Timepiece device for displaying timepiece information and method for operating same

By designing complementary-shaped display wheel sections and adjusting their relative positions during display transitions, the problem of unsightly gaps in large date displays was solved, resulting in a clear and compact date display.

CN121879076APending Publication Date: 2026-04-17ROLEX SA
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ROLEX SA
Filing Date
2025-10-13
Publication Date
2026-04-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing large date display devices, the side-by-side design of two display panels results in unsightly gaps or extra thickness, and existing solutions require larger display panels or smaller fonts to hide the gaps.

Method used

The first and second display wheel sections, which adopt complementary shapes, adjust their relative positions during display transitions via an actuation device to ensure no gaps or minute gaps in a stable state. The gaps in the biconcave lens shape are eliminated by utilizing a complementary edge design.

Benefits of technology

This technology enables clear display of date information without increasing the thickness of the device, eliminates unsightly gaps, and improves the display effect.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece device for displaying timepiece information and a method for operating the same. The device comprises a first display wheel (10) (i) comprising a first disk (11) presenting first timepiece information and a first edge provided with a first portion (11b) and (ii) being mounted so as to pivot about a first axis (A1), a second part (21) comprising a second edge provided with a second portion (21b), the configuration of the second portion being at least partially complementary to the configuration of the first portion, the operating method comprises, during at least one display jump: a first displacement step of the first axis capable of displacing the first display wheel relative to the second edge in order to move the first portion away from the second portion starting from a rest position of the first axis, a display changing step, a second displacement step of the first axis capable of displacing the second display wheel relative to the second edge in order to move the second portion away from the rest position of the first axis. And a displacement means capable of displacing the first display wheel relative to the second edge so as to move the first portion closer to the second portion until a rest position of the first axis.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for operating a watch information display device, particularly a date display device. The invention also relates to a watch information display device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a watch movement incorporating such a display device. Finally, it relates to a watch, particularly a wristwatch, incorporating such a device or movement. The invention particularly relates to a "large date" type display device or mechanism, i.e., a date display using two dials, particularly a first dial indicating the units digit of the date and a second dial indicating the tens digit of the date. Background Technology

[0002] Document CH310559A describes a "large date" type of date display that includes two display discs juxtaposed on the same plane. The discs have circular circumferences, thus creating a double concave gap at the opening between the discs.

[0003] Document EP0940833B1 discloses a scheme for obtaining dates of large date types, in which the tens digit and units digit of the date are displayed in a straight line. This scheme requires two display panels to be stacked in two different planes, thus requiring additional thickness and creating an unsightly height difference between the two digits.

[0004] In document EP3779609B1, a date display of the "large date" type includes two display dials truncated at approximately 60°, wherein the first dial has the numbers 4 to 18, and the second dial has the numbers 19 to 31 and 1 to 3. The dials are designed to be juxtaposed and rotate in opposite directions without jamming due to the truncated notch. Each dial is designed to be visible through a single aperture. This scheme requires a larger display dial and / or smaller font than schemes utilizing two juxtaposed dials respectively carrying tens and units digit indications.

[0005] "Large Date" type date displays utilize two side-by-side discs, typically displayed through a perforation dividing them into two sections. Typically, a first section is provided for displaying the tens digit, and a second section for displaying the units digit. It is necessary to separate the discs to conceal the biconcave lens-shaped gap, or unsightly void, that separates the two discs. This gap is caused by the geometry of the discs' perimeter, which is circular to allow them to rotate without interfering with each other. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is to provide a device for displaying clock information, particularly time information or time-related information, especially date, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and improves upon known display devices in the prior art. In particular, this invention proposes a device for displaying alternative clock information, especially clear information with a high level of precision machining within a single-piece aperture.

[0007] The method of operation according to the first aspect of the invention is defined by claim 1.

[0008] Various embodiments of the method are defined by dependent claims 2 to 5.

[0009] The display device according to the first aspect of the present invention is defined by claim 6.

[0010] Various embodiments of the display device are defined by dependent claims 7 to 15.

[0011] The movement according to the invention is defined by claim 16.

