Timepiece comprising a chronograph mechanism provided with a device indicating the operating state of the chronograph mechanism

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a timepiece (1) comprising a timekeeping movement (100) housed in a case, said timekeeping movement (100) comprising a timekeeping gear (5) dedicated to the division of time and a chronograph mechanism (200) comprising a chronograph gear (230) configured to be coupled to the timekeeping gear (5) on demand by means of a chronograph start / stop control device (210), the chronograph mechanism (200) comprising a coordinating member (18) rotated about a pivot axis (P2) at each activation of the chronograph start / stop control device (210) and directly actuating a set of control levers to ensure the different operating states of the chronograph mechanism (200), characterized in that the chronograph mechanism (200) comprises a state indicator device (50) rotationally fixed to the coordinating member (18),the status indicator device (50) comprising a first portion presenting a first piece of information and a second portion presenting a second piece of information, different from the first piece of information, each portion of the status indicator (50) being positioned alternately opposite a window of a mask comprising the timepiece (1), at each activation of said chronograph start / stop control device (210).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a chronograph mechanism.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a chronograph mechanism equipped with a status indicator device enabling the user to be informed of the status (on or off) of the chronograph mechanism. Technological background

[0003] Chronograph mechanisms allow time to be measured on demand via several chronograph counters, for example minutes and seconds.

[0004] Chronograph mechanisms are activated, stopped, and reset by control devices, such as pushbuttons, which may or may not be separate. It is also common to find watch movements with a single pushbutton that allows the chronograph mechanism to be started, stopped, and the various counters to be reset by pressing it repeatedly.

[0005] It may be useful to provide the user with additional visual information about the status of the chronograph mechanism, whether it is running or stopped.

[0006] Document FR-866748 proposes, in particular, the use of a needle which is rotated by turning a knob.

[0007] Document CH-705439 also describes a display of the chronograph mechanism's status using a hand opposite a graduation on the dial, the hand being attached to a cooperating rotating movable switch and bearing against a three-position shuttle of a chronograph mechanism.

[0008] However, these solutions are not entirely satisfactory because they complicate the design, assembly and maintenance of watch movements.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to improve watch movements equipped with a chronograph mechanism. Summary of the invention

[0010] In this context, the invention proposes a timepiece comprising a clock movement housed in a case, said clock movement comprising a timekeeping gear dedicated to the division of time and a chronograph mechanism comprising a chronograph gear configured to be coupled to the timekeeping gear on demand via a chronograph start / stop control device, the chronograph mechanism comprising a coordinating member rotated around a pivot axis P2 at each activation of the chronograph start / stop control device and directly actuating a set of control levers to ensure the different operating states of the chronograph mechanism, characterized in that the chronograph mechanism comprises a state indicator device fixed in rotation to the coordinating member,the status indicator device comprising a first portion presenting first information and a second portion presenting second information, different from the first information, each portion of the status indicator being positioned alternately opposite a window of a mask comprising the timepiece, each time the chronograph start / stop control device is activated.

[0011] In addition to the characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the timepiece according to the invention may have one or more additional characteristics from among the following, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations: The coordinating element is a chronograph cam; said chronograph cam comprises at least one shuttle, the status indicator device being integral with said at least one shuttle; the status indicator device is secured by pressing or screwing onto said at least one shuttle; the status indicator device is secured by pressing or screwing onto said at least one shuttle, at a distance from the pivot axis P2 of the chronograph cam; the status indicator device is made of the same material as said at least one shuttle; said case comprises a crystal and the mask is interposed between the watch movement and the crystal to visualize the status indicator device through the dial-side aperture of the watch movement; the timepiece comprises a dial affixed above the watch movement, said mask being a layer applied to the dial or being formed by the dial;The said case has a transparent base, and the mask is interposed between the clockwork mechanism and the transparent base to visualize the status indicator device through the aperture on the base side of the clockwork mechanism; the mask is a layer applied to an inner face of the transparent base; the mask is an ink applied by digital printing to the inner face of the transparent base. Brief description of the figures

