Display device for a clock movement

The watch display device uses a control system with two stacks of cams and programming discs to replace mobiles, achieving compactness and enhanced display variability while reducing complexity.

EP4597231A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-08-06RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2025151628
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-01-26
Filing Date
2025-01-14
Publication Date
2025-08-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing watch display devices require a large surface area and are complex due to the use of mobiles for controlling display elements, leading to high complexity and numerous pivot axes.

Method used

A display device for a watch movement utilizing a control system with two stacks of cams and programming discs to determine the sequence and speed of display members, replacing mobiles with control levers and cams to achieve compactness and variability in display combinations.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a more compact and complex-free display mechanism with increased variability in display combinations and speeds, offering a quasi-random perception of evolutions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Display device (1) for a watch movement, comprising: - a number N of display members (3) each arranged to move between a first state and a second state; - a control system arranged to move each of said display members (3) between said first state and said second state in order to indicate a value to be displayed by means of the number of said display members (1) which are in said second state. According to the invention, said control system comprises: - a control wheel set (13) arranged to be driven in rotation in response to a trigger;- a number M of control levers (5) mounted in pivoting, where preferably M≤N, more preferably M=N, each control lever (5) being in kinematic connection with at least one corresponding display member (3) and being arranged to change the latter between said first state and said second state as a function of the angular position of said corresponding control lever (5), each control lever (5) also comprising a cam follower (8) and a feeler (21); - a first stack (9) comprising at least N cams (9a) mounted in pivoting, said cams (9a) being arranged to cooperate with said cam followers (8) in order to determine the sequence and / or the pivoting speed of said control levers (5), said first stack (9) being arranged to be driven by said control wheel set (13);- a second stack (19) comprising at least N, preferably N, programming discs (19a) integral in rotation with each other and pivotally mounted so as to define at least one, preferably a plurality, of display cycles of said value to be displayed, the angular position of said second stack (19) being arranged to be determined as a function of said value to be displayed, said programming discs (19a) being arranged to cooperate with said feelers (21) in order to allow a number K of said control levers (5) to pivot, said number being a function of said value to be displayed when said display device (1) is triggered.;
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Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking. It relates, more particularly, to a display device for a watch movement which indicates a value, such as the current time or other, by means of a plurality of display members which are adapted to evolve between a first state and a second state, the number of display members being in said second state indicating said value. State of the art

[0002] Document CH717360 discloses a display device of the type indicated above. This device is based on a plurality of display mobiles, adapted to carry out the evolution of the display members between their two states according to at least two display cycles.

[0003] The use of mobiles for controlling display elements requires a large surface area in the movement, and is relatively complex to implement. Even if this mechanism is in principle capable of providing a (pseudo-) random display, it implies high complexity, a large number of pivot axes, etc.

[0004] The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a display device for a watch movement in which the aforementioned defects are at least partially overcome. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] More specifically, the invention relates to a display device for a watch movement, as defined by claim 1. More particularly, this display device comprises: a number N of display members each arranged to evolve between a first state and a second state, each state being able to correspond to a static state or a dynamic state; a control system arranged to evolve each of said display members between said first state and said second state in order to indicate a value to be displayed by means of the number of said display members which are in said second state, which is visually distinct from said first state.

[0006] According to the invention, said control system comprises: a control mobile arranged to be driven in rotation, in particular under the effect of a driving source, in response to a trigger, whether it is a manual or automatic trigger; a number M of control levers mounted in pivoting, where preferably M≤N, still preferably M=N (but M>N is also possible), each control lever being in kinematic connection with at least one corresponding display member and being arranged to change the latter between said first state and said second state as a function of the angular position of said corresponding lever, each control lever also comprising a cam follower and a feeler;a first stack comprising at least N cams, typically integral in rotation with each other but other solutions are possible (for example cams which are integral in rotation in groups), mounted to pivot around an axis of rotation, said cams being arranged to cooperate with said cam followers in order to determine the sequence and / or the pivoting speed of said control levers, said first stack being arranged to be driven by said control mobile;a second stack comprising at least N, preferably N, programming discs integral in rotation with each other and pivotally mounted so as to define at least one, preferably a plurality, of display cycles of said value to be displayed, the angular position of said second stack being arranged to be determined as a function of said value to be displayed, said programming discs being arranged to cooperate with said feelers in order to allow a number K of said control levers to pivot, said number being a function of said value to be displayed when said display device is triggered.;

[0007] Since the control system is based on two stacks instead of mobiles, it can be significantly more compact in the plane of movement than the device described in the preamble, and provides more possibilities in terms of combinations of display members for each indication, as well as their speed and / or sequence of evolution.

