Timepiece indicating a maximum value of a measured physical variable and timepiece comprising such a mechanism

Abstract

A timepiece movement comprising: an environmental physical variable measuring device comprising an element configured to mechanically deform under the action of a change in physical variable; a physical variable measurement value indicating train kinematically connected to the measuring device to be rotated under the action of a change in physical variable; a physical variable maximum value indicating mechanism comprising a physical variable maximum value display train with a maximum value display wheel, the indicating mechanism comprising a physical variable maximum value indicating member integral with the maximum value display wheel; a drive mechanism configured to progressively drive the maximum value display train during a rise in physical variable; an indexing mechanism for indexing positioning of the maximum value display train at each advance and comprising a blocking member cooperating with an indexing wheel assembly; wherein the indexing wheel assembly is kinematically connected to the maximum value display wheel by a gear train T1, T2 and the gear train T1, T2 has a multiplication ratio between the maximum value display wheel and the indexing wheel assembly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The field of the invention relates to a timepiece movement for measuring information related to a physical variable and indicating a maximum value reached by this information.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a timepiece movement for measuring information related to ambient pressure and indicating a maximum pressure reached, for example, during a dive, or a maximum altitude reached, for example, during an ascent.

[0003] The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising such a timepiece movement.

[0004] The invention also relates to a depth gauge integrating such a timepiece movement.

[0005] The invention also relates to an altimeter or barometer integrating such a timepiece movement.

[0006] The invention also relates to a timepiece, for example a diving watch or an altimeter watch, comprising a timepiece movement having such a timepiece movement. BACKGROUND

[0007] In the field of depth gauges or timepieces for measuring ambient pressure, known movements comprise an ambient pressure measuring device associated with an indicating member intended to display the maximum pressure reached or information equivalent to this maximum pressure. These timepieces are most often used as diving watches.

[0008] Such depth gauges or diving watches can store in a memory the maximum pressure value reached, in particular during one or more successive dives, as long as the indicating member has not been reset to zero by a mechanism dedicated to this function. This maximum pressure information is particularly important for a diver, since it determines the duration and the depth of the stop during the ascent. The accuracy of these data is therefore important.

[0009] It is known for such a timepiece movement to comprise a mechanical device for measuring ambient pressure driving an instantaneous pressure indicating member having a drive element abutting a flyback pointer in such a way as to move the flyback pointer during the rise in the measurement of ambient pressure until the position reached by the instantaneous depth indicating member. The displacement of the flyback pointer in the opposite direction is blocked by means of a removable blocking element that can be actuated by the user. The blocking element is produced by the cooperation of a removable click and a wheel having a lupine tooth toothing integral with the flyback pointer. Such a mechanism is described, for example, in document EP 0942339.

[0010] It is also known that a timepiece movement comprises a gear train connected to a pressure measuring device comprising a first wheel assembly arranged to drive a second coaxial wheel assembly during an increase in ambient pressure and to decouple from this second wheel assembly during a decrease in ambient pressure, the first wheel assembly cooperating with a first instantaneous ambient pressure indication member and the second wheel assembly cooperating with a reached second maximum ambient pressure indication member integrated with a blocking gear. The blocking gear cooperates with a blocking member, such as a ratchet or a jumper, so as to block the position of the member indicating the reached maximum ambient pressure each time the second wheel assembly advances.

[0011] These simply designed mechanisms make it possible to easily fulfil the function of indicating the reached maximum pressure. However, the use of a graduated ratchet or jumper and of a gear involves an incremental displacement of the maximum pressure indication member in fixed increments of pitch, which leads to two main drawbacks. First, the maximum pressure display accuracy is related to the angular pitch of the gear, that is to say to the angle formed by the axis passing through the centre and the two tooth tips of consecutive teeth of the gear. Second, when the member indicating the reached maximum external pressure is positioned between two stable graduation positions of the gear, it will return to its previous stable graduation position during a decrease in ambient pressure. This also involves an uncertainty as to the actually determined maximum pressure and thus as to the actual depth reached by the diver. This imprecision is increasingly difficult for the user to accept, especially in the face of the accuracy offered, for example, by digital depth gauges.

[0012] To remedy these drawbacks, another type of mechanism has been developed in which the instantaneous ambient pressure indication train pushes the reached maximum pressure indication train by means of a friction train. Thus, during a decrease in ambient pressure, the reached maximum pressure indication member remains in its position because the friction force of the friction train is greater than the return tension. The zero reset function releases the friction train and the return tension realigns the reached maximum pressure indication member with the instantaneous ambient pressure indication member.