[0012] The aims, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below, which refers to the following figures: there figure 1 is a schematic representation, viewed from below, of a clockwork movement according to the invention, comprising a chronograph mechanism; the figure 1 illustrates in particular the chronograph mechanism when stopped; the figure 2is a schematic representation, viewed from below, of the clockwork mechanism illustrated in the figure 1 when the chronograph mechanism is running; the figure 3 is a schematic perspective representation illustrating in particular a chronograph cam of the chronograph mechanism comprising a status indicator device according to the invention; the figure 4 schematically illustrates the timepiece from the back when the chronograph mechanism is stopped; the figure 5 schematically illustrates the timepiece from the back when the chronograph mechanism is running; the figure 6 is a schematic representation of a timepiece according to the invention comprising a chronograph mechanism and a device indicating the operating status of the chronograph mechanism.

[0013] In all figures, common elements bear the same reference numbers unless otherwise specified. Detailed description of the invention

[0014] There figure 1 is a schematic representation, viewed from below, of a clockwork movement 100 of a clockwork component 1 according to the invention, comprising a chronograph mechanism 200. The figure 1 illustrates in particular the chronograph 200 mechanism when stopped.

[0015] There figure 2 is a schematic representation in view from below of the watch movement 100 comprising a chronograph mechanism 200 according to the invention, when the chronograph mechanism 200 is in operation.

[0016] In the embodiment shown in the various figures of this application, the chronograph mechanism 200 is a cam-driven chronograph mechanism. However, the invention can also be applied to a chronograph mechanism with a column wheel without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0017] Classically, the clock movement 100 according to the invention includes a timekeeping gear 5 (partially represented) dedicated to the division of time, driven by a source of energy (not shown).

[0018] The chronograph mechanism 200 includes a chronograph gear train 230 driven on demand via the time train 5. In a conventional manner, the chronograph gear train 230 includes at least one chronograph minute counter 232 and one chronograph second counter 231.

[0019] The chronograph mechanism 200 includes a clutch rocker 250 configured to couple and decouple, on demand, the chronograph gear 230 from the time gear 5 of the watch movement 100.

[0020] Thus, the clutch rocker 250 allows the chronograph gear 230 to be kinematically connected, on demand, via a chronograph start / stop control device 210, to the time gear 5 so that the latter is driven at the rate of the regulating organ of the time gear 5.

[0021] The chronograph start / stop control device 210 includes a start-stop (or on / off) pusher 11 kinematically linked to a control 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the pusher 11 is fixed to the control 12 and the assembly moves under the action of the pusher 11.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the control 12 is of the rocker type and pivots around a pivot axis under the action of the pusher 11.

[0023] The control 12 can in turn drive an intermediate control (not visible) which drives a control rocker 15 in rotation. The control rocker 15 is under the action of a control spring 16 ensuring the return of the control rocker 15, the control 12 and the intermediate control to the rest position when the pusher 11 is no longer operated by the user.

[0024] The intermediate control includes an end portion cooperating with a coordinating member 18 directly actuating a set of control levers to ensure the different functions and states of the chronograph mechanism 200.

[0025] The coordinating member 18 is movable around a pivot axis P2 and is rotated each time the chronograph start / stop control device 210 is activated. This coordinating member allows the different phases of the chronograph mechanism 200 to be coordinated and controls the various rocker arms or levers of the chronograph mechanism 200 to ensure these different phases: start, stop, and reset. As is known, the various rocker arms or levers actuated by the coordinating member 18 include, in particular, a clutch rocker arm, a hammer, and a stop.

[0026] In the example embodiment shown, the coordinating element is a chronograph cam 18.

[0027] Another coordinating element of a known chronograph mechanism is a column wheel.

[0028] The chronograph cam 18 has a lower shuttle 18.1 cooperating with the end portion of the intermediate control.

[0029] The end portion of the intermediate control is configured to rotate the lower shuttle 18.1 by at least one notch, around its pivot axis P2, at each activation of the pusher 11, clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the position of the lower shuttle 18.1.

