EP3579059B1 - Display system comprising a display module with elements movable around deformable links and a reversible device for locking said movable elements in at least one position - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to the general field of microtechnology and in particular the manufacture of parts by etching silicon. The invention relates more particularly to a display system comprising at least one mechanical display module comprising a plurality of movable elements relative to each other around at least one deformable connection and a reversible blocking device for said movable elements in at least one position, thus allowing an animated display following determined sequences.

The display system of the invention finds particular application in the watch industry, in particular for the production of animated watch dials or clocks, but also for any type of animated display for aesthetic, informational or other purposes.

State of the art

Analog display systems, particularly with needles, have been known and used for decades in a multitude of applications in order to provide a direct indication, for example on a graduated scale, a dial or other system representing a value of measurement of a physical quantity such as speed, temperature, pressure, intensity, voltage or electrical resistance, of any information, or even and probably the most widespread for the measurement of time.

In a large majority of cases, the hands of a display device consist of a rigid unitary body secured to an axis of rotation driven by a movement, for example a watch movement in the case of a piece of equipment. watchmaking. At each step of rotation of the axis of rotation the needle performs a corresponding rotation, at least one of its free ends describing a trajectory of circular section thus pointing at each of its positions on the circular trajectory value indication information measured physics, a date of time, or in general any information to be indicated to a user. The indication is thus carried out essentially in the longitudinal axis of the needle at the level of one and/or the other of its opposite ends in collaboration where appropriate with an underlying display, such as a scale by example.

We also know, in particular for clocks, mechanical display systems, for example with palettes, which indicate time information by alignment of numbers printed on the pallets, the latter being rotated around an axis by gravity during the release of blocking locks at each date of time to be indicated.

Other variants of displays operated by mechanical systems have also been proposed in the state of the art, essentially in the watchmaking field. We can cite, among others, the “nail board” type digital display of the Opus 8 model, marketed by the company Harry Winston SA or the digital display device for the current time by rotation of a disc underneath. adjacent to a dial equipped with an aperture as proposed in the Swiss patent application CH 691833 A5 .

These different displays all have the disadvantage of being a complex structure of different superimposed elements requiring additional actuation mechanisms to the basic watch mechanism to which these actuation mechanisms should be coupled, which disrupts the operation of the watch. watch movement or at the very least negatively affects energy consumption.

The applicant proposed in the patent CH712875 the production of monolithic display modules obtained by engraving silicon and making it possible to produce watch dials or any animated digital or aesthetic displays, comprising mobile display elements around flexible connections formed in the mass during the engraving of the modules. The display elements of the module are set in motion by means of a cam rotated, for example by a watch movement, and which during its rotation pushes an actuating arm mobilizing the flexible connections and the appropriate movement of the display elements between a rest position and a display position, thus producing a digital display of the value of the time (or any date). The time pattern is then visible for a limited duration corresponding to the duration of the passage of the highest point of the active sector of the cam in contact with the actuating arm then gradually disappears as the arm of actuation, driven by the restoring forces of the flexible connections, follows the descending profile of the cam sector and causes the display elements to move away from each other and the patterns to disappear. The activation sector of the main cam is established so that the time is entirely readable from the start of an hour (corresponding to the passage of the minute hand at 12 o'clock) until a few minutes from the change of time. 'hour during which the current hour h gradually disappears as the hour h+1 appears, like a dissolve transition, until the exact hour, from which only l The hour h+1 is visible on the dial. The encrypted display patterns being arranged in steps of 30° within the display module, the active sector of the cam must have a value greater than 30° to allow crossfading.

By increasing the angle of the main cam activation sector it is possible to display more than one hour at a time, for example [h-1 ;h] or [h-2 ;h-1 ;h] , or more generally [hn ;.... ;h-1 ;h ], but always the same number of “hours”. It is therefore not possible with this approach to produce a display presenting a more complex animation, for example a display indicating the progression of the hours in the form h then one hour after [h-1;h], then one hour after [ h-2;h-1 ;h], then [h-3;h-2;h-1 ;h], etc.

The aim of the present invention is to overcome this drawback and to propose a solution allowing a complex display, permanent or not, of the display patterns, where appropriate with sequential animations.

Object of the invention

To this end, the present invention proposes a display system and a timepiece as defined in the claims.

Thus according to a first object, the invention relates to a display system comprising a display module as described in the application CH712875 and a reversible blocking device for the actuation pushers of the mobile display members of said display module.

The display module comprises, in known manner, a fixed frame and at least two substantially rigid display members, each comprising a display portion of a pattern, said display portions being complementary to one another by so that they form said pattern in at least one relative position of said display members. At least one of the display members is integral and movable relative to the frame via a deformable connection at least between a first rest position in which said display portions are spaced apart from each other and a display position in which said display portions are counterposed to each other to form and display said pattern. Said display members are movable relative to the frame cooperate with an actuating pusher arranged to transmit a movement force of this display member by elastic deformation around its deformable connection(s) from said rest position to said position d 'display.

In the context of the invention, we mean here by “rigid display members” elements of the display module participating in the punctual display of a time date and made of a material whose Young's modulus is greater at 2.3 GPa.

Advantageously according to the invention, said display members, the frame and the deformable connections form a monolithic part. In other words, the elements of the display module are made of a single material without assembly.

The display module of the invention can for example be produced by molding and/or machining metal alloys, glasses, ceramics (Al ₂ O ₃ ), hard machinable and/or photocurable polymers (epoxy, PEEK) .

According to an advantageous embodiment, the display module of the invention is advantageously made of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon. The surface of the silicon can be covered with different layers (oxide, metal, etc.) in order to improve its aesthetics or its mechanical performance, or to allow the addition of decorative elements to the surface. The display module can thus advantageously be produced by deep silicon etching processes.

According to one embodiment of the member of the invention at least one display member may comprise several deformable connections relative to the frame. The provision of several deformable connections makes it possible in particular to limit the number of degrees of freedom of a display member relative to the frame, for example in translation or in rotation.

