Timepiece comprising timepiece mechanism equipped with means for indicating operating state of timepiece mechanism

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a timepiece (1) comprising a timepiece movement (100) housed in a timepiece case, the timepiece movement comprising a time train (5) dedicated to time division and a timekeeping mechanism (200) comprising a timekeeping train (230) configured to be coupled to the time train on demand via a timekeeping start / stop control device (210), the timekeeping mechanism comprising a coordinating member configured to coordinate the timekeeping train (230) with the timekeeping start / stop control device (210). The coordination member rotates about a pivot axis whenever the timing start / stop control device is operated, and the coordination member directly actuates a set of control levers to provide a plurality of operating states of the timing mechanism, the timing mechanism comprising a state indicator device fixed to the coordination member for rotation therewith, the status indicator device includes a first portion presenting a first item of information and a second portion presenting a second item of information, each portion of the status indicator device being alternately positioned to face an aperture in a mask layer included in the timepiece whenever the timepiece start / stop control device is operated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a time measuring mechanism.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a time measuring mechanism equipped with a state indicator device for indicating to the user the state of the time measuring mechanism (running or stopped). BACKGROUND

[0003] The time measuring mechanism allows to measure time on demand by means of a plurality of time counters (for example, a minute counter and a second counter).

[0004] The time measuring mechanism is actuated, stopped and reset by control members (for example, buttons, which can or can not be separate). It is also known that a watch movement comprises a single pusher which allows to start, stop the time measuring mechanism and to reset the individual counters by being pressed several times in succession.

[0005] It can be advantageous to provide the user with additional visual information about the state of the time measuring mechanism, i.e. whether the time measuring mechanism is running or stopped.

[0006] The patent document FR-866748 in particular proposes to use a pointer which is rotationally actuated by a turning button.

[0007] The patent document CH-705439 also describes the use of a pointer facing a scale on the dial to display the state of the time measuring mechanism, the pointer being rigidly connected to a rotatable switch which cooperates with and bears against a three position shuttle of the time measuring mechanism.

[0008] However, these solutions are not entirely satisfactory as they complicate the design, assembly and maintenance of the watch movement.

[0009] There is therefore a need to improve the watch movements equipped with a time measuring mechanism. SUMMARY

[0010] In this context, the application proposes a timepiece comprising a watch movement housed in a case, said watch movement comprising a time division- dedicated timekeeping train and a chronograph mechanism, said chronograph mechanism comprising a chronograph train configured to be coupled to said timekeeping train on demand via a chronograph start / stop control device, said chronograph mechanism comprising a coordinating member which rotates about a pivot axis P2 each time said chronograph start / stop control device is operated, and said coordinating member directly actuating a set of control levers to provide the various operating states of said chronograph mechanism, characterized in that said chronograph mechanism comprises a state indicator device fixed to said coordinating member for rotation therewith, said state indicator device comprising a first portion presenting a first item of information and a second portion presenting a second item of information different from said first item of information, each portion of said state indicator being alternately positioned facing an aperture in a mask included in said timepiece each time said chronograph start / stop control device is operated.

[0011] In addition to the features mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the timepiece according to the application can have one or more of the following supplementary features, which can be considered individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0012] - said coordinating member is a chronograph cam;

[0013] - said chronograph cam comprises at least one shuttle, said state indicator device being rigidly connected to said at least one shuttle;

[0014] - said state indicator device is rigidly connected to said at least one shuttle, this being achieved by being driven into or threaded onto the shuttle;

[0015] - said state indicator device is rigidly connected to said at least one shuttle at a distance from the pivot axis P2 of the chronograph cam, this being achieved by being driven into or threaded onto the shuttle;

[0016] - said state indicator device is integrally formed with said at least one shuttle in a single piece;

[0017] - said case comprises a watch crystal, and wherein said mask layer is interposed between said watch movement and said watch crystal so as to view said state indicator device through said aperture on the dial side of said watch movement;

[0018] - said timepiece comprises a dial fastened above said watch movement, said mask layer being a layer applied to said dial, or being formed by said dial;

[0019] - the case comprises a transparent back cover, and wherein the mask layer is interposed between the watch movement and the transparent back cover so as to view the status indicator device through the aperture on the rear side of the watch movement;

[0020] - the mask layer is a layer applied to the inner side surface of the transparent back cover;