[0012] The clock according to the invention is defined by claim 17.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a display device 100 for displaying clock information, particularly time information or time-related information, the device comprising:

[0014] - A first display wheel 10, which (i) includes a first disc 11 displaying first clock information and a first edge having a first portion 11b, and (ii) is mounted to pivot about a first axis A1, and

[0015] - A second component, comprising a second edge having a second portion 21b, the construction of which is at least partially complementary to the construction of the first portion 11b.

[0016] - Actuating devices 30, 40, 50, 52 for at least actuating the first display wheel,

[0017] Part 11b and Part 21b have complementary shapes.

[0018] The first and second components are arranged such that, in a stable state of displaying clock information, the first part 11b and the second part 21b:

[0019] - to touch each other, or

[0020] - A construction that provides a gap of less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm between the first part 11b and the second part 21b. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example, embodiments of the clocks according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 1 An embodiment of a clock according to the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 2A partial view of a display device according to an embodiment of a clock according to the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figures 3 to 5 The operating sequence of the display device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figures 1 to 5 An embodiment of a clock 300 according to the present invention is described. The clock is, for example, a watch, particularly a wristwatch. The clock includes an embodiment of a clock movement 200 according to the present invention. The clock movement includes an embodiment of a device 100 for displaying clock information. The clock movement 200 may be:

[0026] - Mechanical movements, especially automatic movements, or

[0027] - Electronic movement, or

[0028] - Hybrid movement.

[0029] The watch 300 also includes a housing designed to receive the watch movement 200 and protect it from external environmental influences.

[0030] Preferably, the display device 100 can display time information or time-related information, particularly "large date" type information display, wherein the information is displayed by a first and a second disk provided, so as to display the tens digit and the units digit of the information respectively.

[0031] The display device 100 includes a frame 90. The frame 90 may include a movement plate and / or a clamping plate. The display device 100 may be composed of modules that can be assembled and remain assembled independently of the rest of the movement. Once completed, the module can be fixed to the rest of the watch movement 200, particularly to blanks such as the main plate of the watch movement 200. The frame 90 may be the frame of the watch movement 200.

[0032] The display device 100 for displaying clock information includes:

[0033] - First display wheel 10:

[0034] a) Includes a first disc 11 displaying first clock information and a first edge having a first portion 11b, and

[0035] b) is mounted to pivot about the first axis A1.

[0036] - A second edge having a second portion 21b, the construction of which is complementary to the construction of the first portion, and

[0037] - Actuating devices 30, 40, 50, 52, which are arranged such that during at least some display transitions or during at least one display transition:

[0038] i) They displace the first axis A1 so as to displace the first display wheel 10 relative to the second edge, thereby moving the first part 11b away from the second part 21b from the rest position of axis A1.

[0039] ii) They change the display,

[0040] iii) They displace the first axis A1 so as to displace the first display wheel 10 relative to the second edge, thereby moving the first part 11b closer to the second part 21b until the first axis A1 is at rest.

[0041] Advantageously, the display device further includes a second display wheel 20, which includes a second disc 21. The second disc 21 has second clock information and a second edge having a second portion 21b. The second display wheel 20 is mounted to pivot about a second axis A2.

[0042] Actuating devices 30, 40, 50, and 52 are arranged such that during at least one display transition or during at least some display transitions, they change the display in such a way that:

[0043] - By rotating the second display wheel 20 about the second axis A2, and / or

[0044] - By rotating the first display wheel 10 around the first axis A1.

[0045] In the embodiments described in detail and shown, the display device is a date display device of the "large date" type.

[0046] The first display wheel 10 also includes a first pinion 12 fixed to the first disc 11. The first disc 11 includes digits 11a intended to indicate the tens digit of the date, in particular a series of digits 0, 1, 2, 3 or a series of digits 1, 2, 3 (in the latter case, blank space on the disc or no marking is used instead of the digit 0).

[0047] The second display wheel 20 includes a second pinion 22 fixed to the second disc 21. The second disc 21 includes digits 21a intended to indicate the units digit of the date, i.e., a list of digits from 0 to 9.

