WO1985000230A1

WO1985000230A1 - Electronic chronograph, particularly analog electronic chronograph-watch, chronometered time counter

Info

Publication number: WO1985000230A1
Application number: PCT/CH1984/000103
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcel René GERBER
Original assignee: Heuer-Léonidas Sa
Priority date: 1983-06-23
Filing date: 1984-06-21
Publication date: 1985-01-17
Also published as: EP0130150B1; CA1262051A; EP0130150A1; CH654717GA3; DE3469614D1

Abstract

In order to display in an analog form a plurality of chronometered times which, as the case may be, have to be taken up at very short time intervals, the watch comprises, in a case (1), in addition to current time indication members (2-4), indicators of counted times of hundredths of a second, seconds, minutes and hours (5-8). The watch also includes memories wherein the chronometered times are recorded by means of a push-button (10), each successive time being stored in a successive memory. The retrieval of the memory content for the display is independently controlled by another push-button (12) so that times can be rapidly taken up and read thereafter without being in a hurry. A digital display (13) of the row of the memory of which the content is displayed by the hands is particularly useful for time-keepers using the chronograph-watch. Said digital electronic chronograph is particularly intended to time-keeping and chronometric measurement where a large flexibility or diversity of functions is required.

Description

Electronic chronograph, in particular electronic, analog chronograph watch, chronograph time counter ^''": • • ^{• '}

The present invention relates to an electronic chronograph, in particular an electronic, analog πo-ιtre-c_hr∞ograph, timed time counter comprising at least one hand of timed time minutes, a hand of timed time seconds and a hand of hundredths of a second of timed timers, stepping motors moving the minutes and seconds hands of timed time during the counting of time and, on the other hand, the hundredths of a second hand of timed time after taking the time, function of a stored value.

In the field of time counter chronographs and digital display chronograph watches, a very large number of models have already been produced, provided with a wide variety of functions. On the other hand, in the field of electronic chronographs and chronograph watches with analog display by hands, little has been proposed so far. Different parts are known comprising several stepping motors, the timing devices which link two needles kinematically being expensive as regards setting the time, as is the catch-up function or the reset function for chronograph hands. A certain number of timekeepers would however prefer to be able to work with chronographs with analog display by hands, because these give a more intuitive vision of the advance of time. The particularities and advantages that are demanded today of a chronograph or a chronograph watch are above all that they allow a great diversity of functions, while remaining convenient to use, and that they

WIPO are of practical use for the timing of competitions or training for competitions. An interesting performance would be the presence of a certain number of memories making it possible to memorize different times, combining in different ways, and which can if necessary be recalled afterwards for re-registration or control. It would be particularly interesting to be able to control, with a single digital electronic chronograph, the arrival times of ten, or even several dozen runners, who sometimes follow each other very closely. A piece that can be produced in a wristwatch format which makes it easy to "split" (that is to say, "take the exact time") of a very rapid succession of runners' passages, then to read all these times successively afterwards , in analog form, would certainly be of interest to timekeepers, typically for sports timekeeping, but also for other types of timekeeping. The object of the present invention is to provide an analog electronic chronograph, in particular in the form of an analog electronic chronograph watch, making it possible to achieve the desirable performance previously mentioned, while avoiding the drawbacks of the prior art which often resided in too great a complication either in manufacturing or in use, or in a lack of flexibility and adaptability to the different types of timing that may arise.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the presence of the characters set out in the first appended claim.

The dependent claims define particularly advantageous embodiments, first of all as regards the possibilities of function and the positive handling devices, and then as to the consti-

WIPO tution of the diagrams which allow numerous functions, often very nuanced, by means of a relatively small number of elements, achievable in the form of integrated circuits. The accompanying drawing illustrates, by way of example, an embodiment of the subject of the invention; in this drawing: fig. 1 is a front view of a chronograph watch according to the invention in the format of a wristwatch, FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D form together, as illustrated in FIG. 2E, the logic and electronic diagram of the chronograph watch in question, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are detailed diagrams respectively, of a counter-comparator block represented by a frame in FIG. 2B, and memories similarly shown in FIG. 2C.

In fig. 1, it can be seen that, viewed from the outside, the chronograph watch comprises a housing 1, containing an electronic assembly for actuating the hands for measuring the current time and the hands of the different chronograph function variants. The current time is displayed, in a conventional manner, by an hour hand 2, central, a minute hand 3, also central, a minute hand 3, also central, and a second hand 4, in the "six" position. hours ", as has often been done. The hands of the chronograph function consist of a timed time hour hand 8, a timed time minute hand 7, located respectively at "twelve o'clock" and "nine o'clock". On the other hand, the most important hands for timing, that is to say needle 6 of the seconds of timed time and hand 5 of the hundredths of a second of timed time are also central hands, the hand of hundredths of seconds of timed time working on an entirely external scale of a circled dial cular on which a unit of a hundredth of a turn can easily be read.

As will be seen below, the watch includes a series of timed time memories, and the contents of these memories can be selectively displayed, a digital display field 13, typically with liquid crystal, providing the indication of that of the memories. the hands of the chronograph function indicate the content. In a manner which has already been proposed, but only, in the case of chronograph watches, for small hundredths of a second hands, the hundredths of a second hand is not moved continuously but it is brought afterwards on the desired value, electronically recorded, once the time to be measured has been grasped. In operation, the hundredths of a second hand 5 remains stationary as long as the time is being counted and that the display of a timed time has not been called up. We know that in timing, we differentiate between different types of function, the simplest being the START-STOP function, or "RALLY" function, time lapse scores then not being required. When a certain number of times are to be timed, two functions are known which are respectively called SPLIT, and LAP (OU. LAP RESET).

The SPLIT function is the typical, most common function, which allows intermediate time scores throughout a course or _Q crossing scores of different runners during the same basic timing. At the desired moment, a press on a push-button 10 started counting the chronograph, and one or more further presses on this button will make it possible to note intermediate times, or even a final time. However, the counting of time bases will continue until there is terminated by a STOP function using a push button 11. Once a first press on this push button has stopped counting, that is to say stopped the seconds hands, minutes and hours of timed time and caused the passage of the hundredths of a second hand, in the blink of an eye, on the desired value, a new press on this push button 11 returns all these hands to the zero position. If, during the continuous operation of the basic time counting having started with the push button 10, we want to record intermediate times, we again use the push button 10. The chronograph hands stop then (the guille of hundredths of a second is positioned adequately) and one can read the intermediate time. If several intermediate times are recorded at very short intervals, only the first is displayed first, the others, memorized, which must then be called, this is done using a third button - push-button 12. We will see below the details of this function.

Note that on the other hand in LAP function, each press by which we take the time of a passage does not interrupt the operation of the basic counter but instantly resets it to zero, which means that a new count begins. This LAP system is used for example for automobile racing circuits when it is desired each time to know the time taken by a racer to cover a lap. Thus, the timing of the end of the previous lap coincides with the start of timing of the next lap.

It is noted that the number of memories that such a watch can contain can be relatively high, relatively simple pieces can have six to eight memories, other pieces, more professional, can count twenty, thirty, even fifty or vantage. In the display field 13 of FIG. 1, a two-digit display has been provided, which at most would correspond to ninety-nine memories.