[0021] - the mask layer is an ink applied by digital printing on the inner side surface of the transparent back cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] The objects, advantages and features of the present application will be better understood after reading the detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings:

[0023] - Figure 1 a bottom view of a watch movement according to the present application is schematically shown, the movement comprising a timepiece mechanism; more particularly, Figure 1 a timepiece mechanism at rest is illustrated;

[0024] - Figure 2 a bottom view of a watch movement according to the present application is schematically shown, the movement comprising a timepiece mechanism; more particularly, Figure 1 a bottom view of a watch movement according to the present application is schematically shown, the movement comprising a timepiece mechanism; more particularly,

[0025] - Figure 3 a perspective view is schematically shown, illustrating in particular a timepiece cam of a timepiece mechanism comprising a status indicator device according to the present application;

[0026] - Figure 4 a rear view of a timepiece is schematically shown when the timepiece mechanism is at rest;

[0027] - Figure 5 a rear view of a timepiece is schematically shown when the timepiece mechanism is at rest;

[0028] - Figure 6 a timepiece according to the present application is schematically shown, the timepiece comprising a timepiece mechanism and a device for indicating an operating status of the timepiece mechanism.

[0029] In all the drawings, same elements use the same reference signs, unless otherwise stated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1 a bottom view of a watch movement 100 of a timepiece 1 according to the present application is schematically shown, the watch movement comprising a timepiece mechanism 200. More particularly, Figure 1 a timepiece mechanism 200 at rest is shown.

[0031] Figure 2A bottom view of a timepiece movement 100 comprising a timepiece movement 200 according to the application is schematically illustrated when the timepiece movement 200 is running.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the various figures of the present application, the timepiece movement 200 is a cam operated timepiece movement. However, the present application can also be applied to timepiece movements having a column wheel and still be within the scope of the present application.

[0033] Conventionally, the timepiece movement 100 according to the present application comprises a running train 5 (partially illustrated) dedicated to the time division, and said running train is driven by an energy source (not illustrated).

[0034] Said timepiece movement 200 comprises a time train 230 driven on demand via the running train 5. Conventionally, said time train 230 comprises at least one time minute counter 232 and one time second counter 231.

[0035] Said timepiece movement 200 comprises a coupling lever 250 configured to couple and decouple on demand the time train 230 to / from the running train 5 of the timepiece movement 100.

[0036] Thus, said coupling lever 250 allows said time train 230 to be kinematically connected to the running train 5 on demand via the time start / stop control means 210, so that said running train is driven in synchronism with the regulating member of the running train 5.

[0037] Said time start / stop control means 210 comprise a start / stop pusher 11 kinematically connected to a control piece 12. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, said pusher 11 is rigidly connected to said control piece 12 and said assembly moves translationally under the action of said pusher 11.

[0038] According to an alternative embodiment, said control piece 12 is of the lever type and said control piece 12 pivots about a pivot axis under the action of said pusher 11.

[0039] Said control piece 12 can in turn drive an intermediate control piece (not illustrated) which rotates a control lever 15. Said control lever 15 is under the action of a control spring 16 which returns said control lever 15, control piece 12 and intermediate control piece to a rest position when the pusher 11 is no longer actuated by the user.

[0040] Said intermediate control piece comprises an end portion which cooperates with a coordination member 18 which directly actuates a set of control levers to provide the various functions and states of said timepiece movement 200.

[0041] The coordinating member 18 is movable about a pivot axis P2 and is rotated each time the time start / stop control 210 is operated. This coordinating member makes it possible to coordinate the various phases of the time mechanism 200 and to control the various levers or rockers of the time mechanism 200 to provide these various phases: running, stop and reset. As is known, the various levers or rockers actuated by the coordinating member 18 are in particular the coupling lever, the hammer and the stop.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the coordinating member is a time cam 18.

[0043] Another known coordinating member for a time mechanism is a column wheel.

[0044] The time cam 18 has a lower shuttle 18.1 that cooperates with an end portion of the intermediate control.

[0045] The end portion of the intermediate control is configured to rotate the lower shuttle 18.1 about its pivot axis P2 by at least one notch, clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the position of the lower shuttle 18.1, each time the pusher 11 is operated.