[0013] Although this mechanism can improve the display accuracy of the reached maximum pressure indication member, it has the drawback of being bulky and of increasing the thickness of the watch.

[0014] Thus, to date, the designers, in particular watchmakers, are faced with the choice between an accurate mechanism with a significant thickness or a less accurate mechanism with compactness.

[0015] This problem also exists for measurement information other than ambient pressure. SUMMARY

[0016] In this context, the present invention proposes a timepiece movement capable of solving at least one of the aforementioned problems.

[0017] To this end, the application proposes a timepiece movement comprising:

[0018] - an environmental physical variable measurement device comprising an element configured to mechanically deform under the effect of a variation in the physical variable;

[0019] - a physical variable measurement value indication train kinematically connected to the physical variable measurement device so as to be rotated under the effect of a variation in the environmental value of the physical variable;

[0020] - a physical variable maximum value indication mechanism comprising a physical variable maximum value display train comprising a physical variable maximum value display wheel, said physical variable maximum value indication mechanism comprising a physical variable maximum value indication member integral with the physical variable maximum value display wheel;

[0021] - a drive mechanism configured to progressively drive the physical variable maximum value display train during an increase in the environmental physical variable;

[0022] - an indexing mechanism for indexing positioning of the physical variable maximum value display train at each advance, the indexing mechanism comprising a blocking member cooperating with an indexing wheel assembly;

[0023] The timepiece movement is characterized in that the indexing wheel assembly is kinematically connected to the physical variable maximum value display wheel by a gear train T1, T2, and in that the transmission ratio between the physical variable maximum value display wheel and the indexing wheel assembly is a multiplication ratio.

[0024] Advantageously, the physical variable measured is the ambient pressure.

[0025] Thus, the timepiece movement according to the application makes it possible to improve the display resolution of the maximum value of the physical variable, while proposing a compact mechanism and avoiding the use of a friction mechanism.

[0026] By using a multiplication ratio between the gear train of the physical variable maximum value display wheel and the indexing wheel assembly, it is advantageously possible to propose an indexing mechanism that implements an increment in the indexed positions relative to the prior art mechanisms with multiplication, while proposing a mechanism that is easy to implement and compact so as to be easily integrated in a timepiece movement, for example.

[0027] In addition to the features mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the timepiece movement according to the application can also have one or more additional features, which can be considered individually or according to all technically feasible combinations:

[0028] - the indexing wheel assembly comprises a central indexing pinion meshing with the physical variable maximum value display wheel, so that said gear train T1 is formed by the cooperation of the physical variable maximum value display wheel and the central indexing pinion;

[0029] - the indexing mechanism comprises an intermediate indexing wheel assembly interposed between the physical variable maximum value display wheel and the indexing wheel assembly, so as to form said gear train T2 by the cooperation between the physical variable maximum value display wheel, the intermediate indexing wheel assembly and the indexing wheel assembly; the intermediate indexing wheel assembly thus acts as an intermediate wheel (adjustment wheel / setting wheel) and makes it possible to offset the indexing wheel assembly from the wheel assembly of the physical variable maximum value indication member, which makes it easier to install the mechanism according to the application;

[0030] - the indexing wheel assembly comprises a central indexing pinion meshing with the intermediate indexing wheel assembly, so as to form said gear train T2 by the cooperation between the physical variable maximum value display wheel, the intermediate indexing wheel assembly and the central indexing pinion;

[0031] - the indexing wheel assembly comprises an indexing gear wheel integral with the central indexing pinion;

[0032] - said indexing gear wheel comprises an asymmetric toothing, preferably a wolf tooth toothing, said blocking member cooperating with the asymmetric toothing of said indexing gear wheel;

[0033] - said indexing gear wheel comprises a toothed sector less than 360°, so that said indexing gear wheel comprises at least one angular sector devoid of at least one indexing tooth;

[0034] - said at least one angular sector devoid of at least one indexing tooth is positioned close to the reference indexing position of the indexing wheel assembly;

[0035] - said blocking member is a blocking member that can be uncoupled via a zero position resetting lever.

[0036] - said indexing mechanism comprises a resetting member configured to ensure that the physical variable maximum value display wheel train is repositioned under the action of a resetting element;

[0037] - said resetting member cooperates with the indexing wheel assembly;

[0038] - said resetting member cooperates with the intermediate indexing wheel assembly;

[0039] - said resetting member cooperates with the intermediate indexing pinion of the intermediate indexing wheel assembly;

[0040] - said drive mechanism comprises a first wheel assembly, called drive wheel assembly, integral with the spindle and meshing with the physical variable measurement value indication wheel train, and a second wheel assembly, called driven wheel assembly, freely mounted around the spindle of the first wheel assembly, meshing with the physical variable maximum value indication wheel train, said first wheel assembly being configured to drive the second wheel assembly during an increase in the value of the environmental physical variable;

[0041] - the drive mechanism comprises a drive pin integral with the first wheel assembly, the drive pin cooperating with an opening arranged in the second wheel assembly.

