EP2230573B1 - Chain display mechanism for timepiece movement, corresponding timepiece movement and timepiece - Google Patents

Chain display mechanism for timepiece movement, corresponding timepiece movement and timepiece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2230573B1
EP2230573B1 EP09155582A EP09155582A EP2230573B1 EP 2230573 B1 EP2230573 B1 EP 2230573B1 EP 09155582 A EP09155582 A EP 09155582A EP 09155582 A EP09155582 A EP 09155582A EP 2230573 B1 EP2230573 B1 EP 2230573B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
display
chain
support
clockwork movement
designed
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EP09155582A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2230573A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Marc Wiederrecht
Nicolas Stalder
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Harry Winston SA
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Harry Winston SA
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    • 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
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/20—Indicating by numbered bands, drums, discs, or sheets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a chain display mechanism for watch movement, of the type comprising a main frame and drive means of at least one display member.
  • chain should be interpreted broadly here, ie it may also be a caterpillar, or any other similar member formed of links.
  • the patent US 1,776,001 describes a clock comprising a watch movement carried by a frame, the latter carrying a dial on either side of which turn two chains indicating hours and minutes.
  • Each of these chains is formed of a succession of spherical links and carries several indexes intended to display in turn the value of a time indication in relation to graduations carried by the dial.
  • a wheel, kinematically connected to the watch movement, drives each of the rotating chains.
  • the utility model DE 20206965 U describes a watch having a similar operation, that is to say having indexes, worn by ribbons or chains and moving in the direction of scales indicating hours and minutes fixed.
  • the known devices of this type generally have either an integrated construction of the display mechanism, that is to say that the display mechanism is assembled to the basic watch movement element by element, the entire movement and the display mechanism then forming an indivisible whole, ie a construction of the modular type, that is to say that the movement is assembled on the one hand and the display mechanism is assembled on the other hand, these two elements being finally mounted with each other.
  • the element carrying the time indicator is generally put in place after the assembly of these different mechanisms. which is a delicate operation when the timepiece is a wristwatch, given the dimensions concerned.
  • a main object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the known devices of the prior art, by proposing a chain display mechanism for a watch movement whose construction and assembly method offer greater flexibility to the manufacturer than known devices and facilitate in particular the establishment of the chain on the watch movement, especially when the latter is integrated in a wristwatch.
  • the present invention relates more particularly to a display mechanism of the type mentioned above, characterized in that it comprises a secondary frame intended to be secured to the main frame of the watch movement, at least a first assembled support releasably on the secondary frame and carrying a first display chain having at least one visual mark for performing the function of a first display member. It is expected that the display chain is arranged on the support so as to be able to move in the direction of its length with reference to the support.
  • the display mechanism according to the invention further comprises at least one transmission member for kinematically connecting the drive means for driving display members of the watch movement to the display chain.
  • the support comprises an elongated frame carrying at least two remote bearings between which the display chain is stretched.
  • the support further preferably comprises at least one fine adjustment device of the position of one of the bearings for adjusting the voltage of the display chain. Similarly, this operation can be performed before mounting the chain on the watch movement, thus simplifying this operation.
  • the frame of the support has a central opening intended to house a part of the main frame of a watch movement substantially of circular shape or barrel, so that the display chain can be located at a distance from the center of the watch movement less than the radius of the latter in the corresponding region.
  • the display mechanism according to the invention can be adapted without particular difficulty to any known watch caliber.
  • the display chain is a crawler composed of a plurality of similar links.
  • the transmission member comprises a toothed wheel
  • each of the links advantageously has a toothing adapted to cooperate with it to ensure the drive of the caterpillar.
  • the mechanism comprises a second support carrying a second display chain having at least one visual mark for performing the function of a second display member.
  • the second display chain is arranged on the second support so as to be able to move in the direction of its length with reference to the second support, the support also being intended to be secured to the secondary frame.
  • the mechanism then comprises at least one additional transmission member for kinematically connecting the display member driving means of the watch movement to the second display chain.
  • one of the chains is intended to be kinematically connected to a pavement of the watch movement to display the minutes and the other chain is intended to be kinematically connected to a wheel of the hours of the watch movement to display hours.
  • the present invention also relates to a watch movement provided with such a display mechanism and a timepiece equipped with such a movement, preferably of the wristwatch type having a box having at least one elongated window through which display chain is visible.
  • the wristwatch may comprise a box comprising at least two side plates between which is clamped a generally tubular ice extending 360 ° in cross-section, sealing gaskets being interposed between each of the flanges and ice.
  • the box preferably comprises a central upright also extending over 360 ° in cross section, the central upright carrying means for attaching a bracelet, the wristwatch having a second mirror.
  • the two windows are preferably arranged on either side of the central upright, each being clamped between a flange and the central upright, additional gaskets being also interposed between each of the windows and the central upright.
  • the chains are then advantageously arranged to be visible on either side of the central upright.
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a wristwatch having a display mechanism according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view of a construction detail of a preferred embodiment of a chain, more specifically a track, for performing the indicator function in the mechanism according to the present invention
  • the figure 3 represents a simplified perspective view of the caterpillar figure 2 when fully assembled and mounted on a support, in accordance with the present invention
  • the figure 4 represents a simplified perspective view, platinum side, of a watch movement provided with a display mechanism according to the present invention comprising two sets such as that of the figure 3 ;
  • the figure 5 represents a simplified perspective view, on the bridge side, of the watch movement of the figure 4 ;
  • FIG. 6 represents a simplified side view of the watch movement of figures 4 and 5 without the chains, a dial according to the present invention being put in place;
  • the figure 7 represents a simplified perspective view, on the bottom side of the wristwatch, of the watch movement of the figure 6 , additional chains and dials having been put in place, and
  • the figure 8 represents a simplified perspective view illustrating the assembly of the box of the wristwatch of the figure 1 .
  • the figure 1 represents a simplified perspective view of a wristwatch 1 comprising a display mechanism according to the present invention, the latter presenting more precisely, in the mode of preferred embodiment illustrated in a non-limiting manner, first and second display members of a caterpillar type time information.
  • the wristwatch 1 comprises a box 2 comprising in particular two windows 3 and 4 disposed on either side of a central upright 5, the box 2 being closed on the sides by two flanges 6 and 7.
  • the central upright 5 carries, at six o'clock and at noon, according to conventional horological terminology, rods 8 intended to allow the fitting of a bracelet (not shown) on the box 2.
  • Box 2 houses a watch movement which will be described in more detail later.
  • the watch movement is concealed by a main dial 10, centered, and by first and second additional dials 11 and 12, arranged against the flanges 6, 7.
  • the wristwatch 1 comprises a first track 14 for indicating the current time and a second track 15 for indicating the current minute.
  • Each of the tracks is arranged to move in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet.
  • the minute indication track 15 is disposed between the first additional dial 11 and the main dial 10, while the hour indication track 14 is disposed between the main dial and the second additional dial 12.
  • each of the tracks comprises a plurality of similar links 17, neutral, and several indicator links 18 whose appearance is distinctly different from that of similar links and whose function is to indicate the current time in relation to graduations corresponding 19, 20.
  • the display mechanism according to the present invention provides means for driving the tracks 14 and 15 from the watch movement.
