EP3252543B1 - Display device for timepiece movement - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a display device for a watch movement. More particularly, it relates to a device for displaying two indications linked to time which can be corrected according to several correction modes without risking de-indexing the indications.

State of the art

The document CH 685 965G unveils a display device which makes it possible to modify an indication of the hour in steps of an hour, without de-indexing this indication relative to that of the minutes. This device includes a correction star fixed to the hour canon, which is linked to the hour wheel adjusted to pivot freely around the canon by means of a jumper whose head takes place between two vertices of the star and ensures the angular relationship between the latter in relation to the hour wheel. The hour canon can therefore be angularly pivoted relative to the hour wheel by manually acting on the star with a correction lever, an action of said lever causing a pivoting of a step of the star.

This type of arrangement has become standard for timepieces with two time zones, because it allows the angular position of an hour indicator to be modified on its own, without de-indexing it in relation to the minute display. The two indications remain in phase during a correction via the time setting rod. However, actuation of the mechanism by the user in order to modify only the time indication can apply an undesirable torque to the finishing train during a correction, since the force exerted by the jumper must be overcome in order to move the star forward or backward one step. This unwanted couple can affect the progress of the movement.

The document CH 665 930 reveals a timepiece with several time zones in which this drawback has been overcome. In the center of the movement is a set of conventional hands for indicating the local time on a 12-hour scale. The hour cannon is attached to a pinion which serves as a PTO for a plurality of timekeeping devices in other time zones on 24 hour scales. The hour hand for each time zone is driven by an output of a differential gear, one of its inputs being driven by said pinion by means of a reduction gear. The other input of the differential gear carries a location disk with city indications, which is rotated by a correction rod.

When the part is operating normally, the locus disk remains stationary, and the differential gear acts as a simple reference, the hour hand of the time zone being driven from the hour canon. During a user action on the correction rod, the city disc is rotated and the differential gear simultaneously drives the hour hand of the time zone. Thanks to the use of a differential gear, this modification of the angular position of the hour hand of the time zone does not substantially apply undesirable torque to the gear train. However, this arrangement does not ensure the correct indexing between the minute hand and the hour of the time zone, which can thus take an inappropriate angular position if the user does not make the adjustment with sufficient care .

The document EP 2,663,902 describes a display device whose correction system allows the correction of two pieces of information simultaneously, and the correction of one or the other of these pieces of information individually. In this device, the first display member is conventionally driven, and the other is integral in rotation with the output of a differential gear. One of the inputs of this differential gear is driven by the gear train which drives the first display member, and the other is integral in rotation with a correction star. Furthermore, a braking system is provided, which prevents the drive of the second display member when the user wants to correct the first display member alone.

However, one of the aims of this device is to be able, if necessary, to decouple the two display members and thus allow their phase shift, which is advantageous for certain applications. However, for other applications, such as an indication of the hours and minutes, or an indication of the time in several time zones, such a phase shift is not desired and is even contraindicated.

Finally, yet another quick fix system is revealed by the document EP 2,615,506 this document describing a movement which may include two such systems in parallel.

Disclosure of invention

A main object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, by proposing a display device for a clockwork movement which allows a correction of two indications linked to time according to several correction modes, and this without generating no phase shift of the indications.

To this end, the present invention relates more particularly to a display device for a clockwork movement, said display device comprising a first gear intended to be driven by a motor member that comprises said movement, such as a housed motor spring. in a barrel, an electric motor or the like, and a main correction device arranged to selectively drive said first gear. The device further comprises a first corrector gear comprising a first input arranged to be driven by said first gear, a second input intended to be manually driven in steps, and an output arranged to drive a first member for displaying a first indication related to time, such as minutes. This first corrector gear can for example be a differential gear or a rapid corrector of the kind commonly used in time display devices according to two time zones.

According to the invention, the display device also comprises a second corrector gear, which can be similar or different from said first corrector gear, and which comprises a first input arranged to be driven by said output of said first corrector gear. The second corrective gear is thus downstream of the first corrective gear. It also includes a second input intended to be manually driven in steps, and an output arranged to drive a second member for displaying a second indication related to time, such as the hours.