[0042] Advantageously, the timepiece mechanism comprises:

[0043] - an ambient pressure measuring device comprising an element configured to mechanically deform under the effect of a variation in pressure;

[0044] - a measured pressure indicating train kinematically connected to the pressure measuring device so as to be rotated under the effect of a variation in ambient pressure;

[0045] - a maximum pressure indicating mechanism comprising a maximum pressure display train comprising a maximum pressure display wheel, the maximum pressure indicating mechanism comprising a maximum pressure indicating member integral with the maximum pressure display wheel;

[0046] - a drive mechanism configured to progressively drive the maximum pressure display train during an increase in ambient pressure;

[0047] - an indexing mechanism for indexingly positioning the position of the maximum pressure display train at each advance, the indexing mechanism comprising a blocking member cooperating with an indexing wheel assembly;

[0048] The timepiece mechanism is characterized in that the indexing wheel assembly is kinematically connected to the maximum pressure display wheel by a gear train T1, T2, and that the gear train T1, T2 has a multiplication ratio between the maximum pressure display wheel and the indexing wheel assembly.

[0049] Another object of the application is a depth gauge comprising a timepiece mechanism according to the application.

[0050] Another object of the application is a depth gauge, altimeter or barometer comprising a timepiece mechanism according to the application.

[0051] Another object of the application is an electronic or mechanical-electronic timepiece movement comprising a timepiece mechanism according to the application.

[0052] Another object of the application is a timepiece, such as a diving watch, an altimeter watch or a barometer watch, comprising a timepiece movement according to the application.

[0053] Preferably, the timepiece is a diving watch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0054] The objects, advantages and features of the application will become apparent after a reading of the following detailed description together with the drawings wherein:

[0055] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a timepiece mechanism according to the application;

[0056] - Figure 2 is a top view of an example of an embodiment of a timepiece movement according to the application, as illustrated in Figure 1

[0057] - Figure 3 is a bottom view of an example of an embodiment of a timepiece movement according to the application, as illustrated in Figure 1

[0058] - Figure 4 is a top view of a pinion assembly of an example of an embodiment of a timepiece movement according to the application, as illustrated in Figure 1

[0059] In all the figures, common elements have the same reference numerals, unless otherwise indicated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Generally, in the field of timepieces and in the present application, the term "arbor" designates a component having a cylindrical shape, which generally supports a gearwheel or a pinion.

[0061] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a timepiece movement 100. Figure 2 and 3 are respectively a top view and a bottom view of an example of an embodiment of a timepiece movement 100, as illustrated in Figure 1

[0062] The timepiece movement 100 according to the application is a movement for measuring information related to a physical variable and for indicating a maximum value reached by the measured information.

[0063] More particularly, the timepiece movement 100 according to the application is a movement for measuring information related to a physical variable via a mechanical device and for indicating a maximum value reached by the measured information.

[0064] The timepiece movement 100 according to the application has a particularly interesting application in a depth gauge or a timepiece such as a diving watch for measuring the ambient pressure and indicating a maximum value reached, in particular during a dive.

[0065] However, the timepiece movement 100 according to the application is also applicable to a height gauge or a barometer for measuring the ambient pressure and indicating a maximum value reached in the form of an altitude, for example, which is particularly useful during an ascent.

[0066] In the remainder of the present application, the timepiece movement 100 for measuring the ambient pressure and indicating a maximum pressure reached will be taken as an example of embodiment. Of course, the application is not limited to this particular embodiment.

[0067] ​​​​In fact, the application is also applicable to other types of information relating to physical variables that can be measured by a timepiece movement, including means for measuring this information, such as acceleration, deceleration, force, torque, magnetic field, radiation field or exposure time to these magnetic or radiation fields.

[0068] Reference is made to Figures 1 to 3 , the timepiece movement 100 comprises a measuring pressure indicating train 10, which comprises in particular a measuring pressure indicating wheel 11, which is integral with a spindle 12 that is pivotally mounted on a frame (not shown).

[0069] The measuring pressure indicating wheel 11 is kinematically connected to the ambient pressure measuring device 5.

[0070] The ambient pressure measuring device 5 comprises an element (not shown) configured to mechanically deform under the effect of a change in ambient pressure.

[0071] The element configured to mechanically deform under the effect of a change in ambient pressure is for example a deformable flat membrane actuating a stylus.