  • a ring 22 is also arranged on one side of the box 2, to perform the conventional functions of time setting and, optionally, reassembly.
  • the figure 2 represents, in a perspective view, a detail of construction of one or other of the tracks 14, 15, it being understood that they are preferably identical, for obvious reasons of reducing manufacturing costs.
  • Each link 17 or 18 comprises a base 24 having two parallel guide rails 25 provided with a hole 26 at one of their ends.
  • An arm 28 extends along the outer side of one of the rails, parallel to the rails 25 and also has a hole 29 at its free end.
  • the hole 29 of the arm of the first link is located in alignment with the holes 26 of the rails 25 of the second link.
  • a pin 30 is driven into the holes 29 and inserted into the holes 26 to make these two links integral with each other in the direction of their length, while allowing the second link to pivot relative to the pin 30, therefore in relation to the first link, as is apparent from the figure 2 .
  • ends of the rails are preferably curved to allow this pivoting without the need to provide a large gap between two adjacent links.
  • the base 24 further comprises a toothing 32, on its side opposite the arm 28, such that, when the links are assembled to each other, the set of respective teeth of the links arranged in alignment form a crawler toothing.
  • Each base 24 has, opposite the rails 25, or on the apparent side of the corresponding track, a housing 34 in which is arranged a decorative element 35 or 36.
  • a decorative element 35 or 36 By way of non-limiting example, most of the links 17 may be provided with colorless baguette diamonds while the indicator links 18 may be provided with sapphires 36 whose characteristic red color makes them clearly distinguishable from diamonds 35.
  • a complete crawler As is apparent from the figure 3 when a complete crawler is assembled, it is arranged on a support 38 comprising an elongated frame 39 having a central opening 40 and housings, at each of its ends, in which are arranged 41.
  • the mounting of the ball bearings 41 on the support 38 is achieved by means of screws 42 for precisely adjusting the position of each ball bearing in the longitudinal direction of the support, to control the tension of the tracks.
  • the support 38 and the ball bearings 41 have respective thicknesses such that they can be inserted between the guide rails 25 of each link 17, 18 to ensure proper lateral positioning of the track on its support.
  • Each caterpillar thus forms, with its support, a complete set that can be easily assembled to a watch movement, as illustrated on the figures 4 and 5 .
  • the support 38 here comprises a right side and a side having a slight curvature whose function is mainly of aesthetic order.
  • the figure 4 is a perspective view, platinum side 44, of a conventional watch movement 45 on which is mounted a display mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the watch movement 45 comprises in particular a time setting rod 46 intended to carry the ring 22.
  • the rod 46 may for example be of the broken rod type to facilitate its introduction or disassembly.
  • the display mechanism comprises a secondary frame 47 made integral with the main frame of the watch movement 45, in particular of the plate 44.
  • the secondary frame 47 comprises a central plate 48, of generally rectangular shape, from which extend two perpendicular extensions 50, at six o'clock and at noon.
  • the central plate 48 has a plurality of holes and grooves, in particular for housing transmission members for kinematically connecting the drive means of the watch movement to the tracks 14, 15.
  • the display mechanism comprises first and second toothed transmission wheels 51, 52 respectively integral in rotation with the roadway and the hour wheel (not visible) of the watch movement.
  • the first transmission wheel 51 meshes with a first intermediate gear 54 intended to mesh itself with the toothing 32 of the links of the minute track 15.
  • the second transmission wheel 52 meshes with a return gear (not shown) arranged in engagement with a second intermediate gear wheel 55 intended to mesh itself with the toothing 32 of the links of the hour caterpillar track 14.
  • perpendicular extensions 50 are provided with holes for securing each of the supports 38, bearing its assembled track, the secondary frame 47 by screwing (screw 56).
  • the openings 40 of the supports 38 allow to use a secondary frame 47 having a width less than that of the watch movement 45 whose portions located at three hours and at nine o'clock may extend beyond the supports 38.
  • This particular characteristic offers a great freedom to the watchmaker from the point of view of the choice of the caliber watchmaker serving as a basis for producing a watch that meets the specifics of the present invention.
  • the figure 5 represents a perspective view of the watchmaking movement of the figure 4 , visible from the bridges side.
  • the watch movement illustrated in a non-limiting manner is of the self-winding type, with oscillating weight 58. It will also be noted that the watch movement is intended to be mounted upside down in the watch case, according to the present preferred embodiment. in particular to facilitate the establishment of the central dial from the point of view of the bulk of the transmission members of the display mechanism near the tracks 14, 15.
  • the watch movement 45 and the secondary frame 47 are secured to one another by means of feet 60 arranged in suitable holes (holes 61 of the secondary frame, visible on the figure 4 ), around six o'clock and noon. Screws 62 are provided to prevent feet 60 from disengaging from their hole.
  • flanges 64 are also screwed on longitudinal extensions 65 of the secondary frame 47 to act on the (not visible) casing ring of the watch movement 45 and maintain it against the secondary frame.
  • Spacers 66 are screwed into the supports 38, in particular to define the width of the watch case 2. These spacers are indeed intended to receive the flanges 6, 7 of the box during assembly thereof. Moreover, the spacers 66 are also arranged in such a way that they ensure a good positioning of the additional dials 11 and 12 which are fixed on them, as will be explained later in connection with the detailed description of the figure 7 .
  • the figure 5 illustrates a watch movement comprising the display mechanism according to the invention without the box 2 and without the dials 10, 11, 12, for the purpose of clarification.
  • each pin 30 provided for connecting two adjacent links 17, 18 has a free end 68 arranged projecting from the base 24 of the links.
  • Such a feature in connection with the specific shape of the additional dials 11 and 12, ensures cooperation between the latter and the free ends 68 to maintain the tracks on the supports 38 without having to stretch too much.
  • the energy consumption of each of the kinematic chains comprising a track increases with the tension of the track.
  • At least one of the spacers 66 includes a through hole 70 for defining a passage for the time setting rod 46.
  • the figure 6 illustrates the setting up of the main dial 10 on the watch movement. Prior to this operation, at least one of the supports 38, with its crawler, must be removed from the movement (or more simply not be mounted as part of an ordinary assembly, as opposed to the present description which does not follow exactly the steps of what this ordinary assembly would be for the sake of clarity).
  • the figure 6 is a side view of which it appears that the main dial 10 extends 360 ° in cross section and is engaged laterally on the watch movement.
  • the interior of the main dial 10 has a plurality of extra thicknesses 72 defining contact surfaces cooperating with, on the one hand, the central plate 48 of the secondary frame 47 and, on the other hand, its perpendicular extensions 50, in order to guarantee a good positioning of the dial in relation to the watch movement.
  • the main dial 10 is secured to the secondary frame 47 by means of two screws 74 cooperating with holes (reference numeral 75 on the figure 4 ) adapted from the latter, as appears from the figure 7 .
  • the supports 38, with their caterpillar, are placed on either side of the main dial, being screwed into the secondary frame 47 as explained above.
  • the spacers 66 are then screwed into the supports 38, then the secondary dials 11 and 12 are positioned on them by being secured by means of screws 76, completing to completely enclose the watch movement inside the dials 10, 11 and 12, as illustrated on figure 7 .
  • each additional dial covers the free ends 68 of the pins 30 of the corresponding caterpillar.
  • the figure 8 illustrates the casing of the watch movement whose assembly has just been described.
  • the ices 3, 4 are engaged on the watch movement on either side of the central upright 5. All these elements also extend over 360 ° in cross-section, as is particularly visible on the figure 8 .
  • the central upright 5 has shoulders 80, on each side, against which the windows 3 and 4 are arranged in abutment, a seal 81 being provided between the central upright and the ice in each case.
  • the flanges 6 and 7 are then screwed into the spacers 66, by means of the screws 82, to suspend the watch movement in the box 2. At the same time, the flanges 6 and 7 are arranged in abutment against the windows 3 and 4 with interposition of a seal 81 in each case.
  • the ring 22 is screwed onto the setting rod 46.
  • this construction offers the advantage of a high mechanical strength, especially when significant traction is exerted on the bracelet. Such traction is in fact transmitted to the central upright 5 which absorbs all the corresponding mechanical energy alone. Thus, the integrity of the construction is not affected at all in such a situation.
  • the implementation of the display mechanism according to the present invention is also not limited to the forms illustrated and described with regard to the cladding elements of the watch 1.