Consequently, the user has three choices for correcting the display: either all the indications continuously by through said main correction device, either at the level of the first corrector, which thus corrects the first indication in steps and consequently causes the second indication, or finally exclusively at the level of the second indication. This last correction only corrects the second indication, without influencing the first, and therefore makes it possible to maintain the indexing of the indications.

Advantageously, at least one (or even each) of the correcting gears comprises an input wheel mounted idly on an axis and acting as the first input, said axis (or a wheel integral in rotation with the latter) acting as output , a star, a saw tooth wheel or any other suitable toothing mounted integral in rotation with said axis, said star respectively saw tooth wheel acting as second entry, and a jumper connecting said entry wheel and said star respectively said saw tooth wheel. The star, or the sawtooth wheel, if applicable, is arranged to be manually pivoted in discrete steps relative to said input wheel so as to be able to correct the corresponding indication in steps, for example by means of a lever, a hook, or a finger of a mobile. A simple and compact step-by-step correction system is thus proposed as a correction gear.

• un premier mobile d'entrée faisant office de première entrée, qui comprend par exemple une première roue solaire ;
• un deuxième mobile d'entrée en liaison cinématique avec une étoile ou une roue à dent de scie et faisant office de deuxième entrée, ledit deuxième mobile d'entrée comprenant par exemple une deuxième roue solaire ;
• un sautoir destiné à être monté sur un élément fixe tel qu'un élément de bâti et agencé pour positionner angulairement ladite étoile, respectivement ladite roue à dent de scie, par rapport audit élément fixe ;
• une sortie en liaison cinématique avec chacun desdits mobiles d'entrée, comprenant par exemple un porte-satellite portant au moins un pignon satellite engrenant avec chacun des premiers et deuxièmes mobiles d'entrée.

Alternatively, at least one of the corrective gears comprises a differential gear comprising:

• a first entry mobile acting as the first entry, which comprises for example a first solar wheel;
• a second input mobile in kinematic connection with a star or a saw tooth wheel and acting as a second input, said second input mobile comprising for example a second solar wheel;
• a jumper intended to be mounted on a fixed element such as a frame element and arranged to angularly position said star, respectively said sawtooth wheel, relative to said fixed element;
• an output in kinematic connection with each of said input mobiles, comprising for example a satellite carrier carrying at least one satellite pinion meshing with each of the first and second input mobiles.

Advantageously, a display member, such as a needle, a disc or the like, is carried directly by an axis integral in rotation with said outlet, for example of said planet carrier. No intermediate element is thus necessary.

Advantageously, said star respectively said sawtooth wheel is integral in rotation with said second input mobile, for example with said second sun wheel. A simple and compact construction is thus proposed.

Advantageously, said main correction device, which comprises for example a time-setting rod, a rotating base, a rotating bezel or any other element making it possible to perform this function, is arranged to selectively drive said first gear via a clutch, which can be arranged to be engaged via an additional control member.

The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising a display device as defined above, as well as a timepiece comprising such a movement.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente un diagramme schématique et simplifié d'un dispositif d'affichage selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue en coupe latérale schématique simplifiée d'une variante d'un engrenage correcteur ;
• la figure 3 représente une vue en coupe latérale schématique simplifiée d'une autre variante d'un engrenage correcteur ; et
• les figures 4 à 6 représentent des vues en perspectives d'un mode de réalisation concret d'un dispositif d'affichage selon l'invention.

Other characteristics 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 appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples and in which:

• the figure 1 represents a schematic and simplified diagram of a display device according to the invention;
• the figure 2 shows a simplified schematic side sectional view of a variant of a corrective gear;
• the figure 3 shows a simplified schematic side sectional view of another variant of a corrective gear; and
• the figures 4 to 6 represent perspective views of a concrete embodiment of a display device according to the invention.

Mode (s) of Carrying Out the Invention

In the following description, similar structures are represented by the same reference signs in order to facilitate understanding.

The figure 1 schematically illustrates the principle of the invention in the context of a timepiece movement 1. This movement 1 comprises, as generally known, a motor member 3 in kinematic connection with a regulating member 5, by means of a gear train finishing 7. The regulating member 5 may for example be a conventional balance-spring assembly associated with any escapement, a tourbillon, a carousel, an inertial flywheel or even an electronic or electromechanical regulating member. Similarly, the drive member 3 can be a drive spring stored in a barrel, an electric motor or the like.