According to the different embodiments of the invention, and very particularly in the context of a display module made of silicon, the deformable connections are preferably made up of flexible blades with a width of between 2 and 50 microns, the thickness of the frame and the display member(s) being greater than 30 microns. This dimensioning thus effectively provides an elastic character to the flexible blades forming the deformable connections while the thicker portions of the frame and the display members are completely rigid and devoid of elastic character.

Preferably, the reversible blocking device for the actuation pushers of the display members forms a monolithic part with said display members, the frame and the deformable connection(s).

Preferably, the reversible blocking device and the display module form a multilevel monolithic assembly.

Preferably, the reversible blocking device comprises piston actuators arranged to mobilize said actuation pushers in response to a command from a control device.

Alternatively, the reversible blocking device comprises blocking members arranged to maintain said actuation pushers in response to a command from a control device.

Alternatively, the reversible blocking device comprises complementary blocking members arranged at least partially on the actuation pusher to maintain said actuation pushers in the display position of the display members and able to be released in response to a command from a control device.

More preferably, the display system of the invention comprises an actuation device arranged to transmit a motor force on the actuation pusher so as to induce a movement of the movable display member(s) from the rest position towards the display position.

The actuating device may comprise a cam or a lug, said actuating device being movable in rotation around an axis of rotation and arranged relative to the actuation pusher such that said cam or said lug exerts at least an angular position around the axis of rotation on the actuating pusher a force capable of mobilizing said pusher
Advantageously, the actuation device is also a device for controlling said device for blocking the actuation pushers.

The present invention finally relates to a timepiece characterized in that it comprises a display system as previously described. In this context, the actuation device of the display system is preferably linked kinematically to the hour mobile and/or the minute mobile of a watch movement and the display module(s) are arranged to display a date of time.

Preferably, the display system is also configured to display the hours over 12 consecutive hours and arranged in kinematic connection with the watch movement to indicate a time date by successive blocking at each full hour of the display members of the corresponding pattern until displaying the pattern “12” during which the other patterns disappear successively in clockwise or counterclockwise direction by releasing the blocking device of said actuation pushers.

Descriptions of the figures

• Les figures 1A et 1B représentent un module d'affichage tel que connu de l'art antérieur ;
• Les figures 2A et 2B représentent une première variante de réalisation d'un système d'affichage qui n'appartient pas à l'invention ;
• Les figures 3A et 3B représentent une seconde variante de réalisation d'un système d'affichage selon l'invention ;
• Les figures 4A et 4B représentent une troisième variante de réalisation d'un système d'affichage selon l'invention ;
• Les figures 5A à 5C représentent une quatrième variante de réalisation d'un système d'affichage selon l'invention, avec un dispositif de blocage monolithique avec le module d'affichage et un dispositif de déblocage distinct ;
• Les figures 6A à 6D représentent une cinquième variante de réalisation d'un système d'affichage selon l'invention avec un dispositif de blocage monolithique avec le module d'affichage ;
• Les figures 7A à 7D représentent un dispositif de déblocage monolithique avec le dispositif de blocage et le module d'affichage dans la cinquième variante de réalisation ;
• Les figues 8A à 8F représentent la cinématique de fonctionnement du dispositif de déblocage de la cinquième variante de réalisation d'un système d'affichage selon l'invention ;
• Les figures 9A à 9F représentent la cinématique de fonctionnement d'un dispositif de mise à l'heure dans un sens antihoraire pour la cinquième variante de réalisation du système selon l'invention ;
• La figure 10 représente une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale d'un module de l'invention gravé sur plusieurs niveaux A, B, C.

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description of an exemplary embodiment made with reference to the figures 1 to 10 annexed, including:

• THE Figures 1A and 1B represent a display module as known from the prior art;
• THE Figures 2A and 2B represent a first alternative embodiment of a display system which does not belong to the invention;
• THE Figures 3A and 3B represent a second alternative embodiment of a display system according to the invention;
• THE Figures 4A and 4B represent a third alternative embodiment of a display system according to the invention;
• THE Figures 5A to 5C represent a fourth alternative embodiment of a display system according to the invention, with a monolithic blocking device with the display module and a separate unlocking device;
• THE Figures 6A to 6D represent a fifth alternative embodiment of a display system according to the invention with a monolithic blocking device with the display module;
• THE Figures 7A to 7D represent a monolithic unlocking device with the blocking device and the display module in the fifth embodiment;
• Figs 8A to 8F represent the operating kinematics of the unlocking device of the fifth embodiment of a display system according to the invention;
• THE Figures 9A to 9F represent the operating kinematics of a time setting device in a counterclockwise direction for the fifth embodiment of the system according to the invention;
• There Figure 10 represents a schematic view in longitudinal section of a module of the invention engraved on several levels A, B, C.

Description of embodiments of the invention

The present invention relates to an analog display system of a new type, allowing the production of complex animations within the display organs of said display system and according to different display modalities and purposes.

More particularly, the display system of the invention can be applied to an entire watchmaking system for displaying time by digital and analog representation, that is to say in the form of figures formed by means of display. analog display, as opposed to electronic type display devices, of the desired hourly date, for example the value of the hour h.

The invention arises from the principles already described in the application CH 712875 of the applicant which describes a dial allowing an animated display of the time. This dial can be formed of twelve elementary modules each animating an hour as presented on the Fig. 1A and 1B , or even be formed on a monolithic form comprising the twelve modules linked together in a unitary part. The display of a said hourly date h is however identical whatever the form of embodiment of the dial.

As shown on the Figures 1A and 1B , a display module 1 according to the invention consists of a digital display module of a pattern M such as a digit or a number comprising a fixed frame 2 to which at least two display members, in l species five display members 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 to form the number “12” ( Figure 1B ). The display members 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 are integral with the frame 2 and each comprise a display portion of the pattern M, said display portions being complementary to each other so as to form said pattern M in at least one display position as shown in Figure 1B .