[0048] The first plate 11 may include at least once the four digits 11a from 0 to 3 in the tens place, or the sequence of 1 to 3. The second plate 21 may include at least once the sequence of ten digits 21a from 0 to 9 in the units place.

[0049] Preferably, the first dial 11 and the second dial 21 are coplanar. More preferably, the first dial 11 and the second dial 21 are arranged side by side so that the first piece of information, such as the tens digit 11a of the first dial 11, and the second piece of information, such as the units digit 21a of the second dial 21, are positioned adjacent to each other to indicate clock information such as the date. The information is displayed, for example, through the apertures 201 of the dial, i.e., the information appears in the openings formed by the apertures.

[0050] The first axis A1 and the second axis A2 are preferably parallel.

[0051] Preferably, the two display wheels 10 and 20 are rotated by the first positioning rod 13 and the second positioning rod 23, which cooperate with the first pinion 12 and the second pinion 22, respectively.

[0052] Preferably, the actuation device includes:

[0053] - Control wheel 30,

[0054] - Drive wheels 40,

[0055] - Movable first support 52, and

[0056] - A rotation element 50, such as a positioning rod 50, is used to rotate the control wheel 30.

[0057] The first display wheel 10 and the second display wheel 20 are driven by the control wheel 30. The control wheel 30 includes:

[0058] - First gear set 31 for driving the first display wheel 10

[0059] - The second gear set 32 ​​for driving the second display wheel 20, and

[0060] - The third gear set 33 is used to drive the control wheel 30.

[0061] The first gear set 31 and the second gear set 32 ​​are respectively designed to cooperate with the first pinion 12 and the second pinion 22 of the display wheels 10 and 20.

[0062] Each of these tooth groups 31, 32 includes truncated teeth or teeth of different sizes, which are arranged such that the first disc 11 and the second disc 21 can be driven in a predetermined sequence.

[0063] In this case, in the described implementation,

[0064] - The first gear set 31 includes four teeth that can mesh with the first pinion 12, and

[0065] - The second gear set 32 ​​includes 30 teeth that can engage with the second pinion 22.

[0066] The second tooth set 32 ​​is arranged in the same plane or at the same level as the first tooth set 31. Some teeth in the second tooth set 32 ​​coincide with or are inlaid in the first tooth set 31, which includes larger teeth with a larger pitch diameter than the second tooth set.

[0067] The third gear set 33 can drive the control wheel 30 using fingers 41 arranged within the drive wheel 40. Preferably, the drive is instantaneous or substantially instantaneous and is performed once every 24 hours. In other words, the rotation cycle of the drive wheel is 24 hours so that the control wheel 30 can be driven using the fingers 41 at least one step per day. In the described embodiment, the third gear set 33 includes 31 teeth arranged in the same plane or at the same level as the first and second gear sets.

[0068] More generally, it should be emphasized that at least two of the three sets of teeth 31, 32, and 33 of the control wheel 30 may completely or partially overlap.

[0069] The control wheel 30 and the drive wheel 40 pivot within the frame 90 about axes A3 and A4, respectively, which are preferably parallel to axes A1 and A2. Preferably, the control wheel 30 is indexed or substantially indexed by a positioning element 50 (hereinafter referred to as a "positioning rod") that engages with the third gear set 33. The positioning rod 50 also pivots within the frame 90 about axis A5, which is preferably parallel to axes A1 and A2.

[0070] A specific feature of the solution according to the invention is that, at the aperture 201, the space or gap between the outer edges of the disk 11 and the disk 21 does not have a biconcave lens-shaped gap, but rather a gap j1 with a constant width l1, such as... Figure 2 As shown. Preferably, the width of the gap is zero. Therefore, advantageously, the gap 201 may not have a separator separating the tens digit and the units digit.

[0071] Therefore, the outer edge or periphery of the first disk 11, adjacent to each digit 11a of the tens place, includes a portion 11b, which may closely follow the shape of the complementary portion 21b on the outer edge or periphery of the second disk 21 adjacent to each digit 21a of the units place, or vice versa. In other words, the shapes chosen for the outer peripheries of the two disks 11, 21 are designed to have portions 11b, 21b that are complementary or whose shapes may closely follow each other, particularly at the aperture 201. Thus, one of the disks 11, 21, or disks 11, 21, advantageously does not have a circular outer periphery or edge.