The drive member 3 also drives a display device 9 according to the invention. This display device comprises a first gear 11, driven by the drive member 3 by means of a friction mobile 13. The friction drive 13 serves to disengage the drive member from the first gear 11 when the latter is driven by a main correction device 15, such as for example a time-setting rod, a telescope or a rotating bottom (e) or the like. The main correction device 15 is selectively kinematically linked to the first gear 11 by means of a time-setting train 16 when a clutch 18 is engaged under the control of an actuator 17. The clutch 18 can for example be a pull system actuated by pulling on a time-setting rod (the rod itself also serving as actuator 17 in such a case), a sliding pinion 18a or tilting pinion actuated by an additional actuator such as a targette, pusher, or the like.

Furthermore, the friction mobile 13 can be replaced by a differential gear or by a conventional clutch of the type commonly used in a chronograph mechanism.

Consequently, manipulation of the main correction device 15 acts on all of the display device 9 which is located downstream of the friction mobile 13, and allows correction of the display member in a “conventional” manner, ie that is to say continuously, maintaining the indexing of the device.

Downstream of the friction mobile 13 is a first corrector gear 19, comprising two inputs 19a, 19b and an output 19c. The first of these inputs 19a is in kinematic connection with the first gear 11, while the other input 19b is arranged to be driven so step-by-step following an action by a user (for example by means of a pusher represented diagrammatically by the arrow with rounded end) via a first step-by-step corrector 21. This step corrector -à-pas 21, also known as “rapid corrector”, allows an indication to be corrected in steps, typically corresponding to a division of the quantity indicated by the associated display member.

The first corrector gear 19 can be a differential gear, as shown diagrammatically on the figures 1 and 3 , and incorporated into the concrete embodiment set out below in connection with the figures 4 to 6 . Alternatively, this corrective gear 19 can be a corrective mobile of the type illustrated schematically and in simplified form on the figure 2 .

The corrector mobile 19 of the figure 2 comprises an axis of rotation 25 on which is mounted for an input mobile 27, driven by said first gear 11 and serving as the first input 19a. The input mobile 27 is kinematically linked to a star 29 (or the like) by means of a jumper 31, said star 29 acting as second input 19b. Alternatively, the star can be replaced by a saw tooth wheel (see below). This jumper allows the input wheel 27 to drive the star 29 when the torque exerted between the latter two is less than a predetermined value. The star 29 and an output wheel 33 are integral in rotation with the axis 25, the latter directly or indirectly driving a first display member 23. For example, the first display member 23 can be worn directly by the axis 25, which also therefore serves as an output 19c, or can be driven via said output wheel 33. In the context of the present invention, the first display member 23 can indicate the minutes of the time, but any other indication related to time is also possible. The output wheel 33 can be omitted if it is superfluous.

In order to rotate the star 29 relative to the input mobile 27 at the rate of one step, the first step corrector 21 comprises a rocker 35 pivotally mounted on a frame element (not illustrated), said lever 35 being controlled by any control member 37 (for example a push button, a targette or the like). Alternatively, the lever 35 can be replaced by an actuating finger carried by a rotating mobile. When the user actuates the control member 37, the end of the lever 35 enters the toothing of the star 29 in order to rotate it so that it overcomes the effect of the jumper 31, which falls back into the following gap between two teeth in order to reposition the star 29 relative to the input mobile 27. In doing so, the axis 25 as well as the output wheel 33 rotate with an angular pitch corresponding to that of the teeth of the star 29. The indication of the corresponding display member 23, and that of any display member 61 downstream in the kinematic chain, is thus modified. In the case where the star has been replaced by a sawtooth wheel, said lever 35 may include a hook arranged for driving said wheel, in known manner.

Since the jumper 31 disengages the input wheel 27 from the star 29 at the time of the rapid correction, an operation of the first step-by-step corrector 21 has very little, if any, influence upstream of said input wheel 27.