[0008] Advantageously, said display device is arranged to carry out the following sequence upon triggering: pivoting said first stack so as to place all of said control levers in a position corresponding to the first state of said display members, which retracts the feelers and allows pivoting of the second stack; then pivoting said second stack so as to present said programming discs to said feelers so as to allow a number K of said control levers to pivot which corresponds to said value to be displayed; then pivoting said first stack so as to pivot said number of said control levers to pivot.

[0009] Advantageously, said programming disks define a plurality of series of said values to be displayed, which increases the variability of the display at the level of the combinations of display members which adopt their second state for each value to be displayed.

[0010] Advantageously, said second stack is arranged to be pivoted by a rake whose angular path is a function of said value to be displayed in order to present said programming discs to said feelers in such a way as to allow a number K of said control levers to pivot which corresponds to said value to be displayed.

[0011] Advantageously, said programming discs of said second stack define a plurality R of cycles of the values to be displayed, the pivoting of said second stack being controlled by said rake, the latter being arranged to pivot said second stack by at least 1 / n revolution at each actuation. This ensures that, for each actuation of the display device, the next cycle of the values to be displayed is used.

[0012] Advantageously, said rake comprises a feeler arranged to cooperate with a snail whose angular position is a function of said value to be displayed, which is a relatively simple solution for obtaining a correct angular path for the rake.

[0013] Advantageously, said rake comprises a cam follower which cooperates with a retraction cam driven in rotation intermittently by said control wheel set so as to allow said feeler to cooperate with said snail during actuation, and to keep said feeler separated from said snail at all other times.

[0014] Advantageously, said rake is kinematically connected to said second stack by means of a unidirectional drive comprising an elastic finger integral in rotation with a wheel which meshes with said rake, said elastic finger being arranged to cooperate with an internal toothing defining a number P of regularly distributed stops, said internal toothing being integral in rotation with said second stack.

[0015] Advantageously, said first stack comprises a number of cams greater than N, an actuation system being provided to move said cams along their axis of rotation in order to present at least two combinations of cams to said cam followers. By these means, the number of sequences and / or speeds of evolution of the display members towards their second state can be increased, contributing to a quasi-random perception of said evolutions.

[0016] Advantageously, said first stack comprises a pin held in contact with a displacement cam under the effect of a return element, said displacement cam being arranged to pivot at a rate of one step per rotation of said first stack.

[0017] Advantageously, said displacement cam is integral in rotation with a star arranged to be pivoted by an actuation element, such as a pin or a stud, which is carried by a frame element.

[0018] Advantageously, said displacement cam and said star are carried by a mobile which is integral in rotation with said first stack.

[0019] Advantageously, said display device is a time display comprising twelve display members. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] Other details of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given with reference to the appended drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the display members of a non-limiting embodiment of a display device according to the invention; Figure 2 is an isometric schematic view of an embodiment of a display device according to the invention, in its rest position; Figure 3 is a partial schematic view of a first side of the movement of the figure 2 , parallel to the axes of rotation of the elements, some elements having been omitted; Figure 4 is a view similar to that of the figure 3 , in an opposite direction; The figures 5 And 6 are views similar to those of the figures 3 And 4 respectively, a short time after a trigger of the display device to display a value; The figures 7 And 8are views similar to those of the figures 3 And 4 respectively, a little time after the situation illustrated on the figures 5 And 6 , when taking information about the value to be displayed; The figures 9 And 10 are views similar to those of the figures 3 And 4 respectively, a little time after the situation illustrated on the figures 7 And 8 ; There figure 11 is a view similar to that of the figure 3 , when actuating the display organs; The figures 12 , 13 and 14 are isometric views illustrating details of the arrangement for axial movement of the first stack. Embodiments of the invention

[0021] In an effort to avoid overloading the figures, not all elements and / or all reference signs are shown in every figure, and each example of a given type of element is typically not indicated by an individual reference sign when there are several.