We may also want to use the watch only to temporarily memorize the times that we could not immediately write down, and then free the memories as soon as the time is noted on a sheet of paper, for example; you can also use a watch, in particular _. if it is provided with a large number of memories, for memorizing the arrival times, for example of the twenty or thirty runners of a sports race.

We also note, in fig. 1, the presence of a part 9 having the shape of a winding crown; this allows, after printing, the resetting of the hands indicating the current time. At the same time, the drawing of this crown 9 blocks the second time hand, either by leaving it where it is or, alternatively, by making it return to zero by conventional means.

We will now briefly describe the different functions, or possibilities of operation, of the chronograph part. It is assumed that at the start the chronograph is in the reset position (RESET), the needles 5, 6, 7 and 8 being on zero. The following functions can be recognized:

1. START - STOP - RESET function

Pressing push-button 10 starts the time counter, hands 6, 7 and 8 rotate. _Q Pressing the pusher 11 stops the time counter, the hands 6, 7 and 8 stop, the needle 5 receives a number of pulses corresponding to the number of hundredths of a second measured.

A second press on push button 11 5 resets the counter to zero, i.e. the four WIPO hands 5, 6, 7 and 8 are brought to zero. In this function, the digital display 13, representative of the rank of the memory whose content is displayed, remains at zero. ^{5 2} ~ START-STOP-START-STOP-RESET (RALLYE) function

The function is the same as above, except for the fact that, after the first pressure on the push-button 11, a new pressure is exerted on the push-button 10 so that the hands 6, 7 and 8 restart, 0 while the hundredths of a second hand stays where it was. Then, the next pressure on the pusher 11 again stops the needles, and the process can be repeated as much as desired. At the end, when the push-button 11 has been pressed twice in succession, the second press on it pushes all the needles to zero. The digital display 13 also remains at zero in this function.

3. START-SPLIT-RATTRAPANTE-STOP function

Pressing push-button 10 starts counting the time, hands 6, 7 and 8 turn. Pressing the pusher 10 again performs a "SPLIT", that is to say that the time counter does not stop, but the first memory stores the time of the SPLIT. At the same time, the device determining which memory is read, causes the reading of the first memory, so that the hands 6, 7 and 8 stop at the time corresponding to the instant when one has pressing button 10, and at the same time hand 5, hundredths of a second, returns to the memorized value. The digital display then indicates "1", which means that the contents of the first memory are displayed.

When the pusher 12 is pressed, the pins 6, 7 and 8 join the time value of the time counter, more precisely they join the value 5 of the following memory, which is itself synchronized

WIPO

V L'3 ^" on the time counter. The needle 5 remains in place; display 13 will mark "2" suggesting that we could take a second SPLIT, but we admit here that there is only one. Then, pressing the 5 button 11 stops the time counter, the hands 6, 7 and 8 stop on the measured time, the needle 5 returns to the position corresponding to the number of hundredths measured.

Pressing the pusher 11 again resets all the hands to zero, and the display field 13 again indicates zero.

4. START-SPLIT-n SPLIT-RATTRAPANTE function Pressing button 10 starts the time counter, hands 6 and 7 turn. 5 Then, a first press of SPLIT, again on the push-button 10 • r, - causes the storage in a first memory of the time thus detected, but the basic time counter does not stop. On the other hand, the pins 6, 7 and 8 stop at the positions corresponding to 0 corresponding to the time thus memorized and the hand 5 rejoins the memorized value. The digital display 13 indicates "1". Then, for example, if a certain number of runners arrive very quickly at the point of punching, make a certain number of new presses 5 on the pusher 10. The corresponding time values are successively memorized, each time in a later memory. The digital display still indicates the value "1", and the hands remain positioned on the indications of the first time in the _Q register. When this has been noted, pressing the push-button 12 switches the display to the second memory, the digital display 13 indicates "2", and the pins 5, 6, 7 and 8 are quickly brought to the value stored in the second memory, that is to say that they indicate the time of the second "SPLIT". This last can be noted, then a new pressure on the push-button 12 similarly displays the time recorded in the third memory, while the digital display 13 indicates "3". It is thus possible to continue calling up the times successively stored in the various memories. If it happens that we pass on a memory which has not yet recorded any time, the needles 6, 7 and 8 start to rotate again, because this memory is still synchronized on the counter of based. When the next runner arrives, pressing the pusher 10 again records the corresponding time ^" " in the memory in question, the hands 6, 7 and 8 stop turning while the needle 5, which has remained stationary until then, gains the position corresponding to the stored hundredth of a second value. At any time, we can, if desired, perform a function of

RATTRAPANTE, or more precisely a function of resynchronization of all memories. To do this, first press push-button 12, then, while the latter is pressed, also press push-button 11. This has the effect of resynchronizing all the memories on the basic time counter , at the same time as the display of the memory read, in the digital field 13, is reset. This "RATTRAPANTE" or RESYNCHRONIZATION function is useful mainly when, after having loaded all the memories, there are still times to be taken, that is to say that the number of runners is greater than the number of memories. We can then start again to take times (SPLITS) which will come back successively in memories 1, 2, etc. To call up the display of the next memory, press the push-button 12. It should be noted that, at the time of the first SPLIT while the digital display 13 is still at zero, the change to "1" is done automatically, and the hands are positioned on the value stored in the first memory, without it being necessary to act on the pusher. 12. When all the 'BUR £

WIPO times have been written into memories, that is to say when all the runners have passed, you can stop the counting, by pressing push-button 11, after which you can, if desired, reset the basic counter, at the same time as all the memories are resynchronized on this basic counter itself at zero, the counting operation being thus completed. Before resetting all the memories to zero, it is nevertheless advisable to call up, using the push-button 12, all the contents of memorized memories. If we pass over a memoi¬ re which has not recorded any time, this memory, still synchronized with the basic counter, will cause the needles to be positioned on the instant when counting is stopped. Pressing the push-button 12 even further automatically brings the memory reading back to "O", because the cycle of the counting call is automatically limited to a position beyond the number of memories having been loaded. .

As long as the whole counter has not been reset to zero, by two successive presses on push-button 11, and as long as there has not been carried out either a RETURN or RESYNCHRONIZATION function as previously indicated (at using push-button 12 and push-button 11), it is possible, if desired, to cycle through the memory cycle in order to possibly check that the different times have been noted. The function of successively calling up the contents of the memories, using the push-button 12, continues to be achievable in the stopped state of the counter, as long as the latter has not been reset. ⁵ - START-n function STORED ARRIVALS

A first press on push-button 10 starts the counter, hands 6, 7 and 8 rotate. Then, a first time-taking pressure again on the pusher 10 causes the display of the first time thus memorized in the first memory, the digital display

WIPO tal 13 indicates "1". We can then continue the whole process as explained above, under 4, by stopping the counting using push button 11 (stop), when all the times have been apprehended. In these circumstances, all times remain in memory and their successive exploration is done using push-button 12. To reset the entire chronograph to zero, a second press on push-button 11 must be made.

