Timepiece comprising mechanism for displaying consecutive hours in display area

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece comprising a time display mechanism comprising a support member rotatable about an axis of rotation, arranged to rotate a circle within n hours and carrying n satellite wheels, each satellite wheel being rotatably mounted about its own axis of rotation, the present invention relates to a satellite wheel assembly comprising a support member, a time display area extending over an annular sector of at least 360 / n DEG centered on the axis of rotation of the support member, uniformly distributed about the axis of rotation of the support member and carrying hour numbers distributed over said satellite wheels in a ratio of 12 / n or 24 / n numbers per satellite wheel, the assembly being arranged to continuously shift the hour numbers, the time display area extending over an annular sector of at least 360 / n DEG centered on the axis of rotation of the support member, and the time display area extending over an annular sector of at least 360 / n DEG centered on the axis of rotation of the support member. Therefore, the display panel appears in the display area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a time display mechanism comprising a support member and a time display area, the support member being rotatable about an axis of rotation A, being arranged to make one rotation in n hours (n being an integer greater than 1), and carrying n satellite wheels, each of which is rotatably mounted on its own axis of rotation, uniformly distributed about the axis of rotation A of the support member, and carrying hour numerals distributed on the satellite wheels at a ratio of 12 / n or 24 / n numerals per satellite wheel, the time display area extending over an annular sector of at least 360 / n° centered on the axis of rotation A of the support member, the assembly being arranged so as to continuously shift the hour numerals so as to appear in the display area indicating the hour. Background Art

[0002] Such a timepiece is described in patent CH 677575 filed by the applicant and is entitled “Star Wheel”, which enables the display of the running time.

[0003] The timepiece comprises a dial comprising a sector, typically 120°, with a minute scale graduated from 0 to 60. Corresponding to this scale, the hour numerals are displayed in 60-minute increments as they are moved along the sector. Thus, a numeral represents the hour, and the position of that numeral on the sector facing the minute scale indicates the minutes of the current hour. The hour numerals shift along the sector facing the minute scale in a strictly radial direction. In other words, as the hour numeral moves along the sector of the minute scale, its direction merges with the sector's radius, which connects the sector's center to the minute indicated by that numeral on the minute scale.

[0004] The mechanism described in patent CH 677575 comprises three discs, each bearing four hour numerals, rotatably mounted on the rim of a center wheel, spaced 120° apart. The center wheel completes one rotation in three hours. Thus, on a minute scale curved according to 120° sectors, the hour numerals rotate 120° between the start and end of the sector as they progress toward the minute scale. To display the next hour numeral on the disc, the discs are rotated in time by a star-shaped element associated with the center of each disc. This star rotates a quarter of a turn when two fixed fingers or needles distributed across the dial pass by. The angular position of the discs is fixed by a jumper wire that engages the star.

[0005] When the hour numerals are oriented radially up and down, their inclination varies by 120° between the start and end of the display facing the minute scale, so reading the time may be considered less than ergonomic.

[0006] Furthermore, a system in which a star actuated by a needle drives a disc creates a force that rotates the disc but is not constant, as it is concentrated at the exact moment the star meets the needle. This has the disadvantage of creating awkward dynamics that can generate disruptive torque.

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a timepiece that enables the time to be displayed by moving a pointer and that enables the time to be read in an ergonomic way.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to propose a timepiece that makes it possible to display the time by moving indicators without generating disruptive torques. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a time display mechanism comprising a support member and a time display area, the support member being rotatable about an axis of rotation A, arranged to make one rotation in n hours (n being an integer greater than 1), and carrying n satellite wheels, each satellite wheel being mounted rotatably about its own axis of rotation, uniformly distributed about the axis of rotation A of the support member, and carrying hour numerals distributed on the satellite wheels at a ratio of 12 / n or 24 / n numerals per satellite wheel, the time display area extending over an annular sector of at least 360 / n° centered on the axis of rotation A of the support member, the assembly being arranged so as to continuously shift the hour numerals so as to appear in the display area.

