EP3486732A1 - Device for selecting a combination of patterns and timepiece comprising such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for selecting a combination of patterns, in particular for a timepiece, comprising: –ª A first disk, called internal (DI), and a second disk, called external (DE), coaxial, the internal disk (DI) being of smaller diameter than the external disk (DE), the disks (DI, DE ) comprising a plurality of angular sectors of the same size, at least two angular sectors of each disc (DI, DE) bearing a pattern (A, B, C; D, E, F) on their periphery (HI, HE) –ª Actuation means allowing rotation of the internal disc (DI), and gear means coupling the two discs (DI, DE) according to a reduction ratio –ª A dial (CD) extending opposite the internal disc (DI), the dial (CD) comprising an aperture (GC) making it possible to match a pattern (A, B, C) of the disc internal (DI) and a pattern (D, E, F) of the external disk (DE), the device being such that a complete rotation of the internal disc (DI) causes a rotation of the external disc (DE) by 1 angular sector, the size of the window (GC) being large enough so that each pattern (D, E, F) of the external disc (DE) is successively in correspondence with all the patterns (A, B, C) of the internal disc (DI) when the internal disc (DI) is rotated.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to the field of function selection devices represented by patterns, for example logos. Such a device can be integrated with a timepiece of the wristwatch type, and for example be used in the context of bank payments.

Background of the invention

Payment watches have recently appeared on the market, opening a new era for credit payments, making the payment of small purchases faster and more convenient than searching through the pockets for money. Such a watch is conventionally equipped with a device for selecting a combination of payment options, each option being for example represented by a pattern (or logo). It is for example possible to select and display a type of credit card (Visa, Mastercard ...), a type of bank account (account for household expenses, account for personal expenses ...), etc. .

For aesthetic reasons and / or economy, it is desirable to avoid the use of a screen. In fact, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) have a limited aesthetic rendering, while organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screens or similar technology are expensive and consume a lot of energy. In addition, an impact screen the overall aesthetic of a watch, giving it a less watchmaking look that may displease.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a pattern selection device, having no display screen, simple and inexpensive to achieve.

• ▪ Un premier disque, dit interne, et un deuxième disque, dit externe, coaxiaux, le disque interne étant de diamètre plus faible que le disque externe, les disques comportant une pluralité de secteurs angulaires de même taille, au moins deux secteurs angulaires de chaque disque portant un motif sur leur périphérie,
• ▪ Des moyens d'actionnement permettant une mise en rotation du disque interne, et des moyens d'engrenage couplant les deux disques selon un rapport de réduction,
• ▪ Un cadran s'étendant en vis-à-vis du disque interne, le cadran comprenant un guichet permettant de mettre en correspondance un motif du disque interne et un motif du disque externe.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for selecting a combination of patterns, in particular for a timepiece, comprising:

• ▪ A first disk, said internal, and a second disk, said external, coaxial, the inner disk being of smaller diameter than the outer disk, the disks having a plurality of angular sectors of the same size, at least two angular sectors of each disc bearing a pattern on their periphery,
• ▪ Actuating means for rotating the inner disk, and gear means coupling the two disks in a reduction ratio,
• ▪ A dial extending vis-à-vis the inner disk, the dial comprising a window for matching a pattern of the internal disk and a pattern of the outer disk.

The device is such that a complete rotation of the inner disk causes rotation of the outer disk of one angular sector, the size of the window being large enough that each pattern of the outer disk is successively in correspondence with all the patterns of the internal disk when the inner disk is rotated.

The device according to the invention is a coaxial counter with two disks, inspired by the operating principle of a hours and minutes counter. The external disk rotates more slowly than the internal disk, it is comparable to an hour wheel. The internal disk is, in turn, comparable to a minute wheel. However, it is noted that the reduction ratio between the internal disk and the external disk is not necessarily as 12 as is the case of a conventional hour / minute counter. The reduction ratio depends on the number of patterns on the disks and the location of these patterns. A reduction ratio of M means that a 360 ° rotation of the driving disk (here, the internal disk) causes a rotation of 360 / M ° of the driven disk (here, the outer disk).