On the other hand, if the user engages the main correction device 15 and pivots it, the first corrector gear 19 serves as a gear, its second input remaining inactive since the star 29 is held in rotation with the input mobile 27 by l intermediate of the jumper 31. This pivoting will therefore cause a continuous adjustment of the first display member 23, as well as any display member 61 downstream of the first corrector gear 19.

The figure 3 illustrates schematically and in simplified form a variant of the first corrector gear 19 which comprises a differential gear 41. In this variant, the differential gear 41 is spherical, but can also be flat, all the axes of rotation of the pivoting elements being mutually parallel and perpendicular to the plane of the differential gear.

The first input 19a is constituted by a first input mobile comprising a sun wheel 43, which is driven by said first gear 11, and is provided with a toothing for this purpose. The second input 19b is constituted by a second input mobile comprising a second solar wheel 45, which is integral in rotation with a star 47. As above, the star 47 can be replaced by a saw tooth wheel, if necessary.

The star 47 is positioned in one of its discrete angular positions by means of a jumper 31, mounted on a fixed element of the frame 49.

The output 19c of the differential gear 41 is formed by a planet carrier 51, which carries one or more satellites 53 in a known manner, the latter meshing on either side with said solar wheels 43, 45. The planet carrier 51 is integral in rotation with an axis 25, which can be integral in rotation with said first display member 23.

During normal operation of the display device 9, the star 47 remains stationary relative to the frame 49. In order to carry out a rapid correction, the first step-by-step corrector 21 comprises a rocker 35, controlled by a member for any control 37 (for example a push button, a targette or the like), which rotates the star 47 relative to the frame 49. When the user actuates the control member 37, the end of the lever 35 enters the toothing of the star 47 in order to rotate it so that it overcomes the effect of the jumper 31, which then falls back into the next gap between two teeth in order to reposition the star 47 relative to the frame 49 In doing so, the planet carrier 51 as well as the axis 25 pivot with an angular pitch corresponding to half that of the teeth of the star 47, since the first entry 19a can be considered to be almost immobile by relative to the speed of rotation of the two xth entry 19b. The indication of the corresponding display member 23, and that of any display member 39 downstream in the kinematic chain, is thus modified, and the components upstream are not influenced by this correction. As is the case for the figure 2 , in the case where the star has been replaced by a sawtooth wheel, said lever 35 may include a hook arranged for driving said wheel, in known manner.

On the other hand, if the user engages the main correction device 15 and pivots it, the differential gear constituting the first correcting gear 19 serves as a reference, since its second input remains stationary. This pivoting will therefore result in a continuous adjustment of the first display member 23 with a reduction in rotational speed by a factor of two.

Now returning to the figure 1 and continuing downstream along the gear train, the output 19c of the first corrector gear 19 causes a second gear 55, which is kinematically linked to a first input 57a of a second corrector gear 57, similar in shape to said first corrector gear 19, mutatis mutandis, for example according to one of the schematic variants of figures 2 and 3 . The second input 57b of this second corrector gear 57 is in kinematic connection with a second stepper corrector 59, similar to the first 23. Finally, the output 57c of the second corrector gear 57 directly or indirectly drives a second display member 61. In the case where the second corrective gear 57 resumes the shape of the figure 2 and the second display member 61 is integral in rotation with the axis 25, no output wheel 33 is necessary if the train ends with this display member 61.

The figures 4 to 6 schematically represent a concrete embodiment of a display device 9 according to the invention. This embodiment uses corrective gears 19, 57 constituted by differential gears according to the figure 3 , but the modifications necessary to use corrective gears 19, 57 according to the figure 2 are within the reach of the skilled person. Furthermore, it is also possible to integrate one of each type of corrective gear 19, 57, if necessary.

A drive member 3 drives the first train 11 via a friction mobile 13. This friction mobile 13 comprises, on the one hand, a friction wheel 13a meshing with a toothing of the drum 3a of the drive member , and on the other hand a pinion 13b. The latter drives said first train 11, and is also in kinematic connection with a time-setting train 16. The latter is in selective kinematic connection with a time-setting rod 15 via a clutch comprising a sliding pinion 18a. This sliding pinion 18a selectively meshes with a wheel 16a forming part of said time-setting train 16, its position along the time-setting rod 15 being controlled by a lever 17 driven by a control member (not illustrated) such as a pusher, targette or the like.