It should be noted that when the counter starts, a pressure on the push-button 11 stops it, and when when the counter is stopped, a press on the push-button 11 resets the chronograph to zero. It does not matter whether these two presses, the first of STOP and the second of RESET, were carried out just one after the other, or on the contrary that a certain number of memory display calls using the push-button 12 intervened in the meantime. The important thing is that the RESET function is carried out by pressing push-button 11 when the counter is stopped. It should be noted that, depending on whether one or the other of two variants will be explained which will be explained in connection with the diagram, the RATTRAPANTE, RESYNCHRONISA¬ TION function may either be possible only when the counter is running, or be also possible when the counter is stopped. To carry out this function, it is always necessary first of all to press the push-button 12, which prepares the action, then the push-button 11, which resynchronizes all the memories on the basic counter. If this is stopped, all the memories will resynchronize to the value at which the basic counter is stopped. By cons, because the pusher 11 is pressed while the pusher 12 is also pressed, this pressure on the pusher 11 does not cause a reset (or RESET). ⁶ “Function 'START- ^' LAP- (RATTRAPANTE} -LAP or n LAP, etc.

The different functions that we have just seen and which made it possible to memorize intermediate times without stopping the counter (SPLITS), can be performed simultaneously as a LAP function (or LAP-RESET). For this, the times are apprehended using the pusher 10, as has been seen previously, but, prior to the actuation of the pusher 10, the pusher 12 is pressed which prepares the LAP function or place of the SPLIT function. In this case, the time is memorized and the counter does not stop but is instantly reset to zero to start from zero. Hands 6, 7 and 8 stop and the hundredths of a second hand is positioned correctly; digital display 13 indicates "1". If the RATTRAPANTE, RESYNCHRONIZATION functions are not performed in the meantime, a new LAP can then be performed in the same way, however the time will be recorded in the second memory. To make this second reading, it will be necessary to press once on the push-button 12, in order to have the display of the content of the second memory. If this measurement was carried out before the second LAP, the hands 6, 7 and 8 will start to rotate again (pseudo-catching function), and the hundredths of a second 5 hand will remain fixed. When the second LAP is made using the pusher 10, while the pusher 12 has been previously pressed, the second LAP time will be stopped, that is to say that the needles 6, 7 and 8 will stop while needle 5 will gain the desired position. We can for example in this way successively time the exact time that a motor car will have taken each time to complete a lap in a car race. The first memory will store the time of the first round, the second memory the time of the second round, the third memory the time of the third round, etc. If one has to memorize a number of lap times greater than the number of available memories, one can use the RATTRAPANTE, RESYNCHRONIZATION function exactly as previously seen; naturally times

WIPO of laps memorized before the RESYNCHRONIZATION are lost, that is to say that the memories are unloaded and made free for the next memorization.

It should be noted that, depending on the constitution of an SPLIT or LAP 39 input counter, which will be considered later, it is possible to provide that, once the last memory has been loaded, the next SPLIT or the next LAP reloads the first memory again. At this time, assuming that there are 25 memories and that 27 SPLITS or LAPS had to be memorized, the first two memories will memorize times 26 and 27, while memories 3 to 25 will memorize times again 3 to 25. This possibility is however only a variant which depends on the constitution of a counter in the electronic circuit.

7. Function of temporary date indications During chronograph operation, the digital display field 13 displays the rank of the memory whose content is displayed. When the chronograph is not in use, this display field shows the date. However, it may happen that, during timing, one wishes to quickly ascertain the date, without however abandoning the timing. This can be done by pressing "long duration" on the push-button 12. In fact, if, while the field 13 displays the rank of a memory, the push-button 12 is pressed for more than about 3 sec, a timed circuit means that, after approximately 3 sec, the control of display 13 changes and the date appears in this field. This appearance of the date remains as long as the pusher 12 is pressed; as soon as it is released, the memory rank read is displayed again. Such pressure on the pusher 12, in order to make the date appear temporarily, does not cause the otherwise usual action of pressing on the pusher 12, that is to say advancing one step of the rank of memory whose

WIPO the content is displayed.

Having now considered the different possibilities of possible combinations of functions with the described chronograph watch, we will, in conjunction with FIGS. 2 (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D), 3 and 4, examine the internal constitution of the watch, from the electronic and logical point of view.

It should first be noted that the four figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D form a whole, in the manner which is illustrated in FIG. 2E. Fig. 3 is a diagram of the comparator-comparator 51 of FIG. 2B, whose rather particular structure deserved to be represented in more detail. Fig. 4 is a detailed diagram of a memory such as memories 66, 67, 68 ^' of FIG. 2C. It should also be noted that, in order to find the elements more easily, reference marks situated between 20 and 39 have been taken for FIG. 2A, between 40 and 59 for fig. 2B, between 60 and 79 for fig. 2C and between 80 and 110 for fig. 2D. The reference signs of fig. 3 are between HO and 120, those of FIG. 4 between 130 and 140.

We will first consider the diagram as it appears on all of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D. In general, we note that the diagram is itself relatively "speaking" for an experienced electronics engineer, and that certain details which may not have been explained in the text may very well be understood simply on seeing the figures.

An oscillator 21, controlled by quartz, provides a high frequency which is divided up to 100 Hz in a frequency divider 22. Since then, there is, for the function of displaying the current time, a second frequency divider 23 providing a frequency of 1 Hz. This is applied to an AND gate 24, the other input of which is applied. Apply a level "1", unless an SO switch (second to zero) is operated and applies a level zero on this other entry. This switch is closed (passing) when the crown 9 for resetting the mechanical time of the hands 2, 3 and 4 indicating the current time is operated. In this case, the pulses at 1 Hz can no longer pass through gate 24 and the stepping motor which actuates the seconds hand of the current time is stopped. Alternatively, one could provide a mechanical or electronic device which not only stops 1 ai¬ guille seconds but resets it to zero. Normally, pulses at 1 Hz exit from the door 24 and are applied to a circuit 25 which proceeds to the desired shaping of the pulses intended to advance a motor 36 one step every second. This motor 36 actuates, as seen in 37a, a second hand, which, by a conventional gear mechanism, drives a minute hand which itself drives the hour hand. A contact H (see fig. 2B lower left) is actuated twice a day by the hour hand of the current time, for counting the date. For setting the time using the crown 9, there is conventionally a lanterning device.

This display of current time is conventional and does not require more detailed explanation.

The output at 100 Hz of the frequency divider 22 is also applied to a gate 30 which constitutes the control gate of the basic time counter for the chronograph function. When the other input of this door 30 carries a level "1", pulses at 100 Hz are emitted by the door 30 and operate the chronograph counter (timed times), on the other hand, when the level on this other input is "0", the pulse at 100 Hz is not transmitted and the basic counter of the chronograph function is stopped.