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  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)
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Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention concerne un mécanisme d'affichage à chaîne pour mouvement horloger, du type comportant un bâti principal et des moyens d'entraînement d'au moins un organe d'affichage.The present invention relates to a chain display mechanism for watch movement, of the type comprising a main frame and drive means of at least one display member.

Le terme chaîne doit être interprété ici de manière large, à savoir qu'il peut également s'agir d'une chenille, ou de tout autre organe similaire formé de maillons.The term chain should be interpreted broadly here, ie it may also be a caterpillar, or any other similar member formed of links.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

De nombreux dispositifs de ce type ont déjà été divulgués, et ce depuis de nombreuses années.Many devices of this type have already been disclosed for many years.

A titre d'exemple, le brevet US 1,776,001 décrit une horloge comportant un mouvement horloger porté par un bâti, ce dernier portant un cadran de part et d'autre duquel tournent deux chaînes d'indication des heures et des minutes. Chacune de ces chaînes est formée d'une succession de maillons sphériques et porte plusieurs index destinés à afficher à tour de rôle la valeur d'une indication horaire en relation avec des graduations portées par le cadran. Une roue, reliée cinématiquement au mouvement horloger, entraîne chacune des chaînes en rotation.For example, the patent US 1,776,001 describes a clock comprising a watch movement carried by a frame, the latter carrying a dial on either side of which turn two chains indicating hours and minutes. Each of these chains is formed of a succession of spherical links and carries several indexes intended to display in turn the value of a time indication in relation to graduations carried by the dial. A wheel, kinematically connected to the watch movement, drives each of the rotating chains.

Le modèle d'utilité DE 20206965 U décrit une montre présentant un fonctionnement similaire, c'est-à-dire comportant des index, portés par des rubans ou des chaînes et, se déplaçant en regard d'échelles d'indication des heures et des minutes fixes.The utility model DE 20206965 U describes a watch having a similar operation, that is to say having indexes, worn by ribbons or chains and moving in the direction of scales indicating hours and minutes fixed.

Toutefois, les dispositifs connus de ce type présentent généralement soit une construction intégrée du mécanisme d'affichage, c'est-à-dire que le mécanisme d'affichage est assemblé au mouvement horloger de base élément par élément, l'ensemble du mouvement et du mécanisme d'affichage formant ensuite un tout indivisible, soit une construction du type modulaire, c'est-à-dire que le mouvement est assemblé d'une part et le mécanisme d'affichage est assemblé d'autre part, ces deux éléments étant finalement montés l'un avec l'autre.However, the known devices of this type generally have either an integrated construction of the display mechanism, that is to say that the display mechanism is assembled to the basic watch movement element by element, the entire movement and the display mechanism then forming an indivisible whole, ie a construction of the modular type, that is to say that the movement is assembled on the one hand and the display mechanism is assembled on the other hand, these two elements being finally mounted with each other.

Dans les deux cas ci-dessus, l'élément portant l'indicateur horaire, qu'il s'agisse d'une chaîne, d'une courroie ou autre, est généralement mis en place après l'assemblage de ces différents mécanismes, ce qui constitue une opération délicate lorsque la pièce d'horlogerie est une montre-bracelet, étant donné les dimensions concernées.In both cases above, the element carrying the time indicator, whether it is a chain, a belt or the like, is generally put in place after the assembly of these different mechanisms. which is a delicate operation when the timepiece is a wristwatch, given the dimensions concerned.

Divulgation de l'inventionDisclosure of the invention

Un but principal de la présente invention est de pallier les inconvénients des dispositifs connus de l'art antérieur, en proposant un mécanisme d'affichage à chaîne pour mouvement horloger dont la construction et le mode d'assemblage offrent une plus grande flexibilité au constructeur que les dispositifs connus et facilitent notamment la mise en place de la chaîne sur le mouvement horloger, en particulier lorsque ce dernier est intégré dans une montre-bracelet.A main object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the known devices of the prior art, by proposing a chain display mechanism for a watch movement whose construction and assembly method offer greater flexibility to the manufacturer than known devices and facilitate in particular the establishment of the chain on the watch movement, especially when the latter is integrated in a wristwatch.

A cet effet, la présente invention concerne plus particulièrement un mécanisme d'affichage du type mentionné plus haut, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte un bâti secondaire destiné à être rendu solidaire du bâti principal du mouvement horloger, au moins un premier support assemblé de manière amovible sur le bâti secondaire et portant une première chaîne d'affichage présentant au moins une marque visuelle destinée à assurer la fonction d'un premier organe d'affichage. Il est prévu que la chaîne d'affichage est agencée sur le support de manière à pouvoir se déplacer suivant le sens de sa longueur en référence au support. Le mécanisme d'affichage selon l'invention comporte en outre au moins un organe de transmission destiné à relier cinématiquement les moyens d'entraînement d'organes d'affichage du mouvement horloger à la chaîne d'affichage.To this end, the present invention relates more particularly to a display mechanism of the type mentioned above, characterized in that it comprises a secondary frame intended to be secured to the main frame of the watch movement, at least a first assembled support releasably on the secondary frame and carrying a first display chain having at least one visual mark for performing the function of a first display member. It is expected that the display chain is arranged on the support so as to be able to move in the direction of its length with reference to the support. The display mechanism according to the invention further comprises at least one transmission member for kinematically connecting the drive means for driving display members of the watch movement to the display chain.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, le mécanisme d'affichage selon l'invention permet avantageusement la mise en oeuvre d'un procédé d'assemblage d'un mouvement horloger comportant les étapes consistant à:

  1. i) prendre un mouvement horloger comportant un bâti principal et des moyens d'entraînements d'au moins un organe d'affichage;
  2. ii) réaliser une chaîne d'affichage présentant au moins une marque visuelle destinée à assurer la fonction d'un premier organe d'affichage;
  3. iii) monter la chaîne d'affichage sur un support de telle manière qu'elle soit susceptible de se déplacer suivant le sens de sa longueur en référence au support;
  4. iv) assembler un bâti secondaire sur le bâti principal du mouvement horloger;
  5. v) monter le support portant la chaîne d'affichage sur le mouvement horloger en le rendant solidaire du bâti secondaire.
Thanks to these characteristics, the display mechanism according to the invention advantageously allows the implementation of a method of assembling a watch movement comprising the steps of:
  1. i) taking a watch movement comprising a main frame and drive means of at least one display member;
  2. ii) producing a display chain having at least one visual mark for performing the function of a first display member;
  3. iii) mount the display chain on a support in such a way that it is likely to move in the direction of its length with reference to the support;
  4. iv) assemble a secondary frame on the main frame of the watch movement;
  5. v) mount the support carrying the display chain on the watch movement by making it integral with the secondary frame.

Ainsi, la chaîne est mise en place sur son support préalablement au montage de ce dernier sur le bâti secondaire, rendant une telle opération beaucoup plus aisée qu'avec les dispositifs de l'art antérieur.Thus, the chain is put in place on its support prior to the mounting of the latter on the secondary frame, making such an operation much easier than with the devices of the prior art.

De manière préférée, le support comprend un cadre allongé portant au moins deux paliers distants entre lesquels la chaîne d'affichage est tendue. Le support comprend en outre préférablement au moins un dispositif de réglage fin de la position de l'un des paliers pour ajuster la tension de la chaîne d'affichage. De même, cette opération peut être effectuée avant le montage de la chaîne sur le mouvement horloger, simplifiant ainsi cette opération.Preferably, the support comprises an elongated frame carrying at least two remote bearings between which the display chain is stretched. The support further preferably comprises at least one fine adjustment device of the position of one of the bearings for adjusting the voltage of the display chain. Similarly, this operation can be performed before mounting the chain on the watch movement, thus simplifying this operation.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, le cadre du support présente une ouverture centrale destinée à loger une partie du bâti principal d'un mouvement horloger sensiblement de forme circulaire ou tonneau, de telle manière que la chaîne d'affichage peut être située à une distance du centre du mouvement horloger inférieure au rayon de ce dernier dans la région correspondante.According to a preferred embodiment, the frame of the support has a central opening intended to house a part of the main frame of a watch movement substantially of circular shape or barrel, so that the display chain can be located at a distance from the center of the watch movement less than the radius of the latter in the corresponding region.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, le mécanisme d'affichage selon l'invention peut être adapté sans difficulté particulière à tout calibre horloger connu.Thanks to these characteristics, the display mechanism according to the invention can be adapted without particular difficulty to any known watch caliber.