[0022] There figure 1 illustrates the visible part of a display device 1 according to the invention. In order to indicate a desired value (the time, the date, a measured quantity, the tens or units of any measurement, the power reserve of a watch movement or the like), a plurality of display members 3 are provided.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the display members 3 take the form of flowers and are each arranged to evolve between a first state (narrowed and therefore of smaller surface area) and a second state (deployed and therefore of larger surface area). However, any type of display member 3 can find an application within the scope of the present invention, insofar as said two states are visually distinguishable from one another by the user.

[0024] The display device 1 as illustrated in the figures is arranged to indicate the time by means of the number of display members 3 which are in their second state, the total number N of display members 3 being 12. More generally, the number N of display members 3 is equal to or greater than the maximum value to be displayed.

[0025] Other additional display elements for indicating other values (minutes, seconds, date, etc.) can, of course, be provided according to the manufacturer's wishes.

[0026] THE figures 2 to 4 illustrate the display device 1, with the exception of the display members 3, in its rest position. The display device 1 comprises a driving source 15, illustrated here in the form of a barrel housing a motor spring (not illustrated), which is arranged to provide a driving force for the operation of the display device 1.

[0027] The actuation of the display members 3 is ensured by a control system. The latter comprises a plurality of control levers 5, the number M of which is equal to N in the illustrated embodiment. However, it is possible to actuate a plurality of display members by means of a single control lever 5, in which case the number of the latter would be less than N. Alternatively, M can be greater than N. Each control lever 5 is kinematically connected to a corresponding display member 3 by means of a corresponding connecting member 7 in order to change the display members 3 between their first state and their second state. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting members 7 are wires each extending between a corresponding control lever 5 and a corresponding display member 3, but chains, rods or other ad hoc connecting members 7 are also possible.

[0028] The angular position of the control levers 5 is determined by two sets 9, 19 acting in parallel so as to create a mechanical “AND” logic, and thus to control the movements of the control levers 5.

[0029] For this purpose, each control lever 5 comprises a cam follower 8 which cooperates with at least one cam 9a of a first stack of cams 9. The cams 9a of the latter are integral in rotation with each other and movable in rotation about their own axis 9b, and are arranged to ensure the ad hoc sequencing of the pivoting of the control levers 5, and therefore of the evolution of the display members 3 between their first and second states if necessary. Alternatively, the cams 9a can be integral in rotation in groups which are arranged to be pivoted independently of each other.

[0030] Each cam 9a has two upper radius portions, which cooperate with the corresponding cam follower 8 to define the first state of the corresponding display member 3, as well as two lower radius portions, which cooperate with the corresponding cam follower 8 to define the second state of the corresponding display member 3, to the extent that this is permitted (see above). The portions are arranged alternately, the slope of each cam between each upper radius portion to the next lower radius portion (in the direction of rotation of the cam 9a) defining the pivoting speed of the corresponding control lever 5, at least some (preferably all) of said cams 9a having different slopes and / or different positions of the beginnings of slopes. If the second state is dynamic instead of static, the shape of the cams 9a is adapted accordingly.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, a number N+1 of cams 9a is provided (13 in this case), the stack 9 being able to be moved axially to select the cams 9a which act on the followers 8 of the control levers 5, as will be explained below in connection with the figures 12 to 14 . However, it is also possible to provide a number of cams 9a which is equal to the number M of control levers 5, or which is even greater than N+1. For example, one could provide a number N+n of cams 9a, the number of axial positions of the stack 9 thus being equal to n, or alternatively a number mN of cams 9a, the number of axial positions of the stack 9 thus being equal to m.