It can be seen that the push button 10 acts first of all on a shaping stage 26, the output signal of which

WIPO puts a flip-flop 29 into working state. The output Q of the latter is applied to the second input of the AND gate 30, so that the basic counter of the chronograph function operates when the flip-flop 29 is in the working state while it is stopped when this flip-flop is in the resting state. By the arrangement, in a known manner, of two REVERSE gates 31 and 32, a second flip-flop, 28, follows in its tilting flip-flop 29, but with a delay equal to the duration of 1 impulse which acts on the flip-flop 29. Indeed, as soon as the chronograph counter is in operation, that is to say that the door 30 is on, a new actuation of the push button 10 causes a function of SPLIT. However, it must be avoided that the first actuation of this push-button, which starts the counter, does not cause a SPLIT, which is why the authorization of the SPLIT function only intervenes when the flip-flop 28 has also passed. in its working state, that is to say when the pulse delivered by the pulse former 28 has disappeared. To return the flip-flop 29 to the rest state, the push-button 11 is actuated and its pulse is shaped by a circuit 27. This pulse is applied to an AND gate 37 whose other input receives the signal from the output Q of the flip-flop 28, and of which yet another input receives a signal C which is at level "1" when the push-button 12 is not pressed and which passes at level "0", when this last one is in a hurry. In this way, if the push button 11 is operated while the push button 12 is pressed, the STOP function cannot be performed. If this is not the case and if the counter ^" is in operation, that is to say that the flip-flops 28 and 29 are in the working positions, pressing the push-button 11 brings up a signal level "1" at the exit of door 37, and the flip-flop 29 is immediately returned to the rest state. As the signal leaving the circuit

O PI formatting 29 is also applied to the second input of the REVERSE OR gate 32, the return tilting of the flip-flop 28 follows that of the flip-flop 29 only when the push button 11 has been released. 5 Indeed, a second manipulation of the push-button 11 causes a reset function (RESET) via an AND gate 38, one input of which receives the signal from the pulse generator 27 and of which another input receives the signal from the output Q of the 0 flip-flop 28. In this way, resetting to zero necessarily requires two manipulations of the pusher 11, which must first have been released to toggle the re-turn flip-flop 28, before a new manipulation can cause the reset function through the door 38. The latter also receives the signal C, which has the same effect as explained above concerning the door 37 .

Depending on the state of the flip-flop 29, the door 30 is therefore on or off, and the basic counter of the 0 chronograph function is either running or stopped. "

Considering fig. 2C, it can be seen that the output signal from gate 30, via a line CT, is applied first to a pulse formatter 51 which delivers an impulse every hundredths of a second. This pulse 5 is applied to the clock input of a memory counter 65 which counts according to a cycle of 100, (preferably two quartetts BCD in series) and which provides the information of hundredths of a second of chronograph. We will return later to the exact constitution of this memory counter. This information is provided on a line formed by a plurality of conductors, which is why the connection is drawn in thick lines. The driver with the highest weighting switches once per cycle and is taken from the output information of the memory counter 65 to be applied to a pulse former 62 which delivers a signal at one pulse per second. Similarly, this signal activates a memory counter 66, which counts to 60 and which provides the indication of seconds on a line comprising a plurality of conductors. Again the information of the driver having the highest weighting is taken from this information to be applied to an impulse trainer 63 which delivers one pulse per minute, which is applied as clock pulse to a counter-me oi re 67 which counts the minutes. The latter delivers the minute information on a multi-conductor line, and the highest weighting signal is taken to be applied to a pulse-forming stage 64 which delivers one pulse per hour on a memory counter 68 delivering the time information on a multi-conductor line.

All the memory counters 65, 66, 67 and ^r ooo

68 constitutes the basic counter of the chrono¬ graph function.

The four multiple pieces of information output from these counters, namely the information of the hundredths of a second of the chronograph, the information of the seconds of the chronograph the information of the chronograph minutes, and the information of the chronograph hours, are delivered on bus lines which are applied respectively to the setting position e inputs of a series of memories 65.- 65 hundredths of a second, 66.-66 for secon¬ of 671 ..- 67n p ^e our minutes and ^e p 68.1-68n our times.

Thus, there are groups of four memories, each group being however considered to be a time information memory, ranging from hundredths of a second to hours. Thus, we will then speak of memory no. 1, for the group formed of memories (partial 65., 66., 67 .., 68-., from memory no 2 for the group made up of the following (partial) memories, etc. until memory no n, for the group formed of (partial) memories 65, 66, 67, 68. ^c nnnn

Each (partial) memory shown in fig. 2C can advantageously have the structure shown in FIG. 4. We see that it consists of a memory element proper 135, the input of which is controlled by a multiple door 134, which lets or does not pass the multiple information located on the input E. Similarly the output of the memory element 135 is applied to an output circuit 136 which comprises a multiple AND gate circuit 136a, and a group of output stages 136b. Again the information leaving the memory element 135 can be transmitted or stopped according to the command supplied to the multiple door 136a. In fig. 4, only one of the output stages has been shown, and it can be seen that it is formed by a transistor 137 working on a resistor 138. Such a configuration of output stages makes it possible to easily parallel the stages homologous output of all memories of the same weighting, this direct galvanic connection of all the outputs on a conductor automatically establishing an OR function. It is noted that the resistance 138 can be extremely high, taking into account the fact that there will be a large number of them in parallel. One can also provide for having a resistor 138 only for example on the outputs of the last memories, of rank n, the others being simply deleted.

An input Ts controls the multiple output gate 136a, and there is only one memory, the first, the second or the nth, or the nth, whose output is on. Indeed, as we will see, there is only one of the memories (complete ranging from hundredths of a second to an hour) which receives a signal of level "1" on its input Ts. The inputs Ts of the different memories are supplied by the lines A - A, which correspond to the different outputs of the counter-comparator 51 which will be considered below. Note that the metering counters moires 65 -68 include the same output circuit 136a, oo which makes it possible to control their output exactly like that of simple memories, also by a TS input. Regarding these memory counters, it should also be said that they include two outputs, one (MCO, MSO, MMO, MHO) to permanently supply the corresponding information, for the subordinate jaws and another output S, controlled by a circuit similar to circuit 136 in FIG. 4, and which delivers information only when it is desired to display the information even contained in the memory counters, that is to say the basic counter of the chronograph function.

The opening or closing of the multiple door 134, at the entry of each (partial) memory is controlled by a flip-flop 132 which is put in the working position on reception of a BL pulse (blocking), passing through a shaping stage 130, and which is put in the rest position by an impulse on an input Sy (Synchronization) via the shaping stage 131. This is the information from the output Q of the flip-flop 132 which controls the multiple door 134, however passing through an OR gate 133. Indeed, the blocking pulse, coming from the stage 130, puts the flip-flop 132 at the working state and therefore establishes a zero level at the output Q. However, during the very pulse, given the connection between the input s of the flip-flop 132 and the second input of the OR gate 133, the level applied to multiple door 134 is always level "1". Thus, if the door was previously passing, the BL pulse makes it non-passing, but only from the moment of its disappearance. If on the other hand, a BL pulse is applied while the flip-flop 132 is already in the working state, that is to say that the door 134 is already non-passing, a level "1" appears at the entry of this gate 134 only during the very short duration of the pulse delivered by the pulse-forming stage 130, which means that, for a brief instant, the information present on the input E can pass over the memory element 135. Thus, several successive BL pulses, have the effect of repositioning the memory element 135 on a new blocking position. Furthermore, the resynchronization is done by a signal applied to the input Sy, which, by the impulse-forming stage 131, acts on the input r of the flip-flop 132. The output Q of the latter then goes to level "1" and the gate 134 becomes permanently on, which means that the memory element 135 follows exactly the evolution of the corresponding memory counter (65 -68).

Note that the memory counters are provided with a reset input; the memories themselves are not; to reset them, they are simply resynchronized on the memory counter while the latter is itself reset. On the other hand, both the memory memories ("basic counter" or "zero counter") and the various memories (memories no 1, memory no 2 ... memory no n) include the input Ts which allows the delivery of output information for display.