As for a hour / minute counter, a complete rotation of the inner disk causes rotation of an angular sector of the outer disk. To advance the external disk one step without changing the angular sector of the internal disk located in the window (so as to modify information - a pattern or possibly a space without a pattern (called empty) - given by the external disk through the window, without changing the information given through the window by the internal disk), it is sufficient to impose a rotation of 360 ° to the internal disk. On the other hand, each rotation of an angular sector of the internal disk advances the outer disk of a fraction of angular sector dependent on the reduction ratio, the reduction ratio itself depending on the number of angular sectors of the outer disk. To modify the information given through the window by the internal disk without changing the information given through the window by the outer disk, it is therefore necessary that the window is large enough so that all the reasons carried by the internal disk can successively scroll through the window without impacting the information displayed via the external disk. By "scrolling patterns of the internal disk" means a successive passage, and only one, patterns of the internal disk in the window. Scrolling patterns of the internal disk is not necessarily equivalent to a complete revolution of the internal disk.

Note that it is conceivable that the ratio between the driving disk (the internal disk) and the driven disk (the outer disk) is a multiplication ratio instead of a reduction ratio. In this case, the drive disk (the internal drive) would run slower than the drive drive (the external drive).

• ▪ Un premier disque, dit interne, et un deuxième disque, dit externe, coaxiaux, le disque interne étant de diamètre plus faible que le disque externe, les disques comportant une pluralité de secteurs angulaires de même taille, au moins deux secteurs angulaires de chaque disque portant un motif sur leur périphérie
• ▪ Des moyens d'actionnement permettant une mise en rotation du disque externe, et des moyens d'engrenage couplant les deux disques selon un rapport de multiplication
• ▪ Un cadran s'étendant en vis-à-vis du disque interne, le cadran comprenant un guichet permettant de mettre en correspondance un motif du disque interne et un motif du disque externe.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for selecting a combination of patterns, in particular for a timepiece, comprising:

• ▪ A first disk, said internal, and a second disk, said external, coaxial, the inner disk being of smaller diameter than the outer disk, the disks having a plurality of angular sectors of the same size, at least two angular sectors of each disc with a motif on their periphery
• ▪ Actuating means for rotating the outer disk, and gear means coupling the two disks in a multiplication ratio
• ▪ A dial extending vis-à-vis the inner disk, the dial comprising a window for matching a pattern of the internal disk and a pattern of the outer disk.

The device is such that a rotation of the outer disk of 1 angular sector causes a complete rotation of the inner disk, the size of the window being large enough that each pattern of the outer disk is successively in correspondence with all the patterns of the internal disk when the outer disk is rotated.

The difference with the invention according to the first aspect is that the driving disk is the external disk and the driven disk is the internal disk. Note that it is conceivable that the ratio between the driving disk (the outer disk) and the driven disk (the inner disk) is a reduction ratio instead of a multiplication ratio. In this case, the drive drive (the external drive) would run slower than the drive drive (the internal drive).

In the selection devices according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the actuating means and the gear means make it possible to rotate the internal and external disks together. The actuating means are for example actuated by an electric motor. Thus, it avoids using multiple motors to rotate the external and internal disks separately. Thanks to the invention, space and weight gain are obtained by reducing the number of motors required to operate the display device. These gains are particularly advantageous for a timepiece.

The device according to the first aspect or the second aspect may comprise the following additional features, taken alone or in any technically possible combination.

Advantageously, each angular sector of the outer disk carries a pattern is preceded and followed by an angular sector carrying a space without a pattern.

As explained above, thanks to an appropriate size of the window, all the patterns carried by the internal disk can successively scroll in the window without changing the information (a pattern or possibly a vacuum) given by the cooperation of the window and the external disk. It is understood that during a scrolling patterns of the internal disk, a pattern of the outer disk displayed in the window does not remain centered in said window: it moves between a first end and a second end of the window. Surround each pattern carried by the outer disk of voids avoids a portion of another pattern of the outer disk appears in the window when scrolling patterns of the internal disk. The patterns carried by the outer disk can also be of the largest possible size, which helps their readability.

Advantageously, one of two angular sectors of the outer disk carries a pattern.

With this feature, the outer disk carries as many patterns as possible.

In one embodiment of the first aspect or second aspect, the inner disk carries at most 4 patterns, preferably two or three.