For this purpose, at least some of the display members 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 are movable relative to the frame 2 via at least one deformable connection 4 formed by at least one flexible blade 41 between a first rest position, shown on the Figure 1A , in which the display portions of the display members 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 are spaced apart from each other and said display position, shown on the Figure 1B , in which said display portions are counterposed to each other to form and display the pattern M.

The movement of the movable display members around their deformable connection 4 between the rest and display positions results from the movement of an actuating pusher 5 also secured to the frame 2 by a structure 8 for guiding in linear translation with blades flexible 81. The pusher 5 comprises at its lower end a contact member adapted to cooperate with actuating device 6, such as a cam 61 movable in rotation around an axis A. At its upper end the pusher 5 comprises a plate 51 to which are secured two flexible “butterfly” pivots 42 connected to the base of deformable actuation rockers B1, B2 to the upper end of which the display members 32, 33, 34 are attached. The display members are thus mobile around the deformable connections. Such a construction has the advantage of providing no friction within the display module 1 due to movements, only deformations, therefore minimal energy loss.

The display module 1 of the invention advantageously consists of a monolithic part formed of a rigid material, which is understood in the context of the present invention as any material whose Young's modulus is greater than 2.3 GPa . As such, a preferred material for producing the display module 1 of the invention is silicon, monocrystalline or polycrystalline, from which one can easily, for example by deep etching processes (in particular DRIE - for Deep Reactive-ion Etching in English), form the frame 2 and the display members 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 connected to each other by at least one or more flexible blades 41 with a width of between 2 and 50 microns, the thickness of the frame 2 and the display member(s) being preferably greater than 30 microns.

The frame 2 of the display module 1 can be fixed on a dial, a disk or directly on the middle of a watch case for a skeleton watch by any appropriate means and in particular gluing or welding. As an actuating device 6, one comprising one or more cams 61, is kinematically linked to the hour barrel and pivots around the A axis, for example centered on the dial of the watch as in a classic needle display.

The operation of such a display system is particularly simple. During the rotation of the ring 6 under the driving action of the hour wheel of the train of a watch movement, the cam 61 pushes the free end of the actuating pusher 5 ( Figure 1B ) which acts as a follower contact, and causes a translation movement of the actuating pusher 5 along its longitudinal axis by deformation of the guide structure 8. This translation induces a rise of the plate 51 and the deformation of the butterfly pivots 42, causing the rotation of the two rockers B1 and B2. The display members 32, 33, 34 connected to the upper ends of said flip-flops B1, B2 then adjust into the display position with respect to the other display portions 31, 35 to form the pattern M. After the passage of the cam 61 the follower contact of the actuating pusher 5 comes back to rest on the ring 6. The display members 32, 33, 34 then move away to return to the rest position ( Figure 1A ) and the pattern is no longer visible.

An animated display system is thus produced comprising mobile display portions following a determined period to generate a visual animation effect within the display.

According to the operating principle of module 1 previously described, the actuation of the display is entirely dependent on the interaction of the pusher 5 with the cam 61. The angular sector of activation of the cam 61, corresponding to its parts which can have an action on the pusher 5, includes an ascending profile A1, a high point A2 and a descending profile A3. The pattern M formed in the display position, that is to say when the pusher 5 is in contact with the high point A2 of the cam 61, is visible throughout the duration of the high point then gradually disappears over time. that the rod of the pusher 5, driven by the return forces of the flexible mechanisms 8, 42, B1, B2, follows the descending profile and causes the display members 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 to move away from each other others. The separation is complete when pusher 5 returns to its lower rest position. The activation sector of the cam 61 is established so that the time is entirely readable from the beginning (minute hand indicating "12") until a few minutes of the time change during which the time current h gradually disappears as the time h+1 appears, like a dissolve transition, until the exact time, from which only the time h+1 is visible on the dial. Considering a complete dial made up of 12 display modules 1 for each hour h to be displayed according to a classic display form, the modules must then be located on the dial in steps of 30° and the activation sector of the cam 61 of the actuating device 6 must have a value greater than 30° to allow crossfading.

By increasing the angle of the activation sector of cam 61 it is possible to display more than one hour at a time, for example [h-1;h] or [h-2;h-1;h] , or more generally [h-n;.... ;h-1 ;h ], but always only a determined and invariant number of “hours”. It is therefore not possible with this approach to produce a display presenting a more complex animation, for example a display indicating the progression of the hours in the form h then one hour after [h-1;h], then one hour after [ h-2;h-1;h], then [h-3;h-2;h-1;h], etc.

The present invention aims to improve a display system consisting of one or more modules as previously described in order to be able to provide an evolving display of the time, also taking into account the transition to 12h/24h, as for example with displays paddle or digital on 12 hours. The invention aims in particular to provide a display system comprising a dial formed of 12 modules as described in Figures 1A and 1B to form a 12-hour display respecting a display sequence such that at time t= 01:00 the system readably displays the number “1” in the first sector (first module), the other 11 eleven sectors not being readable . Then an hour later, at t=2:00, only “1” and “2” are visible. Over time the sequence continues so that the current hour as well as all previous hours from the value “1” are readable.

At t=11:00 “11” is displayed. All other numbers are readable. During the last minutes before the appearance of “12” corresponding to noon, the numbers displayed will gradually disappear and become unreadable. The sequence of number disappearance begins with “1”, then “2” and so on until all numbers from “1” to “10” disappear. The “11” finally disappears and the “12” becomes readable. This sequence of disappearance is carried out in clockwise direction. It thus indicates that time continues and that the “12” indicated thus corresponds to noon.

Then, at t=1:00 p.m., the “12” disappears and only the “1” is displayed on the dial and the progressive display sequence takes place over time as described previously until t=11:00 p.m. where all the numbers from “1” to “11”. During the last minutes before the appearance of the “12” of midnight the displayed values will disappear and become unreadable. The sequence of number disappearance begins with "10" and then progresses until finally retrogradely disappearing all numbers from "10" to "1". The “11” then disappears and the “12” becomes readable. ¨

This sequence of disappearance occurs counterclockwise, indicating that the “12” displayed corresponds to midnight, this retrograde sequence marking the return to the start of a new day.