Returning to fig. 2A, it can be seen that when the counter is in operation (flip-flops 28 and 29 in the working state) and that the pusher 10 is manipulated, a door 35 is made passable and delivers a SPLIT pulse. This pulse is applied to the clock input of a counter 39 having n positions, plus a zero position. On departure, this counter was reset to zero by a pulse on its input r. It is a counter of the type either online or in ring. In the zero position, none of the outputs B-. at B carries no signal. When a SPLIT pulse is applied, this counter advances by one row and its output B, carries a level "1". As can be seen in fig. 2C, this level is applied to the BL input of the partial memories of memory no 1. This memory is then blocked

WIPO IPO in the position that the basic counter has just at this time. Therefore memory no 1 is loaded with a time formation, that of the first SPLIT. When a second press of the push-button 10 is activated, the counter 39 advances by one row and similarly memory No. 2 is blocked on the state which the basic counter of the chronograph function presents at this time. -the. The same process continues and, each time the push-button 10 is manipulated, a new memory takes care of the information that the time counter presents just at that time. In fig. 2A, it can be seen that the output of the gate 35 is applied to an input of an AND gate 36, the other input of which receives a signal from the push button 12 (fig. 2B). This has the effect that, when the pusher 10 is manipulated while the pusher 12 is pressed, the SPLIT function becomes a LAP-RESET function, that is to say that the pulse which then appears at the output of the gate 36, via an OR gate 34, instantly resets the memory counters 65 to 68, that is to say the basic counter of the memory, but the actual counting of the time is not not stopped, it simply starts from scratch. We then have the LAP function, which was previously explained.

We have already seen what were, via the AND gates 37 and 38, the effects of a pressure on the pusher 11, that is to say first of all the stopping of the counter, then its delivery at zero, through the gate 38 and the gate 34.

In fig. 2B, there is a comparator counter 51, the details of which are shown in FIG. 3 and will be considered later. This counter has n positions, plus a zero position. It advances by one step each time it receives, on its clock input, a pulse which comes from a pulse former 44. The latter is controlled by the push-button 12, in such a way that it s now is to consider.

WIPO

" The push-button 12 can have either its intrinsic function, which of advancing the counter 51 by one step, or an auxiliary function, which is to modify the effects of a pressure on the push-buttons 10 or 11. In this case, its intrinsic function is inhibited. For this, after passing through a pulse-forming stage 41, the pusher 12 places a flip-flop 50 in the working position. The output of the latter is applied to an input of an AND gate 43, the other of which input receives the output of an inverter 42, itself also controlled by the push-button 12. Thus, the door 43 does not pass through when the output Q of the flip-flop 50 passes to level "1". It is only when the pressure is released on the pusher 12 that the level "1" will return to the output of the inverter 42 and that, if the flip-flop 50 is still in the working state, the door 43 at its output will deliver a signal to the pulse trainer 44, supplying the clock input of the counter 51. If, however, in the meantime, a pulse has been applied to the reset input r of the flip-flop 50, the gate 43 will in no way pass through and no signal will be delivered by circuit 44. This reset input r of flip-flop 50 is connected to the output of an OR gate 45, with four inputs. Two of these inputs are respectively signals A and B coming from the pulse-forming stages 26 and 27, themselves controlled by the pushbuttons 10 and 11. If therefore, in the meantime, one of these two pushbuttons has been manipulated, the intrinsic function of the push button 12 does not take place. Furthermore, if the switch 12 is released without one of the switches 10 or 11 having been actuated in the meantime, the signal emitted by the circuit 44, also applied to the OR gate 45, resets the flip-flop 50 to zero, whereupon this signal stops automatically, its duration is therefore short ^ but in no case too short.

We also notice that the output Q of the flip-flop 50 activates a uni-vibrator which establishes between its input and its output, a delay of approximately 3 sec for the transition to the state "! ¹ , the transmission of the transition to the state" O "being instantaneous. In this case, if the switch 12 is pressed for more than 3 sec, a signal appears at the output of this uni-vibrator 52, and a flip-flop 53 is put in the working position, its output Q goes to level "0", and blocks an AND gate 47, which controls a selector 57 of the analog display In one position, this selector causes the display in field 13 of the chronograph 0 graph, represented at 59 in Fig. 2B, to rank the memory whose content is displayed, in the other position of this selector, this display indicates the date. Thus, pressing the switch C for more than 3 sec causes, during the time it remains pressed beyond these 3 sec, a temporary switching selector 57, which 5 shows the indication of the date instead of the indication of the rank of the memory whose content is displayed, this which can be useful for timekeepers. At the same time, the output Q of the flip-flop 53 is applied to an input of the OR gate 45, so that it returns the flip-flop 50 to the rest state before the switch 12 is released, which results in the intrinsic function of the latter (advancing one step of the counter-comparator 51) is inhibited.

This counter 51 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3. It is seen in particular it comprises a converter "0-n / BCD" 120 that outputs information to the aforementioned selector 57, which actuates the digital display 59 via a converter "BCD / _7. SEGM" 58. By the way, we notice that the other input of the selector 57 _Q receives a BCD signal which comes from a cycle counter of "3.! *, 55, itself receiving a signal from a divider by two 54 which receives, by a switch H, an impulse at each revolution of the hour hand of current time (in 37 fig. 2A). Note also that the selector 57 is controlled permanently by a flip-flop 56 which is put in the working position each time either the switch 10 operates (START or SPLIT) or each time the switch 12 operates so as to perform its intrinsic function (output from circuit 44). Furthermore, the flip-flop 56 is reset to the rest state either by the RESET function, resetting all the chronograph circuits to zero, or by the STOP function, provided that at that time the counter- comparator 51 is in the zero position, that is to say controls the display of the basic time counter of the chronograph function and not the display of one of the memories. This reset function of the flip-flop 56 is carried out via an AND gate 40 and an OR gate 40a.

In fig. 2B, it can be seen that the comparator counter 51 also receives the pulses from SPLIT, just as it receives reset pulses (RESET) or also the pulses from the RESYNCHRONIZATION of the memory, coming from the AND gate 46. Furthermore, this counter receives the information from the state of the counter 39, previously considered and used to direct the SPLITS to the various memories.

The n + 1 outputs of the counter-comparator 51 are applied to the n + 1 groups of inputs TS of the basic memory-counters (zero memories ^" ) and of the various memories 1, 2, ... n-1, n It is therefore this counter 51 which determines which counter-memory or memory; the display will display the content. It is time to examine, in Fig. 3, the constitution of this counter-comparator 51.

We see that it includes an input register 111 which simply stores the information received from the counter 39. It also includes an output register 112, which provides the outputs A ... A of the counter 51. The input ~ l of clock pulses each time this counter 112 advances, while the reset input (RZ), as well as the resynchronization input (RM). cause by means of an OR gate 113, the resetting of this counter 112. This latter comprises a zero position plus n positions, from 1 to n. The input register 111 also includes n positions, p-read a zero position, although its zero position is only rarely used.

Apart from the converter circuit 120, already mentioned, the comparator counter 51 of FIG. 3 includes various doors having different functions. First of all, an AND gate 119 receives the SPLIT pulses, just as it receives, delayed by a timer stage 118, the output signal from the zero stage of the counter 112. Thus therefore, when the latter is on its position zero, if a SPLIT appears, a signal of level "1" appears at the exit of door 119. This, via a series of doors 114 to 114 has the effect of causing the setting of the register counter 112 at the position where the input counter 111. is located. Since the latter always includes the information of the rank of the memory having received the last information, if the counter 112 is at zero, a pulse of SPLIT the automatically moves to the position corresponding to the memory where just this SPLIT has just entered a timed time. Thus, from zero, the passage of the counter 51 to position 1 is done automatically without requiring pulses on the clock input and. The same applies if, after having read for example four or five memories, already recorded, the counter 51 returns to its zero position and if, for example, a sixth SPLIT intervenes at that time. This sixth SPLIT, which will be registered in the sixth memoi¬ re, will pass the counter 112 to its position 6, which will automatically cause the display of the information contained in memory no 6, at the same time as the display

^r digital (13, 59) will display the number "6".

