Timepiece comprising means for setting target time

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanical timepiece comprising: a movement arranged to drive a minute display member (1) and an hour display member (2); means (3) for controlling the minute display member (1) and the hour display member (2), arranged to move the minute display member (1) and the hour display member (2) as needed; a target time display means (6); control means (4, 5) arranged to move the target time display member (6) as needed; and means (7) for resetting the target time display member (6).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a clock including a device for setting a target time to achieve relative time counting.

[0002] Clocks and other time-indicating devices, particularly those for countdowns, are known in the prior art. Specifically, clocks are equipped with timers that are selectively triggered manually by the user.

[0003] For example, document US1790359 describes a device in which a watch with a conventional time display using minute and hour hands can be equipped with additional minute and hour hands to display the time difference between the start of an event and the current time. In this case, the additional minute and hour hands are manually set, so their positions are always stationary unless they are manually moved. Using such a manual device is obviously cumbersome, time-consuming, and interferes with normal time reading.

[0004] Patent US5255248 describes a watch that can both display the time normally and measure the time difference. Although it is not a chronograph, it integrates the two functions into a single display.

[0005] The watch disclosed in this patent document has an additional minute hand arranged coaxially with the hands of the normal time display. This additional minute hand can be moved from its normal stationary position to the current position of the normal minute hand by operating a pressing button. The additional minute hand remains stationary to mark the start of an event. According to the document, the step of placing the additional hand at the current time can be performed by means of a conventional split-seconds hand mechanism.

[0006] Additionally, the described watch has a ring that rotates coaxially around the dial, which has markers and scales to mark the end of events, and thus incorporates a "timer" function.

[0007] While the watch can display the time normally and measure time differences, the proposed ratchet mechanism used to move the additional minute hand is not optimal for reading the corresponding indications because the additional minute hand only has a stationary position as mentioned earlier. Therefore, it has a completely negative impact on reading the normal time display when its measurement or marking functions are not used. In fact, the hand remains in its last used position, thus becoming permanently visible on the dial and an unpleasant element.

[0008] EP1491972B1 discloses a wristwatch including an analog time display and at least one minute hand and one hour hand, as well as a split-seconds hand mechanism. The split-seconds hand mechanism includes at least one split-second minute hand and one split-second hour hand arranged coaxially with the hands of the normal time display. In the normal mode of the watch, one or more split-seconds hands move synchronously with and stack with the hands of the normal time display, and are locked in a stop mode to mark a desired time. After a desired time interval, they again move synchronously with the hands at their stacked position with the hands of the normal time display.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to enable the normal display time and the measurement time difference to be realized simultaneously in a direct and efficient manner, without the presence of these additional display components adversely affecting the normal time display when they are not used.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention can provide a solution that provides an indication of the time remaining before the end of a set time (such as a timer) in a particularly simple manner, and also provides an indication of the time exceeding the set time count, thereby achieving relative time counting.

[0011] The advantages of this timepiece include providing a novel function, similar to a combination of a timer and a regular chronograph with auxiliary dials, ease of use, good estimation and easy reading of the duration of operation, and a wide range of applications.

[0012] According to the present invention, a mechanical clock includes:

[0013] - The movement, which is arranged to drive the minute display component and the hour display component;

[0014] - A first component for controlling the minute display component and the hour display component, the first component being arranged to move the minute display component and the hour display component as needed;

[0015] - Target time display component;

[0016] - At least one second control component, the at least one second control component being arranged to move the target time display component as needed, and

[0017] -A component used to reset the target time display component.

[0018] During normal operation of the clock to display time, the target time display component is placed below and hidden by the minute display component or hour display component, so that the minute display component and hour display component display time.

[0019] According to the invention, the second control member is arranged to move the target time display member relative to the minute display member or the hour display member whenever the control member is pressed by a certain increment value, so as to determine the target time to be achieved by continuous actuation of the control member.

[0020] Additionally, when the component used to reset the target time display component is activated, the component is arranged to move the target time display component such that the target time display component is placed below the minute display component or hour display component in its normal time display position, so that the clock displays the time according to its normal operating state and does not display the target time.

[0021] In one embodiment, another control component includes a first press button for moving a portion of the target time display component by one hour and a second press button for moving a different portion of the target time display component by one hour, the target time display component moving relative to a time display component disposed below it.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, another control component includes a first press button for moving the target time display component by one minute and a second press button for moving the target time display component by five minutes, the target time display component moving relative to a time display component disposed below it.