This complex animated display sequence allows for both digital and analog representation of the progression of time, as well as the passage of noon (am/pm).

The production of a display system capable of implementing the display sequence mentioned above can result from different approaches implementing basic display modules described in Figures 1A and 1B assembled or formed entirely in monolithic form into 12-hour display dials to cooperate with an actuation device 6 coupled to the hour wheel of a watch movement, which could be both mechanical and electronic (quartz). All these approaches require blocking for a specific period, corresponding to the number of hours separating the normal display moment of the pattern modules.

These different approaches are presented below in an order indicating a progressive reduction in the necessary mechanical complexity required for a watch movement in order to allow the display as described above, corresponding to a progressive increase in the complexity of monolithic display modules. .

Approach #1

This first approach is presented on the Figs.2A and 2B , showing only an enlargement of the lower part of a module 1 as presented on the Fig.1 , for simplification and for the sake of clarity of representation, a complete 12-hour display dial comprising 12 identical modules
The pusher 5 of said module 1 is actuated in this approach individually by an actuation device 6 comprising twelve individual actuators 62 controlled successively by the watch movement, said actuators 62 being able to be fingers or pistons as shown on the Figures 2A, 2B or cams, thus controlling their movement and position at all times. The watch movement must therefore control the twelve individual actuators 62, which represents a significant increase in complexity of the watch movement. This solution allows great freedom in the display and organization of patterns.

Approach #2

This achievement is presented on the Figs.3A and 3B . As for the Fig.1 , the pusher 5 is brought from its rest position ( Fig. 3A ) to its top display position ( Fig. 3B ) by means of a single cam actuating device 61 driven by the hour wheel of the watch movement. Maintaining the pusher 5 of a module in the high display position to carry out the above-mentioned display sequence is obtained by blocking members 9, of the clamp or friction pad type, actuated by the watch movement when the cam 61 reaches its high point. The blocking members 9 allow you to block or unblock individually the descent of each of the rods of the pushers 5 towards their rest position. This blocking can be carried out in the high position or in any other intermediate position between the high position and the rest position.

Approach #3

This third approach, presented on Figures 4A and 4B aims to integrate at least one functional part of the necessary blocking device of the pusher rod 5 in the high display position to obtain the maintenance of the display members of a module 1 to maintain the formation of the pattern M of one hour during the previously defined display sequence. For this, the pusher rod 5 advantageously comprises discrete stopping points formed by notches 52 materialized by notches 52a or protrusions 52b, preferably in the shape of a triangular harpoon, intended to cooperate with a complementary blocking member 9 controlled by the watch movement and fitted with a bolt 91 allowing it to be blocked ( Fig. 4B ) a stop notch, therefore to block the pusher 5 in its high position after normal actuation by pushing the cam 61 linked to the hour wheel of the watch movement, or to unlock a stop notch to release the pusher rod ( Fig. 4A ) which can return to its rest position, this unlocking occurring independently of the cam 61 of the actuating device 6.

This embodiment therefore makes it possible to significantly reduce the bulk of the pusher locking elements 5 controlled by the watch movement at the level of each unit display module 1. However, it still requires the implementation of a mechanism for controlling said blocking elements according to the previously defined sequence, which implies an appropriate control mechanism, mechanical or electronic, and therefore an adaptation of an existing watch movement, such as the two previous approaches.

Approach #4

This embodiment represents an improvement of the previous one, with even greater integration of the blocking elements within the unit display modules. As shown on the Fig. 5A to 5C , at least one stop notch in the form of a triangular harpoon 52 is formed on the rod of the pusher 5 and a locking trigger 10 is formed of material in connection with the frame 2 substantially facing the movement zone of the notch. stop 52. The locking trigger 10 is composed like the rest of the silicon module 1 and comprises a rigid body 101 incorporating at an upper end a bolt 102 forming lateral projection on the rigid body 101 in the direction of the rod of the pusher 5. The base of the rigid body 101 comprises a finger 103 connecting to the frame 2 via a flexible blade 110, which allows the rigid body 101 to pivot or more exactly tilt relative to the frame 2 and the pusher 5 when a constraint is applied to the rigid body 101 or to the bolt 102.

On the fig. 5A to 5C the actuating device 6 of the pusher 5 is not shown by simplification of representation. However, the latter is necessary for actuating the pusher 5 and it can advantageously consist of a rotating cam 61 as in the previous examples. There figure 5A represents module 1 and pusher 5 in the rest position, that is to say similar to the Figure 1A , with the display members 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 separated from each other, the pattern M not being formed. When cam 61 engages the lower end of pusher 5 and reaches its high point ( Fig. 5B ) the push rod 5 is pushed upwards, which causes the stop notch 52 to rise, the beveled plane of which bears on the bolt 102 of the trigger 10 during the rise and pushes it back, causing the tilting of the trigger 10 around its flexible connection 110. Arriving at the high point the stop notch exceeds the bolt 102 which falls under the stop notch by the elastic return effect of the connection 110 on the trigger 10. The trigger notch 10 stop then rests on the bolt 102, locking the pusher 5 in the high display position. Trigger 10 is then engaged. The release of the trigger 10 to allow the return of the pusher 5 to its rest position occurs ( fig. 5C ) then via a trigger element 9, composed of a pusher or a cam controlled by the watch movement, said trigger element 9 bearing on a latch 104 for releasing the trigger 10 by making it tilt, which releases the catch 52 and allows the pusher rod 5 to return to its rest position, as do the display elements of module 1.