[0010] According to the invention, the support member is constituted by a cage, the satellite wheels are constituted by toothed wheels and are arranged to rotate continuously about their own rotation axes via intermediate wheels in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the cage and at a rotation speed different from that of the cage, the intermediate wheels being carried by the cage and being arranged so as to be kinematically connected to a fixed wheel relative to the cage and coaxial with the rotation axis A of the cage, the rotation speed of each satellite wheel about its own rotation axis relative to the cage being selected so as to minimize the apparent angular displacement of the satellite wheel relative to its own center of rotation in the display area during the displacement of the satellite wheel guided by the cage between the starting point and the end point of the display area.

[0011] Therefore, the apparent inclination of the hour numerals in the display area varies little between the starting point and the end point of their display, making it easier to read the time despite the fact that the hour numerals are movable.

[0012] Furthermore, the meshing of the satellites is permanent and the force that rotates the satellites is continuous. Thus, the torque transmission of the system is advantageously smooth, being substantially constant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the following detailed description of different embodiments of the invention, provided by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figures 1 to 3 is a schematic top view of the dial of a timepiece comprising a time display mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention, said view showing in particular the three positions of the hour numerals during the displacement between the starting point and the end point of the display area;

[0015] Figure 4 shows a top view of a time display mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Isometric view of the time display mechanism in;

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Front view of

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figures 4 to 6 an isometric view of a support member, a satellite wheel and an intermediate wheel according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0019] Figures 8 to 11 depicts different positions of the mobile display device during the shifting of hour numerals between the start and end of the display area according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] Figure 12 A time display mechanism according to another embodiment of the invention is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Reference Figures 1 to 7 The present invention relates to a timepiece, such as a watch, comprising a time display mechanism making it possible to display hours, such as GMT time, and preferably also minutes, on a dial 1 .

[0022] This time display mechanism comprises a support member mounted so as to be movable about an axis of rotation A (see FIG. Figure 5 ) rotates, the support member being arranged to make one rotation in n hours, n being an integer greater than 1. In the depicted example, n is equal to 3.

[0023] The time display mechanism also includes a time display area 2 arranged on the dial 1, which extends over an annular sector of at least 360 / n° centered on the rotation line A of the support member, that is, in the example of the accompanying drawings, it usually extends over slightly more than 360 / n°, that is, here it extends over slightly more than 120°, and the mechanism is arranged to continuously shift the hour numerals so that they appear in the display area 2 to show the hour.

[0024] According to the invention, said support member is constituted by a cage 3 intended to be mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis A on a frame element of a watch movement (not shown) of a timepiece.

[0025] The axis of rotation A of the cage 3 may be centred on the dial 1 as shown. Obviously, the axis of rotation A of the cage 3 may be offset relative to the centre of the dial of the timepiece in case the time display is not centred relative to said dial of the timepiece.

[0026] The cage 3 comprises an upper bridge 4 and preferably a lower bridge 6 which rotate parallel and in unison. According to a preferred embodiment, the lower bridge 6 is integral with a drive shaft 8 supported by the frame, said drive shaft 8 itself being integral with a drive wheel 10.

[0027] In order to rotate cage 3 , the timepiece notably comprises a movement (not shown) arranged to mesh with a drive wheel 10 which rotates drive shaft 8 and thus lower bridge 6 and upper bridge 4 .

[0028] The upper bridge 4 and the lower bridge 6 advantageously have a circular central shape with an axis A, at the center of which a "camber" (not shown) can be located. Advantageously, the upper bridge 4 and the lower bridge 6 can each comprise a first set of n arms 12 directed radially outwards, evenly distributed, and arranged to carry n satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c.

[0029] Advantageously, the upper bridge 4 and the lower bridge 6 can also each comprise a second set of n arms 16, directed radially outwards and uniformly distributed by being interposed between the arms 12, and on which at least n intermediate reversing wheels 18 are pivotally mounted, the intermediate reversing wheels 8 being arranged to cooperate with two consecutive satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c. These intermediate reversing wheels 18 will be described in more detail below.

[0030] The dimensions of the holder 3, in particular the dimensions of the arms 12 and 16, are selected according to the first or second embodiment of the display mechanism.

[0031] More particularly, in Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 8 to 11In the first embodiment shown, the dimensions of the cage 3 and of its arms 12 and 16 are chosen so as to be able to position the satellites 14a, 14b, 14c at regular intervals in a circle centered on the axis of rotation A and at the same level, that is to say in the same plane, which corresponds to an extended configuration.

