WO2017118942A1

WO2017118942A1 - Indicator comprising variable-length hands

Info

Publication number: WO2017118942A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/050052
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Hauser
Original assignee: Charles Hauser
Priority date: 2016-01-08
Filing date: 2017-01-06
Publication date: 2017-07-13
Also published as: CH713520B1

Abstract

The indicator, such as a timepiece, comprises at least a dial and a movement driving hands that indicate the time or a magnitude, in which the length of at least one of the hands can be varied according to its position relative to the dial.

Description

I NDICATOR COMPRISING VARIABLE LENGTH FINGERS

CORRESPONDING REQUEST

The present application claims the priority of the earlier Swiss National Application No. CH00030 / 16 filed on January 8, 2016 in the name of Mr. Charles HAUSER, the contents of this earlier application being incorporated by reference in its entirety in the present application.

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of indicators, such as timepieces, wristwatches, clocks or chronometers and other similar products. In the remainder of the application, the general notion of "watch" will be used for the sake of simplification, it being understood that the present invention applies to any type of indicator of a quantity measured as indicated above and is not not limited to the watch in common sense (time indicator).

More specifically, the present invention relates in particular, but not exclusively, to the needles that are used to indicate the measurement of time (especially time) in a clock or watch and other similar products.

When said watch has a non-symmetrical shape (for example rectangular, oval or other), the size of the needles, that is to say their length must respect the smallest dimension of the watch otherwise the needle can not perform a complete revolution in dial.

On the other hand, the fact that the needles have a reduced length makes it difficult to read the time (or the measurement of time) in the large size of the watch because of this reduced length. This problem is particularly present when the two dimensions are very different (for example if the watch is very narrow) or when the dial is small. SUMMARY AND DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to improve the reading of timepieces such as watches, clocks, chronometers, etc. and to add in addition to special technical means to allow needles indicative of these timepieces to follow an unconventional path or symbolic like a cardioid for example. More precisely, an object of the invention is to propose means making it possible to overcome the problem of the size of the needles with respect to that of the watch and to facilitate the reading of the measurement of time despite the asymmetry of the watch or the guard -time. According to the present invention, an idea is to propose technical means enabling the needles to have a variable length. More precisely, an idea is to propose means that allow them to adapt to their position on the dial in other words over time. The needles will therefore have the ability to vary their length to indicate clearly for a reader the time (or time) even if the asymmetry of the dial is important facilitating reading for a user.

The technical means allowing this variation in length can be of various equivalent types: integrated in the needles or external for example.

The various embodiments described will better understand the present invention. In one embodiment, the invention relates to an indicator comprising at least one dial and a means driving needles indicating a measured quantity, wherein at least one of said needles has a variable length adapted to its position relative to the dial.

Each needle may have a variable length adapted to its position relative to the dial.

In one embodiment, the dial is asymmetrical.

In one embodiment, the needle or needles comprise a telescopic arrangement.

In one embodiment, the indicator comprises a drive means located around the dial, the drive means being connected to one end of one of the needles so as to vary the length of said needle by function of the measurement.

In one embodiment, the drive means is connected to the tip of the needle or any intermediate position between one end and the maximum retraction of the needle.

In one embodiment, the drive means is bonded to the end opposite the tip of said needle or any position between the opposite end and the minimum retraction of the needle. In one embodiment, the indicator is a timepiece such as a clock, or a watch, or stopwatch, or other time measuring device or other size to display on the indicator.

In one embodiment, the variation in length of one or more needles is achieved by a centralized mechanism. In one embodiment, the variation of indicator length of one or more needles of fixed length is achieved by the displacement or sliding of all or needles relative to the fixed support in rotation about an axis, the variable indicator length being given by the distance between the indicator block and the fixed support.

In one embodiment, the drive system is an eccentric rotary member. In one embodiment, the drive system is a cam of appropriate or appropriate shape.

In one embodiment, the variation in length of one or more needles involves a body assisting the movement of the components of the needle or needles.