When the sliding pinion 18a is engaged, the user can drive the first gear 11, which ensures the correction of the display members continuously, the friction 13 preventing an application of a harmful torque on the finishing gear (not illustrated). ), which is also driven by the driving member 3.

Following the first gear 11 in the downstream direction, its last wheel meshes with a first input mobile 19a of the first corrector gear 19. In the illustrated variant, the first corrector gear 19 is a spherical differential gear. It goes without saying that other differential gear constructions (planar, bevel, ...) are also possible. As illustrated, this differential gear comprises a first input mobile comprising a first solar wheel with edge teeth, a second input mobile 19b comprising a second solar wheel also with edge teeth, and an output mobile 19c with a satellite carrier. As generally known, the satellite carrier carries at least one satellite pinion (hidden in the figures by other elements) meshing on either side with the respective edge teeth of the two solar wheels. The planet carrier is integral in rotation with an axis 19d, which can directly carry a first display member 23. Alternatively, this display member 23 can be located on another mobile so that it is driven by the axis 19d or the output mobile 19c. In the illustrated variant, the planet carrier of the output mobile 19c is provided with peripheral toothing, but another wheel, integral in rotation with the axis 19d and / or the output mobile 19c may be provided.

The second input mobile 19b is integral in rotation with a sawtooth wheel 47a, which is angularly positioned by means of a jumper 31a fixed on the frame (not shown). Alternatively, the saw tooth wheel can be replaced by a star. Again alternatively, the sawtooth wheel 47a (or the star, if applicable) can be on another mobile in kinematic connection with said second input mobile 19b. In the illustrated variant, the first display member 23 indicates the minutes, and therefore the saw tooth wheel 47a has 30 teeth, in order to be able to modify the angular position of the first display member 23 in steps of 1/60 ^th of a turn.

During normal operation of the display device 9, the saw tooth wheel 47a remains stationary, and the first corrector gear 19 serves as a reference, the first display member 23 is driven normally by the driving member and / or by the main correction device 15 in the event of continuous correction.

The display device 9 also comprises a rocker 35a serving as the first step-by-step corrector 21. As clearly visible on the Figures 4 and 5 , if the lever 35a is pivoted so that its free end penetrates into the teeth of the sawtooth wheel 47a, the latter is pivoted one step relative to the frame, and is repositioned in its new angular position by l 'intermediate jumper 31a. Consequently, the output mobile 19c is advanced by a pitch of an angle representing half the angular pitch of the sawtooth, as explained above.

The output mobile 19c also drives the second gear 55. Consequently, not only a correction via the main correction device 15, but also a step-by-step correction via the rocker 35a is transmitted to this second cog 55.

The second gear 55 leads to the second corrector gear 57, which is of similar construction to said first corrector gear 19, and is reproduced on an enlarged scale on the figure 5 .

The input mobile 57a is driven by the second gear 55, and the second input 57b is integral in rotation with a star 47b, for which the same comments made above in the context of the sawtooth wheel 47a s apply mutatis mutandis. Since the second display member 61 displays the hours in the illustrated embodiment, the star 47b has six vertices, in order to be able to modify the angular position of the second display member in steps of 1/12 ^th of a revolution . This star 47b is also angularly positioned by means of a jumper 31b, secured to a fixed element (not illustrated), and can be driven in rotation by steps by a user action on a rocker 35b, the free end can penetrate the teeth of star 47b in order to advance it in a known manner.

Similarly to the first display member 23, the second display member 61 is integral in rotation with an axis 57d, itself integral in rotation with the planet carrier 57c which acts as an output mobile. Again, this display member 61 may alternatively be located on a separate mobile, driven directly or indirectly by the planet carrier 57c.

In this variant, since the second corrective gear does not drive other elements of the mechanism, the planet carrier 57c has no teeth. Furthermore, a rapid correction of the second display member 23 has no influence on the first display member 23, since the latter is upstream of the first in the kinematic chain.