[0032] The first stack 9 is integral in rotation with a mobile 11 whose drive is ensured by the main toothing 13a of a control mobile 13, driven in rotation at the rate of one complete revolution by triggering (whether at the request of the user by actuating a push-piece, a bolt or the like, or by passing under the control of a watch movement, by means of an ad hoc mechanism), under the effect of said driving source 15. The mechanism for triggering a rotation of the control mobile 13 has not been shown, and is within the reach of those skilled in the art. The configuration of the control wheel 13 will be described in more detail in the context of the operation of the mechanism, but it is sufficient, at this stage, to specify that it is arranged to drive the wheel 11 in rotation at the rate of half a turn per complete rotation of the control wheel 13, and for this purpose an intermediate wheel 17 is provided in order to ensure a correct gear ratio.

[0033] Since the first stack 9 performs a half-turn per rotation of the control wheel 13, each cam 9a defines, during a complete rotation, two cycles of evolution of the corresponding display member 3. However, it is possible to define a different number of cycles, the gear ratio between the wheel 11 and the control wheel 13 being adapted accordingly. As mentioned above, the profiles of the cams 9a are different, in order to vary the sequence of evolution of the display members 3 when the first stack 9 pivots.

[0034] The display device 1 further comprises a second stack 19 comprising a plurality of programming discs 19a integral in rotation with each other and movable in rotation about their own axis 19b. Each programming disc 19a cooperates with a feeler 21 with which each control lever 5 is provided, the number of programming discs 19a therefore being equal to the number of control levers 5. These programming discs 19a comprise notches which define whether an indicator member 3 can be put into its second state when the corresponding cam 9a allows the corresponding control lever 5 to pivot.

[0035] For this purpose, the control levers 5 are each biased in rotation by a respective elastic element (not shown, and which can be arranged at an ad hoc location, for example at the level of the respective display member or acting on the free end of each control lever 5) in order to keep them in contact with a cam 9a and / or a control disc 19a, if applicable. In the situation illustrated in the figure 2 , eight control levers 5 control their display members 3 to adopt their second state, while four control levers have been prevented from pivoting by their control discs 19a, and the corresponding display members 3 are therefore in their first state. An indication of eight o'clock is thus provided.

[0036] Since the illustrated display device 1 is adapted to indicate the hours, the second stack 19 can adopt a number of angular positions which is a multiple of 12. In a simple variant, 12 angular positions could be provided, which will give rise to a single combination of display members 3 to indicate each hour. In order to increase the perception of quasi-random combinations, the second stack comprises 60 angular positions, or five cycles of combinations, the modifications to obtain different numbers P of cycles being within the reach of those skilled in the art. In combination with the four possibilities for the operating sequence which can be obtained by the first stack 9 as illustrated, 224 combinations of evolutions of the twelve display members 3 are thus obtained in order to indicate the twelve hours, which is sufficiently large to appear to the user as being quasi-random.

[0037] The angular position of the second stack 19 is controlled by a pivotally mounted rack 23 and whose angular position is determined on the one hand by a retraction cam 25 integral in rotation with a mobile 27 which cooperates with a cam follower 26 carried by the rack 23 and, on the other hand, by a feeler 29, also carried by the rack 23 and which cooperates with a snail 31. The latter has a profile which is representative of the value to be displayed as a function of its angular position, and is arranged to pivot as a function of said value by ad hoc means. In the illustrated embodiment, said snail therefore has twelve bearings and is arranged to perform a complete rotation in twelve hours under the control of a clock movement; for this purpose, the snail may be integral in rotation with a twelve-pointed star or an hour wheel. Modifications to obtain other values are, of course, within the reach of those skilled in the art.

[0038] An elastic element 33 is provided to hold the cam follower 26 in contact with the retracting cam 25, and the rake 23 meshes with a wheel 37 (see figure 4 ) which is mounted in rotation around the axis 19b, and which is kinematically connected to the second stack 19 by means of a unidirectional drive. The latter comprises an elastic finger 39 integral in rotation with the wheel 37, which is biased towards the outside and cooperates with a drive member 41 which comprises internal teeth defining five (more generally a number P of) regularly distributed stops 41a and which cooperate with the free end of the elastic finger 39. If the number P of combination cycles, to display the values, is other than five, the number of stops 41a corresponds to it.

[0039] The wheel set 27 is arranged to be driven in rotation by the control wheel set by means of an intermittent gear 28 cooperating with a toothed segment 13c of the control wheel set 13, as will be better described below in connection with the operation of the display device 1. This toothed segment 13c is located in a plane different from that of the main toothing 13a so as not to cooperate with the intermediate wheel set 17.