De manière préférée, la chaîne d'affichage est une chenille composée d'une pluralité de maillons similaires. Lorsque l'organe de transmission comprend une roue dentée, chacun des maillons présente avantageusement une denture adaptée pour coopérer avec celle-ci pour assurer l'entraînement de la chenille.Preferably, the display chain is a crawler composed of a plurality of similar links. When the transmission member comprises a toothed wheel, each of the links advantageously has a toothing adapted to cooperate with it to ensure the drive of the caterpillar.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré supplémentaire, le mécanisme comporte un second support portant une seconde chaîne d'affichage présentant au moins une marque visuelle destinée à assurer la fonction d'un second organe d'affichage. La seconde chaîne d'affichage est agencée sur le second support de manière à pouvoir se déplacer suivant le sens de sa longueur en référence au second support, le support étant également destiné à être rendu solidaire du bâti secondaire. Le mécanisme comporte alors au moins un organe de transmission supplémentaire destiné à relier cinématiquement les moyens d'entraînement d'organes d'affichage du mouvement horloger à la seconde chaîne d'affichage.According to a further preferred embodiment, the mechanism comprises a second support carrying a second display chain having at least one visual mark for performing the function of a second display member. The second display chain is arranged on the second support so as to be able to move in the direction of its length with reference to the second support, the support also being intended to be secured to the secondary frame. The mechanism then comprises at least one additional transmission member for kinematically connecting the display member driving means of the watch movement to the second display chain.

Dans ce cas, on peut prévoir que l'une des chaînes est destinée à être reliée cinématiquement à une chaussée du mouvement horloger pour afficher les minutes et l'autre chaîne est destinée à être reliée cinématiquement à une roue des heures du mouvement horloger pour afficher les heures.In this case, it can be provided that one of the chains is intended to be kinematically connected to a pavement of the watch movement to display the minutes and the other chain is intended to be kinematically connected to a wheel of the hours of the watch movement to display hours.

La présente invention concerne également un mouvement horloger muni d'un tel mécanisme d'affichage ainsi qu'une pièce d'horlogerie équipée d'un tel mouvement, préférablement du type montre-bracelet comportant une boîte présentant au moins une fenêtre allongée au travers de laquelle la chaîne d'affichage est visible.The present invention also relates to a watch movement provided with such a display mechanism and a timepiece equipped with such a movement, preferably of the wristwatch type having a box having at least one elongated window through which display chain is visible.

De manière avantageuse, la montre-bracelet peut comporter une boîte comprenant au moins deux flasques latérales entre lesquelles est serrée une glace de forme générale tubulaire s'étendant sur 360° en coupe transversale, des garnitures d'étanchéité étant interposées entre chacune des flasques et la glace. Lorsque deux chaînes sont utilisées, la boîte comporte préférablement un montant central s'étendant également sur 360° en coupe transversale, le montant central portant des moyens d'attache d'un bracelet, la montre-bracelet comportant une seconde glace. Les deux glaces sont préférablement disposées de part et d'autre du montant central, chacune étant serrée entre une flasque et le montant central, des garnitures d'étanchéité supplémentaires étant également interposées entre chacune des glaces et le montant central. Les chaînes sont alors avantageusement agencées pour être visibles de part et d'autre du montant central.Advantageously, the wristwatch may comprise a box comprising at least two side plates between which is clamped a generally tubular ice extending 360 ° in cross-section, sealing gaskets being interposed between each of the flanges and ice. When two chains are used, the box preferably comprises a central upright also extending over 360 ° in cross section, the central upright carrying means for attaching a bracelet, the wristwatch having a second mirror. The two windows are preferably arranged on either side of the central upright, each being clamped between a flange and the central upright, additional gaskets being also interposed between each of the windows and the central upright. The chains are then advantageously arranged to be visible on either side of the central upright.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation préféré qui suit, faite en référence aux dessins annexés donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et dans lesquels:Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which:

- la figure 1 représente une vue générale en perspective simplifiée d'une montre-bracelet comportant un mécanisme d'affichage selon la présente invention;- the figure 1 is a simplified perspective view of a wristwatch having a display mechanism according to the present invention;

- la figure 2 représente une vue en perspective simplifiée d'un détail de construction d'un mode de réalisation préféré d'une chaîne, plus précisément d'une chenille, destinée à remplir la fonction d'indicateur dans le mécanisme selon la présente invention;- the figure 2 is a simplified perspective view of a construction detail of a preferred embodiment of a chain, more specifically a track, for performing the indicator function in the mechanism according to the present invention;

- la figure 3 représente une vue en perspective simplifiée de la chenille de la figure 2 lorsqu'elle est entièrement assemblée et montée sur un support, conformément à la présente invention;- the figure 3 represents a simplified perspective view of the caterpillar figure 2 when fully assembled and mounted on a support, in accordance with the present invention;

- la figure 4 représente une vue en perspective simplifiée, côté platine, d'un mouvement d'horlogerie muni d'un mécanisme d'affichage selon la présente invention comprenant deux ensembles tels que celui de la figure 3;- the figure 4 represents a simplified perspective view, platinum side, of a watch movement provided with a display mechanism according to the present invention comprising two sets such as that of the figure 3 ;

- la figure 5 représente une vue en perspective simplifiée, côté ponts, du mouvement d'horlogerie de la figure 4;- the figure 5 represents a simplified perspective view, on the bridge side, of the watch movement of the figure 4 ;

- la figure 6 représente une vue de côté simplifiée du mouvement d'horlogerie des figures 4 et 5, sans les chaînes, un cadran selon la présente invention étant mis en place;- the figure 6 represents a simplified side view of the watch movement of figures 4 and 5 without the chains, a dial according to the present invention being put in place;

- la figure 7 représente une vue en perspective simplifiée, côté fond de la montre-bracelet, du mouvement d'horlogerie de la figure 6, les chaînes et des cadrans supplémentaires ayant été mis en place, et- the figure 7 represents a simplified perspective view, on the bottom side of the wristwatch, of the watch movement of the figure 6 , additional chains and dials having been put in place, and

- la figure 8 représente une vue en perspective simplifiée illustrant l'assemblage de la boîte de la montre-bracelet de la figure 1.- the figure 8 represents a simplified perspective view illustrating the assembly of the box of the wristwatch of the figure 1 .

Mode(s) de réalisation de l'inventionMode (s) of realization of the invention

La figure 1 représente une vue générale en perspective simplifiée d'une montre-bracelet 1 comportant un mécanisme d'affichage selon la présente invention, ce dernier présentant plus précisément, dans le mode de réalisation préféré illustré à titre non limitatif, des premier et second organes d'affichage d'une information horaire du type chenille.The figure 1 represents a simplified perspective view of a wristwatch 1 comprising a display mechanism according to the present invention, the latter presenting more precisely, in the mode of preferred embodiment illustrated in a non-limiting manner, first and second display members of a caterpillar type time information.

La montre-bracelet 1 comporte une boîte 2 comprenant notamment deux glaces 3 et 4 disposées de part et d'autre d'un montant central 5, la boîte 2 étant fermée, sur les côtés, par deux flasques 6 et 7.The wristwatch 1 comprises a box 2 comprising in particular two windows 3 and 4 disposed on either side of a central upright 5, the box 2 being closed on the sides by two flanges 6 and 7.