[0046] The lower shuttle 18.1 cooperates with a shuttle spring 17 that locks each change in position of the lower shuttle 18.1 by engaging in one of the notches 19 of the lower shuttle 18.1 provided for this purpose. In the exemplary embodiment shown, in particular in Figure 3 In particular, the lower shuttle 18.1 has two notches 19 configured to cooperate with the shuttle spring 17 in order to index two stable positions of the time cam 18.

[0047] The time cam 18 comprises a lower shuttle 18.1 as described above, which is fixed to an upper shuttle 18.2 for rotation therewith, which in particular cooperates with a reset hammer 26 for resetting the time counters 231, 232.

[0048] The coupling lever 250 cooperates by bearing against the lower shuttle 18.1 of the time cam 18, so that a change in the angular position of the lower shuttle 18.1 modifies the position and state of the coupling lever 250 in such a way that the coupling lever passes from a state in which it is engaged with the time train 230 to a state in which it is disengaged from the time train 230, and vice versa.

[0049] The timing mechanism 200 comprises a status indicator device 50 having at least two states and set to move each time the timing start / stop control device 210 is operated. The status indicator device 50 provides the user with additional information corresponding to the operating state of the timing mechanism 200, i.e. whether the timing mechanism is running or stopped, for example by means of a colour code.

[0050] The status indicator device 50 comprises two different visual displays which are alternately positioned facing the aperture 25 in the mask layer 30 comprised in the timepiece 1.

[0051] Thus, through the opening provided for this purpose, the user can easily view the operating state of the timing mechanism 200 on the dial side of the timepiece 1 or on the rear side of the timepiece 1.

[0052] The status indicator device 50 is rigidly connected to the coordinating member 18.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the status indicator device 50 is rigidly connected to the timing cam 18.

[0054] For example, the status indicator device 50 is rigidly connected to one of the shuttles 18.1, 18.2 of the timing cam 18, by being driven into or screwed onto the shuttle.

[0055] Preferably, the status indicator device 50 is rigidly connected to one of the two shuttles 18.1, 18.2 of the timing cam 18, at a distance from the pivot axis P2 of the timing cam 18, by being driven into or screwed onto the shuttle.

[0056] For example, the status indicator device 50 is formed integrally in one piece with the timing cam 18 or with one of the shuttles 18.1, 18.2 of the timing cam 18.

[0057] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the status indicator device 50 takes the shape of a plate 51 rigidly connected to the timing cam 18.

[0058] Figure 3 The timing cam 18 carrying the plate 51 is particularly illustrated. For example, as illustrated, the plate 51 is fixed to the upper shuttle 18.2 for rotation therewith. However, the plate 51 can also be rigidly connected to the lower shuttle 18.1.

[0059] The plate 51 has two portions 51.1, 51.2 extending radially with respect to the pivoting axis P2 of the time counting cam 18, each portion 51.1, 51.2 having respectively a first information item VI and a second information item V2, the first and second information items being specific and different from each other, for example two different colors or two different patterns. Each information item VI, V2 is associated with an operating state of the time counting mechanism 200.

[0060] The plate 51 is positioned facing at least one aperture 25 (two apertures are shown by way of example in Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) formed by an opening or transparent portion of the mask layer 30, so that only a limited portion of the plate 51 can be observed. Thus, depending on the angular position of the plate 51, either the first portion 51.1 or the second portion 51.2 of the plate 51 is visible through the aperture 25.

[0061] The mask layer 30 is interposed between the timepiece movement 100 and the watch crystal 3, or between the timepiece movement and the transparent back 4.

[0062] The mask layer 30 can be arranged on the dial 6 of the timepiece, on the inner lateral surface of the watch crystal, or on the inner lateral surface of the transparent back 4.

[0063] Alternatively, the mask layer is formed by the dial of the timepiece, the dial comprising an opening or transparent portion to form the aperture 25, allowing the portions 51.1, 51.2 of the plate 51 positioned below the dial to be viewed alternately through the watch crystal.

[0064] Preferably, the mask layer 30 is formed by an opaque layer deposited on the inner face of the transparent back.

[0065] For example, the layer forming the mask layer 30 is an ink deposited, for example by digital printing. For example, the layer can represent a pattern.

[0066] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The timepiece movement 100 is schematically illustrated as seen from below through the mask layer 30, allowing the plate 51 (shown in dotted lines) of the state indicator device 50 and the operating state of the time counting mechanism 200 to be viewed through the aperture 25 in the mask layer 30. In Figure 4 and Figure 5 The watch case, intermediate portion and back of the timepiece are not shown.