[0023] In one embodiment, the target time display component moves clockwise when actuated, and when the reset component is actuated, the target time display component moves clockwise or counterclockwise to stack above or below the minute display component or the hour display component, i.e., according to an appropriate and more efficient direction of rotation.

[0024] In one embodiment, the hour display element, minute display element, and target time display element are pointer or other pointer-like time indicator elements that rotate in front of a dial with a series of time indicators.

[0025] In one implementation, the hour display component, minute display component, and target time display component are disc-shaped components or crowns.

[0026] This invention relates to clocks in the form of watches, pocket watches, table clocks or wall clocks.

[0027] The features of the invention will become clearer after reading the description of several embodiments given by way of example only and not limitation, wherein:

[0028] - Figure 1 A normally functioning clock is depicted, showing 8 o'clock, with the target minute hand hidden beneath it;

[0029] - Figure 2 Depicting Figure 1 A clock in which the target minute hand is visible and positioned 9 minutes after the minute hand displaying the current time;

[0030] - Figure 3 Depicting Figure 1 A clock in which the target minute hand is visible and positioned 5 minutes after the minute hand displaying the current time; and

[0031] - Figure 4 Depicting Figure 1 A clock in which the target minute hand is visible and positioned two minutes after the minute hand displaying the current time;

[0032] - Figure 5 An implementation scheme for achieving the target time and for adjusting the target time is described;

[0033] - Figure 6 Depicting Figure 5 An implementation scheme for the organization's minute-by-minute mobile component;

[0034] - Figure 7 Depicting Figure 5 An implementation scheme for a display of a moving component of an organization;

[0035] - Figure 8 Depicting Figure 5 An implementation scheme for the displacement and moving parts of the mechanism;

[0036] - Figure 9 Depicting according to Figure 5 An implementation scheme for the arrangement of the display moving parts and minute moving parts of the mechanism;

[0037] - Figure 10 Depicting according to Figure 5 A perspective view of the connection between the moving parts of the mechanism;

[0038] - Figure 11 Depicting Figure 5 The institution's minute-by-minute calibration mechanism;

[0039] - Figure 12 Describing for Figure 5 The five-minute adjustment mechanism of the organization;

[0040] - Figure 13 Depicting Figure 5 An overview of the institution's calibration agency; and

[0041] - Figure 14 Depicting Figure 5 A perspective view of the zero-point reset mechanism of the device.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the mechanical watch includes: a movement arranged to drive a minute display hand 1 and an hour display hand 2; a component in the form of a winding crown 3 for controlling the minute display hand 1 and the hour display hand 2, the winding crown being arranged to move the minute display hand 1 and the hour display hand 2 as needed; and a target time display hand when a target time display hand 6 is aligned with the minute display hand 1.

[0043] The watch includes a target time display hand 6 (stacked with or placed below the minute hand 1), two push buttons 4 and 5 arranged to move the target time display hand 6 as needed, and a reset component 7 for resetting the target time display component 6, which is in the form of push buttons positioned at the upper crown 3.

[0044] In this example, while the clock is running normally to display the time, the target time display hand 6 is stacked on top of or placed below the minute display hand 1 and hidden by the minute display hand, so that the minute display hand 1 and the hour display hand 2 display the time.

[0045] The buttons 4 and 5 are arranged such that whenever one of the two buttons 4 and 5 is pressed for an increment, the target time display pointer 6 moves relative to the minute display pointer 1, so as to determine the target time to be achieved by continuously actuating each of the buttons 4 and 5.

[0046] When the reset button 7 for the target time display pointer 6 is activated, the reset button is arranged to move the target time display pointer 6 so that the target time display pointer rests above or below the minute display component 1, thereby switching the clock to its normal operating state to display the time.

[0047] In this example, the clock shows the time as 8 o'clock.

[0048] Figure 2 A clock with different displays is shown. In this example, the target time display hand 6 is positioned nine minutes after the minute display hand 1. To achieve this, pressing the button 4 at the 10 o'clock position once moves the target time display hand 6 five minutes relative to the minute display hand 1, which is hidden beneath it. Then, pressing the button 5 at the 8 o'clock position four times consecutively moves the target time display hand 6 four minutes relative to the minute display hand 1.

[0049] The minute display pointer 1 and the hour display pointer 2 show the current time, which is 8 o'clock in this example.

[0050] Therefore, the target time display hand 6 has moved nine minutes. While the minute hand 1 is moving normally, the target time hand 6 remains stationary. In this way, it is possible to see when the minute hand 1 reaches the target time hand 6 through its normal movement. It is also easy to see and measure the distance the minute hand 1 has passed the target hand 6 when it has moved normally past its position.