The counter 51 makes it possible to repeat a cycle in order to check recorded timed time values.

Its cycle is n + 1. However, if only a small number of splits are recorded, its cycle is shortened so that, to review, for example, six or seven timed times, it is not necessary to pass each time by twenty-five positions of which nearly twenty would be empty. This is why we have the ET 115o, 2 m doors. , 1151., 3 .., ... 115n-3., N-i ,, 115n-2_, n. The outputs of all these doors are connected by an OR gate 116, which, via a timer 117, acts on the reset gate OR 113. So therefore, if while we have already memorized a certain number of very chronometric times, we want to pass a memory further, we can, we will simply have the running of the hands according to the position of the following memory, still synchronized with the basic counter of the chronograph function. We can stay in this position, to wait for the next SPLIT which will position the hands in correspondence with its time, we can also try to go one more row further in the counter 51 of row of memories read, but then we will have one of the doors 115 which will become pas¬ health, and the level signal "1" at the exit of the gate 116, extended, to avoid trouble for a few very brief moments by the timer 117, will cause the counter register 112 to be reset to zero. C ' This is how the cycle of the counter 51 is automatically adapted to the number of splits already recorded, however leaving a reserve upwards, and providing for a return to the zero position where it is always the information of the basic counter of the stopwatch function displayed.

The function of memory resynchronization should still be discussed now. This function would be somewhat dangerous if it came

v WIPO WIPO refer to other functions, for example the function of memorizing n arrivals and if it resulted from a simple manipulation of switch 12. In fact, this function erases the contents of the memories. However> it is done here in a way that eliminates this danger. Provided that the switch 12 is previously pressed and that the switch 11 is subsequently pressed, the door 46 may become passable, provided that the output of a comparator 48 which will be studied later provides a level "1" . In addition, in a variant called QV, an input of gate 46 still receives the signal Q, coming from output Q of flip-flop 28, which means that then the function of "resynchronization memoi¬ res" can only take place if the counter is working. In the other variant, if the QV connection, drawn in dotted lines is not made, the corresponding entry of gate 46 is considered to be in the state "1", and the "memory resynchronization" is also possible when the counter is at rest. This "memory resynchronization" resynchronizes all the memories 1 to n on the basic counter of the chronograph function (counter zero) but on the other hand, at unlike the "reset" function (or RESET), this "memory resynchronization" function does not reset the base counter to zero. As can be seen in the figures, the output of gate 46 , then passing through OR gate 35, gives all the memories via the RS link being syn- ^{'chronization} by applying a pulse on their input Sy. The comparator 48 compares the state of the memory display control counter 51 and the state of the counter 39 for controlling the entry of .SPLITS in the memories (or of addressing SPLITS in the memories). If the state of the counter 51 is at least as high as the state of the counter 39, this means that all of the stored information has been read at least once and it is possible to therefore allow resynchronization of memories. If the state of the counter 51 is lower than the state of the counter 39 (if, for example, six SPLITS have been stored while only four memories have been read), the comparator 48 will not 5 delivers no signal of level "1" at its output, which prevents the operation of door 46 and therefore prohibits the function of "memory resynchronization". This prevents the risk that timed times will be recorded and will be lost before being read. 0 It remains to be seen, considering fig. 2D, how the different motors driving the hundredths of a second, seconds, minutes and hours hands of the chronograph function are controlled. At the top of the 2D fi, we see that the respective information inputs of 5 hundredths of a second (TC), seconds (TS), minutes

(TM), and hours (TH). The three pieces of information of seconds, minutes and hours are directly applied respectively to each of three comparators, 82, 83, 84. On the other hand, the information of hundredths of a second is first applied to a circuit inhibitor 106, at the same time as it is applied, by a differentiator 108, to a delay circuit, of the uni-vibrator type, which, for returning to the rest state, exhibits a delay of at least 0, 04 sec from the output relative to the input. This means that as long as the information of hundredths of a second

TC will be "in motion", that is to say will change at its rate of one pulse per hundredth of a second, the output of delay circuit 105 will be permanently at level "1", and this level, applied to the circuit inhibitor 106, will make 0 that the information of the hundredths of a second will not be transmitted to the corresponding comparator 81. As soon as, as against, the information of the hundredths of a second will be at rest (reading of a blocked memory or of the basic counter stopped), circuit 105 will return to rest state 5 after 0.04 sec, and the inhibitor circuit 106 will cease to act so that the information of hundredths of a second will be applied to comparator 81. Thus, during counting, comparator 81 does not receive a signal, while it receives the signal of hundredths of 5 seconds when the latter is permanent. For the desired positioning of each of the needles, the comparators 82, 83, 84 compare the setpoint information that i_Is receive (TS, TM, TH) with real situation information that they receive d * a counter respectively 93, 94, 95. This counter receives a reset pulse when the corresponding needle goes through zero, by mechanical means, by means of contacts _? , R_, R. They then receive as many pulses as the motor, which means that their state will be representative of the position of the corresponding needle. If an impulse were to miss its goal and did not turn the rotor of the motor, this defect would be quickly eliminated, on the next turn, by the zero crossing contact. The comparators thus compare the actual position of the needle with the position that the needle should take, and as long as there is no identity, they give a signal of level "1" on their output. Q, which makes a gate 85, 86, 87 pass respectively, receiving in addition on another input a clocked signal coming from a timing divider 33 fed by the frequency divider 22. The frequency of the timing divider will be adapted to the possibilities of the motors, also taking into account the inertia of the needles; a frequency of the order of 30 to 50 Hz should be suitable. In normal operation, the setpoint information for _Q only advances by one unit at a time, i.e. only one pulse is sent by the corresponding gate, 85, 86, 87, after which compares it ¬ tor is already seeing the reestablishment of coincidence. On the other hand, when it comes to gaining a distant position, the gates 85, 86, 87 send a series of pulses. sions. It can also be seen in the figure that the shaping circuits 97, 98 and 99 put the signals into the desired shape for the actuation of the motors, respectively 102, for the seconds, 103 for the minutes and 104 for the hours.

This is practically analogous to the motor actuating the hundredths of a second hand, by means of a motor 101 controlled by a pulse former 96. The position of the second hand is also recognized by a circuit 92 operating, in cooperation with a zero-crossing contact R., exactly like the previously mentioned circuits 93, 95, 97. The only difference in the case of the hundredths of a second counter is that, in normal operation, the comparator 81 receives a signal "0000". If he acted like the other comparators, he would therefore return the hundredths of a second hand to the zero position each time. This way of doing things could have its charm and can be provided as an interesting variant, especially if we assume that the hundredths of a second hand is somewhat bulky, depending on where it is blocked. For this variant, the dotted connection ZV must be deleted. However, according to the intended execution, the inverse of the output signal of the timer 105 is applied by an inverter 107 to a third input of the gate 88 which receives the signal of the output Q of the comparator 81 of the hundredths of second (dotted connection ZV in circuit) In this case, even when this comparator in itself au¬ torises the pulses to pass through the AND gate 88, the level signal "0" leaving the inverter 107 in¬ terdit l sending these pulses, so that the hundredths of a second hand always remains stationary when the hundredths of a second scroll at a rate of 100 Hz. The motor does not move and the comparator always finds a non-coincidence between the signal delivered by circuit 92 and the signal "0000" delivered by the inhibition circuit

WIPO 106, but, the door 88 remaining blocked, this non-coïnci¬ dence has no effect. It is only when the timer 105 ceases to act, that the inhibitor circuit 106 transmits the desired information and that the inverter 107 stops blocking the door 88. At this time, the positioning of the the hundredths of a second hand occurs exactly like that of other needles.