[0072] In this case, the outer edge or periphery of the disks 11, 21 in the described and illustrated embodiments includes straight portions 11b, 21b adjacent to each piece of information 11a, 21a. The straight portions 11b, 21b are preferably oriented in an orthogonal radial direction relative to axes A1, A2, such as... Figure 2 As shown. Thus, when they are positioned facing the aperture 201, the gap j1 between each straight portion 11b, 21b forms a space with a constant width l1, which is preferably zero. More specifically, the gap j1 has a straight or substantially straight geometry with a constant or zero width.

[0073] To make the width of the gap j1 zero, substantially zero, or approaching zero, the two discs 11, 21 advantageously abut or substantially abut each other radially. For this purpose, at least one of the two display wheels 10, 20 (in this case, the first display wheel 10) advantageously pivots on a movable first support 52 (particularly a lever 52), which itself pivots within a frame 90 about an axis A51 different from the first axis A1. Axis A51 is, for example, parallel to (and away from) axis A1 and perpendicular to discs 10 and 11. The second display wheel 20 pivots, for example, within the frame 90. In other words, axis A2 is fixed relative to the frame. Lever 52 is designed to allow displacement of the first display wheel 10 during at least one driving phase of the control wheel 30, particularly displacement in a plane P perpendicular to axis A1. In at least one driving phase, this displacement is necessary to drive one and / or the other of the two discs 11, 21 to rotate, because rotation would inevitably cause interference due to their arrangement of non-circular edges or peripheries with small gaps, unless the center-to-center distance d1 between the two display wheels 10 and 20 is increased.

[0074] The first positioning rod 13 is preferably arranged within the lever 52. The second positioning rod 23 is preferably arranged within the frame 90.

[0075] Lever 52 engages directly or indirectly with the third gear set 33 of the control wheel 30 to move during each stage of the drive display. In other words, for each step taken or for each tooth pass, the gear set 33 displaces lever 52 back and forth. These kinematics are explained in more detail below. In the described and illustrated embodiment, lever 52 is moved by a third positioning rod 50, which actuates lever 52 through a portion 50a that engages with a complementary portion 52a formed on lever 52, such as... Figure 1As shown. More specifically, part 50a is a pin or stud 50a, and complementary part 52a is a slide or oblong opening 52a. Thus, when the third positioning rod 50 moves by being driven by the control wheel 30, it actuates the lever 52 to temporarily displace the first axis A1 and the first display wheel 10 in plane P and increase the center-to-center distance d1 between the display wheels 10, 20 (i.e., between axes A1 and A2). Therefore, alternatively, the lever 52 and the positioning rod 50 can be the same component, which will pivot within the frame 90 about axis A5 or A51.

[0076] Lever 52 is pushed into its rest position by resilient return element 51, which, in the described and illustrated embodiments, is included in the third positioning rod 50. Furthermore, outside the driving phase, resilient return element 51 can also hold the first disc 11 against the second disc 21, thus having a gap j1 of width l1 (e.g., zero or substantially zero).

[0077] When stationary, to optimally control the width l1 of the gap j1, it is preferable that the third positioning rod 50 positions the control wheel 30 with a small gap, so as to ensure that the first display wheel 10 is correctly positioned relative to the second display wheel 20 under the action of the elastic return element 51. In this case, it can be ensured that when stationary, the first portion 11b of the first display wheel 10 abuts correctly against the second portion 21b of the second display wheel 20. Alternatively, this can be ensured that the lever abuts correctly against the stop when stationary, and thus the width l1 of the gap j1 can be controlled.

[0078] The following describes one embodiment of the operating method according to the present invention. Such an embodiment is, for example, a way of operating a display device, watch movement, or watch as described above.