[0032] exist Figures 4 to 7 In the second embodiment shown, the dimensions of the cage 3 and of its arms 12 and 16 are chosen so as to obtain a compact construction by positioning the satellites 14a, 14b, 14c in a diametrically compact manner relative to the axis A, the satellites 14a, 14b, 14c then having to be arranged so as to be positioned partially superimposed relative to one another.

[0033] Each satellite 14a, 14b, 14c is mounted in the cage 3 so as to be rotatable about its own axis of rotation, by means of screws 17, in particular between an arm 12 of the upper bridge 4 and a corresponding arm 12 of the lower bridge 6 of the cage 3. The satellites 14a, 14b, 14c are thus evenly distributed about the axis of rotation A of the cage 3, either in a coplanar configuration (according to the first embodiment) or partially superposed in parallel planes (according to the second embodiment).

[0034] The satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c carry hour numerals distributed over them at a ratio of 12 / n or 24 / n numerals per satellite wheel.

[0035] According to the invention, the n satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c are constituted by gear wheels.

[0036] The gears are advantageously transparent. In the example depicted, n is equal to 3, and the gears are evenly spaced at 120° intervals around axis A. Satellites 14a, 14b, and 14c carry the hour numerals, distributed on the gears at a ratio of four numerals per gear. Satellite 14a carries the numerals 1, 4, 7, and 10, satellite 14b carries the numerals 2, 5, 8, and 11, and satellite 14c carries the numerals 3, 6, 9, and 12, these numerals being angularly spaced at 90° intervals on each satellite. As shown in the example illustrated, it should be noted that the hour numerals are distributed on the satellites so that, after reading each numeral, all the hour numerals can be read in chronological order by moving from one satellite to another in the same direction of rotation.

[0037] According to the invention, the satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c are arranged to rotate continuously around their own rotation axis in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the cage 3 and at a rotation speed relative to the cage 3 that is different from the rotation speed of the cage 3 relative to the display area 2, through an intermediate wheel (such as at least the reversing intermediate wheel 18) carried by the cage 3, the intermediate wheel being arranged kinematically connected to the fixed wheel 20 relative to the cage 3 and coaxial with the rotation axis A of the cage 3.

[0038] According to the selected transmission ratio, the intermediate wheels may comprise n reversing intermediate wheels 18 arranged to cooperate with two consecutive satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c, and a peripheral intermediate wheel 22 arranged to cooperate with the fixed wheel 20 and with one of the n reversing intermediate wheels 18, for example Figure 5 Thus, the peripheral intermediate wheel 22 causes the satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c to rotate through the intermediary of the reversing intermediate wheel 18.

[0039] In the case of a compact design, the reversing intermediate wheel 18 has a sufficient height to be able to mesh with at least two consecutive satellite wheels 14 a , 14 b , 14 c at different heights.

[0040] The intermediate wheels may also comprise only n reversing intermediate wheels 18, which are arranged to cooperate with two consecutive satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c, respectively, and directly cooperate with the fixed wheel 20, for example Figure 1 The n reversing intermediate wheels 18 then directly serve as peripheral intermediate wheels.

[0041] Each reversing intermediate wheel 18 is pivotally mounted inside the cage 3, in particular between an arm 16 of the upper bridge 4 and a corresponding arm 16 of the lower bridge 6 of the cage 3. The reversing intermediate wheels 18 are thus evenly distributed around the axis of rotation A of the cage 3, being inserted between two of the two satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c.

[0042] Furthermore, when a peripheral intermediate wheel 22 is used, it is advantageously mounted in rotational unity with the associated reversing intermediate wheel 18 below the lower bridge 6 of the cage 3 , in particular below the arm 16 .

[0043] A fixed wheel 20 is positioned below cage 3, centred on the axis A of said cage 3. Fixed wheel 20 is integral with a frame element of the timepiece movement and comprises external peripheral toothing arranged to mesh with a peripheral intermediate wheel 22 or directly with reversing intermediate wheel 18.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the invention, the rotational speed of each satellite 14a, 14b, 14c relative to the support member (here, the cage 3) about its own axis of rotation is selected so as to minimize the apparent angular displacement of the satellite 14a, 14b, 14c in the display area 2 relative to its own center of rotation during its own displacement, guided by the cage 3, about the axis A, between the starting point and the end point of the display area 2. Suitable rotational speeds of the satellites 14a, 14a, 14c and of the cage 3 are achieved by selecting an appropriate transmission ratio.