[0072] The element configured to mechanically deform under the effect of a change in ambient pressure can also be an aneroid capsule comprising a liquid-free capsule that compresses or expands according to the ambient pressure.

[0073] The ambient pressure measuring device 5 is relatively conventional and is not shown in detail in Figures 1 to 3 , in order to better read and understand the timepiece movement 100 according to the application.

[0074] The ambient pressure measuring device 5 is arranged so that the displacement of the element configured to mechanically deform under the effect of a change in ambient pressure (deformable flat membrane or aneroid capsule) is transmitted to the measuring pressure indicating wheel 11 in the form of rotation of the first spindle 12 by means of a transmission mechanism, so that the angular position of the measuring pressure indicating wheel 11 depends on the ambient pressure measured by the pressure measuring device.

[0075] By way of example, the transmission mechanism of the ambient pressure measuring device can comprise a rack 6 at the end of the kinematic chain, which engages directly with the measuring pressure indicating wheel 11, or with an intermediate wheel assembly 14 positioned between the measuring pressure indicating wheel 11 and the rack 6 of the transmission mechanism of the ambient pressure measuring device 5, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 .

[0076] In the example of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 , the intermediate wheel assembly 14 comprises an intermediate pinion 14a that engages with the rack 6 of the transmission mechanism and an intermediate wheel 14b integral with the intermediate pinion 14a, which engages with the measuring pressure indicating wheel 11.

[0077] The pressure indicator wheel 11 can be integrated with the pressure indicator component 13, which allows the user to see the ambient pressure measured by the measuring device. The pressure indicator component 13 is, for example, a pointer integrally mounted on the spindle 12 of the pressure indicator wheel 11.

[0078] The watch mechanism 100 also includes a maximum pressure indicator 20, which can, for example, indicate the maximum depth reached during one or more dives, provided that the maximum pressure indicator 20 is not reset to zero.

[0079] This maximum pressure indicating mechanism 20 includes a maximum pressure display wheel train 24, which includes at least one maximum pressure display wheel 21 integral with a spindle 22 pivotally mounted on a frame. The maximum pressure display wheel train 24 is kinematically connected to the pressure measuring indicating wheel train 10.

[0080] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the example of the illustrated embodiment, the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the measuring pressure indicator wheel 11 are coaxially mounted such that the two wheels 21, 11 are stacked. Therefore, the spindle 22 of the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the spindle 12 of the measuring pressure indicator wheel 11 are concentric. However, it is also conceivable to position the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the measuring pressure indicator wheel 11 non-coaxially without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0081] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the example of the illustrated embodiment, the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the pressure measuring indicator wheel 11 are centered relative to the center of the mechanism. However, it is also conceivable to position the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the pressure measuring indicator wheel 11 off-center relative to the center of the mechanism according to the invention, and particularly off-center relative to the center of the watch movement in which the mechanism according to the invention is integrated, thereby enabling the display of pressure-related information outside the central area of ​​the watch movement, which is typically dedicated to indicating time information.

[0082] The maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the maximum pressure indicating member 23—for example, a pointer integrally mounted on the spindle 22—are integrated.

[0083] The maximum pressure display wheel 21 can be gradually driven by the pressure measuring indicator wheel train 10 or by a wheel assembly kinematically connected to the pressure measuring indicator wheel train 10.

[0084] For this purpose, the watch mechanism 100 includes a drive mechanism 30, which includes a first wheel assembly 31 that engages with a pressure measuring indicator wheel 11. The first wheel assembly 31 is integral with a spindle 33 that is pivotally mounted on a frame.

[0085] Therefore, the first wheel assembly 31 of the drive mechanism 30 is rotated by the measuring pressure indicating wheel 11 according to the change in the ambient pressure.

[0086] The drive mechanism 30 further comprises a second wheel assembly 32, which is freely mounted around the spindle 33 of the first wheel assembly 31 and is engaged with the maximum pressure indicating wheel 21. Therefore, the second wheel assembly 32 is coaxial with the first wheel assembly 31.

[0087] The first wheel assembly 31 is a drive wheel assembly configured to gradually drive the second wheel assembly 32 according to the relative position of the second wheel assembly 32 with respect to the first wheel assembly 31 during the increase in the ambient pressure measured by the pressure measuring device. Therefore, the second wheel assembly 32 is a driven wheel assembly.

[0088] The drive mechanism 30 is configured such that when the angular position of the first wheel assembly 31 becomes greater than the angular position of the second wheel assembly 32, the angular position of the second wheel assembly 32 can be advanced.