The body assisting the movement may be a gas cylinder, or a spring or an electrical member, or a mechanical member, or a pneumatic member or an electronic member. It can also be a combination of said assisting bodies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now described with reference to the following figures

Figure 1 illustrates a general view of the invention on a rectangular dial; Figures 2 and 3 illustrate two embodiments of the needles according to the invention; Figures 4 and 5 illustrate three embodiments of drive means according to the invention; FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate in perspective an embodiment using the needle of FIG. 3 and a means of making the variation of length to follow, in the case of FIGS. 6 and 7, a rectangular path suitable for an elongated dial. or rectangular,

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of the needles whose length variation is achieved by a central mechanism.

Figure 10 illustrates another possible embodiment of a timepiece according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A general perspective view of the invention is illustrated in FIG.

The illustrated timepiece is a clock 1 but the principle of the invention applies to other types of similar objects, such as a wristwatch etc .. as indicated above. According to the convention indicated at the beginning of the present description, the general notion of a watch will be used in the remainder of the present description, without this having a limiting meaning.

The watch 1 as shown is therefore formed of three rectangular dials 2, 14, 18 nested which can bear the indication of the measurement of time (for example hour, minutes or seconds). In this example only hours have been marked on the outer dial. According to the usual convention, in the field of watchmaking, a small hand 3 indicates the hours and a large hand 4 indicates the minutes. One can of course also add a needle 15 indicating the seconds. According to the invention, the watch comprises technical means for varying the length of the needles 3, 4 and 15 according to their position on their dial, that is to say time. In the illustrated embodiment, these means comprise on the one hand a first drive means 10, 12, 16 which surround the corresponding dials 2, 14, 18 and which are each connected to the tip of a needle 3, 4, or 15 so that the displacement of the point of attachment of each needle 3, 4, or 15 to the first drive means 10, 12, 16 follows the edge of the corresponding dial 2, 14, 18. In addition the needles 3, 4, and 15 are particular in that meaning that they have a telescopic construction so that their lengths can vary.

Thus, the needle 4 will vary its length along the edge of the dial 2 led by the first drive means 10 and adjust its length to the size of the dial 2 automatically. It will be the same for the needle 3 with the drive means 12 around the dial 14 and the needle 15 with the drive means 16 and the dial 18. Preferably, the first drive means comprise a linear element, flexible, closed on itself and segmented such as a toothed belt, a chain link or balls, mounted on wheels adapted to the type of segmentation (segmented wheels1 1, 1 1 ', 13, 13', 17, 17 'for example, toothed or toothed wheels). The number of segmented wheels will depend on the shape of the dial and the path that is to be traveled at the end of the needles 3, 4, 15.

A toothed wheel (1 1 'in Figure 1) is connected to the watch mechanism for example by a gear train to move the belt 10 around the dial 2 at the right speed for the indication of minutes.

The system is the same for the average needle 3 with a own driving means 12 mounted on gear wheels 13, 13 ', of the dial 14, the motorized wheel 13' being used to regulate the movement at the right speed for the indication of hours. It is also identical for the small needle 15 with its drive means 16 also mounted on toothed or toothed wheels 17 ', 17 of the dial 18. The wheel 17' being the drive wheel at the correct speed for the indication seconds.

Obviously the indicator function of each needle can be changed and chosen as needed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a needle 3, 4, 15 according to the invention: this principle applies identically, regardless of the size of the needle (large 4, average 3 or small 15).

In this mode, the needles 3, 4, 15 have a telescopic configuration with several elements sliding 30-32 into each other. The first 30 is mounted on an axis of rotation 34 and the third (last) 32 comprises a fastening means 33 to the drive means (for example the belt 10 of Figure 1). Of course, the number of sliding elements is not limited to three, it can be less (for example one or two) or more than three. FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the needle 3, 4, 15. In this mode, the needle comprises at least one support 40 mounted on an axis of rotation 44, two sliding elements 41, 42 which slide in the direction of rotation. 40 and which are held together at each end by blocks 43 and 45. The block 43 forms the end of the needle which indicates the time and comprises a means of attachment to the driving means (for example the belt 10 of Figure 1). Block 45 may be omitted according to the embodiment. It can also be used as a driving means and contain the fastening means to the driving means.