[0079] The operation method includes the following steps during at least one display transition or during at least some display transitions:

[0080] - A first displacement step of the first axis A1, which enables the first display wheel 10 to be displaced relative to the second edge, so as to move the first part 11b away from the second part 21b from the rest position of the first axis A1.

[0081] - Show the change steps,

[0082] - A second displacement step of the first axis A1, which enables the first display wheel 10 to be displaced relative to the second edge so that the first part 11b moves closer to the second part 21b until the first axis A1 is at rest.

[0083] In the described and illustrated implementation, all three steps mentioned in the preceding paragraph are performed for each display jump. These three steps mentioned in the preceding paragraph form part of the driving phase already mentioned above.

[0084] During the driving phase, the first display wheel 10 and the second display wheel 20 can be driven to rotate by the first gear set 31 and the second gear set 32 ​​of the control wheel 30, respectively, in order to change the clock information displayed by the first and second display discs. The control wheel 30 is driven by the drive wheel 40 through a finger 41 that engages with the third gear set 33.

[0085] Simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, as the control wheel 30 moves via the finger 41 engaging with the gear set 33, the gear set 33 lifts the positioning rod 50, thereby displacing the first axis A1 and the first display wheel 10 in plane P, increasing the center-to-center distance d1 between the two display discs 11, 21. More specifically, in the described and illustrated embodiment, the stud 50a of the positioning rod 50 acts on the elongated opening 52a of the lever 52, causing it to pivot about its axis A51 and displacing the first display wheel 10 in plane P. Thus, the increase in the center-to-center distance d1 allows the display wheels 10, 20 to rotate without contacting each other during the display change step, despite the discs 11, 21 having non-circular circumferences, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0086] When the positioning rod 50 has passed the top of the teeth of the gear 33, it is pushed to the bottom of the gear by the elastic return element 51, thereby initiating the displacement of the lever 52 toward its rest position.

[0087] Under the action of the first positioning rod 13, once the first display wheel 10 passes the top of the teeth of the gear set 12, the first display wheel 10 completes its rotation and is thus rotated to the subsequent digit 11a, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Preferably, the rotation of the first display wheel 10 must be completed before the lever 52 returns to its rest position.

[0088] Thus, the second display wheel 20 completes its rotation under the action of the second positioning rod 23, thereby being shifted to the subsequent digit 21a. At the end of the drive phase, the first disc 11, under the action of the elastic element 51, again abuts or substantially abuts against the second disc 21, and it is shifted by the first positioning rod 13, as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0089] Therefore, preferably, the first displacement step includes a first displacement of the first axis A1 from its rest position, and the second displacement step includes a second displacement of the first axis A1 until its rest position.

[0090] The display change step can immediately position the parts 11b and 21b that are different from the first part 11b and / or the second part 21b facing each other (in order to indicate subsequent clock information), and the first part 11b and the second part 21b have already been positioned facing each other at a previous time before the change step. In other words, when the first display wheel 10 or the second display wheel 20 is rotated to or positioned at the subsequent digits 11a and 21a respectively (in order to indicate subsequent clock information), the subsequent parts 11b and 21b are positioned within the aperture 201.

[0091] It should be emphasized that, in the described and illustrated embodiments, preferably when one of the two display wheels 10, 20 is not driven to rotate by the control wheel 30, for example during the transition from 30 to 31 or from 31 to 1, the first wheel remains displaced within plane P during the driving phase, so that the date can be changed without interference from discs 11, 21. In other words, for each driving phase, lever 52 is actuated in the same manner as before. However, the first gear set 31 or the second gear set 32 ​​does not systematically engage with the first pinion 12 or the second pinion 22, respectively.

[0092] As described above, the display changing step advantageously includes rotating the first display wheel 10 about the first axis A1 and / or rotating the second display wheel 20 about the second axis A2.

[0093] In the embodiments described and illustrated above, the first display wheel is displaced relative to the frame 90 and the second display wheel remains fixed relative to the frame (except for rotation about its axis A2). Alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the second display wheel may be displaced relative to the frame 90 and the first display wheel may remain fixed relative to the frame (except for rotation about its axis A1). Again, alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the second display wheel may be displaced relative to the frame 90 and the first display wheel may be displaced relative to the frame 90. Preferably, these displacements of the wheels occur in plane P. In the last two alternatives, the second display wheel is mounted to pivot on a second support member, which is displaceable relative to the frame 90 and is different from any of the first supports. The second support member may preferably be displaced perpendicular to axis A2.