Indeed, the larger the number of patterns carried by the internal disk, the greater the size of the window must be large. Limiting the number of reasons to four or even two or three, therefore limits the size of the window.

In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, at least one angular sector of the inner disk carries a space without a pattern.

With this feature, when all the patterns of the internal disk have run once through the window, at least one empty space (without a pattern) is displayed in the window before the first pattern of the internal disk is displayed again. This prevents that in at least one position, a pattern of the inner disk is in correspondence with two portions of different patterns of the outer disk.

In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the patterns of the inner disk are disposed on consecutive angular sectors, a first pattern and a final pattern of the inner disk being separated by at least one angular sector carrying a space without a pattern.

This feature avoids a pattern of the inner disk and two portions of patterns of the outer disk are simultaneously in the window.

The device according to the first aspect or the second aspect comprises a single motor for operating together the internal and external disks via the gear means and the actuating means.

The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a payment watch, comprising such a device for selecting patterns.

Brief description of the drawings

• ▪ la figure 1 est une vue de côté du dispositif de sélection d'une combinaison de motifs, selon le premier aspect de l'invention
• ▪ les figures 2a à 2e sont des vues de dessus des disques et du guichet du dispositif de la figure 1, représentant des positions successives des disques lors d'une rotation complète du disque interne
• ▪ la figure 3 est une vue de côté du dispositif de sélection d'une combinaison de motifs, selon le deuxième aspect de l'invention.

Other particularities and advantages will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• ▪ the figure 1 is a side view of the selection device of a combination of patterns, according to the first aspect of the invention
• ▪ the FIGS. 2a to 2e are top views of the disks and the device window of the figure 1 , representing successive positions of the disks during a complete rotation of the internal disk
• ▪ the figure 3 is a side view of the selection device of a combination of patterns, according to the second aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

• ▪ un premier disque, dénommé disque interne DI
• ▪ un deuxième disque, dénommé disque externe DE, coaxial avec le disque interne DI et de diamètre supérieur au disque interne DI.
• ▪ un cadran CD comportant un guichet GC, c'est-à-dire une ouverture traversante, le cadran CD étant disposé de sorte que le disque interne DI se trouve entre le cadran CD et le disque externe DE.

The figure 1 shows a pattern selection device, in particular for a timepiece, according to a first aspect of the invention. The device comprises:

• ▪ a first disk, called internal disk DI
• ▪ a second disk, called external disk DE, coaxial with the inner disk DI and larger diameter than the inner disk DI.
• ▪ a CD dial having a GC window, that is to say a through opening, the CD dial being arranged so that the inner disk DI is between the CD dial and the outer disk DE.

Since the outer disk DE has a larger diameter than the inner disk DI, an annular peripheral portion HE of the outer disk DE is next to the dial CD. On this portion, patterns are represented. Similarly, on an annular peripheral portion HI of the inner disk DI, patterns are shown.

More specifically, the peripheral portions of the disks DI, DE comprise a plurality of angular sectors of the same size, and at least two angular sectors of each disk carry a pattern. A "pattern" or a patternless space (also called a vacuum) is called a "symbol". Each angular sector thus bears a symbol. The GC desk is arranged to be next to a symbol of the internal disk DI and a symbol of the external disk DE to match them. Through the GC window, we can see a combination of two symbols.

• ▪ des moyens d'actionnement du disque interne DI, permettant de faire tourner le disque interne DI d'un angle désiré. Il s'agit par exemple d'un ensemble comprenant par exemple une tige actionnable (non représentée), un disque D1 pouvant être entraîné par la tige, et un pignon P1 engrenant avec le disque D1 et solidaire en rotation du disque interne DI
• ▪ des moyens d'engrenage entre le disque interne DI et le disque externe DE, pour imposer un rapport de réduction entre le disque interne DI (menant) et le disque externe DE (mené). Il s'agit par exemple d'un ensemble comprenant le pignon P1, le disque D1, un pignon P2 solidaire en rotation du disque D1, et un disque D2 engrenant avec le pignon P2 et solidaire en rotation du disque externe DE.