Approach #5

This embodiment presents an embodiment of a complete monolithic display CD dial, partially represented at Figures 8A to 8F , comprising monolithic modules 1, 1' associated with a blocking device 9 integrated into said modules 1, 1' and comprising all the functions necessary for blocking and unlocking the pushers 5 of the modules 1, 1' in order to produce a sequence of animated display of the time as previously defined. The dial CD made up of such modules 1, 1' does not require any modification of a watch movement with which it is associated and the actuation of the pusher 5 of the module 1 as well as its blocking/unblocking only requires the actuation device 6 to cam 61 or the like coupled to the hour wheel of the movement, as presented in relation to the Figures 1A and 1B .

The modules 1, 1' present in this embodiment a more complex structure, obtained on three levels of etching A, B, C of a base substrate, preferably formed of a composite substrate of the SOI (Silicon On Insulator) type. ) represented schematically at Figure 10 In a manner well known to those skilled in the art in the field of microtechnologies on SOI substrate each of the etching levels A, B, C can be etched separately and defined a distinct etching plane PA, PB, PC, the decoupling between elements of different levels being carried out by a partial attack of the oxide connecting the 2 levels.

The CD hour display dial is made up of a set of two types of modules 1, 1'. The first type of module 1 is an elementary module as presented on the Fig.1 , equipped with a blocking device adapted to keep the display of the pattern M of each module 1 active until the next passage at noon/midnight. This first type of module 1 is therefore intended to display the hours from “1” to “11”. The second type of module 1' is an elementary module as presented on the Fig.1 , equipped with an unlocking device adapted to release the blocking device of each module 1 of the first type when passing 12 p.m. (noon/midnight) in order to provide the corresponding animation as defined in the predefined desired display sequence . This second type of module 1' is therefore intended to display "12".

A detailed description of each first and second type of module 1, 1' and their respective blocking device and unlocking device is presented below.

First type of module 1 and its blocking device:

This first type of module 1 is represented in an embodiment preferred to Figures 6A to 6D .

As in the two previous approaches, the pusher rod 5 comprises at least one discrete stop notch in the shape of a triangular harpoon 52. The pusher 5, as well as the frame 2 to which it is attached, the translation device 8, the connections flexible butterflies 42, the flip-flops B1, B2, the display members 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and the flexible blades 4 are produced on the upper level (Si Device - A) of an SOI substrate. Module 1 also includes a locking trigger 12, which is produced on a lower level (Si Handle - B) of the same SOI substrate. This locking trigger 12 is composed of a rigid body 121 of complex shape, comprising a lower plate 121a, secured to a median straight section 121b itself secured to an arcuate terminal sector 121c. A free end of the lower plate 121a comprises a trigger finger 1211 and a trigger lever 1212 and the free end of the terminal sector 121c forms a bolt 1214 whose shape extends in thickness to the upper level. Thus, by taking reference on the Figure 10 like a longitudinal section of module 1, the bolt 1214 forms a projection perpendicular to the plane PB in which the trigger 12 is formed and which extends in the plane PA of formation of the pusher 5 and its stop notch 52 such that these elements can cooperate with each other. The body of the trigger 121 can pivot thanks to a set of flexible blades 1215 which connects it to the frame 2 module 1 at the upper level by a connecting pillar 1216.

On the Figure 6A , the trigger 12 and the pusher 5 of module 1 are initially in their rest position. When the push rod 5 rises ( Fig. 6B ) under the action of the actuation cam (not shown) secured to the hour wheel as on the figures 1A, 1B , the beveled part of the stop 52 pushes back the bolt 1214 and causes the trigger 12 to tilt around its flexible rocker formed by the blades 1215. Arriving at the high point of the actuation cam, the pusher 5 is in position display and the stopper 52 has passed above the bolt 1214 which then returns to its rest position and prevents the push rod 5 from descending. Trigger 12 is then engaged.

Module 1 finally includes a mechanism 16 which allows the time to be adjusted in counterclockwise mode, the operation of which is detailed below. This mechanism makes it possible more particularly to disengage the trigger 12 so that it does not act on the pusher 5 when setting the time in the counterclockwise direction.

Second type of module 1' and its unlocking device:

The second type of module 1' of the animated CD display dial of the invention in this 5th approach is represented in Figures 7A to 7D . The particularity of this second module 1', intended for displaying "12", lies in the provision in the monolithic structure of a mechanism for unlocking the triggers 12 for blocking modules 1 of the first type. This mechanism firstly comprises a double cam 17 formed on the pusher 5' of said module 1', this double cam 17 acting on a mechanism for releasing the triggers 12 of the modules 1 such as previously presented to allow the release of the pusher 5 of each module 1 and its return to the rest position.

The double cam 17 consists of an arrow or tip comprising two inclined planes 17a, 17b symmetrical to each other with respect to the longitudinal direction of the pusher rod 5' through which the tip 17c for joining said inclined planes 17a, 17b, the inclined plane 17a for activating the expansion mechanism in a clockwise direction of rotation and the inclined plane 17b for activating the expansion mechanism in a counterclockwise direction.

The trigger mechanism is formed on the lower level of the substrate in which the modules 1, 1' are etched and comprises a movable trigger wheel 13 shaped to interact with the double cam 17 of the module 1' of the second type to allow release of the locking trigger 12 of the modules 1 of the first type during the transitions to the time of noon and midnight, that is to say each time the CD dial passes 12 o'clock. It comprises a fixed hub 14 to which the trigger wheel 13 is connected and relative to which it can pivot via at least one flexible blade 15 or a set of radial flexible blades between the hub 14 and the trigger wheel. relaxation 13 ( Fig. 6A ). The fixed hub 14 is connected to the frame 2 of the module 1 between the two engraving levels thereof, in a conventional manner in itself.

