chronograph case and the casing ring.
• FIG. 3 shows the central pinion 30 driven by the wheel sector 12 itself driven by the small wheel 10 via the wheel sector 11.
• FIG. 4 corresponds to FIG. 3, but the circle of FIG. casing is here removed.
• 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.
• Figures 5a and 5b show the set of two toothed sectors 11 and 12 coaxial.
• the toothed sector 11 has on its periphery a toothing 11a engraining with the small wheel 10.
• An angular sector on this toothed sector 11 appears releasing a symbol 17 in the form of a triangle intended to indicate a danger.
• the toothed sectors 11 and 12 take the arrangement shown in Figure 5b.
• the first sector 11 rotates the second sector 12 exclusively unidirectionally during an increase in the external pressure.
• Both blanks 26a and 26b of these sectors are touching, hiding the acronym 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.
• the toothed wheel 13 also rotates causing tooth-to-tooth jump of the pawl 15.
• 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.
• 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.
• the acronym 17 "Danger" appears in the window 2 of Figure 1. The diver is warned that he must perform a bearing.
• 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.
• 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 and reset pushers.
• 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.
• FIG. 7 shows a section perpendicular to the preceding 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 into 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.
• 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.
• 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 also monitor the time of dive by engagement and the stopping of the chronograph.
• the pressure take-off device is integrated in the box without any modification of the movement.
• the device according to the invention can thus be installed in different watch models while respecting the design developed by the manufacturer of the box.
• 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 it must respect its decompression stop by information appearing in the window 2 of the watch.
• 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 in FIGS. 8 to 16 consists of a device for measuring the depth 100 comprising a sensor mechanism 141 integrated into a ring gear 103 of a mechanical chronograph cooperating with a control device 143 comprising a transmission mechanism 144. to trigger the stopwatch when descending on scuba diving, then stop during the ascent to the surface to control the time.
• the stopwatch must be able to be automatically activated 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.
• 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.
• a cut stone in the form of a double cone forms a cam 119 with two ramps intended to ensure the outgoing and returning movement of a first lever 104 (Figure 14).
• Figure 9 shows in detail section this pressure device.
• the ring 103 is integral with a rod extension 108 by means of a driven attachment 115. This rod extension 108 is intended to be fixed by screwing through a thread 109 to a winding shaft 126 ( Figure 14) of the 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 externally for the crown 103.
• 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.
• FIG. 12 shows the mechanical movement 102, the ring gear 103 and its tube 107 positioned around the casing ring 101.
• the transmission mechanism 144 can be distinguished therefrom 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.
• FIG. 13 shows the same assembly as FIG. 12 but returned from FIG.
• Figure 15 shows all moving parts.
• the assembly is in zero pressure position, the roller 120 being biased against the cam 119 by the spring of reminder 106.
• FIG. 16 shows the detail B with all the elements described above, namely the crown tube 107 and the cam 119 disposed at its outlet, the push lever 104 rotating around the pivot axis 122 and cooperating with its roll 120 mounted on 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 serving as a return member and releases the piston-rod 111 of the crown tube 107.
• the ring 103 and the rod extension 108 secured by the driven fastener 115 allow 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 an adequate 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 embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 35. It relates to a diving chronograph watch as illustrated in FIG. 17 comprising a watch case 301, a telescope 302 with an ice 303, and a dial 304 with a 9:00 am a thirty minute counter 306a, at 6:00 am a 12 hour counter 306b and at 3:00 am 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 for manual engagement and stop of the chronograph, 4 o'clock for a second pusher 313 for resetting the chronograph and 3 o'clock for a chronograph. crown 314.
• this third embodiment comprises the following main modules:
• a depth measuring device 321 making it possible to measure and permanently display 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;
• control device 325 for the automatic switching on and off of the chronograph
• second display device 326 for the diving flag 443
• the movement 320 is surrounded by a casing ring 330 on which is fixed the dial 304 through 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. .
• 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. 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 hydrostatic pressure function and corresponds to 2mm for a diving depth of 60m.
• the return element 344 is here constituted by a conical washer or
• the Belleville washer 349 which bears, on its outer edge, on the casing ring 330 via the intermediate ring 347 and, at its inner edge, on the piston 343.
• the Belleville washer 349 has the advantages of a clutter low, 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 in Figure 20.
• the transmission elements 342 comprise a circular slide 350 slidably housed in the casing ring 330. This slide is provided with three ramps 351 ( Figure 19) forming cams.
• the piston 343 (FIG. 20) comprises three extensions 352 each having two rollers 353 and 354.
• a first roller 353 acting as a cam follower is intended to cooperate with one of the ramps 351 associated therewith.
• the second roller 354 bears on a bearing face 355 (FIG. 19) of the casing ring 330 to prevent any rotation of the piston 343.
• the axial displacement of the piston produces a corresponding rotation of the slide
• 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 in FIG. 22 and comprise the slide 350 provided with a rack 360 cooperating with a gear train 359 comprising a pinion 361 secured to a small wheel 362 which is engaged with an intermediate wheel. 363 which drives a central pinion 364 integral with the depth needle 307 via a first barrel 365.
• the slide 350 is biased towards a rest position by a return spring
• 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 in FIG. 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 cotter pin. 373 drive integral with the intermediate wheel 363 to be rotated when the intermediate wheel rotates in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 29, namely when the external pressure increases. This toothed sector 370 is disengaged from the intermediate wheel 363 when the external pressure drops.