The device further comprises:

• ▪ means for actuating the internal disk DI, for rotating the internal disk DI by a desired angle. This is for example an assembly comprising for example an actuatable rod (not shown), a disk D1 which can be driven by the rod, and a pinion P1 meshing with the disk D1 and integral in rotation of the inner disk DI
• ▪ gearing means between the inner disk DI and the outer disk DE, to impose a reduction ratio between the inner disk DI (leading) and the outer disk DE (led). This is for example an assembly comprising the pinion P1, the disk D1, a pinion P2 integral in rotation with the disk D1, and a disk D2 meshing with the pinion P2 and integral in rotation with the outer disk DE.

Furthermore, the internal disk DI of the selection device is connected, via a chain comprising disks and pinions, to a rotor RT of an electric motor. The chain comprises, for example, a disk D3 integral in rotation with the inner disk DI, a pinion P3 meshing with the disk D3, a disk D4 integral in rotation with the pinion P3, a pinion P4 meshing with the disk D4, and a disk D5 integral with rotation of pinion P4. The motor thus makes it possible to rotate the internal and external disks together. Only one engine is enough to operate both drives.

According to the invention, a complete rotation of the inner disk DI causes a rotation of the outer disk DE of 1 angular sector. In addition, the size of the GC window is large enough that each pattern of the outer disk DE is successively in correspondence with all the patterns of the internal disk DI when the inner disk DI is rotated.

For example, FIGS. 2a to 2e show an embodiment in which the inner disk DI has four angular sectors, three of which bear patterns A, B, C and a door empty space Ø. As for the outer disk, it has eight angular sectors, three of which have patterns D, E, F and five have empty spaces Ø. In an initial position, the combination AD is displayed in the GC window. As the DI internal disk rotates, the following combinations are displayed:
BD ( figure 2b ) - CD ( Figure 2c ) - Ø D // E ( figure 2d ) - AE ( figure 2e ), etc.

D // E means that the window GC is facing a half of the pattern D and a half of the pattern E. It is therefore noted that a complete revolution of the inner disk DI has advanced the outer disk DE of an angular sector. Note also that the GC window is large enough that the symbol D has found successively in correspondence with the patterns A, B and C during the rotation of the internal disk DI.

It is noted that leaving an empty angular sector between the angular sectors of the disk bearing the patterns A, B, C has prevented that at the figure 2d , a pattern of the internal disk is found against the halves of patterns D // E of the outer disk.

Advantageously, each pattern of the outer disk DE is preceded and followed by a vacuum. In other words, the angular sectors surrounding an angular sector carrying a pattern carry empty spaces. Such a configuration would in particular have prevented figure 2d a portion of the pattern D and a portion of the pattern E are simultaneously in the GC window.

Advantageously, one of two angular sectors of the outer disk carries a pattern, in order to maximize the number of possible combinations selectable via the device.

Advantageously, the inner disk carries at most 4 patterns, advantageously two or three. Indeed, it is understood that for a given number of patterns on the outer disk, the more the internal disk has patterns, plus the window must be large so that each pattern of the outer disk can be successively in correspondence with each of the disk patterns internal.

In an alternative embodiment shown in figure 3 and corresponding to a second aspect of the invention, the actuating means drive the outer disk DE instead of driving the disk internal DI. The actuating means of the inner disk DE then comprise for example an actuable rod (not shown), a disk D6 that can be driven by the rod, and a pinion P6 meshing with the disk D6 and integral in rotation with the outer disk DE.

In the case where the actuating means drive the outer disk DE, it is necessary to establish a multiplication ratio M between the outer disk DE (leading) and the internal disk DI (led). The gear means comprise for example the pinion P6, the disk D6, a pinion P7 integral in rotation with the disk D6, and a disk D7 meshing with the pinion P7 and integral in rotation with the inner disk DI.

In addition, the external disk DE of the selection device is connected, via a chain comprising disks and pinions, to the rotor RT. The chain includes, for example, the pinion P6, a disk D8 integral in rotation with the pinion P6, a pinion P8 meshing with the disk D8, a disk D9 integral with the pinion P8, a pinion P9 meshing with the disk D9, and a disk D10 in rotation with the pinion P9.

However, apart from these differences, the operating principle remains unchanged from the first aspect of the invention.