The trigger wheel 13 is advantageously shaped to cooperate on the one hand with the fingers 1211 of the triggers 12 of each module 1 of the first type of the dial CD and on the other hand with the double cam 17 of the module 1' of the second type forming said CD dial. It thus comprises on its upper peripheral field (with reference to the figures), at the level of said finger 1211 of the trigger 12 of each module 1 a recess 131 forming at its ends a clockwise expansion cam 132 and a counterclockwise expansion cam 133. It further comprises a trigger feeler 18 formed this time on the lower field (still with reference to the figures) of the trigger wheel 13 at the level of the module 1' of the second type, said feeler 18 comprising a contact ball 181 formed at the free end of a flexible blade 182 whose base is connected to an inversion rocker 19. The inversion rocker 19 has at one of its ends a rocker contact 20 and at the other end a striker rocker 21. The inversion rocker 19 can pivot around its point of junction with the blade 182 thanks to a pair of flexible blades 22 symmetrical with respect to said flexible blade 183 of the contact 18 and which connects it to an arch 134 of the trigger wheel 13. This inversion rocker 19 is arranged and shaped to cooperate with a rocker trigger 23. The rocker trigger 23 comprises at one end a contact tip 231 to the hub 14 and at the other end a bolt 232 for contact with the reversing rocker 19, bolt 232 by which it is also linked to the trigger wheel 13 by means of a flexible blade 24.

When the pusher 5' of the module 1' is in the low position and there is no constraint imposed on the flexible blades 182, 22, 24. In this rest position, illustrated on the Fig. 7A , which is the initial position, the center of the trigger sensor 18 is offset to the right relative to the axis of translation of the pusher rod 5 During a first rise of the pusher 5, illustrated on the Fig. 7B , the tip of the double cam 17 is located to the left of the trigger sensor 18, which is therefore activated by the time part 17b of the double cam 17. When it rises ( fig. 7B ) the double cam 17 presses the trigger feeler 18 against a clockwise trigger stop 24, and from then on the upward movement results in a rotation of the trigger wheel 13 in the clockwise direction. During this rotation, the rocker contact 20 comes to rest on an inclined plane forming a rocker cam 141 on an arm arranged in the fixed hub 14 of the trigger wheel, and causes the rotation to the left of the inversion rocker 19 ). During this rotation, the rocker striker 21 engages in the bolt 232 of the trigger 23, thus blocking the reversal rocker 19 in its position turned towards the left on the Figure 7B . This rotation adds an additional rotational torque to the left in the flexible blade 182, which was already experiencing a return torque to the left due to the movement of the trigger feeler 18 against the hourly stop 24.

During the first descent of the pusher 5', the trigger wheel 13 returns to its rest position, as illustrated on the Fig. 7C . The inversion rocker 19 being blocked in the left-turned position, the torque of rotation towards the left that it induces in the flexible blade 182 causes the trigger feeler 18 to move to a counterclockwise stop 25 opposite the clockwise stop 24. In this configuration the center of the trigger feeler 18 is offset to the left relative to the axis of translation of the pusher rod 5'.

During a second raising of the pusher 5 illustrated on the Fig. 7D , the tip of the double cam 17 is located to the right of the trigger sensor 18 which is therefore activated by the counterclockwise part 17a of the double cam 17. The upward movement then results in a rotation of the trigger wheel 13 in the anticlockwise. During this rotation the rocker trigger contact 23 comes to bear on a trigger cam 142 formed on an arm of the fixed hub 14 and causes the rotation to the right of the rocker trigger 23. During this rotation the bolt 232 of the rocker trigger 23 releases the rocker keeper 21. Before being thus released, the inversion rocker 19 was subjected to a torque of rotation towards the right from the constrained blades 22 greater than the torque induced towards the left by the blade 182 due to the movement of the feeler 18 against the counterclockwise stop 25. When it is released, the inversion rocker 19 will then turn to the right and take an equilibrium position such that the rocker keeper 21 passes above the reversing rocker bolt 22 and can therefore no longer be blocked by it. During the second descent of the pusher 5, the trigger wheel 13 returns to its rest position, as well as the trigger and the reversal rocker 19 now released. The probe 18 returns to its rest position. The system therefore finds itself in the rest position as illustrated on the Fig. 7A . Each time the pusher 5 is raised, this device therefore makes it possible to cause the rotation of the trigger wheel 13, in a direction opposite to the previous direction of rotation.

In accordance with the above, and as illustrated in the Fig.6C , when the trigger wheel 13 is in clockwise rotation the clockwise trigger cam 131 lifts the finger 1211 of the locking trigger 12 12, which raises the plate 121a of the locking trigger 12 and causes it to pivot around the links 1215 , releasing the bolt 1214 from its engagement with the catch 52, which allows the pusher to return to its rest position. When the trigger wheel 13 is in the rest position (no constraint exerted on the flexible blade 15), the relative position of the finger 1211 of the locking trigger 12 relative to the hourly trigger cam 131 makes it possible to set the moment of triggering of the locking trigger 12 12 depending on the advance of the trigger wheel 13 in the clockwise direction. Likewise, as illustrated in the Fig. 6D , the locking trigger 12 12 is triggered by the counterclockwise trigger cam 132 when the trigger wheel 13 is rotating counterclockwise, at a time determined by the initial relative position of the finger 1211 of the locking trigger 12 relative to the locking cam counterclockwise expansion 132.

THE Figures 8A to 8F represents in detail the different phases of operation of the blocking and unlocking mechanisms of the modules 1, 1' forming the dial CD in this 5th approach of the invention. This view represents a partial CD dial integrating the modules 1 of hours "11" and "1" framing module 1' of display of a twelfth hour. These views do not show the entirety of the modules 1, 1' constituting the dial CD, but only an enlargement of the critical zone of the dial CD where the locking/unlocking mechanisms of the pusher rods 5 previously presented.

In this example the transition from one number to another takes place in two minutes, that is to say, time n+1 begins to form from time n plus 58 minutes. For example, the stem of “12” begins to rise from 11:58 a.m. and fully reaches its upper position at 12:00 p.m., this number is then fully displayed.