This embodiment also allows the fixed length needles to vary their indicator length between the blocks 40 and 43 over time by sliding in the fixed support 40 but in rotation about the axis 44. The position of the fixed support 40 varies. between the ends 43, 45 It is also possible to perform this function with a single sliding element 40 but which has a non-circular section that does not allow it to rotate about its axis of movement. Polygonal, elliptical or ovaloid shapes may be perfectly suitable. FIG. 4 illustrates different embodiments of drive means with sliding needles according to FIG. 2. These drive means may comprise: a toothed belt 10 and / or a 10 'ball chain and / or a chain In this figure, there is illustrated an hour hand 50, a minute hand 51 and a second hand 52, all mounted on an axis 53. These hands correspond to the embodiment of FIG. needles 3, 4, and 15 for example.

FIG. 5 illustrates the different embodiments of the driving means with the embodiment of the needle of FIG. 3, comprising the hour hand 60, the minute hand 61 and the second hand 62, all mounted on an axis 63. The drive means 10, 10 ', 10 "in this mode are already described with reference to FIG. 4

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment with a needle 3, 4, 15 according to FIG. 3 and the description of this figure applies to FIGS. 6 and 7. More precisely, these two figures show an embodiment. drive means of said needle 3, 4, 15. These means comprise for example a belt 10 which is mounted on four wheels 1 1, which allows to go around the dial with said belt 10. Of course, the number wheel 1 1 can vary and be adapted to the shape that is desired to give the set (a rectangle in Figures 6 and 7). It is also assumed that one of the wheels 1 1 must be motorized 1 1 'at the right speed so that the belt 10 performs a complete rotation in the time allowed. It is also understood that the wheels 1 1, 1 1 'do not necessarily have the same diameter.

As described above, the position of the display given by the block 43 depends on the position of the attachment between the block 43 and the belt 10 along the path that it follows and the movement of the belt will determine the length of the needle on the side of the block 43 relative to the axis 44.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from below of FIG. 6 which illustrates a way of fixing the block 43 of the needle 3, 4, 15 to the belt 10. For example, it is possible to provide a bulge 20 for the belt 1 1 traversed by an axis 21 which is linked to the block 43. Of course, this is only an exemplary embodiment and other equivalent variants are possible. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of a variable length needle according to the present invention with a central drive. In this mode, the needle 70 comprises a first portion forming the indicator 71 which has a cutout 72 in the form of a slot, and a second portion comprising the driving means of the needle 70 and the means for adjusting its length. .

The drive means comprise, for example, a rotation arm 73, one of its ends 74 sliding in the slot 72 and the other being mounted on an axis 75 driven by the timekeeping mechanism to give the time indication ( hours or minutes or seconds, depending on the function of the needle 70). Due to sliding in the slot of the end 74 of the arm, the needle 70 is rotated regardless of its length.

The means for adjusting the length of the needle comprise at least one partially toothed wheel 76 and two racks 77, 78 arranged opposite each other, the cooperation between the teeth of the wheel 76 and one of the Racks 77, 78 defining the length of the needle 70. The wheel 76 is rotated by the axis 75 'whose speed of rotation will be defined by the function of the length of the needle 70 over time. This length adjustment is defined with reference to Figure 9 which illustrates in detail an example of operation.

At A in Fig. 9, there is illustrated a "long position" (expanded state) of the needle 70 ready to depart in a shortening direction (in the retracted position). By turning the wheel 76 in the direction of the arrow, one arrives at the position illustrated under B in Figure 9 by meshing the teeth of the wheel 76 in the rack 78. This position can be described as "average position".

If we continue the rotation in the direction indicated, we arrive at the position shown under C in Figure 9 where the needle is fully retracted ("short position").

And if we continue the rotation of the wheel in the indicated direction, by meshing of the teeth of the wheel 76 in the rack 77, the needle 70 moves again in the direction of a deployment to arrive at the illustrated position under A.

Steps A to D and return to A in FIG. 9 thus illustrate a complete cycle that a needle 70 can perform from its deployed position to its retracted position and back in the extended position by the rotation of the gear wheel 76 and its interaction with the racks 77 and 78.