Le montant central 5 porte, à six heures et à midi, selon la terminologie horlogère conventionnelle, des tiges 8 destinées à permettre le montage d'un bracelet (non représenté) sur la boîte 2.The central upright 5 carries, at six o'clock and at noon, according to conventional horological terminology, rods 8 intended to allow the fitting of a bracelet (not shown) on the box 2.

La boîte 2 loge un mouvement horloger qui sera décrit plus en détail par la suite. Le mouvement horloger est dissimulé par un cadran principal 10, centré, ainsi que par des premier et second cadrans supplémentaires 11 et 12, disposés contre les flasques 6, 7.Box 2 houses a watch movement which will be described in more detail later. The watch movement is concealed by a main dial 10, centered, and by first and second additional dials 11 and 12, arranged against the flanges 6, 7.

La montre-bracelet 1 comprend une première chenille 14 d'indication de l'heure courante et une seconde chenille 15 d'indication de la minute courante.The wristwatch 1 comprises a first track 14 for indicating the current time and a second track 15 for indicating the current minute.

Chacune des chenilles est agencée de manière à se déplacer dans la direction longitudinale du bracelet. La chenille 15 d'indication des minutes est disposée entre le premier cadran supplémentaire 11 et le cadran principal 10, tandis que la chenille 14 d'indication des heures est disposée entre le cadran principal et le second cadran supplémentaire 12.Each of the tracks is arranged to move in the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. The minute indication track 15 is disposed between the first additional dial 11 and the main dial 10, while the hour indication track 14 is disposed between the main dial and the second additional dial 12.

Par ailleurs, chacune des chenilles comprend une pluralité de maillons similaires 17, neutres, et plusieurs maillons indicateurs 18 dont l'apparence se distingue nettement de celle des maillons similaires et dont la fonction est d'indiquer l'heure courante en relation avec des graduations correspondantes 19, 20.Furthermore, each of the tracks comprises a plurality of similar links 17, neutral, and several indicator links 18 whose appearance is distinctly different from that of similar links and whose function is to indicate the current time in relation to graduations corresponding 19, 20.

Le mécanisme d'affichage selon la présente invention, qui va être décrit en détail en relation avec la description détaillée des figures suivantes, prévoit des moyens d'entraînement des chenilles 14 et 15 à partir du mouvement horloger.The display mechanism according to the present invention, which will be described in detail in connection with the detailed description of the following figures, provides means for driving the tracks 14 and 15 from the watch movement.

On notera qu'une couronne 22 est également agencée sur l'un des côtés de la boîte 2, pour remplir les fonctions conventionnelles de mise à l'heure et, éventuellement, de remontage.Note that a ring 22 is also arranged on one side of the box 2, to perform the conventional functions of time setting and, optionally, reassembly.

La figure 2 représente, dans une vue en perspective, un détail de construction de l'une ou l'autre des chenilles 14, 15, étant entendu qu'elles sont préférablement identiques, pour des raisons évidentes de diminution des coûts de fabrication.The figure 2 represents, in a perspective view, a detail of construction of one or other of the tracks 14, 15, it being understood that they are preferably identical, for obvious reasons of reducing manufacturing costs.

Chaque maillon 17 ou 18 comprend une base 24 présentant deux rails de guidage 25 parallèles munis d'un trou 26 à l'une de leurs extrémités. Un bras 28 s'étend, le long du flanc extérieur de l'un des rails, parallèlement aux rails 25 et présente également un trou 29 à son extrémité libre. Lorsque deux maillons adjacents sont placés en position de service, le trou 29 du bras du premier maillon est situé en alignement des trous 26 des rails 25 du second maillon. Une goupille 30 est chassée dans les trous 29 et insérée dans les trous 26 pour rendre ces deux maillons solidaires l'un de l'autre suivant la direction de leur longueur, tout en permettant au second maillon de pivoter par rapport à la goupille 30, donc par rapport au premier maillon, tel que cela ressort de la figure 2.Each link 17 or 18 comprises a base 24 having two parallel guide rails 25 provided with a hole 26 at one of their ends. An arm 28 extends along the outer side of one of the rails, parallel to the rails 25 and also has a hole 29 at its free end. When two adjacent links are placed in the service position, the hole 29 of the arm of the first link is located in alignment with the holes 26 of the rails 25 of the second link. A pin 30 is driven into the holes 29 and inserted into the holes 26 to make these two links integral with each other in the direction of their length, while allowing the second link to pivot relative to the pin 30, therefore in relation to the first link, as is apparent from the figure 2 .

On notera que les extrémités des rails sont préférablement incurvées pour permettre ce pivotement sans qu'il soit nécessaire de prévoir un espace important entre deux maillons adjacents.Note that the ends of the rails are preferably curved to allow this pivoting without the need to provide a large gap between two adjacent links.

La base 24 comprend par ailleurs une denture 32, sur son côté opposé au bras 28, telle que, lorsque les maillons sont assemblés les uns aux autres, l'ensemble des dentures respectives des maillons disposés en alignement forme une denture de chenille.The base 24 further comprises a toothing 32, on its side opposite the arm 28, such that, when the links are assembled to each other, the set of respective teeth of the links arranged in alignment form a crawler toothing.

Chaque base 24 comporte, à l'opposé des rails 25, soit du côté apparent de la chenille correspondante, un logement 34 dans lequel est agencé un élément décoratif 35 ou 36. A titre d'exemple non limitatif, la plupart des maillons 17 peuvent être munis de diamants baguettes 35 incolores tandis que les maillons indicateurs 18 peuvent être munis de saphirs 36 dont la couleur rouge caractéristique permet de les distinguer nettement des diamants 35.Each base 24 has, opposite the rails 25, or on the apparent side of the corresponding track, a housing 34 in which is arranged a decorative element 35 or 36. By way of non-limiting example, most of the links 17 may be provided with colorless baguette diamonds while the indicator links 18 may be provided with sapphires 36 whose characteristic red color makes them clearly distinguishable from diamonds 35.

Tel que cela ressort de la figure 3, lorsqu'une chenille complète est assemblée, elle est disposée sur un support 38 comprenant un cadre allongé 39 présentant une ouverture centrale 40 et des logements, à chacune de ses extrémités, dans lesquels sont agencés des roulements à billes 41. Le montage des roulements à billes 41 sur le support est 38 est réalisé au moyen de vis 42 permettant d'ajuster précisément la position de chaque roulement à billes suivant la direction longitudinale du support, afin de contrôler la tension des chenilles.As is apparent from the figure 3 when a complete crawler is assembled, it is arranged on a support 38 comprising an elongated frame 39 having a central opening 40 and housings, at each of its ends, in which are arranged 41. The mounting of the ball bearings 41 on the support 38 is achieved by means of screws 42 for precisely adjusting the position of each ball bearing in the longitudinal direction of the support, to control the tension of the tracks.

Le support 38 et les roulements à billes 41 présentent des épaisseurs respectives telles qu'ils peuvent être insérés entre les rails de guidage 25 de chaque maillon 17, 18 pour assurer un bon positionnement latéral de la chenille sur son support.The support 38 and the ball bearings 41 have respective thicknesses such that they can be inserted between the guide rails 25 of each link 17, 18 to ensure proper lateral positioning of the track on its support.

Chaque chenille forme ainsi, avec son support, un ensemble à part entière qui peut être facilement assemblé à un mouvement horloger, tel qu'illustré sur les figures 4 et 5.Each caterpillar thus forms, with its support, a complete set that can be easily assembled to a watch movement, as illustrated on the figures 4 and 5 .

On notera que, de manière illustrative, le support 38 comprend ici un côté droit et un côté présentant une légère courbure dont la fonction est principalement d'ordre esthétique.It will be noted that, illustratively, the support 38 here comprises a right side and a side having a slight curvature whose function is mainly of aesthetic order.