[0067] Thus, depending on the angular position of the time cam 18 relative to its pivot axis P2, the user can view, through the aperture 25, either the first portion 51.1 comprising the first information item VI and corresponding to a first state of the time mechanism 200, for example stopped, or the second portion 51.2 comprising the second information item V2, corresponding to a second state of the time mechanism 200, for example running.

[0068] Without complicating the watch movement 100, additional information is provided on the operating state of the time mechanism 200.

[0069] Thanks to the invention, the time mechanism is simplified and easier to adjust and implement, in particular as it does not comprise additional mobile components complicating the time mechanism and the watch movement. More particularly, using different mobile components to implement such a function requires multiplying the operating play, which leads to inaccuracy at the end of the mobile chain and difficulty in correctly adjusting the position of the state indicator.

[0070] Thanks to the invention, this additional visual information is provided by a simple additional plate rigidly connected to the time cam or to the shuttle of the time cam. In particular, such an architecture makes it possible to improve the positioning accuracy of the state indicator by eliminating the operating play inherent in the installation of different mobile components interacting with each other.

[0071] More generally, the state indicator device 50 can be an attachment rigidly connected to the time cam 18, to the coupling lever 250 or to another component of the time mechanism 200 having two different and alternating stable positions depending on the operating state of the time mechanism 200.

[0072] The state indicator device 50 can be made in one piece with the time cam, with the coupling lever 250 or with another component of the time mechanism 200 having two different and alternating stable positions depending on the operating state of the time mechanism 200.

[0073] According to alternative embodiments, in which the time mechanism comprises a column wheel instead of a time cam, the state indicator device 50 can also be carried by the column wheel. In this watch case, the state indicator device 50 comprises a plurality of first portions 51.1 and a plurality of second portions 51.2 alternating to display alternately the first portion 51.1 and the subsequent second portion 51.2 of the state indicator device 50 each time the time start / stop control device 210 is operated.

[0074] The invention also relates to a timepiece 1, for example a wristwatch, comprising such a watch movement 100. Reference is made to the description of the watch movement 100.Figure 6 Such a timepiece 1 is schematically illustrated. The timepiece 1 comprises a case 3 in which a watch movement 100 according to the application is housed.

[0075] Preferably, the timepiece 1 comprises a watch glass 7 and a transparent back 4 closing the back of the case 3. The transparent back 4 has a mounting ring and a transparent central portion, for example made of sapphire.

[0076] Preferably, the mask layer 30 is applied to the inner side surface of the transparent central portion of the transparent back 4. The mask layer 30 comprises openings forming holes 25 allowing to see through the mask layer 30 the status indicator means 50 indicating the status of the chronograph operation on the back side of the watch movement 100.

[0077] According to an alternative embodiment, the mask layer 30 is an additional layer applied to the dial 6 to see the status indicator means 50 indicating the status of the chronograph operation on the dial side of the watch movement 100.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment, the mask layer 30 is formed by the dial 6, the dial 6 having openings to allow to see through the dial the status indicator means 50.

[0079] Operation of the timepiece according to the application

[0080] When the chronograph mechanism 200 is stopped, for example after a reset, the chronograph cam 18 is fixed in a first angular position, called stop position, by the shuttle spring 17 cooperating with a first recess 19 in the lower shuttle 18.1. In this position of the chronograph cam 18, the coupling lever 250 is decoupled from the chronograph train 230. In Figure 1 and Figure 4 This stop position of the chronograph mechanism is more particularly illustrated in

[0081] In this stop position, the first portion 51.1 of the plate 51 faces the hole 25 in the mask layer 30. In this first position, the user can see through this hole 25 a first item of information VI corresponding to the first portion 51.1, the first item of information indicating that the chronograph mechanism has stopped, as illustrated in Figure 4

[0082] ​When the pusher 11 is pressed for the first time, the pusher 11 moves the control 12, the intermediate control (if present) and the control rod 15 against the force exerted by the control spring 16. According to the example embodiment shown, the lower shuttle 18.1 is then moved clockwise by one notch and is held in place by the shuttle spring 17 cooperating with the second notch 19 in the lower shuttle 18.1, and thus the pusher can be released.