Figure 10 illustrates a watch embodiment in which the needle drive comprises remote disks 82, 83 which are attached not to the needle tips but to the opposite end. The operating principle is the same with a variable length of the needles 80, 81 according to their position (and therefore the time to display). The discs are not necessarily in an aligned position, they can also be arranged around the dial in a star position for example. The number of discs is obviously not limited to two. The shape of the disc does not matter, a rotating arm can also be suitable.

The embodiments described in this application are illustrative examples and should not be considered as limiting. Variations are possible within the framework of the claimed protection, in particular by using equivalent means. The embodiments described may also be combined if necessary or desired. As is easily understood, the present invention applies in any shape configuration of the dials 2, 14, 18: rectangular, oval, star, cardioid or even linear etc. and any combination of dials of different shape.

The displacement of the drive means 10, 10 ', 10 "can be controlled directly or indirectly (by gears, cams, or the like) and is preferably coupled to the movement of the watch or the guard mechanism. time, to be able to transmit the movement required to the needles for the measurement of time or quantities to indicate

The drive means of each needle can be coupled together (all or only part) or be independent. This gives complete freedom to adapt to the shape of the dials and the indication (time or other) that we want to represent (hours, time zones, pressure, temperature, etc.).

The displacement of the components of the needle or needles can be facilitated by the use of springs or gas cylinders or any other mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, electronic, etc., assisting the relative displacement of the elements of the needles for s' adapt to the requested length. These means can of course be combined with each other.

It is also possible to apply the present invention to a single pointer of the indicator.

The present invention is not limited exclusively to watches as defined above but can also be applied to any indicator or instrument having an analog indication of variable length and whose movement would not be derived from a time function at regular rate. For example: measuring instruments, certain planetarium models, even more exotic functions such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, heartbeat, duration of days during the year, etc. or a combination of measured values.

The embodiments described in the present application are illustrative examples and should not be considered as limiting. Variations are possible in the scope of the claimed protection, in particular by using equivalent means. Embodiments described in the present application can also be combined with each other.

Claims

1. Indicator comprising at least one dial and a means for driving needles indicating a measured quantity, wherein at least one of said needles has a variable length adapted to its position relative to the dial.

2. Indicator according to claim 1, wherein each needle has a variable length adapted to its position relative to the dial.

3. Indicator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dial is asymmetrical.

4. Indicator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the needle or needles comprises a telescopic arrangement.

5. Indicator according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a drive means located on the circumference of the dial, said drive means being connected to one end of one of said needles so as to vary the length of said needle depending on the measurement.

6. Indicator according to the preceding claim, wherein the drive means is connected to the tip of said needle or any intermediate position between one end and the maximum retraction of the needle.

An indicator according to claim 5, wherein the drive means is connected to the end opposite the tip of said needle or any position between the opposite end and the minimum retraction of the needle.

8. Indicator according to one of the preceding claims, said indicator being a timepiece such as a clock, or a watch, or a stopwatch, or another time measuring device or other size to be displayed on the indicator.

9. The indicator of claims 1 to 3 wherein the variation in length of one or more needles is performed by a centralized mechanism.

10. Indicator according to claims 1 to 3 wherein the variation in indicator length of one or more needles of fixed length is achieved by the displacement or sliding of all or needles relative to the fixed support in rotation around an axis, the variable indicator length being given by the distance between the indicator block and the fixed support.

1. An indicator according to claims 1 to 4, 6, 7 wherein the drive system is an eccentric rotary member.

12. Indicator according to claims 1 to 4, 6, 7 wherein the drive system is a cam of appropriate shape.

13. Indicator according to one of the preceding claims wherein the variation in length of one or more needles uses a body assisting the movement of the components of the needle or needles.

14. The indicator of claim 13, wherein the body assisting the displacement is a gas cylinder.

The indicator of claim 13, wherein the displacement assisting member is a spring.

16. The indicator of claim 13, wherein the organ assisting the displacement is an electrical member.

17. The indicator of claim 13, wherein the organ assisting the displacement is a mechanical member.

18. The indicator of claim 13, wherein the member assisting the displacement is a pneumatic member.

19. An indicator according to claim 13, wherein the displacement assisting member is an electronic member.

The indicator of claim 13, wherein the displacement assisting member is a combination of two or more of the members defined in one of claims 14 to 19.