• Fig. 8A : Il est 11h00, les heures de « 1 » à « 11 » sont affichées, c'est-à-dire que les poussoirs 5 des modules 1 de « 1 » à « 11 » sont tous verrouillés en position haute. Dans le dessin les poussoirs 5 des modules d'affichage 1 du « 1 » et du « 11 » sont en position haute. Dans le module 1' affichant le « 12 » la bascule d'inversion 19 est au repos et le centre du palpeur de détente 18 est positionné à droite de l'axe du poussoir 5'.
• Fig. 8B : Il est 11h59. La montée du poussoir 5' du module 1' provoque une rotation dans le sens horaire de la roue de détente 13. Les premiers modules d'affichage 1 ont été déclenchés successivement, faisant disparaître peu à peu dans le sens horaire l'affichage des heures conformément à la séquence d'affichage de l'invention telle que préalablement définie. Ceci est illustré sur la figure où le poussoir 5 du module 1 d'affichage du « 1 » est en position basse, donc le « 1 » n'est plus affiché, alors que la tige du poussoir 5 du module 1 d'affichage du « 11 » est encore verrouillée en position haute car ce nombre est affiché.
• Fig. 8C : Il est midi, les heures de « 1 » à « 11 » ne sont plus affichées. Sur la figure, les poussoirs 5 du « 1 » et du « 11 » sont en position basse, la roue de détente 13 étant en rotation horaire maximale. Dans le module 1' affichant le « 12 », le poussoir 5' est en position haute, le « 12 » est affiché. La bascule 19 est bloquée en position tournée à gauche.
• Fig. 8D: Il est 23h00, les heures de « 1 » à « 11 » sont affichées, c'est-à-dire que les poussoirs 5 des modules 1 d'affichage des heures de « 1 » à « 11 » sont tous verrouillés en position haute. Les poussoirs des modules 1 d'affichage du « 1 » et du « 11 » sont en position haute. Dans le module 1' affichant le « 12 » la bascule 19 est bloquée en position tournée à gauche et le centre du palpeur de détente 18 est positionné à gauche de l'axe du poussoir 5'.
• Fig. 8E : Il est 23h59. La montée du poussoir 5' d'affichage du « 12 » provoque une rotation dans le sens antihoraire de la roue de détente 13. Les derniers modules 1 de premiers type activés (« 11 », « 10 », ...) ont été déclenchés successivement, faisant disparaître peu à peu dans le sens antihoraire l'affichage de ces heures. Ceci est illustré sur le dessin où le poussoir du module d'affichage du « 11» est en position basse, donc le « 11 » n'est plus affiché, alors que le poussoir 5 du module d'affichage du « 1 » est encore verrouillé en position haute car ce nombre est affiché.
• Fig. 8F : Il est minuit, les heures de « 1 » à « 11 » ne sont plus affichées. Les poussoirs 5 des modules 1 d'affichage du « 1 » et du « 11 » sont en position basse, la roue de détente 13 étant en rotation antihoraire maximale. Dans le module 1' affichant le « 12 », le poussoir est en position haute, le « 12 » est affiché. La bascule 19 est déverrouillée et reprendra sa position de repos lors de la redescente totale du poussoir 5', qui permettra alors au suiveur 18 de détente de retrouver sa position de repos à droite de l'axe de la tige.

During operation of the monolithic CD dial the operations are as follows:

• Fig. 8A : It is 11:00 a.m., the hours from “1” to “11” are displayed, that is to say that the pushers 5 of modules 1 from “1” to “11” are all locked in the upper position. In the drawing the pushers 5 of the display modules 1 of “1” and “11” are in the high position. In module 1' displaying "12", the inversion rocker 19 is at rest and the center of the trigger sensor 18 is positioned to the right of the axis of the pusher 5'.
• Fig. 8B : It’s 11:59 a.m. The raising of the pusher 5' of the module 1' causes a clockwise rotation of the trigger wheel 13. The first display modules 1 were triggered successively, causing the hour display to gradually disappear in the clockwise direction. in accordance with the display sequence of the invention as previously defined. This is illustrated in the figure where the pusher 5 of the “1” display module 1 is in the low position, therefore the “1” is no longer displayed, while the rod of the pusher 5 of the display module 1 of the “11” is still locked in the up position as that number is displayed.
• Fig. 8C : It is noon, the times from “1” to “11” are no longer displayed. In the figure, the pushers 5 of “1” and “11” are in the low position, the trigger wheel 13 being in maximum clockwise rotation. In module 1' displaying "12", pusher 5' is in the high position, "12" is displayed. Rocker 19 is blocked in the left-turned position.
• Fig. 8D : It is 11:00 p.m., the hours from “1” to “11” are displayed, that is to say that the pushers 5 of the hour display modules 1 from “1” to “11” are all locked in position high. The pushers of display modules 1 “1” and “11” are in the high position. In the module 1' displaying "12", the rocker 19 is locked in the left-turned position and the center of the trigger sensor 18 is positioned to the left of the axis of the pusher 5'.
• Fig. 8E : It’s 11:59 p.m. The raising of the “12” display pusher 5' causes a counterclockwise rotation of the trigger wheel 13. The last activated modules 1 of the first type (“11”, “10”, etc.) have been triggered successively, causing the display of these hours to gradually disappear counterclockwise. This is illustrated in the drawing where the pusher of the “11” display module is in the low position, so the “11” is no longer displayed, while pusher 5 of the “1” display module is still locked in the high position because this number is displayed.
• Fig. 8F : It is midnight, the hours from “1” to “11” are no longer displayed. The pushers 5 of the “1” and “11” display modules 1 are in the low position, the trigger wheel 13 being in maximum counterclockwise rotation. In module 1' displaying "12", the pusher is in the high position, "12" is displayed. The rocker 19 is unlocked and will return to its rest position during the complete descent of the pusher 5', which will then allow the trigger follower 18 to return to its rest position to the right of the axis of the rod.

The display cycle can then start again, periodically marking the passage from noon to midnight by a periodic change in the direction of "disappearance" of the display of hours "1" to "11".