[0045] Thus, the display area 2 constitutes a first reference system, in which each satellite 14a, 14b, 14c has an apparent speed that varies according to the rotation speed of the holder 3 relative to this first reference system and according to the rotation speed of the satellite 14a, 14b, 14c itself relative to the holder 3, which constitutes a second reference system. The rotation speed of the holder 3 in the first reference system and the rotation speed of the satellites 14a, 14b, 14c about their own axes in the second reference system are selected so that the satellites 14a, 14b, 14c have an apparent speed in the first reference system that corresponds to the desired minimum angular displacement in the display area 2.

[0046] Advantageously, the speed of rotation of the satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c relative to the cage 3 about their own axis of rotation is chosen so that, during the displacement of one of said satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c guided by the cage 3 between the starting point and the end point of the display zone 2, the apparent speed of said satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c in the first reference system is such that the apparent angular displacement of the hour numerals carried by said satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c in the display zone 2 is less than or equal to 30°.

[0047] Thus, by defining a vertical reading axis L in the display area 2, that is to say parallel to the conventional 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis and passing through the own centers of rotation of the satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c entering said display area 2 (see Figures 1 to 3 ), said apparent angular displacement corresponds to the apparent inclination of the hour numerals, at an angle α, relative to the reading axis L, when they are displaced between the starting point and the end point of the display zone 2. This inclination is maximum at the starting point and the end point of the display zone 2 and is zero on the reading axis L. More specifically, this is due to the appropriate choice of the rotational speed of the satellites 14a, 14b, 14c themselves in the second reference system, depending on the rotational speed of the cage 3 in the first reference system, making it possible to minimize this maximum inclination, in particular to adjust it so that it does not exceed 30°.

[0048] For example, when n equals 3, cage 3 rotates once clockwise in 3 hours, with the speed of its rotation regulated by the moving mechanism. The reversing intermediate wheel 18, and optionally the peripheral intermediate wheel 22, carried by cage 3, rotate clockwise, driven by fixed wheel 20. As mentioned above, each of the three satellites 14a, 14b, and 14c, which carry the four numerals, is driven by reversing intermediate wheel 18 and each rotates counterclockwise. Cage 3 and satellites 14a, 14b, and 14c, particularly their dimensions and number of teeth, are configured to achieve a transmission ratio of 1 / 4 between cage 3, intermediate wheels 18 and 22, and satellites 14a, 14b, and 14c. Thus, each satellite 14a, 14b, 14c rotates once counterclockwise around itself in four hours in the second reference system formed by the cage 3, but the hour numerals carried by the satellites 14a, 14b, 14c require 12 hours to assume the same position, due to simultaneous rotation about the axis of rotation A and about their own axis of rotation. During the displacement of the satellites 14a, 14b, 14c between the starting point and the end point of the display area 2, that is, within one hour, the apparent angular displacement of the hour numerals of the satellites 14a, 14b, 14c in the first reference system formed by the display area 2 is 30° in the clockwise direction, due to the 120° clockwise rotation of the cage 3 about the axis A in the first reference system and the 90° counterclockwise rotation of the satellites in the second reference system within one hour.

[0049] More specifically, refer to Figure 1 , the satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c are positioned so that the hour numeral 11 carried by the satellite wheel 14b enters the display area 2 to display 11 o'clock. The satellite wheel 14b is positioned so that the numeral 11 is tilted at an angle α of 15° in the counterclockwise direction relative to the reading axis L. 30 minutes later, as Figure 2 As shown, the holder 3 has rotated 60° clockwise about the axis A in the first reference system formed by the display area 2 by displacing the satellite 14b in the display area 2. Due to the reversing intermediate wheel 18, the satellite 14b itself has also rotated 45° counterclockwise in the second reference system formed by the holder 3, resulting in an apparent angular displacement of the satellite 14b in the display area 2 relative to its own center of rotation of 15° clockwise (60°-45°). The apparent inclination of the numeral 11 relative to the reading axis L has reached zero. After another 30 minutes, that is, one hour later, as shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, cage 3 has been rotated again by 60° clockwise about axis A relative to display zone 2 by displacing satellite 14b in display zone 2. Satellite 14b itself has also been rotated again by 45° counterclockwise relative to cage 3, resulting in an apparent angular displacement of the hour numerals carried by satellite 14b in display zone 2 by 15° clockwise relative to its own center of rotation. The apparent inclination of hour numerals 11 with respect to reading axis L is thus an angle α of 15° clockwise relative to the reading axis.