[0040] In the condition shown on the figures 2 to 4, the retraction cam 25 positions said feeler 29 at a distance from said snail 31 and out of contact with the latter, but is arranged to pivot in order to allow the feeler 29 to approach, and take information from, the snail 31, the profile of said retraction cam 25 being adapted for this purpose. Depending on the angle traveled by the rake 23, the second stack 19 is pivoted so that the control discs 19a are in the correct angular position to correctly display said value when the feelers 21 cooperate with the programming discs 19a. This operation will be described in more detail in connection with the operating sequence of the display device 1.

[0041] The positioning of the second stack 19 is ensured by a friction spring 19c, which is adapted to prevent said stack 19 from being able to pivot unexpectedly, for example following an impact. A snap-in system may also or alternatively find an application for the same purpose, such a system also serving to reduce inertia and prevent the second stack 19 from pivoting at an angle that is too large than desired.

[0042] Finally, the operating speed of the display device 1 is adjusted by means of a flywheel system 35 in kinematic connection with the drive source 15 (illustrated exclusively on the figure 2 ). The construction of the flywheel system 35 is entirely conventional and therefore does not need to be described in detail, and it is sufficient to note that the person skilled in the art can adopt any known construction.

[0043] Of course, other mechanisms for rotating the second stack 19 are possible, such as an arrangement whereby first the second stack 19 is moved angularly to the end of the current series, and then the rake 23 moves the second stack 19 further to adopt the correct angular position for the next series.

[0044] The operation of the display device 1 will now be described with reference to figures 5 to 11 . Only the reference signs mentioned in connection with a particular figure are reproduced there.

[0045] As mentioned above, the figures 2 , 3 And 4illustrate the display device 1 in its rest position, an indication of “8” being provided by means of eight display members 3 which are in their second state. This display corresponds to that resulting from the previous triggering, which remains visible until the next triggering.

[0046] THE figures 5 And 6 illustrate the situation a few seconds after triggering the control mobile 13 to make a complete counterclockwise turn of the Figure 5 and clockwise from the figure 6 .

[0047] The sequence of operation is: Returning all 3 display units to their first state; Obtaining information on the value to be displayed; Putting the appropriate number of 3 display units into their second state.

[0048] In the situation illustrated on the figures 5 And 6, the first stack 9 has pivoted so that all of the cam followers 8 are mounted on the upper radius portion of each cam 9a. The control levers 5 have thus been commanded to adopt their position in which the display members 3 are in their first state (closed in the case of the flowers of the illustrated embodiment). In doing so, the feelers 21 have all been moved away from the programming discs 19a of the second stack 19.

[0049] The main toothing 13a of the control wheel set 13 is not a complete toothing, but defines a non-toothed segment 13b, which is now located opposite the intermediate wheel set 17, and which will therefore no longer be driven until the main toothing 13a begins to cooperate with the latter again. The rotation of the first stack 9 is thus temporarily stopped, all of the display members 3 therefore remaining in their first state.

[0050] As it is visible on the Figure 5 , the toothed segment 13c of the control wheel 13 has just come into contact with the intermittent gear 28, which has not yet been driven.

[0051] THE figures 7 And 8 illustrate the state of the display device 1 some time after that of the figures 5 And 6 The control wheel 13 has pivoted further from the situation shown in these latter figures, the intermediate wheel 17 remaining opposite the non-toothed sector 13b and the first stack 9 thus remaining stationary. The feelers 21 therefore remain distant from the programming discs 19a of the second stack 19, and the display members 3 consequently remain in their first state.

[0052] The intermittent gear train pivoted the mobile 27 and therefore the retraction cam 25, which pivoted the rack 23 under the effect of the elastic element 23 until the feeler 29 came into contact with the snail 31, in order to define its path according to the value to be displayed. At the same time, the toothed part of the rake 23 has pivoted the wheel 37 so that the elastic finger 39 advances to catch up with the next stop 41a and to advance the second stack 19 so that the correct portion of the programming discs 19a is located opposite the feelers 21. This portion corresponds to an occurrence of the value to be indicated, whether from the same cycle of values, from the next cycle of values, or from the cycle after that in the case of repeated display of the maximum value, where appropriate, depending on the angular position of the next stop 41a (as a reminder, there are five cycles of the twelve values in the illustrated embodiment).The angle traveled by the rake 23 ensures that the second stack 19 has pivoted at least one angular position and at most twice the number of positions of a single cycle, the cooperation between the stops 41a and the elastic finger 39 ensuring the correct angular positioning of the second stack 19.