• the toothing 374 of the toothed sector meshes with a second central gear 375 (FIG. 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 for blocking 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 tooth base contact.
• the second central gear 375 (FIG. 22) is also engaged with a return wheel 380 biased by a return spring 381 towards 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 thus 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 bezel 302 or the dial 304 (FIG. 17).
• the first display device 323 for the security flag S likely to appear in the wicket 309 comprises a bent arm 390 pivoted on a pivot 391 and carrying at its free end the flag of safety S 389 ( Figure 32).
• This arm is secured to a spring 392 providing a bistable function with two rest positions, namely an active flag display position ( 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.
• the pin 393 gives a downward impulse in FIG 29, then the tilting of the elbow arm 390 to the retracted position (FIG 30) is carried out freely.
• 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.
• the toothed sector 370 is interposed between the flag S 389 and wicket 309 at the start of the dive descent and after resetting (FIGS. 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. 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 rod 405 ( Figure 21) of the movement 320 to perform the rotation and translation functions 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 inner face of the piston 406.
• This sensing device 324 cooperates with the control device 325 for starting and stopping the chronograph automatically. It could of course be connected to other devices of the watch.
• the chronograph control device 325 comprises a transmission mechanism 419 with a first lever 420 pivoting on an axis 421 and having a roller 422 for cooperating with the cam 408.
• a nozzle 423 of the first lever 420 cooperates with a second lever 424 pivotally 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 when the output of the cam 408 downhill diving with external pressure increasing and for stopping by a second pulse during the withdrawal of the cam 408 upward decreasing external pressure.
• FIG. 24 shows the position of the parts of the control device 325 during a pulse corresponding to a predetermined pressure and a predetermined depth. for example 5 meters. In the position of Figure 25, the chronograph is running and the depth is greater than the predetermined depth.
• the capture device 325 is also associated with the blocking device
• a resetting rod 433 rests on a shoulder 434 of this locking lever 432 under the effect of a return spring 435.
• the blocking lever 432 also keeps the first lever 420 in the rest position to block the transmission mechanism 419.
• the second display device 326 for the diving flag 310 comprises a second angled arm 440, which is integral with the lock lever 432 and which thus pivots about the axis 441.
• the flag of 443 is applied to the end portion of the second bent arm 440 to appear in the active position in the window 310.
• a return spring 442 returns 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 intended for resetting the diving chronograph, in particular for resetting the maximum indicator device 322, the control device 325 of the chronograph and the second display device 326.
• this reset device comprises a push rod 450 cooperating at one of its ends with the reset push-button 313 (FIG. 17) to reset the chronograph mechanism and with its other end with the ratchet 377
• the push rod 450 disengages the pawl tip 376 from the toothing of the ratchet wheel 377.
• the wheel ratchet 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 to its rest position under the action of the return spring 442.
• the first lever 420 and all the transmission mechanism 419 is blocked by the lever of locking 432 ( Figure 27) and the automatic start of the chronograph is made impossible.
• the second bent arm 440 is also rotated to move the diving flag 443 away from the wicket 310.
• the toothed sector 370 rotates clockwise in FIG. 33 to return to its initial rest position, in which it makes the flag S invisible in the window 309 (FIGS. 33).
• the operation of the dive chronograph watch is as follows.
• the unlocking device 327 is actuated by pivoting back and forth the release lever 316 (FIG. 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 pivoted and the diving flag 443 appears in the aperture 310.
• the locking lever 432 remains in this rotated position by the action of the reset rod 433.
• the depth measuring device 321 measures the depth and displays it by means of the depth needle 307.
• the sensing device 423 advances the cam 408 to engage the chronograph at a given depth, for example 3 meters ( Figure 24).
• the security flag S 389 is arranged opposite the wicket 309, but it is hidden by the toothed sector 370 (FIGS. 28 and 29).
• the pin 393 tilts the bent arm 390 and the safety flag S 389 to the retracted position illustrated in FIG. 30.
• the two needles 307 and 308 jointly advance to the maximum depth, the cam 408 being completely closed. output ( Figures 25, 26).
• the dead needle 308 remains in the position of maximum depth, while the depth needle rotates counter-clockwise indicating the instantaneous depth ( Figure 31).
• 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 wicket 309 (FIG. ), the dive flag 443 being visible throughout the dive in the box 310. The diver can then perform its safety stop.
• the cam 408 gradually enters the crown. When it reaches the position shown 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.
• the diver 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 rest position (FIGS. 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.
• the dive chronograph watch thus comprises two separate but interactive mechanisms, a first one comprising the measurement and display of the instantaneous and maximum depth and the setting up of a security flag, the second being intended for the switching on and off of the chronograph under the control of an independent pressure sensing device and the setting up of a diving flag.
• the manual reset acts on both mechanisms when the second mechanism is engaged.
• 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.
• the two modes of execution of measuring devices acting on the slide can be used alone or in combination with the sensor integrated in the crown. 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.
• ramps or cams 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.
• the movement of the watch is preferably mechanical, but may also be electronic, electric or mixed.
• the pressure sensing mechanism may actuate any other pressure-dependent function, for example the display of a maximum depth not to be exceeded during a dive.
• This sensor mechanism may be active at the descent or the climb or only in one direction.

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• Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)

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• 2006
  • 2006-12-12 EP EP09009111A patent/EP2104009B1/de active Active
  • 2006-12-12 WO PCT/IB2006/003562 patent/WO2007069028A2/fr active Application Filing
  • 2006-12-12 EP EP06831685.0A patent/EP1960845B1/de active Active

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