Note that if the TC information of hundredths of a second is given by two cascaded BCD circuits, it will suffice to take, for the timer circuit 105, the signal of the lowest weighted stage of the first group BCD, which will switch twice per hundredth of a second. However, it could be that, when the information is stopped, this signal is at the high level (if the number of hundredths of a second is odd). This is the reason why provision has also been made for the differentiating circuit 108 on the input of the timer 105, this circuit 108 transmitting only the positive jump pulses, so that, as soon as the signal ceases to make jumps , level "O" reappears at the input of circuit 105 and that thus even the odd hundredths of a second does not risk keeping circuit 105 blocked.

Concerning the counter 39 for addressing SPLITS (or LAPS) in the memories, it is noted that two executions are possible. This counter 39 can be an "online" counter which, starting from zero, goes step by step to its last position "n", then stops, new pulses on its input c / then remaining without effect . In another embodiment, this counter could be of the "ring" type, in the sense that a new pulse appearing on the input c while the counter is already in its last position "n" causes the counter to return to position "1" (but in no case to position "O"). With the first above-mentioned embodiment of the counter 39, a number of SPLITS equal to the capacity "n" of the counter can be recorded, after which the SPLITS (or LAPS) are no longer recorded, unless in the meantime performed a function of "resynchronization of memories, erasing the content of all memories and bringing the counter back to" O ". In the second embodiment of this counter, the recording of a number of SPLITS ( or LAPS) greater than the capacity of the counter (corresponding to the number of memoi¬ res) is possible; assuming for example that there are twenty-five memories and that the 25th memory is already loaded, the next SPLIT (or LAP ) will return to memory no 1, the old content of which will be erased, so the timed times n + l, n + 2, n + 3, etc., will automatically take the place of the old timed contents 1, 2, 3, etc. , without it being necessary to carry out a manipulation d "resynchronization". Both variants have their advantages and disadvantages, the choice between them will be a question of opportunity.

An arrangement which is not shown in the drawing but which, being conventional, can very well be imagined, could also provide the chronograph or the chronograph watch according to the invention. This is an arrangement for "end of life approach detection of the battery". Such an arrangement includes a circuit which measures with accuracy the remaining voltage of the battery supplying the chronograph or the chronograph watch, this voltage undergoing a slight drop as it approaches its end of life. To signal this end-of-life approach, means which it is not necessary to describe in more detail, since they are known to those skilled in the art, will bring the digital display into field 13 (display of the date or row of memory read) to flash instead of being supplied permanently.

Although shown in fig. 1 in the form of a chronograph watch in bracelet format, the chronograph or the chronograph watch according to the proposed design can also advantageously be produced in the format of a pocket watch. In this case, the dial is larger and the various small inner dials, on which the second time hand 4, the timed minute hand work

7 and the hour hand of timed time, would benefit from being further from the center than they are in the piece of wristwatch format re¬ presented in fig. 1. For this purpose, it has been provided that, for the drive of the needles in question, a modular arrangement will be used, comprising the stepping motor, the necessary reduction gears and the axis of the needle, forming the point of constructive view a separate subset. This modular arrangement will allow without great difficulty to arrange the aforementioned small dials at a greater or lesser distance from the center depending on whether it will be a piece of wristwatch format or a piece of pocket watch format.

This is how the chronograph watch works, the external shape of which is shown in FIG. 1. The proposed concept is not however limited to what has been described, and in particular, other embodiments would be conceivable, in particular with other means for displaying the hundredths of a second. We could very well have the series of seconds, minutes, and hours hands of the chronograph function operated in the manner described or in a similar manner, and have the hundredths of a second appearing for example in digital form. It should also be said that many of the functions which have been described could possibly be suppressed.

O PI However, one could for example do without the hour hand of the chronograph function. We could also do without the date display or the possibility of obtaining the temporary date display in chronograph mode.

It should also be noted that the watch could very well be produced in the format of a pocket watch or another format.

Finally, concerning electronics and in particular counters, registers, and memories, it is very clear that many methods are available for realizing similar functions, and that it is above all the combination of functions which allows the Convenient, efficient and flexible exterior operation of the chronograph which sets the design apart. A form of execution that does not include indications of the current time, that is to say a simple chronograph or time counter would also correspond to the design proposed by the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS; 1. Analog electronic chronograph of timed time counter, in particular analog electronic chronograph watch of timed time counter, comprising at least one hand (7) of timed minutes of time, one hand (6) of timed seconds of time and one hand (5 ) hundredths of a second of timed time, and comprising at least one stepping motor (102) for moving the hand of the timed second seconds and another stepping motor (101) for moving the hand of the hundredths of a second of timed times, electronic means of time counters (21, 22, 61-64, 65 - 68), a manual member (10) for starting counting control, from the actuation of which the chronograph time seconds hand is moved by the stepping motor which is provided to it, this manual member (10) and / or another manual member (11) being arranged to control timed time captures, so that from their actuation as a time-taking device, the hand of the timed seconds seconds is stopped and the hand of the hundredths of a second of timed times is moved by the stepping motor which is assigned to reach a position indicative of the counting state at the time of actuation of time taking (10, 11), characterized in that it comprises a number "n" greater than "1" of memories (65 -68, 6 - -

682-, '... 65n-68n) able to store each successively a timed time corresponding respectively to each of the timed time counting states, at the instants of actuation of the first (10) of the gripping devices time, a manual control member (12) for calling up the stored timed times making it possible to successively cause the positioning of the hands (6, 5, 7), of indications ^" of timed times on positions indicating each of the timed times thus memorized,

O PI_ 2. Chronograph according to claim 1, charac¬ terized in that it comprises a memory comparator counter (51) which activates a digital display (59) indicating the rank of the memory which is read and therefore that of the corresponding timed time which is displayed.

3. Chronograph according to claim 1, charac¬ terized in that it comprises a third stepping motor (103) for moving the hand (7) of the minutes of the timed times.

4. Chronograph according to claim 3, charac¬ terized in that it comprises a hand (8) hours of timed times.

5. Chronograph according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a fourth stepping motor (104) for moving the hour hand (8) of the timed times.

6. Chronograph according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it constitutes a wristwatch and further comprises hands (2, 3, 4) indicative of current time, driven by a motor. step by step (36) particular to this function.