[0083] The change in position of the time cam 18 modifies the position of the lower shuttle 18.1, which allows the coupling rod 250 to pivot under the action of the rod spring in order to couple the time train 5 to the time train 230.

[0084] The change in position of the time cam 18 also modifies the position of the plate 51, which is fixed to the upper shuttle 18.2 for rotation therewith, so that the second portion 52.2 of the second item of information V2 presented by the plate 51 thereafter faces the hole 25 in the mask layer 30. In this second position, the user can see the second item of information through this hole 25, which indicates that the time mechanism is running, as explained in Figure 5 .

[0085] By pressing the pusher 11 again, the pusher 11 moves the control 12, the intermediate control and the control rod 15 again against the force exerted by the control spring 16. According to the example embodiment shown, the lower shuttle 18.1 is then moved counterclockwise by one notch and is held in place by the shuttle spring 17 cooperating with the first notch 19 in the corresponding lower shuttle 18.1, and thus the pusher can be released.

[0086] The change in position of the time cam 18 modifies the position of the lower shuttle 18.1, which causes the coupling rod 250 to decouple from the time train 230 and repositions the first portion 51.1 of the plate 51 to face the hole 25.

Claims

1. A timepiece (1) comprising a watch movement (100) housed in a watch case (3), said watch movement (100) comprising a time-keeping train (5) dedicated to time division and a chronograph mechanism (200), said chronograph mechanism (200) comprising a chronograph train (230) configured to be coupled to said time-keeping train (5) on demand via a chronograph start / stop control device (210), said chronograph mechanism (200) comprising a coordinating member (18) that rotates about a pivot axis (P2) each time said chronograph start / stop control device (210) is operated and directly actuates a set of control levers to provide a plurality of operating states of said chronograph mechanism (200), characterized in that, The timepiece (1) comprises a timepiece movement (100) comprising a timepiece base (2) and a timepiece mechanism (200) comprising a timepiece wheel train (201) and a timepiece counter (202), the timepiece mechanism (200) comprising a timepiece start / stop control device (210) for starting and stopping the timepiece wheel train (201), the timepiece mechanism (200) comprising a coordinating member (18) for rotating the timepiece wheel train (201) and the timepiece counter (202) when the timepiece start / stop control device (210) is operated, the coordinating member (18) being rigidly connected to the timepiece wheel train (201) and to the timepiece counter (202), the timepiece mechanism (200) comprising a state indicator device (50) fixed to the coordinating member (18) for rotating therewith, the state indicator device (50) comprising a first portion (51.1) presenting a first item of information (V1) and a second portion (51.2) presenting a second item of information (V2) different from the first item of information (V1), each portion (51.1, 51.2) of the state indicator device (50) being alternately positioned to face an aperture (25) in a mask layer (30) comprised in the timepiece (1) each time the timepiece start / stop control device (210) is operated.

2. Timepiece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coordinating member (18) is a timepiece cam (18).

3. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The timepiece cam (18) comprises at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2), the state indicator device (50) being rigidly connected to the at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2).

4. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The state indicator device (50) is rigidly connected to the at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2) by being driven into the shuttle or threaded onto the shuttle.

5. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The state indicator device (50) is rigidly connected to the at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2) at a distance from the pivot axis (P2) of the timepiece cam (18), by being driven into the shuttle or threaded onto the shuttle.

6. The timepiece (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The state indicator device (50) is integrally formed in one piece with the at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2).

7. Timepiece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The watch case (3) comprises a watch glass (7), and wherein the mask layer (30) is interposed between the timepiece movement (100) and the watch glass (7) so as to view the state indicator device (50) through the aperture (25) on the dial side of the timepiece movement (100).

8. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The timepiece (1) comprises a dial (6) fastened above the timepiece movement (100), the mask layer (30) being a layer applied to the dial (6) or formed by the dial (6).

9. The timepiece (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The watch case (3) comprises a transparent back cover (4), and wherein the mask layer (30) is interposed between the timepiece movement (100) and the transparent back cover (4) so as to view the state indicator device (50) through the aperture (25) on the back side of the timepiece movement (100).

10. Timepiece (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mask layer (30) is a layer applied to the inner side surface of the transparent back cover (4).

11. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The mask layer (30) is an ink applied on the inner side surface of the transparent back cover (4) by digital printing.

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