[0051] Once the target time has been set, the reset button 7 for the target time display pointer 6, when activated, allows it to move the target time display pointer 6 so that it aligns with the minute display component 1 in its time display position, thereby switching the clock to its normal operating state to display the time.

[0052] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, by pressing the button 4 located at the 10 o'clock position, the target time display pointer 6 is positioned five minutes after the minute display pointer 1, which moves the target time display pointer 6 five minutes relative to the minute display pointer 1, which is hidden below or above the target time display pointer.

[0053] The minute display pointer 1 and the hour display pointer 2 show the current time, which is 8 o'clock in this example.

[0054] Therefore, the target time display hand 6 has moved five minutes. While the minute hand 1 is moving normally, the target time hand 6 remains stationary. Therefore, it is easy to see when the minute hand 1 reaches the target time hand 6. It is also easy to see and measure the distance the minute hand 1 has passed the target hand 6 when the minute hand 1 has moved normally past its position.

[0055] Once the measurement has been taken, when the reset button 7 for the target time display pointer 6 is activated, the reset button is arranged to move the target time display pointer 6 so that the target time display pointer rests above or below the minute display member 1 in its time display position, thereby switching the clock to its normal operating state to display the time.

[0056] exist Figure 4 In the example, by pressing the button 5 located at the 8 o'clock position twice in succession, the target time display pointer 6 is positioned two minutes after the minute display pointer 1.

[0057] The minute display pointer 1 and the hour display pointer 2 show the current time, which is 8 o'clock in this example.

[0058] Therefore, the target time display hand 6 has moved two minutes. While the minute hand 1 is moving normally, the target time hand 6 remains stationary. Therefore, it is easy to see when the minute hand 1 reaches the target time hand 6. It is also easy to see and measure the distance the minute hand 1 has passed the target hand 6 when the minute hand 1 has moved normally past its position.

[0059] Once the measurement has been taken, when the reset button 7 for the target time display pointer 6 is activated, the reset button is arranged to move the target time display pointer 6 so that the target time display pointer is positioned below or above the minute display member 1 in its time display position, thereby switching the clock to its normal operating state to display the time.

[0060] In a variant not illustrated, two target time display pointers can be combined to indicate, for example, a timer with a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

[0061] In another variant not illustrated, only one pointer may be retained to indicate the target time, combined with a counter visible through a hole on the dial, which has another primary function, such as displaying the date.

[0062] Figure 5 A mechanism for implementing the target time display function and for resetting the target time display function is described, the mechanism comprising:

[0063] - A minute shifter, which is arranged to synchronize the target time hand or the minute hand with the regular minute hand that displays the current time;

[0064] - Display movement element, which is arranged to display the minute hand;

[0065] - A shifting element, which is arranged to control the position of the minute hand;

[0066] - Minute calibration system, and

[0067] - Reset the system.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown, the minute movement rotates together with the minute wheel of movement 29, completing one revolution per hour. The minute movement is used to synchronize the split-seconds minute hand 6 with the regular minute hand 1, which is press-fitted onto the minute wheel of movement 29.

[0069] Figure 7 A display movement element is depicted, to which a minute hand 6 is press-fitted. The display movement element includes a display wheel 11 and a zero-point reset heart-shaped cam 12, both of which are press-fitted onto a conduit 13.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, the shifting mechanism controls the position of the minute hand 6. The shifting mechanism includes a shifting wheel 14 and a toothed shifting wheel 15 press-fitted onto a shifting mandrel 17, while a star wheel 16 is positioned on the mandrel by three central springs integrated into the star wheel. When force is applied to the star wheel 16, the entire shifting mechanism begins to rotate. When force is applied to the toothed shifting wheel 15, the entire mechanism, except for the star wheel 6, begins to rotate.

[0071] like Figure 9 As shown, the minute hand movement component and the display movement component are concentric, allowing the regular minute hand 1 and the target time hand or repeater to be stacked together.

[0072] like Figure 10 As shown, the display wheel 11 and the shift wheel 14 are permanently engaged, so that the movement of the shifting member can be transmitted to the display member.

[0073] like Figure 11 As shown, when the +1 minute button is pressed first, the first rocker arm 18 simultaneously pivots the sixty-tooth star wheel 16 by one tooth and rotates the second rocker arm 19 counterclockwise. When pushed, the second rocker arm 19 releases the first positioning rod 20, which then positions the star wheel 16.

[0074] During subsequent pressing, the first rocker arm 18 is only used to rotate the star wheel 16, because the second rocker arm 19 is held in the push position by the second positioning rod 21. The star wheel 16 drives the entire displacement movement.