[0050] Therefore, the apparent angular displacement of the hour numerals of the satellite wheel 14b in the display zone 2 relative to the center of rotation of the satellite wheel itself is only 30° [-15; +15] in the clockwise direction within one hour, while the satellite wheel 14b guided by the cage 3 is displaced by 120° in the clockwise direction relative to the display zone 2 around the axis A between the starting point and the end point of the display zone 2.

[0051] The time can thus be read with the upper and lower reading axes remaining substantially vertical as shown, and is therefore particularly ergonomic.

[0052] At the same time, by rotating 90° counterclockwise relative to the holder 3, the other satellite wheels 14a and 14c guided by the holder 3 are also displaced 120° clockwise relative to the display area 2 around the axis A within 1 hour, so that when the satellite wheel 14b reaches the end of the display area 2, the next satellite wheel in the counterclockwise direction (here, the satellite wheel 14c) enters the display area 2 to provide the next hour digit, and the digit 12 appearing in the display area 2 is tilted at an angle α of 15° counterclockwise relative to the reading axis L.

[0053] Cage 3 and satellites 14 a , 14 b and 14 c are situated above a dial 1 comprising a display area 2 arranged so as to be able to follow the trajectory of the hour numerals to be displayed in order to indicate the time.

[0054] according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, display zone 2 is arranged to constitute fixed display means 24 for displaying the hour numerals during the displacement between the starting point and the end point of said display zone 2. For example, fixed display means 24 could consist of a white annular sector depicted on dial 1, with the transparent numerals borne by satellites 14a, 14b and 14c then having a contrasting colour so as to appear during the displacement of these numerals over said white sector.

[0055] according to Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 8 to 11In another embodiment shown, the timepiece may include at least one mobile display device 26 arranged to follow and display the hour numerals as they shift between the starting point and the end point of the display area 2. Mobile display device 26 may be placed below the satellite wheels 14a, 14b, and 14c, which are then transparent or skeletonized. Mobile display device 26 may, for example, comprise dots having a contrasting color relative to the numerals depicted on the satellite wheels 14a, 14b, and 14c. Display device 26 may also be located above the numerals.

[0056] The mobile display device 26 is arranged to pivot about itself by the same angle as the apparent angular displacement of the satellite wheels 14a, 14b, and 14c associated with the mobile display device 26, while being displaced in the display area 2 at the same speed as the holder 3. For example, here, the mobile display device 26 rotates about itself by 30° in the clockwise direction within one hour, while being displaced in the display area 2 by an angle less than or equal to 120° in the clockwise direction relative to the axis A. Thus, the rotation point of the mobile display device 26 is variable and can be offset from the center relative to the axis A of the holder 3, such as Figures 1 to 3 The mobile display device 26 is arranged to follow the hour digits for 1 hour and then immediately shift to display the next hour digit once it reaches the 60th minute.

[0057] The mobile display device 26 can be arranged to jump in the same rotation direction as the rotation direction of the holder 3. In this case, a mobile display device 26 with multiple display surfaces can be provided, that is, the mobile display device 26 includes multiple display areas or surfaces arranged in sequence, such as Figures 8 to 11 As shown, in order to reduce the displacement angle of the mobile display device during each jump. The mobile display device 26 has, for example, three display surfaces 26a, 26b, and 26c, which are associated with the satellite wheels 14a, 14b, and 14c, respectively. Here, when the satellite wheels 14a, 14b, and 14c are displaced with the retaining frame 3, the surface 26b of the mobile display device 26 follows the number 2 carried by the satellite wheel 14b, and the other surfaces 26a and 26c follow the numbers 10 and 6 carried by the other satellite wheels 14a and 14c, respectively. One hour later, when the number 2 and the surface 26b associated with the mobile display device 26 reach the end of the display area 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown, the mobile display device 26 that has reached the 60th minute is arranged to rotate in the clockwise direction so that the next face in the counterclockwise direction (here, face 26c) immediately displays the next number to be displayed carried by the satellite wheel entering the display area 2, here, the number 3 carried by the satellite wheel 14c, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 shown.