7. Chronograph according to claim 6, charac¬ terized in that the digital display (13, 59) of the rank of the memory read provides a date indicator function when the chronograph function is not used,

8. Chronograph according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said manual member (12) for controlling the call of timed times actuates one or said memory counter (51) indicating what is the rank of the memory which is read and therefore that of the corresponding timed time which is displayed, this manual member (12) for controlling the memory counter luej also being arranged to modify the function of the manual member (10) for controlling starting and time, so that the function of this organ of WIPO manual control there (10) is a function of SPLIT if at this time the manual organ (12) of memory control is not pressed and a LAP RESET function if at this time the organ ( 12) memory control is pressed, the intrinsic function of the memory control member (12) being also inhibited if the LAP RESET function has been performed by the start-up and time-taking control member (10) while this memory display control switch (12) was operated.

9. Chronograph according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the said other manual time-taking member (11) performs a STOP function which stops the counting when the latter was in operation, then, if it is manipulated a second time, performs a RESET function, resetting the counter to zero if it was already stopped, characterized in that said manual member (12) for controlling memory counting also conditions the operation of this other manual member (11) , in the sense that if the memory control member (12) is not pressed, said other manual member (11) classically kills its functions, as mentioned above, while, if said manual control member of memories (12) is pressed while said other manual control member (11) is being manipulated, the function of the latter comes from a memory resynchronization function, that is to say "catch-up" for all memories, the totality of which re-synchronizes with the basic time counter, the intrinsic function of the memory control switch (12), which normally acts on the memory row counter (51), being then inhibited.

10. Chronograph according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a counter (39) for counting the addressing of successive splits in the memories, and a comparator counter (51) which comprises a register (112 ) advancing step by step under the action of the switch member (12) for controlling memory counting and determining each time which memory ^• is read, at the same time as it provides, by means of a converter (120) the information display of the rank of the memory whose content is displayed.

11. Chronograph according to claim 10, characterized in that said memory row counter (51) is connected to said counter (39) for addressing splits in memories, so that the comp cycle

10 memory command controller is reduced to a maximum value of two units greater than the number of memories already loaded ^, stored in the splits addressing counter (39).

12. Chronograph according to claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that said memory control comparator counter (51) comprises. A zero position in which it causes the display of the basic counter and from which l arrival of an SPLIT impulse automatically sends its word

_? <- ₀ - reg ^~ istre (112) and therefore its BI-Bn output informat.ion on the memory into which the new SPLIT has been introduced, so that its time is automatically displayed without special manipulation of the memory counting control member (12) to call up the correct memory. 25

13. Chronograph according to claim 10, charac¬ terized in that it comprises means with doors (46) which do not allow the resynchronization of the memories, that is to say the catch-up function, of all the memories only if the state of the comparator counter (51) of memories read

30 is equal to or greater than the state of the counter (39) of recorded splits, that is to say of loaded memories, a comparator (48) being therefore arranged between the two aforementioned counters (51, 39) and acting on said door means (46).

14. Chronograph according to claim 7, characterized in that the display is either of the date or of the rank of memory read in the display field (13, 59), is selected by a selector (57) controlled by a rocker (56), the latter passing to the state where it causes the date to be displayed, either when a RESET function is activated, that is to say a pressure on said other manual control member ( 11) while the base counter is stopped, either when a STOP function occurs, that is to say during a press on this same switch while the base counter is still operating and must 'stop, this provided however that simultaneously the row counter of read memories (51) is in the zero position, this rocker (56) being put in the position where it causes the display of the rank of memories during of a START function by means of the first manual control member (10) or also during manipulation of the org control loop (12) of the read memory counter (51), this being useful in the case where the return to the display of the date has been controlled by the STOP function and not the RESET function.

15. Chronograph according to claim 14, ca¬ characterized in that, using timed means (52) and a rocker (53), the temporary display of the date can also be applied in the case of a pres¬ sion on the manual control member (12) of the memory read counter (51) during a period longer than a period of at least 3 sec, the date_apparaissant-: then ar¬ shooter - ^"what - deleting that this switch member remains pressed, after which the display of the row of memories reappears, without the manipulation of the switch member (12) controlling the memory counter (51) having advanced that - one step.

WIPO

16. Chronograph according to one of claims 1 to 15, constituting a chronograph watch, caracté¬ ized in that it has the format of a wristwatch.

17. Chronograph according to claim 16, characterized in that the two hands respectively of the seconds of timed time (6) and of the hundredths of a second of timed time (5) are central hands relative to a large circular dial, these hands both providing their indications on respective graduations located in the vicinity of the periphery of this large circular dial.

18. Chronograph according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the elements which form the drive of the hands, mainly needles which move in a small internal dial, are made in a modular form which comprises, as a modular sub-assembly, the stepping motor, the gear reducers required, and the axis intended to carry the needle, this modular construction having to allow the placing of the small inner dials parcou¬ rus by small hands, more or less far from the center of the chronograph or the chronograph watch, depending on the format thereof, in particular depending on whether this format is a wristwatch format or a pocket watch format.

19. Analog electronic chronograph with timed time counter, in particular analog electronic chronograph watch with timed time counter, including a display device equipped with a hand (7) of the minutes of the timed time, a hand (6 ) seconds of the timed time and display means (5) of timed time units of duration less than the second, electronic time-keeping means, a stepping motor (102) to move the so-called second hand of timed time to moirîs in synchronism with the counting means and a control device comprising several manual organs (10, 11), capable of controlling at least the start of counting, its stopping, the taking and display of an intermediate time as well as catching up with the display of the timed time, characterized in that it comprises several memories connected to the electronic counting means and to the control device so that during a repetitive actuation of the latter, after the de- - - setting up, ^" the successive states of the counting means, at the instants of actuation are each recorded in one of the memories, the control device being capable moreover of acting on the display device (6, 5,7) to give it at will successive positions each indicating one of the intermediate times thus memorized.

20. Chronograph according to claim 19, ca¬ characterized in that it further presents one, or more, or all, of the characters which are mentioned in one or more of claims 1 to 18.

21. Analog electronic chronograph watch, timed time counter, having a large circular ca¬ dran and comprising hands indicating current time, minutes (3) and hours (2) respectively, at least one minute hand (7) of timed times, a hand (6) of timed seconds of time and a hand (5) of hundredths of a second of timed time, and comprising at least one stepping motor for moving the seconds of timed time hand numbered, electronic time counters, a manual counting start control member (10), from the actuation of which the hand of the timed seconds seconds is moved by the stepping motor which is allocated to it, this manual member (10) and / or another manual organ (11) being arranged to control timed timings, so that from their ac- As a time-taking device, the hand of the timed seconds of time is stopped and the hand of the hundredths of a second of timed times is moved by the stepping motor which is allocated to it to reach a position indicating the counting state at the time of taking the time hold (10, 11), characterized in that the two hands, respectively seconds of timed time (6) and hundredths of a second of timed time ( 5) are central hands Q relative to the large circular dial and both provide their indications on respective gradations located in the vicinity of the periphery of this large circular dial.

22. Electronic chronograph watch according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a timepiece circuit (21, 23) which operates a stepping motor (36) which actuates the hands indicatri¬ these current time (2, 3), four other motors being devoted, respectively to the driving of the hand (5), hundredths of a second of the chronograph function, to the driving of the hand (6) of the seconds of the chronograph function, when the hand (7) is driven by the minutes of the chronograph function, and when the hand (8) is driven by the hours by the chronograph function.

23. Chronograph watch according to claim 20 or claim 21, characterized in that it further comprises one, or more, or all, of the characters which are stated in one or more of claims l to 18.

O PI_ VI-.6 ^"