[0075] like Figure 12 As shown, when the +5 minute button is pressed first, the third joystick 22 simultaneously rotates the wolf tooth shift wheel 15 and the second joystick 19 rotates counterclockwise.

[0076] When pushed, the second rocker 19 releases the first positioning rod 20, which then positions the star wheel 16.

[0077] During subsequent pressing, the third rocker arm 22 is only used to rotate the wolf tooth shift wheel 15, because the second rocker arm 19 is held in the push position by the second positioning rod 21.

[0078] The wolf-tooth shift wheel 15 rotates the shift mandrel 17, but the star wheel 16 remains stationary due to the shape of the mandrel 17 and the central spring machined into the star wheel 16. These geometries allow the mandrel to rotate precisely 30°, equivalent to 5 minutes.

[0079] Figure 13 A perspective view of the minute calibration system is depicted.

[0080] like Figure 14As shown, when the zero-point reset button is pressed, firstly, the fourth rocker 23 pushes the second rocker 19 to pivot it in a clockwise direction, thereby allowing the first positioning rod 10 to disengage from the teeth of the sixty-tooth star wheel 16.

[0081] Subsequently, the fourth rocker arm 23 engages with the wolf gear 24, causing it to rotate. Since the pin 26 is press-fitted onto the wolf gear 24, the wolf gear also begins to rotate.

[0082] Pin 26 contacts hammer 25, which is tilted and rests on zero-point reset heart-shaped cam 12, thereby synchronizing the display movement with the minute movement.

[0083] In summary, the clock according to the invention allows for the simultaneous and normal display of time, as well as the measurement and indication of time differences or target times, in a directly related, efficient, and simple manner. In a particularly simple way, the clock also provides an indication of the time remaining before a given time has elapsed, much like a timer, and an indication of the time counted beyond a given indicated time.

[0084] Of course, such a timepiece is driven by a mechanical watch movement, which includes a mechanism for driving the target time display component, particularly a split-seconds hand mechanism known in the prior art.

Claims

1. A mechanical clock, the mechanical clock comprising: - Mechanism, which is arranged to drive the minute display component (1) and the hour display component (2); - A first component (3) for controlling the minute display component (1) and the hour display component (2), the first component being arranged to move the minute display component (1) and the hour display component (2) as needed; - Target time display component (6), which is arranged to be moved by the first control component (3) when the target time display component (6) and the minute display component (1) or the hour display component (2) are aligned; - A second control unit (4, 5), the second control unit being arranged to move the target time display member (6) as needed, and - Component (7) for resetting the target time display component (6), During normal operation of the clock to display time, the target time display component (6) is placed below or above the minute display component (1) or the hour display component (2) and is hidden by the minute display component or the hour display component, so that the minute display component (1) and the hour display component (2) display the time; Its features - The second control unit (4,5) is arranged to move the target time display member relative to the minute display member (1) or the hour display member (2) whenever the control unit (4,5) is pressed by a certain increment, in order to determine the target time to be achieved by continuous actuation of the control unit (4,5), and - When the component (7) used to reset the target time display component (6) is activated, the component is arranged to move the target time display component (6) such that the target time display component is placed above or below the minute display component (1) or the hour display component (2) in its normal time display position, so that the clock displays the time according to its normal operating state and does not display the target time.

2. The clock according to claim 1, wherein the second control component includes a first press button (4) for moving a portion of the target time display member by one hour and a second press button (5) for moving a different portion of the target time display member (6) by one hour, the target time display member (6) moving relative to the time display members (1,2) arranged above or below the target time display member.

3. The clock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second control component includes a first press button (4) for moving the target time display member (6) by one minute and a second press button (5) for moving the target time display member (6) by five minutes, the target time display member moving relative to the time display member (1,2) arranged below the target time display member.

4. The clock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target time display member (6) is arranged below the minute display member (1).

5. The clock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target time display member (6) moves clockwise when actuated, and when the reset member (7) is actuated, the target time display member (6) moves clockwise or counterclockwise to stack above or below the minute display member (1) or the hour display member (2).

6. The clock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hour display member (2), the minute display member (1) and the target time display member (6) are all pointers or other similar pointer time indicator members, similar to a pointer that is rotated and driven in front of a dial (8) with a series of time indicators.

7. The clock according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hour display member (2), the minute display member (1) and the target time display member (6) are all disc-shaped members or crowns.

8. The clock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clock is in the form of a wristwatch, pocket watch, table clock or wall clock.

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