[0089] The drive of the first drive wheel assembly 31 to the second wheel assembly 32 is performed by means of a drive pin 34 which is integral with the first wheel assembly 31.

[0090] The drive pin 34 is pushed into the first wheel assembly 31 and protrudes with respect to the lobe of the first wheel assembly 31. The drive pin 34 is configured to be movable within an opening 35 arranged in the body of the second wheel assembly 32 and to drive the second wheel assembly 32 when the drive pin 34 abuts against one end of the opening 35.

[0091] The opening 35 has a circular arc shape, the angular range of which is configured substantially according to the angular travel of the measuring pressure indicating wheel 11.

[0092] Therefore, during the decrease in the ambient pressure and when the ambient pressure remains lower than the maximum pressure corresponding to the effective position of the second wheel assembly 32, the first wheel assembly 31 can be freely pivoted without driving the second wheel assembly.

[0093] The drive mechanism 30 operates in the following manner. When the means 13 for indicating the ambient pressure and the means 23 for indicating the maximum pressure are in the reference position (theoretical zero position), the two wheel assemblies 31 and 32 are also in their initial reference position. In this case, the drive pin 34 abuts against one end of the opening 35 of the second wheel assembly 32, as shown in Figure 3 .

[0094] During the increase in ambient pressure measured by the ambient pressure measuring device 5, the first wheel assembly 31 is rotated and pivoted according to a first direction of rotation, for example counterclockwise. The two wheel assemblies are each in the same reference position, the rotation of the first wheel assembly 31 also brings about the rotation of the second wheel assembly 32, and the driving pin 34 abuts against one end of the opening 35. The second wheel assembly 32 is thus driven to an angular position corresponding to the measured pressure.

[0095] During the decrease in ambient pressure, the first wheel assembly 31 is pivoted in the opposite direction, for example according to the clockwise direction shown in the architecture. The driving pin 34 is then free to move within the opening 35. The first wheel assembly 31 is thus able to return freely to the earlier angular position or to its initial reference position when the pressure is again zero, for example outside the water, without driving the second wheel assembly 32, which remains indexed at the angular position corresponding to the maximum pressure measured during the increase in pressure described above. Figures 1 to 3

[0096] In the case of a new increase in ambient pressure, when the measured pressure will become greater than the maximum pressure corresponding to the effective angular position of the second wheel assembly 32, that is to say when the driving pin 34 of the first wheel assembly 31 will return to abut against said one end of the opening 35, the second wheel assembly 32 will be rotated by the first wheel assembly 31.

[0097] The angular position of the second wheel assembly 32 thus corresponds to the maximum value of the pressure measured by the ambient pressure measuring device 5, provided that it has not been reset to zero by the zero-reset lever which will be described later.

[0098] The angular position of the second wheel assembly 32, and therefore of the maximum pressure display wheel 21, is maintained at each advance by means of the disengageable indexing mechanism 40, indexing the angular position of the second wheel assembly 32 corresponding to the maximum measurement of ambient pressure since the last zero reset of the mechanism.

[0099] The disengageable indexing mechanism 40 is configured to block the angular position of the maximum pressure display wheel 21 at each advance of the maximum pressure display wheel 21 during the phase of increase in ambient pressure, so that the maximum pressure display wheel 21 remains indexed during the decrease in ambient pressure.

[0100] The disengageable indexing mechanism 40 comprises a disengageable blocking member, for example a indexing jumper 41 which is rotatable about a pivot 42 integral with the frame between a coupled position and a disengaged position.

[0101] The indexing jumper 41 cooperates with an indexing wheel assembly 43 comprising an indexing gear 44 and a central indexing pinion 45 integral with the indexing gear 44. The central indexing pinion 45 is kinematically connected to the maximum pressure display wheel 21.

[0102] ​The indexing gear 44 cooperates with the indexing jumper 41, more particularly with the jumper beak 46, so as to block the position of the maximum pressure display wheel 21 at each advancement thereof by means of the central indexing pin 45.

[0103] The indexing gear 44 has an asymmetric toothing 48, for example a wolf tooth toothing, comprising a plurality of indexing teeth so that a clear indexing positioning without play can be achieved and the maximum pressure display wheel 21 does not return backwards, in particular due to the straight flanks of the teeth of the asymmetric toothing 48.

[0104] However, according to alternative embodiments, another type of toothing can be used.

[0105] The indexing jumper 41 cooperates with spring leaves 50 which exert a force on the indexing jumper 41 so as to position the indexing jumper 41 by default in its coupled position and to ensure that the indexing jumper 41, more particularly the jumper beak 46, is positioned at the bottom of the teeth of the toothing of the indexing gear 44.