[0094] In the embodiments described and illustrated above, the support member 52 is pushed to a resting position by the elastic element 51. Alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variation, the support member 52 can be actuated by the control wheel 30 via a positive drive connection.

[0095] In the embodiments described and illustrated above, the portions 11b and 21b visible in the aperture at the stable position of the display disc are straight. Alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the portions 11b and 21b visible in the aperture at the stable position of the display disc may have any complementary geometry. These geometries may be particularly curved, especially convex or concave. They may also include convex and concave regions. The portions 11b and 21b may have zigzag or wavy geometries. In particular, the second display disc may have a circular edge or periphery, and the first display disc 11 may have portions 11b that are visible in the aperture at the stable position of the display disc and are concave, complementary to the curvature of the periphery of the second disc. In this case, the second disc may, for example, display the units digit of clock information, particularly the units digit of the date. With this configuration, the support does not necessarily have to be displaced during the display jump that only causes the second wheel 20 to rotate, and the support advantageously only displaces during the display jump that causes the first wheel 10 to rotate. In the case of a date display, the support will only shift when the display of the tens digit of the date changes. Alternatively, the first display disk may have a circular edge or periphery and the second display disk 12 may have portions 12b that are visible in the aperture in the stable position of the display disk and are concave, complementing the curvature of the periphery of the first disk. With this configuration, the support does not necessarily have to shift during the display transition that only causes the first rotation 10 to rotate, and the support advantageously shifts only during the display transition that causes the second rotation 20 to rotate.

[0096] Preferably, the following can be used:

[0097] - A disk having a circular rim for displaying a portion of information, particularly the units digit of a number, especially the units digit of a date, said portion changing at a first frequency, and

[0098] - Another disc, with a portion of its periphery having a geometry complementary to that of the circular periphery, is used to display another portion of the information, particularly the tens digit of a number, especially the tens digit of a date, said other portion changing at a second frequency, the first frequency being higher than the second frequency.

[0099] More generally, the scheme according to the invention can be adjusted so that a gap j1 is present in the pore between the first and second disks, the gap being:

[0100] - Not necessarily a straight line, and / or

[0101] - Has a constant or non-constant and / or non-zero width l1, and / or

[0102] - Has a width l1 that is either zero or non-zero.

[0103] In summary, due to the solution according to the invention, the geometry of the gap can be defined freely and without limitation. Therefore, the visible portions 11b and 21b can have straight or curved shapes. Preferably, these portions are parallel (in a stable display state), that is, the distance between portions 11b and 21b (measured perpendicular to the tangent at the edge) is constant.

[0104] Regardless of the implementation method or variation, the gap (or width l1) is less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm. Therefore, the first and second wheels are advantageously arranged such that, in a stable state of displaying clock information, the first part 11b and the second part 21b:

[0105] - To touch each other, or

[0106] - A construction that provides a gap of less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm between the first part 11b and the second part 21b.

[0107] The solution according to the invention is not limited to displaying dates, but can be used for any information that can be displayed by a disk, such as year, month, day of the week, hour, minute, or more generally any numeric or alphanumeric display using jump numbers or characters.

[0108] Arrangements of discs can also be used to display lunar phases. In this example, each disc can form a part of the display, specifically half of the display of the moon. More specifically, the first disc would include a first part of the display of the various phases of the moon, and the second disc would include a second part of the display of the various phases of the moon that complements the first part. More generally, arrangements of discs can also be used to display specific geometric shapes, symbols, or even emojis.

[0109] Alternatively, in a variant (not shown) where only one display wheel is needed to display information, the second part 21b may form part of the second edge of the frame or the fixed boundary of the second component, such as the second edge of the dial, the second edge of the aperture, the second edge of the flange, or the second edge of the blank.