[0030] The lower shuttle 18.1 cooperates with a shuttle spring 17 which locks each change of position of the lower shuttle 18.1 by engaging in one of the notches 19 of the lower shuttle 18.1 provided for this purpose. In the embodiment shown, particularly at the figure 3 , the lower shuttle 18.1 has two notches 19 configured to cooperate with the shuttle spring 17, so as to index two stable positions of the chronograph cam 18.

[0031] The chronograph cam 18 includes the lower shuttle 18.1, previously described, which is rotationally fixed to an upper shuttle 18.2 which cooperates in particular with a reset hammer 26 for resetting the chronograph counters 231, 232.

[0032] The clutch rocker 250 cooperates in support with the lower shuttle 18.1 of the chronograph cam 18, so that a change in angular position of the lower shuttle 18.1 changes the position and state of the clutch rocker 250 by going from a state engaged with the chronograph gear 230 to a state disengaged from the chronograph gear 230 and vice versa.

[0033] The chronograph mechanism 200 includes a status indicator device 50 having at least two states and set in motion each time the chronograph start / stop control device 210 is activated. The status indicator device 50 provides the user with additional information, for example by a color code, corresponding to the operating state of the chronograph mechanism 200, i.e., on or off.

[0034] The status indicator device 50 includes two different visual information which are positioned alternately opposite a window 25 of a mask 30 which comprises the timepiece 1.

[0035] Thus, the user can easily view the operating status of the chronograph mechanism 200, either on the dial side or on the back side of the timepiece 1 through an opening provided for this purpose.

[0036] The status indicator device 50 is linked to the coordinating body 18.

[0037] In the embodiment shown, the status indicator device 50 is integral with the chronograph cam 18.

[0038] For example, the status indicator device 50 is secured by pressing or screwing onto one of the shuttles 18.1, 18.2 of the chronograph cam 18.

[0039] Preferably, the status indicator device 50 is secured by pressing or screwing onto one of the shuttles 18.1, 18.2 at a distance from the pivot axis P2 of the chronograph cam 18.

[0040] For example, the status indicator device 50 came from material with the chronograph cam 18 or one of the shuttles 18.1, 18.2 of the chronograph cam 18.

[0041] According to the embodiment shown, the status indicator device 50 is in the form of a plate 51 attached to the chronograph cam 18.

[0042] There figure 3 illustrates more particularly the chronograph cam 18 carrying the plate 51. For example, as illustrated, the plate 51 is rotationally fixed to the upper shuttle 18.2. However, the plate 51 can also be fixed to the lower shuttle 18.1.

[0043] Plate 51 has two portions, 51.1 and 51.2, extending radially from the pivot axis P2 of the chronograph cam 18. Each portion, 51.1 and 51.2, displays a first piece of information, V1, and a second piece of information, V2, which are specific and different from each other, for example, two different colors or two different patterns. Each piece of information, V1 and V2, is associated with an operating state of the chronograph mechanism 200.

[0044] The plaque 51 is positioned opposite at least one window 25 (two windows being shown as an example on the Figures 4 and 5 ), formed by an opening or a transparent portion of a mask 30, so as to be able to view only a limited portion of the plate 51. Thus, depending on the angular position of the plate 51, the first portion 51.1 or the second portion 51.2 of the plate 51 is visible through the window 25.

[0045] The mask 30 is interposed between the clockwork movement 100 and the case glass 3 or between the clockwork movement and a transparent background 4.

[0046] The mask 30 can be placed on the dial 6 of the timepiece, on the inner face of the glass or on the inner face of the transparent back 4.

[0047] According to an alternative embodiment, the mask is formed by the dial of the timepiece, the dial having an opening or a transparent portion to form the window 25, allowing to view alternately the portions 51.1, 51.2 of the plate 51 positioned under the dial through the glass of the timepiece.

[0048] Preferably, mask 30 is formed by an opaque layer deposited on an inner face of a transparent background.

[0049] For example, the layer forming mask 30 is an ink deposited, for example, by digital printing. For example, the layer can represent a pattern.