[0106] The indexing gear 44 has a reference indexing position, for example corresponding to the theoretical zero value of the pressure measured by the ambient pressure measuring device 5. In order to easily see this reference indexing position, the indexing gear 44 advantageously has an indexing symbol or marking, designated P0, arranged on the spoke of the indexing gear 44. When this indexing symbol is positioned opposite the jumper beak 46, the indexing gear 44 is in its reference indexing position, as shown in Figure 1 .

[0107] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 , the indexing gear 44 can have a toothed sector less than 360° so that it can comprise one or more regions called non-indexed, characterised by one or more smooth angular portions, i.e. without at least one indexing tooth, preferably without a plurality of indexing teeth. Advantageously, these non-indexed regions can make the indexing function inoperative on certain angular portions of the indexing gear 44 so as not to index position the position of the maximum pressure indication member 23 on certain ambient pressure value ranges corresponding to certain situations predefined by the designer.

[0108] Advantageously, the indexing gear 44 comprises at least one angular segment without at least one tooth or a plurality of indexing teeth, located in the vicinity of the indexing symbol designated P0, so that a portion of the indexing gear 44 is without indexing teeth in the vicinity of its reference indexing position relative to the jumper beak 46.

[0109] Advantageously, the indexing gear 44 comprises a first angular sector Z1 devoid of indexing teeth, positioned so as to render the indexing positioning inoperative during small pressure variations outside the theoretical zero value, for example, variations in ambient pressure measured during a dive of less than a few meters, for example less than 1 m, or to prevent the indexing positioning of the maximum pressure indicating member 23 during slight changes in atmospheric pressure.

[0110] For example, according to the example of embodiment shown, the first angular sector Z1 devoid of at least one indexing tooth is generally located between the indexing symbol P0 and the inclined flank of the first tooth of the asymmetric toothing 48, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 Figure 4 For example, according to the example of embodiment shown, the first angular sector Z1 devoid of at least one indexing tooth is generally located between the indexing symbol P0 and the inclined flank of the first tooth of the asymmetric toothing 48, as shown in

[0111] Advantageously, the indexing gear 44 can also comprise a second angular sector Z2 devoid of indexing teeth, positioned so as to render the indexing positioning inoperative when the ambient pressure exceeds the maximum value of the display dedicated to the maximum pressure, for example the display appearing on the dial. Thus, at a position located outside the maximum value provided by said display, the position of the maximum depth indicating member 23 can not be indexed.

[0112] Thus, in our previous example, the second angular sector Z2 devoid of at least one indexing tooth is positioned after the straight flank of the last tooth corresponding to the last desired indexing position, or between the indexing symbol P0 and the straight flank of the last tooth of the asymmetric toothing 48, as shown in Figure 4

[0113] The zero reset of the maximum pressure display train 24 is ensured by a zero reset lever 60, which can be manipulated by the user via a button or actuation post 62.

[0114] The zero reset lever 60 comprises a finger 61 which can form a pivoting yoke of the indexing jumper 41. The actuation of the zero reset lever 60 by the user must overcome the return force of the spring leaf 50 in order to enable the pivoting of the indexing jumper 41 and the disengagement thereof from the toothing of the indexing gear 44.

[0115] The disengageable indexing mechanism 40 also comprises a return member 49, for example a return rack, cooperating with a return element 47 which can exert a return force on the return member 49. The return member 49 is kinematically connected to the maximum pressure display train 24, more particularly to the maximum pressure display wheel 21. Thus, the return member 49 makes it possible to tension the maximum pressure display train 24 and the drive mechanism 30, which can prevent the fluttering of the maximum pressure indicating member 23 caused by the operating play existing between the various pinions of the train.

[0116] ​​Via the reset element 47, the reset member 49 also exerts a reset force on the maximum pressure display wheel 21, which is able to reposition the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the maximum pressure indication member 23 in a reference position, for example a theoretical zero position, when the indexing jumper 41 is in the disengaged position.

[0117] The reset element 47 is for example a reset spring.

[0118] As seen above, the indexing wheel assembly 43 is kinematically connected to the maximum pressure display wheel 21.

[0119] According to a first alternative embodiment, not shown, the indexing wheel assembly 43 engages directly with the maximum pressure display wheel 21, for example by means of the central indexing pinion 45, thereby forming a first gear train T1 between the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the indexing wheel assembly 43.

[0120] According to a second alternative embodiment, shown more particularly in Figures 1 to 3 The disengageable indexing mechanism 40 also comprises an intermediate indexing disc 70 positioned between the indexing wheel assembly 43 and the maximum pressure display wheel 21, such that the indexing wheel assembly 43 is kinematically connected to the maximum pressure display wheel 21 by means of this intermediate indexing wheel assembly 70. In this alternative embodiment, the maximum pressure display wheel 21, the intermediate indexing wheel assembly 70 and the indexing wheel assembly 43 form a second gear train T2.