La figure 4 représente une vue en perspective, côté platine 44, d'un mouvement horloger 45 conventionnel sur lequel est monté un mécanisme d'affichage selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention.The figure 4 is a perspective view, platinum side 44, of a conventional watch movement 45 on which is mounted a display mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Le mouvement horloger 45 comporte notamment une tige de mise à l'heure 46 destinée à porter la couronne 22. La tige 46 pourra par exemple être du type tige brisée pour faciliter sa mise en place ou son démontage.The watch movement 45 comprises in particular a time setting rod 46 intended to carry the ring 22. The rod 46 may for example be of the broken rod type to facilitate its introduction or disassembly.

Le mécanisme d'affichage comporte un bâti secondaire 47 rendu solidaire du bâti principal du mouvement horloger 45, notamment de la platine 44.The display mechanism comprises a secondary frame 47 made integral with the main frame of the watch movement 45, in particular of the plate 44.

Le bâti secondaire 47 comporte une plaque centrale 48, de forme générale sensiblement rectangulaire, à partir de laquelle s'étendent deux extensions perpendiculaires 50, à six heures et à midi.The secondary frame 47 comprises a central plate 48, of generally rectangular shape, from which extend two perpendicular extensions 50, at six o'clock and at noon.

La plaque centrale 48 présente une pluralité de trous et noyures notamment pour loger des organes de transmission destinés à relier cinématiquement les moyens d'entraînement du mouvement horloger aux chenilles 14, 15.The central plate 48 has a plurality of holes and grooves, in particular for housing transmission members for kinematically connecting the drive means of the watch movement to the tracks 14, 15.

Plus précisément, le mécanisme d'affichage comprend des première et seconde roues de transmission dentées 51, 52, respectivement solidaires en rotation de la chaussée et de la roue des heures (non visibles) du mouvement horloger.More specifically, the display mechanism comprises first and second toothed transmission wheels 51, 52 respectively integral in rotation with the roadway and the hour wheel (not visible) of the watch movement.

La première roue de transmission 51 engrène avec une première roue dentée intermédiaire 54 destinée à engrener elle-même avec la denture 32 des maillons de la chenille des minutes 15.The first transmission wheel 51 meshes with a first intermediate gear 54 intended to mesh itself with the toothing 32 of the links of the minute track 15.

La seconde roue de transmission 52 engrène avec un renvoi (non illustré) agencé en prise avec une seconde roue dentée intermédiaire 55 destinée à engrener elle-même avec la denture 32 des maillons de la chenille des heures 14.The second transmission wheel 52 meshes with a return gear (not shown) arranged in engagement with a second intermediate gear wheel 55 intended to mesh itself with the toothing 32 of the links of the hour caterpillar track 14.

Par ailleurs, les extensions perpendiculaires 50 sont pourvues de trous destinés à rendre solidaire chacun des supports 38, portant sa chenille assemblée, du bâti secondaire 47 par vissage (vis 56).Furthermore, the perpendicular extensions 50 are provided with holes for securing each of the supports 38, bearing its assembled track, the secondary frame 47 by screwing (screw 56).

On constate sur la figure 4 que, dans le cas d'un mouvement circulaire ou autre forme non rectangulaire comme par exemple tonneau, les ouvertures 40 des supports 38 permettent de recourir à un bâti secondaire 47 présentant une largeur inférieure à celle du mouvement horloger 45 dont les portions situées à trois heures et à neuf heures peuvent s'étendre au-delà des supports 38.We see on the figure 4 that in the case of a circular movement or other non-rectangular shape such as barrel, the openings 40 of the supports 38 allow to use a secondary frame 47 having a width less than that of the watch movement 45 whose portions located at three hours and at nine o'clock may extend beyond the supports 38.

Cette caractéristique particulière offre une grande liberté au constructeur horloger du point de vue du choix du calibre horloger servant de base à la réalisation d'une montre répondant aux spécificités de la présente invention.This particular characteristic offers a great freedom to the watchmaker from the point of view of the choice of the caliber watchmaker serving as a basis for producing a watch that meets the specifics of the present invention.

Lorsque les supports 38 sont en place sur le bâti secondaire, la denture 32 des maillons de chacune des chenilles 14, 15 est en prise avec la roue intermédiaire correspondante, de telle manière que chaque chenille est entraînée dans le sens indiqué par les flèches F sur la figure 4.When the supports 38 are in place on the secondary frame, the toothing 32 of the links of each of the tracks 14, 15 is engaged with the corresponding intermediate wheel, so that each track is driven in the direction indicated by the arrows F on the figure 4 .

La figure 5 représente une vue en perspective du mouvement horloger de la figure 4, visible depuis le côté ponts.The figure 5 represents a perspective view of the watchmaking movement of the figure 4 , visible from the bridges side.

Le mouvement horloger illustré à titre non limitatif est du type à remontage automatique, avec masse oscillante 58. On notera également que le mouvement horloger est destiné à être monté à l'envers dans la boîte de montre, selon le présent mode de réalisation préféré, notamment pour faciliter la mise en place du cadran central du point de vue de l'encombrement des organes de transmission du mécanisme d'affichage à proximité des chenilles 14, 15.The watch movement illustrated in a non-limiting manner is of the self-winding type, with oscillating weight 58. It will also be noted that the watch movement is intended to be mounted upside down in the watch case, according to the present preferred embodiment. in particular to facilitate the establishment of the central dial from the point of view of the bulk of the transmission members of the display mechanism near the tracks 14, 15.

Le mouvement horloger 45 et le bâti secondaire 47 sont rendus solidaires l'un de l'autre au moyen de pieds 60 agencés dans des trous adaptés (trous 61 du bâti secondaire, visibles sur la figure 4), vers six heures et midi. Des vis 62 sont prévues pour éviter que les pieds 60 ne se dégagent de leur trou.The watch movement 45 and the secondary frame 47 are secured to one another by means of feet 60 arranged in suitable holes (holes 61 of the secondary frame, visible on the figure 4 ), around six o'clock and noon. Screws 62 are provided to prevent feet 60 from disengaging from their hole.

A titre complémentaire, et de manière optionnelle, des brides 64 sont également vissées sur des extensions longitudinales 65 du bâti secondaire 47 pour agir sur le cercle d'encageage (non visible) du mouvement horloger 45 et maintenir ce dernier contre le bâti secondaire.Additionally, and optionally, flanges 64 are also screwed on longitudinal extensions 65 of the secondary frame 47 to act on the (not visible) casing ring of the watch movement 45 and maintain it against the secondary frame.

Des entretoises 66 latérales sont vissées dans les supports 38, notamment pour définir la largeur de la boîte de montre 2. Ces entretoises sont en effet destinées à recevoir les flasques 6, 7 de la boîte lors de l'assemblage de cette dernière. Par ailleurs, les entretoises 66 sont également agencées de telle manière qu'elles assurent un bon positionnement des cadrans supplémentaires 11 et 12 qui sont fixés sur elles, comme cela sera exposé plus loin en relation avec la description détaillée de la figure 7.Side spacers 66 are screwed into the supports 38, in particular to define the width of the watch case 2. These spacers are indeed intended to receive the flanges 6, 7 of the box during assembly thereof. Moreover, the spacers 66 are also arranged in such a way that they ensure a good positioning of the additional dials 11 and 12 which are fixed on them, as will be explained later in connection with the detailed description of the figure 7 .

La figure 5 illustre un mouvement horloger comprenant le mécanisme d'affichage selon l'invention sans la boîte 2 et sans les cadrans 10, 11, 12, dans un but de clarification.The figure 5 illustrates a watch movement comprising the display mechanism according to the invention without the box 2 and without the dials 10, 11, 12, for the purpose of clarification.