[0110] As an alternative to the described and illustrated embodiments, one or more intermediate wheels may be arranged between the control wheel 30 and pinion 12 and / or pinion 22 and / or drive wheel 40.

[0111] In the embodiments described and illustrated above, the support 52 is actuated by the control wheel 30 to increase the center-to-center distance d1 between the discs 11 and 21. Alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the support 52 need not be actuated by the control wheel 30 to increase the center-to-center distance d1 between the discs 11 and 21. Specifically, the support can simply be displaced or shifted during the rotation of both discs or during the rotation of one disc by the reaction force of one disc on the other. Alternatively or additionally, the displacement of the movable support carrying the display wheel can be achieved by the mechanical action of the gear set 31 on the gear set 12.

[0112] The frequency of the jump is defined based on the clock information to be displayed; for date or day of the week information, it is usually every 24 hours.

[0113] In the embodiments described and illustrated above, the displacement steps by moving away and moving closer are displacement steps by rotation about a third axis A51, specifically a displacement step by rotation about a third axis A51 that is away from the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. However, alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the displacement steps by moving away and moving closer can be translational displacement steps. In this case, lever 52 can be replaced by a sliding type support that can translate relative to frame 90, and the first wheel 10 will pivot on this support.

[0114] Preferably, regardless of the implementation method or variation, the displacement step moving away from the movement, the step changing the display, and the displacement step moving closer to the movement are performed one after another. Alternatively:

[0115] - The change in display can be achieved when a displacement step away from the movement has begun but not yet completed, and / or

[0116] - The displacement step of the close-movement method can be implemented when the step of changing the display has started but not yet completed; however, the step of changing the display ends before the displacement step of the close-movement method is completed.

[0117] Preferably, regardless of the implementation method or variation,

[0118] - The first tooth group 31 forms part of the second tooth group 32, and / or

[0119] - The first tooth group 31 and the second tooth group 32 are formed at the same level, and / or

[0120] - One tooth group of the first tooth group 31 and the second tooth group 32 on one side and the third tooth group 33 on the other side are formed at the same level.

[0121] Preferably, regardless of the implementation or variation, the jump is instantaneous or substantially instantaneous. Preferably, throughout this application, "instantaneous jump" is understood to mean a jump lasting a fraction of a second, typically about one-hundredth of a second, about one-twenty-fifth of a second, or even about one-tenth of a second. Preferably, throughout this application, "substantially instantaneous" is understood to mean a jump lasting about a few seconds, for example, between 1 second and 10 seconds.

[0122] Therefore, according to the present invention, there is a great deal of freedom in the following definitions:

[0123] - The geometry of the perimeter of the display panel, and / or

[0124] - The gaps between these discs at the pores (which can be optionally eliminated).

[0125] The solutions according to the invention can utilize two juxtaposed display discs, providing a high degree of freedom in defining the geometry of the disc perimeters while limiting the gaps or voids between the discs. More specifically, these solutions can achieve straight gaps with a width of zero. Thus, advantageously, it is possible to achieve a single opening without separate apertures for displaying the date, rather than apertures with two openings for displaying the tens digit in one opening and the units digit in the other.

[0126] Finally, the solution according to the invention does not require more space than solutions known in the prior art, especially at the disk.

Claims

1. A method of operating a display device (100) for displaying clock information, particularly time information or time-related information, the device comprising: - A first display wheel (10), which (i) includes a first disc (11) displaying first clock information and a first edge having a first portion (11b), and (ii) is mounted to pivot about a first axis (A1). - A second component (21) includes a second edge having a second portion (21b), the construction of which is at least partially complementary to the construction of the first portion (11b). The operation method includes the following steps during at least one display transition or during at least some display transitions: - A first displacement step of the first axis (A1) enables the first display wheel (10) to displace relative to the second edge, so as to move the first part (11b) away from the second part (21b) from the rest position of the first axis (A1). - Show the change steps, - A second displacement step of the first axis (A1) which enables the first display wheel (10) to be displaced relative to the second edge so that the first part (11b) moves closer to the second part (21b) until the first axis (A1) is at its rest position.