[0053] Subsequently, and as illustrated by the figures 9 And 10, the control wheel 13 continues to pivot. The non-toothed segment 13b remains opposite the intermediate wheel 17, the first stack 9 therefore remaining stationary, which keeps the control levers 5 in their positions corresponding to the first state of the display members 3. The intermittent gear 28 continues to pivot the retraction cam 25, so that the cam follower 26 rises towards the next vertex of the latter, which moves the feeler 29 away from the snail 31 and, some time later, the rack 23 will have returned to its starting position and the toothed segment 13c will be out of engagement with the intermittent gear 28 and will no longer drive it. The retraction cam 25 will therefore remain stationary in this state until the next triggering.

[0054] There figure 11 illustrates the situation some time after that illustrated by the figures 9 And 10The control wheel 13 has pivoted further, its main teeth having driven the first stack 9 into rotation.

[0055] To the extent that the programming discs 19a of the second stack 19 allow it, the levers 5 whose feelers 21 are located opposite a notch of their corresponding control disc 19a move under the control of the cam 9a corresponding to the first stack 9. The profiles of the cams 9a being different, the speeds of movement of the levers 5, and therefore the speeds of movement of the display members 3 between their first and second states, differ.

[0056] Finally, when the control wheel 13 has completed a complete revolution, the first stack 9 will have completed a half revolution, and the cam followers 8 are located opposite the lower part of the cams 9a. A situation similar to that of the figures 1 to 3occurs, except that the first stack 9 has made a half turn, and the angular positions of at least some of the control levers 5 are different.

[0057] As mentioned above, the first stack 9 comprises N+1 cams 9a, i.e. thirteen cams 9a in the illustrated embodiment. In order to move the first stack 9 along its rotation axis 9b, an actuation system is provided and will be described in connection with the figures 12 to 14 .

[0058] The first stack 9 is biased along the axis 9b by means of a return element 43, which pushes it towards the mobile 11, with which it is integral in rotation.

[0059] The axial position of the first stack 9 is defined by the cooperation between, on the one hand, a pin 9c, which is integral with the cam 9a which is closest to the mobile 11, on the other hand, by a displacement cam 45 pivotally mounted on the mobile 11 opposite the pin 9c.

[0060] The displacement cam 45 has a profile adapted to define two axial positions of the first stack 9, as illustrated on the one hand by the figure 13 , on the other hand by the figure 14 .

[0061] The displacement cam 45 is integral in rotation with a star 47, which cooperates once per rotation of the mobile 11 with an actuation element 49 which is integral with a frame element (not illustrated). In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation element 39 is a pin, but a stud, a finger or any other ad hoc structure can be used.

[0062] At each complete rotation of the mobile 11 and thus of the first stack 9, the actuation element 49 pivots the star 47, which cooperates with the pin 9c so that the first stack 9 moves from one of its axial positions to the other. For this purpose, the displacement cam 45 has four bearings, two higher and two lower, and the star 47 has four points.

[0063] In order to avoid blocking of the mechanism, the movement between the axial positions of the first stack 9 takes place when the cam followers 8 are located opposite the lowest parts of the cams 9a, but it is also possible to arrange the mechanism in such a way that this movement takes place when the cam followers 8 are in contact with the highest part of the set of cams 9a.

[0064] If more than two axial positions are provided, for example in the case where the number of cams is N+2 or N+3, the displacement cam 45 has an appropriate number of bearings, and the star 47 has an appropriate number of points.

[0065] Of course, other arrangements for moving the first stack 9 along its axis 9b to present several cams 9a, different for each follower 8, can be imagined by those skilled in the art.