Time setting device in counterclockwise mode

The embodiment of a CD dial as described in figures 6 to 8 implementing two types of monolithic modules as well as a trigger wheel 13 which perfectly accepts time setting in the clockwise direction, each module 1, 1' being designed to cooperate with an actuation device 6 in a direction of hourly progression in accordance with the mobility of the hour wheel of a watch movement. For example, if at an hour n, n being an integer between 1 and 12, we advance by 2 hours then we display all the hours from “1” to n+2. On the other hand, if we set the time in counterclockwise mode, for example as for the transition from winter time to summer time, we must go back from hour n to hour n-1. If there is no passage through “12” which controls the trigger wheel, then the time corresponding to the integer “n” remains displayed. To avoid this inconvenience, the blocking mechanism presented on the Fig.6 incorporates a counterclockwise unlocking device 16 The operation of this device 16 is illustrated on the Fig.9A to 9F .

The counterclockwise adjustment device 16 includes at one of its ends a follower contact 161 and a pusher 162 whose shape extends to the lower level of a module 1, at the other end. This device can move in translation through two flexible parallel blades 163 which connects it to frame 2 of the dial CD. When the cam 61 of the actuating device 6 linked to the hour wheel of the watch movement comes to press on the contact 161 the device is pushed upwards, the pusher lifts the free end of the plate 121 of the trigger 12 triggering thus said trigger 12 which releases the pusher 5.

This device has no influence on the normal direction of movement of the watch movement, which is clockwise. Indeed, as is visible on the Fig. 9B , during the rotation of the cam 61, driven by the hour wheel, the cam 61 first raises the contact 161 which triggers the trigger 12, then the pusher 5 whose rise is facilitated by the trigger 12 in triggered state. However, when the cam 61 continues its rotation the system goes through a state represented in the Fig. 9C where the inversion rocker 19 does not engage because the follower contact 161 is no longer in contact with the cam 61 while the pusher 5 is maintained in its high state. After the passage of cam 61, pusher 5 is blocked in the high state, as can be seen on the Fig.9D . From the position shown on the Fig.9D the cam 61 can rotate counterclockwise, for example to move back one or more hours. The cam 61 first pushes the pusher 5 which is already in the high state, then pushes on the contact 161, which triggers the trigger 12. When the cam 12 continues its rotation the system passes through a state represented in the Fig. 9E where the inversion rocker is always triggered because the follower contact 161 is pushed by the cam 61 while the pusher 5, released, descends little by little following the profile of the cam. After the passage of the cam, the trigger 12 re-engages and the pusher 5 remains in the low position, as can be seen on the Fig.9F .

The counterclockwise rotation of the hour wheel thus causes the display of the hours which are affected by the cam to be erased.

Although a preferred application of the invention concerns the field of watchmaking, it is not limited to a display of time information and can also be implemented in any field requiring the use of a system display of any information or representation in an animated form.

Claims (12)

1. An analogue display system, comprising:

   - a plurality of display modules (1, 1') each comprising a fixed frame (2) and at least two substantially rigid display members (31, 32, 33, 34, 35), said display members each comprising a display portion (31a, 32a, 33a, 34a, 35a) of a pattern (M), said display portions being complementary to one another so that they form said pattern (M) in at least one relative position of said display members,

   - at least one of the display members being integral with and movable relative to the frame (2) via a deformable link (4, 7, 8) at least between a first rest position, in which said display portions are distant from each other, and a display position in which said display portions are lied against each other to form and display said pattern,

   - said display member or members being movable relative to the frame and cooperating with an actuating pusher (5) of each module (1, 1') arranged to transmit a displacement force to this display member by elastic deformation about its deformable linkage or linkages from said rest position to said display position,

   - an actuating device (6) arranged to transmit a motor force to the actuating pusher so as to induce a displacement of the movable display member or members from the rest position to the display position,
   the display system comprising

   - a reversible locking device (9, 10, 12, 13, 17, 52, 62) of the actuating pushers (5) of the movable display members of at least some of said display modules (1, 1'), said reversible locking device of the actuating pushers of the display members forming a monolithic part with said modules (1, 1').
2. Display system according to claim 1, characterized in that said display members, the frame and the deformable link or links form a monolithic part.
3. Display system according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the reversible locking device and the display modules (1, 1') form a monolithic multi-level assembly.
4. Display system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deformable links (4) are constituted by flexible blades (15, 41, 81, 110, 181, 1215) with a width between 2 and 50 microns, the thickness of the frame (2) and of the display member or members (3) being greater than 30 microns.
5. Display system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said modules (1, 1') and the reversible blocking device are made of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon.
6. Display system according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the reversible blocking device comprises blocking members (9) arranged to hold said actuating pushers in response to a command from a control device.
7. Display system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reversible locking device comprises complementary locking members (10, 12, 13, 17, 52) arranged at least partially on the actuation pusher (5) to hold said actuation pusher in the display position of the display members and arranged of being released in response to a command from a control device.
8. Display system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the actuating device comprises a cam (61) or a catch, said actuating device being rotatable about an axis of rotation (A) and arranged relative to the actuating pusher in such a way that said cam or said catch exerts, in at least one angular position about the axis of rotation, on the actuating pusher, a force capable of mobilizing said pusher.
9. Display system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the actuating device (6) is also a device for controlling said reversible blocking device of the actuating pushers (5).
10. Timepiece, characterized in that it comprises a display system according to one of claims 1 to 9.
11. Timepiece according to claim 10, characterized in that the actuating device (6) is kinematically linked to the hour mobile and/or the minute mobile of a watch movement.
12. Timepiece according to claim 11, characterized in that the display system is configured to display the hours over 12 consecutive hours and arranged in kinematic linkage with the watch movement to indicate an hourly date by successive blocking at each full hour of the display elements of the corresponding pattern until the pattern "12" is displayed, at which time the other patterns disappear successively in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction by release of the blocking device of said actuating pushers.

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