[0058] The mobile display device 26 can also be arranged to have a retrograde movement in the direction of rotation opposite to that of the holder 3 once the displayed numerals and the mobile display device 26 have reached the end of the display zone 2. In this case, the mobile display device 26 can be wider than the hour numerals and shifted more slowly in the display zone 2 than the hour numerals, so as to reduce the angle of displacement of the display device 26 in the display zone 2.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the time display mechanism also enables the display of minutes. To this end, the timepiece comprises on the dial 1 a scale 28 with minute markings from 0 to 60, the scale 28 extending over an arc of 360° / n (here 120°), centered on the axis of rotation A of the cage 3, and located above the hour display area 2, as shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 3 shown.

[0060] The minutes can be indicated in various ways by using the difference in rotational speed between cage 3 and satellites 14 a , 14 b , 14 c .

[0061] For example, with reference to the holder 3, the holder 3 may comprise at least one indicator member arranged to indicate the minute on the scale 28 marked with minute graduations. Advantageously, n indicator members 30 are provided (see Figures 1 to 3 ), the n indication members 30 are evenly distributed on the cage 3 and are respectively associated with one of the n satellites, said indication members 30 being arranged to indicate the minutes on the scale 28 marked with minute graduations. Thus, during the rotation of the cage 3, the hour numerals carried by the satellites 14a, 14b, 14c are displayed and shifted in the display area 2 to indicate the hours, and the corresponding indication members 30 carried by the cage 3 are continuously shifted toward the graduations of the scale 28 to indicate the minutes.

[0062] Taking the displacement of the satellite wheels 14a, 14b, 14c as a reference, each satellite wheel 14a, 14b, 14c may comprise an indication member 32 associated with each hour digit and arranged to indicate the minute on the appropriate scale 28' marked with minute markings, as a function of the apparent displacement of the satellite wheel 14a, 14a, 14c in the display area 2, e.g. Figure 12 During the movement of the satellite wheel in the display zone 2 , the indication member 32 has the same minimum apparent inclination as the hour numerals of this indication member 32 , so that the apparent inclination angle of the indication member 32 relative to the minute scale 28 ′ is also minimized.

[0063] Of course, many variations are possible with the described embodiment. For example, the minute scale could be on the glass or on the bezel.

[0064] The rotational speeds of the cage and satellites, the number of satellites, the number of numerals per satellite, and the size of the display area can vary. However, these quantities are interdependent. Generally, for an hour display from 1 to 12, if cage 3 rotates once in n hours (n being an integer greater than 1), cage 3 will carry n satellites, the hour numerals will be distributed across these satellites at a ratio of 12 / n numerals per satellite, and the minute scale will extend over an arc of 360° / n. If the hours are displayed from 1 to 24, the hour numerals must be distributed at a ratio of 24 / n numerals per satellite. The transmission ratio is selected based on the rotational speeds of the cage and satellites to minimize the apparent tilt of the hour numerals carried by the satellites as they move with the cage. The number of satellites is not limited to three, but a three-satellite configuration maximizes the size of the hour numerals on the satellites.

[0065] The present invention makes it possible to obtain a timepiece including a dynamic time display, while allowing the time to be read ergonomically, with the apparent inclination of the hour numerals varying only slightly between the start and end points of the hour numeral display. This timepiece also makes it possible to avoid the generation of disruptive torques and to smooth the torque transmission of the mechanism, with the force that rotates the permanently meshed satellites being continuous.

[0066] The configuration of the time display mechanism according to the present invention is not limited to the example described. Obviously, any other suitable support structure, other than a cage comprising two bridges, may be used. In particular, the support structure may be an open cage, using only a single bridge. For example, it is possible to provide only an upper bridge of the cage, with the satellites and intermediate wheels mounted so as to be suspended from the arms of this bridge. Similarly, the use of arms to support the satellites and intermediate wheels is particularly advantageous if it is desired to keep the satellites clearly visible, but any other suitable bridge configuration may also be used.