[0050] THE Figures 4 and 5schematically illustrate the clockwork mechanism 100 viewed from below through the mask 30, allowing visualization of the plate 51 of the status indicator device 50 (represented by dotted lines) and the operating status of the chronograph mechanism 200 through the aperture 25 of the mask 30. On the Figures 4 and 5 The case, the middle and the back of the timepiece are not shown.

[0051] Thus, depending on the angular position of the chronograph cam 18 relative to its pivot axis P2, the user can view through the window 25 the first portion 51.1 containing the first information V1 and corresponding to a first state of the chronograph mechanism 200, for example, stopping, or the second portion 51.2 containing the second information V2 which corresponds to a second state of the chronograph mechanism 200, for example, running.

[0052] This additional information on the operating status of the chronograph mechanism 200 is provided without complicating the watch movement 100.

[0053] Thanks to this invention, the chronograph mechanism is simplified, easier to adjust and operate, particularly because it does not include additional moving parts that complicate the chronograph mechanism and the watch movement. Indeed, using multiple moving parts to perform such a function requires increased operating clearances, leading to inaccuracies at the end of the kinematic chain and difficulties in correctly setting the position of the status indicator.

[0054] Thanks to the invention, this additional visual information is provided by a simple additional plate attached to the chronograph cam or to a shuttle of the chronograph cam. This design notably improves the positioning accuracy of the status indicator by eliminating the play inherent in the assembly of various interacting moving parts.

[0055] More generally, the status indicator device 50 can be an added part attached to the chronograph cam 18, the clutch rocker 250 or by another part of the chronograph mechanism 200 presenting two different and alternative stable positions depending on the operating state of the chronograph mechanism 200.

[0056] The status indicator device 50 can be one piece with the chronograph cam, the clutch rocker 250 or another part of the chronograph mechanism 200 presenting two different and alternative stable positions depending on the operating state of the chronograph mechanism 200.

[0057] According to an alternative embodiment in which the chronograph mechanism has a column wheel instead of a chronograph cam, the status indicator device 50 can also be carried by the column wheel. In this case, the status indicator device 50 has a plurality of first portions 51.1 and a plurality of second portions 51.2 which alternate so as to alternately display a first portion 51.1 and then a second portion 51.2 of the status indicator device 50 at each actuation of the chronograph start / stop control device 210.

[0058] The invention also relates to a timepiece 1, for example a wristwatch, comprising such a timepiece movement 100. Such a timepiece 1 is schematically illustrated with reference to the figure 6 . The timepiece 1 comprises a case 3 in which a timepiece movement 100 according to the invention is fitted.

[0059] Preferably, the timepiece 1 has a crystal 7 and a transparent case back 4 closing the back of the case 3. The transparent case back 4 has a mounting ring and a central transparent portion, for example made of sapphire.

[0060] Preferably, a mask 30 is applied to the inner face of the transparent central portion of the transparent back 4. The mask 30 has an opening forming a window 25 allowing to view through the mask 30, the status indicator device 50 indicating the operating status of the chronograph on the back side of the watch movement 100.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the mask 30 is an additional layer applied to the dial 6 to visualize the status indicator device 50 indicating the operating status of the chronograph on the dial side of the watch movement 100.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the mask 30 is formed by the dial 6 which has an opening to allow the status indicator device 50 to be viewed through the dial. Operation of the chronograph mechanism according to the invention

[0063] When the chronograph mechanism 200 is stopped, for example after a reset, the chronograph cam 18 is held in a first angular position, known as the stop position, by the shuttle spring 17, which engages with a first notch 19 in the lower shuttle 18.1. In this position of the chronograph cam 18, the clutch lever 250 is disengaged from the chronograph gear train 230. This stop position of the chronograph mechanism is illustrated more particularly in the figure 1 and to the figure 4 .

[0064] In this stopped position, the first portion 51.1 of plate 51 is aligned with the aperture 25 in the mask 30. In this first position, the user sees the first piece of information V1 corresponding to the first portion 51.1 through this aperture 25, indicating that the chronograph mechanism is stopped, as illustrated in the figure 4 .