[0066] Although the invention has been disclosed in connection with specific embodiments, variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Display device (1) for a watch movement, comprising: - a number N of display members (3) each arranged to move between a first state and a second state; - a control system arranged to move each of said display members (3) between said first state and said second state in order to indicate a value to be displayed by means of the number of said display members (1) which are in said second state, characterized in thatsaid control system comprises: - a control wheel (13) arranged to be driven in rotation in response to a trigger; - a number M of control levers (5) mounted in pivoting, where preferably M≤N, more preferably M=N, each control lever (5) being in kinematic connection with at least one corresponding display member (3) and being arranged to change the latter between said first state and said second state as a function of the angular position of said corresponding control lever (5), each control lever (5) also comprising a cam follower (8) and a feeler (21); - a first stack (9) comprising at least N cams (9a) mounted to pivot, said cams (9a) being arranged to cooperate with said cam followers (8) in order to determine the sequence and / or the pivoting speed of said control levers (5), said first stack (9) being arranged to be driven by said control wheel set (13);- a second stack (19) comprising at least N, preferably N, programming discs (19a) integral in rotation with each other and pivotally mounted so as to define at least one, preferably a plurality, of display cycles of said value to be displayed, the angular position of said second stack (19) being arranged to be determined as a function of said value to be displayed, said programming discs (19a) being arranged to cooperate with said feelers (21) in order to allow a number K of said control levers (5) to pivot, said number K being a function of said value to be displayed when said display device (1) is triggered.; 2. Display device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said display device (1) is arranged to perform the following sequence upon triggering: - pivoting said first stack (9) so as to put all of said control levers (5) in a position corresponding to the first state of said display members (3); then - pivoting said second stack (19) so as to present said programming discs (19c) to said feelers so as to allow a number K of said control levers (5) to pivot which corresponds to said value to be displayed; then - pivoting said first stack (9) so as to pivot said number K of said control levers (5) to pivot.

3. Display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said programming discs (19a) define a plurality of series of said values to be displayed.

4. Display device (1) according to one of said preceding claims, wherein said second stack (1) is arranged to be pivoted by a rake (13) whose angular path is a function of said value to be displayed in order to present said programming discs (19a) to said feelers (21) in such a way as to allow a number K of said control levers (5) to pivot which corresponds to said value to be displayed.

5. Display device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said programming discs (19a) of said second stack (19) define a plurality R of cycles of the values to be displayed, the pivoting of said second stack (19) being controlled by said rake (23), which is arranged to pivot said second stack (19) by at least 1 / n revolution at each actuation of said display device (1).

6. Display device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said rake (23) comprises a feeler (29) arranged to cooperate with a snail (31) whose angular position is a function of said value to be displayed.

7. Display device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said rake (23) comprises a cam follower (26) which cooperates with a retraction cam (25) driven in rotation intermittently by said control wheel set (13) so as to allow said feeler (29) to cooperate with said snail (31) when said display device (1) is actuated, and to keep said feeler (29) away from said snail (29) otherwise.

8. Display device (1) according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein said rake (23) is kinematically connected to said second stack (19) by means of a unidirectional drive comprising an elastic finger (29) integral in rotation with a wheel (37) which meshes with said rake (23), said elastic finger (39) being arranged to cooperate with an internal toothing (41) defining a number P of regularly distributed stops (41a), said internal toothing (41) being integral in rotation with said second stack (19).

9. Display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first stack (9) comprises a number of cams (9a) greater than N, an actuation system being provided to move said cams (9a) along their axis of rotation (9b) in order to present at least two combinations of cams (9a) to said cam followers (8).

10. Display device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first stack (9) comprises a pin (9c) held in contact with a displacement cam (45) under the effect of a return element (43), said displacement cam (45) being arranged to pivot at a rate of one step per rotation of said first stack (9).

11. Display device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said displacement cam (45) is rotationally integral with a star (47) arranged to be pivoted by an actuation element (49) which is carried by a frame element.

12. Display device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said displacement cam (45) and said star (47) are carried by a mobile (11) which is integral in rotation with said first stack (9).

13. Display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said display device (1) is a time display comprising twelve display members.

14. Watch movement comprising a display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Timepiece comprising a watch movement according to the preceding claim.

Citation Information

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