[0121] Regardless of the alternative embodiment, the various gears constituting the gear train T1 or T2 are configured such that the transmission ratio generated between the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the indexing wheel assembly 43 is a multiplication ratio.

[0122] Thus, by means of the multiplication ratio between the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the indexing wheel assembly 43, the mechanism according to the application makes it possible to increase the possible indexing positions of the maximum pressure indication member 23, which makes it possible to improve the maximum pressure display resolution.

[0123] The use of a multiplication ratio between the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the indexing wheel assembly 43 makes it possible in particular to get closer to the display and precision results of a friction drive mechanism, while proposing a simpler mechanism that is optimized and reduced in compactness.

[0124] The use of the intermediate indexing wheel assembly 70 advantageously makes it possible to produce the intermediate wheel in such a way as to offset the indexing wheel assembly 43 outside the region of the arbor 22 close to the maximum pressure display wheel 21. Thus, the installation of the various elements of the maximum pressure indication mechanism 20 is facilitated and the thickness of the mechanism is minimized. Advantageously, the intermediate indexing wheel assembly 70 makes it possible to offset the indexing wheel assembly 43 from the central region of the mechanism, which generally comprises the indication members grouped on the same arbor. Thus, according to the application, the installation is facilitated and the overall thickness of the mechanism, and in particular of a timepiece movement integrating such a mechanism, is minimized.

[0125] More specifically, the intermediate indexing wheel assembly 70 includes an intermediate indexing wheel 71, which meshes with the maximum pressure display wheel 21 on one hand and with the central indexing gear shaft 45 of the indexing wheel assembly 43 on the other.

[0126] The intermediate indexing gear assembly 70 also includes an intermediate indexing gear shaft 72 (which can be used in conjunction with the intermediate indexing gear assembly 70). Figure 3 (See in). Figures 1 to 3 In the example of the illustrated embodiment, the reset member 49 meshes with the intermediate indexing gear shaft 72, thereby applying a reset force to the maximum pressure display gear train 24. This installation advantageously reduces the angular travel of the reset member 49, thus facilitating the installation of various elements of the mechanism according to the invention.

[0127] However, other configurations are also possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0128] According to an alternative embodiment, the reset member 49 may, for example, cooperate with the indexing wheel assembly 43 and engage on the central indexing gear shaft 45 of the indexing wheel assembly 43.

[0129] For example, the indexing wheel assembly 43 includes 62 machined teeth, which corresponds to an indexing wheel assembly with 73 teeth on a total circumference of 360°.

[0130] Therefore, in the example of the given embodiment, the indexing wheel assembly 43 enables the execution of 62 indexing positions of the maximum pressure indicating member 23. This results in a more accurate resolution in the display of the achieved maximum pressure.

[0131] The watch mechanism 100 according to the invention can be combined with a watch movement configured to indicate time-related information.

[0132] The present invention also relates to a depth gauge, altimeter or barometer that integrates the clock mechanism 100 described above.

[0133] The present invention also relates to a timepiece, such as a diving watch, comprising a timepiece movement including a timepiece mechanism for measuring information related to environmental pressure and indicating the maximum pressure reached.

Claims

1. A clock mechanism (100), comprising: - An environmental physical variable measuring device, the environmental physical variable measuring device including elements configured to mechanically deform under the action of changes in physical variables; - A physical variable measurement value indicating gear train, which is kinematically connected to the environmental physical variable measuring device, and is thus rotated under the influence of changes in the environmental values ​​of physical variables; - A physical variable maximum value indicator mechanism, the physical variable maximum value indicator mechanism including a physical variable maximum value display wheel system, the physical variable maximum value display wheel system including a physical variable maximum value display wheel, and the physical variable maximum value indicator mechanism including a physical variable maximum value indicator component integrated with the physical variable maximum value display wheel; - Drive mechanism (30), the drive mechanism (30) is configured to gradually drive the display wheel system of the maximum value of the physical variable during an increase in the environmental physical variable; - Indexing mechanism (40), the indexing mechanism (40) is used to index the position of the wheel train when the maximum value of the physical variable is displayed, the indexing mechanism (40) includes a blocking member (41) that cooperates with the indexing wheel assembly (43); The clock mechanism (100) is characterized in that the indexing wheel assembly (43) is kinematically connected to the physical variable maximum value display wheel via gear trains T1 and T2, and the transmission ratio of the gear trains T1 and T2 between the physical variable maximum value display wheel and the indexing wheel assembly (43) is a multiplication ratio.