2. The operating method according to claim 1, wherein the display changing step includes rotating the first display wheel (10) about the first axis (A1).

3. The operating method according to claim 1, wherein the display device (100) includes a second display wheel (20), the second display wheel (20): - Includes the second component, which consists of a second dial (21) displaying second clock information and a second edge having a second portion (21b), and - It is mounted to pivot about the second axis (A2), and The display change step includes the following steps during at least one display transition or during at least some display transitions: - To rotate the second display wheel (20) about the second axis (A2), and / or - Rotate the first display wheel (10) around the first axis (A1).

4. The operating method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first displacement step and the second displacement step are displacement steps of the following form: - Translation, and / or - Rotation about a third axis (A51) that is different from the first axis (A1).

5. The operating method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display jump is an instantaneous jump or a substantially instantaneous jump.

6. A display device (100) for displaying clock information, particularly time information or time-related information, the device comprising: - A first display wheel (10), which (i) includes a first disc (11) displaying first clock information and a first edge (11b) having a first portion (11b), and (ii) is mounted to pivot about a first axis (A1). - A second component (21) comprising a second edge having a second portion (21b), the construction of which is at least partially complementary to the construction of the first portion (11b), and - Actuating devices (30, 40, 50, 52) are arranged such that during at least one display transition or during at least some display transitions: - These displacements cause the first axis (A1) to shift the first display wheel (10) relative to the second edge, thereby moving the first portion (11b) away from the second portion (21b) from the rest position of the first axis (A1). - They change the display, - They displace the first axis (A1) so that the first display wheel (10) is displaced relative to the second edge, thereby moving the first part (11b) closer to the second part (21b) until the first axis (A1) is at its rest position.

7. The display device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the actuating devices (30, 40, 50, 52) are arranged such that they change the display by rotating the first display wheel (10) about the first axis (A1).

8. The display device (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the device includes a second display wheel (20), the second display wheel being: - Includes the second component (21), which consists of a second disc and a second edge (21b) that presents the second clock information, and - It is mounted to pivot about the second axis (A2), and The actuating devices (30, 40, 50, 52) are arranged such that during at least one display transition or during at least some display transitions, they change the display in such a way that: - By rotating the second display wheel (20) around the second axis (A2), and / or - By rotating the first display wheel (10) around the first axis (A1).

9. The display device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first disk and the second disk are coplanar.

10. The display device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the display device (100) includes a frame (90), and wherein: - The first display wheel (10) is mounted to pivot about the first axis (A1) on the frame (90) or on the first support (52), the first support (52) being movable relative to the frame (90) in a plane perpendicular to the first axis (A1), and / or - The second display wheel (20) is mounted to pivot about the second axis (A2) on the frame (90) or on the second support member, which is movable relative to the frame (90) in a plane perpendicular to the second axis (A2).

11. The display device (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the second clock information changes more frequently than the first clock information, particularly the clock information relating to the tens digit of the date.

12. The display device (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the first disk (11) is a disk for displaying the tens digit of the date, and the second disk (21) is a disk for displaying the units digit of the date.

13. The display device (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the actuation device comprises: - Control wheel (30). - Drive wheel (40) - Movable first support (52), and - A rotation element (50) for rotating the control wheel (30), such as a positioning rod (50). The control wheel (30) includes: - First gear set (31) for driving the first display wheel (10). - The second set of teeth (32) for driving the second display wheel (20), and - The third set of teeth (33) for driving the control wheel (30).

14. The display device (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the construction of the first portion (11b) and the construction of the second portion (21b) are substantially as follows: - Concave and convex, or - Convex and concave, or - Straight lines and straight lines.

15. The display device (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein the display device (100) includes a resilient return device (51) that causes the first portion (11b) and the second portion (21b) to contact each other or enter a configuration that provides a gap of less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm between the first portion (11b) and the second portion (21b).

16. A watch movement (200) comprising a display device (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 15.

17. A clock (300), particularly a wristwatch, comprising: - The watch movement (200) according to claim 16, and / or - The display device (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 15.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    EP0940833B1

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