[0065] By applying a first push on the pusher 11, the pusher 11 sets in motion the control 12, the intermediate control, if present, and the control rocker 15 by going against the force exerted by the control spring 16. The lower shuttle 18.1 is then moved one notch clockwise, according to the illustrated embodiment, and held in position by the shuttle spring 17 cooperating with a second notch 19 of the lower shuttle 18.1, the pusher can then be released.

[0066] Changing the position of the chronograph cam 18 alters the position of the lower shuttle 18.1, which allows the clutch rocker 250 to pivot under the action of a rocker spring so as to couple the timekeeping gear train 5 to the chronograph gear train 230.

[0067] Changing the position of the chronograph cam 18 also alters the position of the plate 51, which is fixed to the rotation of the upper shuttle 18.2, so that the second portion 52.2, displaying the second information V2 from plate 51, is now aligned with the aperture 25 of the mask 30. In this second position, the user sees a second piece of information through this aperture 25, indicating that the chronograph mechanism is running, as illustrated in the figure 5 .

[0068] By applying a new push to the pusher 11, the pusher 11 again sets in motion the control 12, the intermediate control and the control rocker 15 by going against the force exerted by the control spring 16. The lower shuttle 18.1 is then moved one notch counterclockwise, according to the illustrated embodiment, and held in position by the shuttle spring 17 cooperating with the first notch 19 of the corresponding lower shuttle 18.1, the pusher can then be released.

[0069] Changing the position of the chronograph cam 18 modifies the position of the lower shuttle 18.1 which disengages the clutch rocker 250 from the chronograph gear train 230 and repositions the first portion 51.1 of the plate 51 opposite the window 25.

Claims

1. Timepiece (1) comprising a timepiece movement (100) housed in a case (3), said timepiece movement (100) comprising a timekeeping gear train (5) dedicated to the division of time and a chronograph mechanism (200) comprising a chronograph gear train (230) configured to be coupled to the timekeeping gear train (5) on demand by means of a chronograph start / stop control device (210), the chronograph mechanism (200) comprising a coordinating member (18) rotated about a pivot axis (P2) at each activation of the chronograph start / stop control device (210) and directly actuating a set of control levers to ensure the different operating states of the chronograph mechanism (200), characterized in thatthe chronograph mechanism (200) includes a status indicator device (50) fixed in rotation to the coordinating member (18), the status indicator device (50) having a first portion (51.1) presenting a first information (V1) and a second portion (51.2) presenting a second information (V2) different from the first information (V1), each portion (51.1, 51.2) of the status indicator (50) being positioned alternately opposite a window (25) of a mask (30) which comprises the timepiece (1), at each actuation of said chronograph start / stop control device (210).

2. Timepiece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coordinating organ (18) is a chronograph cam (18).

3. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in thatsaid chronograph cam (18) comprises at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2), the status indicator device (50) being integral with said at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2).

4. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the state indicator device (50) is secured by pressing or screwing onto said at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2).

5. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the status indicator device (50) is secured by pressing or screwing onto said at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2), at a distance from the pivot axis (P2) of the chronograph cam (18).

6. Timepiece (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the state indicator device (50) came from material with said at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2).

7. Timepiece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatsaid box (3) includes an ice cream (7) and in that The mask (30) is interposed between the clock movement (100) and the glass (7) to visualize the status indicator device (50) through the window (25) on the dial side of the clock movement (100).

8. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the timepiece (1) includes a dial (6) affixed above the timepiece movement (100), said mask (30) being a layer applied to the dial (6) or being formed by the dial (6).

9. Timepiece (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said box (3) has a transparent base (4) and in that the mask (30) is interposed between the clock movement (100) and the transparent background (4) to visualize the status indicator device (50) through the window (25) on the background side of the clock movement (100).

10. Timepiece (1) according to claim 9, characterized in thatthe mask (30) is a layer applied to an inner face of the transparent background (4).

11. Timepiece (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the mask (30) is an ink applied by digital printing on the inner face of the transparent background (4).

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