Il ressort notamment de cette figure que chaque goupille 30 prévue pour relier deux maillons adjacents 17, 18 présente une extrémité libre 68 agencée en saillie par rapport à la base 24 des maillons. Une telle caractéristique, en relation avec la forme spécifique des cadrans supplémentaires 11 et 12, permet d'assurer une coopération entre ces derniers et les extrémités libres 68 afin de maintenir les chenilles sur les supports 38 sans avoir à les tendre de manière excessive. En effet, il faut noter que la consommation énergétique de chacune des chaînes cinématiques comportant une chenille augmente avec la tension de la chenille.It is apparent from this figure that each pin 30 provided for connecting two adjacent links 17, 18 has a free end 68 arranged projecting from the base 24 of the links. Such a feature, in connection with the specific shape of the additional dials 11 and 12, ensures cooperation between the latter and the free ends 68 to maintain the tracks on the supports 38 without having to stretch too much. In fact, it should be noted that the energy consumption of each of the kinematic chains comprising a track increases with the tension of the track.

Au moins l'une des entretoises 66 comprend un trou traversant 70 destiné à définir un passage pour la tige de mise à l'heure 46.At least one of the spacers 66 includes a through hole 70 for defining a passage for the time setting rod 46.

La figure 6 illustre la mise en place du cadran principal 10 sur le mouvement horloger. Préalablement à cette opération, au moins l'un des supports 38, avec sa chenille, doit être retiré du mouvement (ou plus simplement ne pas être monté dans le cadre d'un assemblage ordinaire, par opposition à la présente description qui ne suit pas exactement les étapes de ce que serait cet assemblage ordinaire, dans un souci de clarté).The figure 6 illustrates the setting up of the main dial 10 on the watch movement. Prior to this operation, at least one of the supports 38, with its crawler, must be removed from the movement (or more simply not be mounted as part of an ordinary assembly, as opposed to the present description which does not follow exactly the steps of what this ordinary assembly would be for the sake of clarity).

La figure 6 est une vue latérale de laquelle il apparaît que le cadran principal 10 s'étend sur 360° en coupe transversale et est engagé latéralement sur le mouvement horloger.The figure 6 is a side view of which it appears that the main dial 10 extends 360 ° in cross section and is engaged laterally on the watch movement.

L'intérieur du cadran principal 10 présente une pluralité de surépaisseurs 72 définissant des surfaces de contact coopérant avec, d'une part, la plaque centrale 48 du bâti secondaire 47 et, d'autre part, ses extensions perpendiculaires 50, afin de garantir un bon positionnement du cadran par rapport au mouvement horloger.The interior of the main dial 10 has a plurality of extra thicknesses 72 defining contact surfaces cooperating with, on the one hand, the central plate 48 of the secondary frame 47 and, on the other hand, its perpendicular extensions 50, in order to guarantee a good positioning of the dial in relation to the watch movement.

Une fois que le cadran principal 10 est en place, il est rendu solidaire du bâti secondaire 47 au moyen de deux vis 74 coopérant avec des trous (référence numérique 75 sur la figure 4) adaptés de ce dernier, tel qu'apparent de la figure 7.Once the main dial 10 is in place, it is secured to the secondary frame 47 by means of two screws 74 cooperating with holes (reference numeral 75 on the figure 4 ) adapted from the latter, as appears from the figure 7 .

Après le montage du cadran principal 10, les supports 38, avec leur chenille, sont mis en place de part et d'autre du cadran principal, en étant vissés dans le bâti secondaire 47 comme expliqué plus haut.After mounting the main dial 10, the supports 38, with their caterpillar, are placed on either side of the main dial, being screwed into the secondary frame 47 as explained above.

Les entretoises 66 sont ensuite vissées dans les supports 38, puis les cadrans secondaires 11 et 12 sont positionnés sur elles en en étant rendus solidaires au moyen de vis 76, achevant d'enfermer complètement le mouvement horloger à l'intérieur des cadrans 10, 11 et 12, tel qu'illustré sur la figure 7.The spacers 66 are then screwed into the supports 38, then the secondary dials 11 and 12 are positioned on them by being secured by means of screws 76, completing to completely enclose the watch movement inside the dials 10, 11 and 12, as illustrated on figure 7 .

Comme signalé précédemment, chaque cadran supplémentaire recouvre les extrémités libres 68 des goupilles 30 de la chenille correspondante.As indicated above, each additional dial covers the free ends 68 of the pins 30 of the corresponding caterpillar.

La figure 8 illustre l'emboîtage du mouvement horloger dont l'assemblage vient d'être décrit.The figure 8 illustrates the casing of the watch movement whose assembly has just been described.

Les glaces 3, 4 sont engagées sur le mouvement horloger de part et d'autre du montant central 5. Tous ces éléments s'étendent également sur 360° en coupe transversale, tel que cela est particulièrement visible sur la figure 8. Le montant central 5 comporte des épaulements 80, de chaque côté, contre lesquels les glaces 3 et 4 sont disposées en appui, un joint 81 étant prévu entre le montant central et la glace dans chaque cas.The ices 3, 4 are engaged on the watch movement on either side of the central upright 5. All these elements also extend over 360 ° in cross-section, as is particularly visible on the figure 8 . The central upright 5 has shoulders 80, on each side, against which the windows 3 and 4 are arranged in abutment, a seal 81 being provided between the central upright and the ice in each case.

Les flasques 6 et 7 sont ensuite vissées dans les entretoises 66, au moyen des vis 82, pour suspendre le mouvement horloger dans la boîte 2. Dans le même temps, les flasques 6 et 7 sont agencées en appui contre les glaces 3 et 4 avec interposition d'un joint 81 dans chaque cas.The flanges 6 and 7 are then screwed into the spacers 66, by means of the screws 82, to suspend the watch movement in the box 2. At the same time, the flanges 6 and 7 are arranged in abutment against the windows 3 and 4 with interposition of a seal 81 in each case.

La couronne 22 est vissée sur la tige de mise à l'heure 46.The ring 22 is screwed onto the setting rod 46.

On notera que cette construction offre l'avantage d'une grande résistance mécanique, notamment lorsqu'une traction importante est exercée sur le bracelet. Une telle traction est en effet transmise au montant central 5 qui absorbe toute l'énergie mécanique correspondante à lui seul. Ainsi, l'intégrité de la construction n'est pas du tout affectée dans pareille situation.It should be noted that this construction offers the advantage of a high mechanical strength, especially when significant traction is exerted on the bracelet. Such traction is in fact transmitted to the central upright 5 which absorbs all the corresponding mechanical energy alone. Thus, the integrity of the construction is not affected at all in such a situation.

Par ailleurs, cette construction permet de mettre en valeur l'originalité du mécanisme d'affichage tel que décrit, du fait que le montant central 5 constitue une séparation médiane entre les deux chenilles 14 et 15.Moreover, this construction makes it possible to highlight the originality of the display mechanism as described, because the central upright 5 constitutes a median separation between the two caterpillars 14 and 15.

Il ressort de la description qui précède que non seulement la construction de la montre selon la présente invention est originale, mais elle permet en outre d'en simplifier l'assemblage en référence aux montres similaires déjà connues dans l'état de la technique.It follows from the foregoing description that not only is the construction of the watch according to the present invention original, but it also makes it possible to simplify its assembly with reference to similar watches already known in the state of the art.

En effet, le montage des chenilles 14, 15 (chaînes ou tout autre objet similaire) sur le mécanisme d'affichage est simplifié par l'utilisation des supports 38, chacun de ces supports portant deux paliers entre lesquels une chenille est tendue, préalablement à l'assemblage du support sur le mécanisme d'affichage. En plus de simplifier le montage, cette solution permet également de prévoir des dispositifs de réglage fin de la position des paliers pour ajuster la tension de chacune des chenilles indépendamment de la tension de l'autre chenille.Indeed, the mounting of the tracks 14, 15 (chains or any other similar object) on the display mechanism is simplified by the use of the supports 38, each of these supports carrying two bearings between which a crawler is tensioned, prior to the assembly of the support on the display mechanism. In addition to simplifying the assembly, this solution also allows to provide fine adjustment devices of the position of the bearings to adjust the tension of each of the tracks independently of the tension of the other caterpillar.