Claims

1. A timepiece comprising a time display mechanism, the time display mechanism comprising a support member and a time display area (2), the support member being rotatable about an axis of rotation A, being arranged to make one rotation in n hours, n being an integer greater than 1, and carrying n satellite wheels (14a, 14b, 14c), each satellite wheel being mounted rotatable about its own axis of rotation, being uniformly distributed about the axis of rotation A of the support member and carrying hour numerals, the hour numerals being distributed on the satellite wheels (14a, 14b, 14c) at a ratio of 12 / n or 24 / n numerals per satellite wheel (14a, 14b, 14c), the time display area extending over an annular sector of at least 360 / n° centered on the axis of rotation A of the support member, the assembly being arranged so as to continuously shift the hour numerals so as to appear in the display area (2), characterised in that The support member is constituted by a cage (3), the satellite wheels (14a, 14b, 14c) are constituted by gear wheels and are arranged to rotate continuously around their own rotation axis via intermediate wheels (18, 22) in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the cage (3) and at a rotation speed different from the rotation speed of the cage (3), the intermediate wheels being carried by the cage (3) and being arranged kinematically connected to a fixed wheel (20) relative to the cage (3) and coaxial with the rotation axis A of the cage (3), the rotation speed of each satellite wheel (14a, 14b, 14c) around its own rotation axis relative to the cage (3) being selected so as to minimize the apparent angular displacement of the satellite wheel (14a, 14b, 14c) in the display area (2) relative to its own rotation center during the displacement of the satellite wheel (14a, 14b, 14c) guided by the cage (3) between the starting point and the end point of the display area (2).

2. The timepiece according to claim 1, wherein: The rotation speed of the satellite wheels (14a, 14b, 14c) about their own rotational axes relative to the holder (3) is selected so that during the displacement of the satellite wheels (14a, 14b, 14c) guided by the holder (3) between the starting point and the end point of the display area (2), the apparent angular displacement of the satellite wheels (14a, 14b, 14c) in the display area (2) relative to their own rotational centers is less than or equal to 30°.

3. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The timepiece comprises a movement arranged to drive the cage (3).

4. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The satellite wheels (14a, 14b, 14c) are positioned in a partially superimposed manner relative to each other.

5. The timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The satellite wheels (14a, 14b, 14c) are arranged on the same level.

6. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The intermediate wheels include n reversing intermediate wheels (18) and a peripheral intermediate wheel (22), wherein the n reversing intermediate wheels are respectively arranged to cooperate with two consecutive satellite wheels (14a, 14b, 14c), and the peripheral intermediate wheel is arranged to cooperate with a fixed wheel (20) and with one of the n reversing intermediate wheels (18).

7. The timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The intermediate wheels include n reversing intermediate wheels (18), which are respectively arranged to cooperate with two consecutive satellite wheels (14a, 14b, 14c) and with a fixed wheel (20).

8. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that n is equal to 3, each of the three satellite wheels (14a, 14b, 14c) carries four numbers, the transmission ratio between the cage (3) and the satellite wheels (14a), 14b, 14c) is equal to 1 / 4, so that during the displacement of the satellite wheels (14a, 14b, 14c) guided by the cage (3) between the starting point and the end point of the display area (2), the apparent angular displacement of the satellite wheels (14a, 14b, 14c) around their own rotation center in the display area (2) is 30°.

9. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The timepiece comprises a scale (28) marked with minute graduations, said scale extending over an arc of 360 / n° centered on the axis of rotation A of the holder (3).

10. The timepiece according to claim 9, characterized in that The holder (3) comprises at least one indication member (30) arranged to indicate the minute on the scale (28) marked with minute graduations.

11. The timepiece according to claim 9, characterized in that Each satellite wheel (14a, 14b, 14c) comprises an indication member (32) associated with each hour digit and arranged to indicate the minute on said scale (28') marked with minute markings.

12. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The display area (2) is arranged to constitute a fixed display device for displaying the hour numerals during the displacement of the hour numerals between a start point and an end point of the display area (2).

13. The timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The timepiece comprises at least one mobile display device (26) arranged to follow and display the hour digits to be displayed during the displacement of the hour digits between the start and end points of the display area (2).

14. The timepiece according to claim 13, wherein: The mobile display device (26) is arranged to jump in the same rotation direction as the rotation direction of the holding frame (3).

15. The timepiece according to claim 13, wherein: The mobile display device (26) is arranged to have a reverse movement in a rotation direction opposite to the rotation direction of the holder (3).

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