2. The clock mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indexing wheel assembly (43) includes a central indexing gear shaft (45) that meshes with the physical variable maximum value display wheel, thereby forming the gear system T1 through the cooperation of the physical variable maximum value display wheel and the central indexing gear shaft (45).

3. The watch mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indexing mechanism (40) includes an intermediate indexing wheel assembly (70) inserted between the physical variable maximum value display wheel and the indexing wheel assembly (43), thereby forming the gear train T2 through the cooperation between the physical variable maximum value display wheel, the intermediate indexing wheel assembly (70) and the indexing wheel assembly (43).

4. The watch mechanism (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The indexing wheel assembly (43) includes a central indexing gear shaft (45) that meshes with the intermediate indexing wheel assembly (70), thereby forming the gear train T2 through the cooperation between the physical variable maximum value display wheel, the intermediate indexing wheel assembly (70) and the central indexing gear shaft (45).

5. The clock mechanism (100) according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that, The indexing gear assembly (43) includes an indexing gear (44) integral with the central indexing gear shaft (45).

6. The watch mechanism (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The indexing gear (44) includes asymmetrical teeth (48), and the blocking member (41) engages with the asymmetrical teeth (48) of the indexing gear (44).

7. The watch mechanism (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The indexing gear (44) includes a toothed section of less than 360°, such that the indexing gear (44) includes at least one angular section (Z1, Z2) without at least one indexing tooth.

8. The watch mechanism (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one angular segment (Z1, Z2) without at least one indexing tooth is positioned close to the reference indexing position (P0) of the indexing wheel assembly (43).

9. The clock mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The blocking member (41) is a blocking member that can be disengaged via the zero-position reset lever (60).

10. The watch mechanism (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The indexing mechanism (40) includes a reset member (49) configured to ensure that the maximum value display gear train of the physical variable is repositioned under the action of the reset element (47).

11. The watch mechanism (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The reset component (49) cooperates with the indexing wheel assembly (43).

12. The watch mechanism (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The reset component (49) cooperates with the intermediate indexing wheel assembly (70).

13. The watch mechanism (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The reset member (49) engages with the intermediate indexing gear shaft (72) of the intermediate indexing wheel assembly (70).

14. The watch mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (30) includes a first wheel assembly (31) called the drive wheel assembly and a second wheel assembly (32) called the driven wheel assembly. The first wheel assembly (31) is integral with a spindle (33) and engages with the physical variable measurement value indicating gear train. The second wheel assembly (32) is freely mounted around the spindle (33) of the first wheel assembly (31). The second wheel assembly (32) engages with the physical variable maximum value indicating gear train. The first wheel assembly (31) is configured to drive the second wheel assembly (32) during periods when the value of the environmental physical variable increases.

15. The watch mechanism (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (30) includes a drive pin (34) integral with the first wheel assembly (31), the drive pin (34) engaging with an opening (35) arranged in the second wheel assembly (32).

16. The watch mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The watch mechanism includes: - The environmental pressure measuring device (5), which is the environmental physical variable measuring device, includes an element configured to mechanically deform under pressure changes; -The measuring pressure indicating gear train (10), which is the measuring pressure indicating gear train of the physical variable measurement value, is kinematically connected to the environmental pressure measuring device and is rotated under the action of environmental pressure changes; - The maximum pressure indicator (20) of the physical variable maximum value indicator mechanism includes a maximum pressure display wheel system (24) of the physical variable maximum value display wheel system, the maximum pressure display wheel system (24) includes a maximum pressure display wheel (21) of the physical variable maximum value display wheel, and the maximum pressure indicator (20) includes a maximum pressure indicator member (23) of the physical variable maximum value indicator member integrated with the maximum pressure display wheel (21); - The drive mechanism (30) is configured to gradually drive the maximum pressure display wheel train (24) during periods of increased ambient pressure; - The indexing mechanism (40) is used to index and position the position of the maximum pressure display wheel system (24) each time it advances, and the indexing mechanism (40) includes the blocking member (41) that cooperates with the indexing wheel assembly (43); The clock mechanism (100) is characterized in that the indexing wheel assembly (43) is kinematically connected to the maximum pressure display wheel (21) via gear trains T1 and T2, and the transmission ratio of the gear trains T1 and T2 between the maximum pressure display wheel (21) and the indexing wheel assembly (43) is a multiplication ratio.

17. A depth gauge comprising a clock mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. An altimeter comprising a clock mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. A watch movement comprising a watch mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

20. A timepiece comprising the timepiece movement according to claim 19.

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