The invention also relates to a timepiece, not shown in the figures, the part comprising a pattern selection device as described above, and which can operate according to the first aspect or the second aspect of the invention. In particular, the timepiece may be a payment watch in which the selection device makes it possible to select means of payment. The reasons are, for example, reasons of the type of credit card (Visa, Mastercard or other), carried for example by the internal disk, and reasons bank accounts, type of purchase or currency in which the payment is carried out, for example by the outer disk. Thus, the wearer of the watch selects the card and the account or the currency with which he wants pay, matching the corresponding patterns of each disc in the window of the dial.

The selection device is, for example, connected to a payment system integrated with the payment watch, the system not being shown in the drawings. Thus, the wearer of the watch selects patterns through the selection device and operates the payment via the integrated payment system, which transmits banking data, for example to a bank payment terminal.

In a first particular embodiment, the selection device comprises coding means arranged under the internal and external disks for transmitting the selection information to the payment system. The encoding means are for example optical or capacitive means configured to determine the position of the discs, and therefore the patterns selected by the user.

In a second particular embodiment, the selection device comprises a processing unit, for example equipped with software, configured to count the rotation commands transmitted to the selection device, when the user actuates the selection device. Thus, the processing unit is able to deduce the positions of the disks, and therefore the patterns selected by the user.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example but is susceptible of various variations and modifications that will occur to those skilled in the art. In particular, the selection device can be used in other areas, the payment watch being only one possible example of use.

Claims (9)

Device for selecting a combination of patterns, in particular for a timepiece, characterized in that it comprises: ▪ A first disk, called internal (DI), and a second disk, said external (DE), coaxial, the inner disk (DI) being of smaller diameter than the outer disk (DE), the disks (DI, DE) having a plurality of angular sectors of the same size, at least two angular sectors of each disk (DI, DE) having a pattern (A, B, C, D, E, F) on their periphery (HI, HE) ▪ Actuating means for rotating the inner disk (DI), and gear means coupling the two disks (DI, DE) according to a reduction ratio ▪ A dial (CD) extending vis-à-vis the inner disk (DI), the dial (CD) comprising a window (GC) for mapping a pattern (A, B, C) of the internal disk (DI) and a pattern (D, E, F) of the outer disk (DE), the device being such that a complete rotation of the inner disk (DI) causes a rotation of the outer disk (DE) of one angular sector, the size of the window (GC) being large enough for each pattern (D, E, F) of the outer disk (DE) is successively in correspondence with all the patterns (A, B, C) of the inner disk (DI) when the inner disk (DI) is rotated. Device for selecting a combination of patterns, in particular for a timepiece, characterized in that it comprises: ▪ A first disk, called internal (DI), and a second disk, said external (DE), coaxial, the inner disk (DI) being of smaller diameter than the outer disk (DE), the disks (DI, DE) having a plurality of angular sectors of the same size, at least two angular sectors of each disk (DI, DE) bearing a pattern (A, B, C, D, E, F) on their periphery (HI, HE) ▪ Actuating means for rotating the outer disk (DE), and gear means coupling the two disks (DI, DE) according to a multiplication ratio ▪ A dial (CD) extending vis-à-vis the inner disk (DI), the dial (CD) comprising a window (GC) for mapping a pattern (A, B, C) of the internal disk (DI) and a pattern (D, E, F) of the outer disk (DE), the device being such that a rotation of the outer disk (DE) of 1 angular sector causes a complete rotation of the inner disk (DI), the size of the window (GC) being large enough for each pattern (D, E, F) the outer disk (DE) is successively in correspondence with all the patterns (A, B, C) of the inner disk (DI) when the outer disk (DE) is rotated. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each angular sector of the outer disk (DE) carrying a pattern is preceded and followed by an angular sector carrying a space without a pattern. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein one of two angular sectors of the outer disk (DE) carries a pattern. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner disk (DI) carries at most 4 patterns, preferably two or three. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one angular sector of the inner disk (DI) carries a space without a pattern. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patterns of the inner disk (DI) are arranged on consecutive angular sectors, a first pattern (A) and a last pattern (C) of the disk. internal circuit (DI) being separated by at least one angular sector carrying a space without a pattern. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a single motor for operating together the internal (DI) and external (DE) disks via the gear means and the actuating means. Timepiece, in particular a payment watch, comprising a device for selecting a combination of patterns according to any one of the preceding claims.

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