La description qui précède s'attache à décrire un mode de réalisation particulier à titre d'illustration non limitative et, l'invention n'est pas limitée à la mise en oeuvre de certaines caractéristiques particulières qui viennent d'être décrites, comme par exemple les formes spécifiquement illustrées et décrites pour les chaînes ou chenilles 14, 15. La forme spécifiquement décrite pour les maillons 17, 18 des chenilles 14 et 15 peut être adaptée par l'homme du métier en fonction de ses propres besoins, de même que celle des cadrans.The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration and, the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular characteristics which come to be described, such as for example the specifically illustrated and described forms for chains or tracks 14, 15. The form specifically described for the links 17, 18 of the tracks 14 and 15 may be adapted by those skilled in the art as a function of its own needs, as well as that of the dials.

La mise en oeuvre du mécanisme d'affichage selon la présente invention n'est pas non plus limitée aux formes illustrées et décrites en ce qui concerne les éléments d'habillage de la montre 1.The implementation of the display mechanism according to the present invention is also not limited to the forms illustrated and described with regard to the cladding elements of the watch 1.

L'homme du métier ne rencontrera pas de difficulté particulière pour adapter le contenu de la présente divulgation à ses propres besoins et mettre en oeuvre un mécanisme d'affichage similaire répondant aux caractéristiques de l'invention comme, par exemple, pour afficher des informations autres que l'heure et/ou la minute courante par chaîne. On pourra notamment mettre en oeuvre un affichage d'informations telles que le quantième, le jour de la semaine, le mois, ou autre information temporelle, voire d'autres informations telles que la réserve de marche, sans difficulté particulière à partir de l'enseignement qui précède. De même, la mise en oeuvre de la présente invention n'est pas limitée à une ou deux chaînes. Il est possible de mettre en oeuvre trois chaînes ou davantage sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention.Those skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the content of the present disclosure to their own needs and implementing a similar display mechanism corresponding to the characteristics of the invention, for example to display other information. than the current time and / or minute per channel. In particular, it will be possible to implement a display of information such as the date, the day of the week, the month, or other temporal information, or even other information such as the power reserve, without any particular difficulty from the preceding teaching. Likewise, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to one or two chains. It is possible to implement three or more chains without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (15)

  1. Chain display mechanism for a clockwork movement (45) of a wristwatch, of the type comprising a main framework (44) and means for driving at least one display member, characterized in that it comprises
    a secondary framework (47) designed to be secured to the main framework (44), at least one first support (38) assembled in a removable manner on the said secondary framework and supporting a first display chain (14, 15) having at least one visual mark (18, 36) designed to perform the function of a first display member, the said display chain being arranged on the said support so as to be able to move in the direction of its length with reference to the said support,
    at least one transmission member (51, 52, 54, 55) designed to kinematically connect the display-member driving means of the clockwork movement to the said display chain.
  2. Display mechanism according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said support (38) comprises an elongate frame (39) supporting at least two bearings (41) at a distance from one another between which the said display chain (14, 15) is stretched.
  3. Display mechanism according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said support (38) also comprises at least one device (42) for the fine adjustment of the position of one of the said bearings (41) in order to adjust the tension of the said display chain (14, 15).
  4. Mechanism according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the said framework (39) has a central opening (40) designed to house a portion of the main framework (44) of a clockwork movement (45) that is substantially circular-shaped or barrel-shaped, so that the said display chain (14, 15) may be situated at a distance from the centre of the clockwork movement that is less than the radius of the latter in the corresponding region.
  5. Display mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said display chain is a track (14, 15) consisting of a plurality of similar links (17, 18).
  6. Display mechanism according to Claim 5, characterized in that the said transmission member comprises a gear wheel (54, 55) and, in that each of the said links (17, 18) has a tooth gear (32) suitable for interacting with the said gear wheel in order to drive the said track (14, 15).
  7. Display mechanism according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that each of the said links (17, 18) has at least one hole (26, 29) at each of its ends, so that two adjacent links are connected to one another by insertion of a pin (30) in the said holes.
  8. Display mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second support (38) supporting a second display chain (14, 15) having at least one visual mark (18, 36) designed to perform the function of a second display member, the said second display chain being arranged on the said second support so as to be able to move in the direction of its length with reference to the said second support, the said support being designed to be secured to the said secondary framework (47),
    at least one additional transmission member (51, 52, 54, 55) designed to kinematically connect the means for driving the display member of the clockwork movement to the said second display chain.
  9. Display mechanism according to Claim 8, characterized in that one of the said chains (15) is designed to be kinematically connected to a cannon-pinion of the clockwork movement in order to display the minutes and the other chain (14) is designed to be kinematically connected to an hours wheel of the clockwork movement in order to display the hours.
  10. Clockwork movement comprising a display mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims.
  11. Method for assembling a clockwork movement according to Claim 10, characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in:
    i) taking a clockwork movement (45) comprising a main framework (44) and means for driving at least one display member;
    ii) producing a display chain (14, 15) having at least one visual mark (18, 36) designed to perform the function of a first display member;
    iii) installing the said display chain (14, 15) on a support (38) so that it is capable of moving in the direction of its length with reference to the support;
    iv) assembling a secondary framework (47) on the main framework (44) of the clockwork movement (45);
    v) installing the said support (38) supporting the said display chain (14, 15) on the clockwork movement (45) by securing it to the said secondary framework (47).
  12. A timepiece, preferably of the wristwatch type, comprising a case (2) having at least one elongate glass (2, 3) and housing a clockwork movement (45) according to Claim 10 so that the said display chain (14, 15) can be seen through the said glass.
  13. Timepiece according to Claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a case (2) comprising at least two side panels (6, 7) between which a glass (2, 3) of generally tubular shape extending over 360° in cross section is gripped, seals (81) being interposed between each of the said side panels and the said glass.
  14. Timepiece according to Claim 13, characterized in that it also comprises a dial (10, 11, 12) extending over 360° in cross section and of which the edges are adjacent to the said side panels (6, 7).
  15. Timepiece according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the said case (2) also comprises a central post (5) extending over 360° in cross section, the said central post supporting means (8) for attaching a bracelet, and in that the said bracelet-watch comprises a second glass, the glasses (2, 3) being placed on either side of the said central post, each being gripped between a side panel (6, 7) and the said central post, additional seals (81) also being interposed between each of the said glasses and the said central post and,
    in that the said display chains (14, 15) are arranged so as to be visible on either side of the said central post.
EP09155582A 2009-03-19 2009-03-19 Chain display mechanism for timepiece movement, corresponding timepiece movement and timepiece Active EP2230573B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09155582A EP2230573B1 (en) 2009-03-19 2009-03-19 Chain display mechanism for timepiece movement, corresponding timepiece movement and timepiece

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09155582A EP2230573B1 (en) 2009-03-19 2009-03-19 Chain display mechanism for timepiece movement, corresponding timepiece movement and timepiece

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EP2230573A1 EP2230573A1 (en) 2010-09-22
EP2230573B1 true EP2230573B1 (en) 2011-12-28

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Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT515741B1 (en) * 2014-04-07 2016-10-15 Fladl Heinz Watch, especially wristwatch
CN113552795B (en) * 2021-07-28 2022-10-28 歌尔科技有限公司 Wearable device

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1776001A (en) 1927-06-13 1930-09-16 Konigsberg Joseph Horological dial
CH685222B5 (en) * 1994-04-12 1995-11-15 Johannes Wilhelm Hach Transport device for pointer wristwatches.
DE20206965U1 (en) * 2002-05-02 2002-08-14 Simic, Marcus, 45355 Essen Timing belt watch with parallel time reading

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