Several variants of this concrete embodiment are possible. For example, one or the other or even both of the correcting gears 19, 57 can be replaced by a correcting gear of the type shown in the figure 2 . Stars and sawtooth wheels can be used interchangeably for elements 47a and 47b. The flip-flops 35a, 35b can each be replaced by a sliding bolt, or even a correction finger mounted on a rotating mobile. The planet carrier 19c respectively 57c of one or more of the differential gears 19, 57 can be used as an input, one of the associated solar wheels serving as an input. Furthermore, the display device 9 can be arranged to indicate different time divisions, for example the days of the week and the number of the week (for example according to the DIN standard), the months, the years, the phases of moon, tides, and generally any periodic cycle.

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

Claims (10)

1. Display device (9) for a timepiece movement (1), the said display device (9) comprising:

   - a first gear train (11) intended to be driven by a drive member (3) that the said movement (1) comprises;

   - a main correction device (15) arranged to selectively drive the said first gear train (11);

   - a first correcting gear train (19) comprising a first input (19a; 27; 43) arranged to be driven by the said first gear train (11), a second input (19b; 29; 45) intended to be driven stepwise manually, and an output (19c; 25, 33; 25, 51) arranged to drive a first display member (23) of a first indication relating to the time;

   - a second correcting gear train (57);

   characterized in that the said second correcting gear train (57) is situated kinematically downstream of the said first correcting gear train (19), the said second correcting gear train (57) comprising a first input (57a) arranged to be driven by the said output (19c; 25, 33; 25; 51) of the said first correcting gear train (19), a second input (57b) intended to be driven stepwise manually, and an output (57c) arranged to drive a second display member (61) of a second indication relating to the time.
2. Display device (9) according to Claim 1, in which at least one of the correcting gear trains (19; 57) comprises:

   - an input wheel (27) mounted to turn freely on a staff (25) and acting as the said first input (19a; 57a), the said staff (25), or a wheel (33) rotating as one with the said staff (25) acting as the said output (19c, 57c);

   - a star (29) or a saw-tooth wheel mounted to rotate as one with the said staff (25) and arranged to be pivoted stepwise in discrete steps manually with respect to the said input wheel (27), the said star (29) or, respectively, saw-tooth wheel, acting as the said second input (19b; 57b);

   - a jumper (31) connecting the said input wheel (27) and the said star (29) or, respectively, the said saw-tooth wheel.
3. Display device (9) according to Claim 1, in which at least one of the correcting gear trains (19; 57) comprises a differential gear train (41) comprising:

   - a first input gear (43; 19a; 57a) acting as the said first input (19a; 57a) and comprising a first sun wheel (43);

   - a second input gear (45, 47; 19b; 57b) acting as the said second input (19b; 57b) and kinematically connected to a star 47; 47b) or a saw-tooth wheel (47a) ;

   - a jumper (31) intended to be mounted on a fixed element (49) of the movement (1) and arranged to position the said star (47; 47b) or, respectively, the said saw-tooth wheel (47a), angularly;

   - an output (25, 33; 19c; 57c) kinematically connected to each of the said input gears (43, 45; 19a, 19b; 57a, 57b).
4. Display device (9) according to Claim 3, in which the said first input gear (43; 19a; 57a) comprises a first sun wheel, the said second input gear (45; 19b; 57b) comprises a second sun wheel, and the said output (51; 19c; 57c) comprises a planet carrier bearing at least one planet pinion (53) meshing simultaneously with both the first (43; 19a; 57a) and the second (45; 19b; 57b) input gears.
5. Display device (9) according to one of Claims 3 and 4, in which the said output (51; 19c; 57c) rotates as one with a staff (25) bearing a display member (23; 61).
6. Display device (9) according to one of Claims 4 and 5, in which the said star (47; 47b) or, respectively, the said saw-tooth wheel (47a), rotates as one with the said second input gear (45; 19b; 57b).
7. Display device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the said device for correcting the indications relating to the time (15) is arranged to selectively drive the said first gear train (11) via a clutch (18).
8. Display device (9) according to Claim 7, in which the said clutch (18) is arranged to be engaged by means of an actuator (17) comprising an additional control member.
9. Timepiece movement (1) comprising a display device (9) according to one of the preceding claims.
10. Timepiece comprising a timepiece movement (1) according to Claim 9.

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