Timepiece comprising a device for setting a target time

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] TIMEPIECE COMPRISING A DEVICE FOR SETTING A TARGET TIME

[0002] The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a device for setting a target time allowing relative time counting.

[0003] Timepieces and other time-indicating devices, in particular for counting down time, are known from the state of the art. In particular, timepieces are known which are equipped with a timer which is selectively and manually triggered by the user.

[0004] Document US1790359 describes, for example, a device by means of which a watch with a conventional time display by means of minute and hour hands can be equipped with additional minute and hour hands in order to display the time difference between the time of the start of an event and the current time. In this case, the setting of the additional minute and hour hands is done manually, the position of the additional minute and hour hands is therefore always fixed as long as they are not moved manually. The use of such a manual device is obviously tedious, time-consuming and inconvenient for normal reading of the time.

[0005] Patent US5255248 describes a watch that allows both the normal display of the time and the measurement of a time difference, without it being a chronometer, but which integrates the two functions in a single display.

[0006] The watch proposed in this patent document has, on the one hand, an additional minute hand, arranged coaxially with the hands of the normal time display, which can be brought, by actuating a push button, from a normal stationary position to the current position of the normal minute hand. It remains stationary there to mark the start of an event. According to the document, the step of setting the additional hand to the current time can be carried out by means of a conventional split-seconds mechanism.

[0007] On the other hand, the watch described has a ring rotating coaxially around the dial, with a marker and a scale, to mark, for example, the end of the event and thus integrate a "timer" function. If this watch therefore allows both the normal display of the time and the measurement of a time difference, a ratchet mechanism being proposed to move the additional minute hand, the reading of the corresponding indications is not optimal since the additional minute hand only has stationary positions, as mentioned above, and therefore completely negatively affects the reading of the normal time display when its measuring or marking function is not used. In fact, this hand remains in its last position of use and is therefore permanently visible on the dial as an annoying element

[0008] EP1491972B1 discloses a wristwatch, comprising an analog time display and comprising at least one minute hand and one hour hand and a split-seconds mechanism comprising at least one split-seconds minute hand and one split-seconds hour hand arranged coaxially with the hands of the normal time display. In a normal mode of the watch, the split-seconds hand(s) are driven in a synchronous movement with the hands of the normal time display and are superimposed thereon and in that they are blocked in a stop mode for marking a desired time and re-driven, after a desired time interval has elapsed, in a synchronous movement with the hands of the normal time display in a position superimposed thereon.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to enable the normal display of the time and the measurement of a time difference simultaneously, in direct relation to each other, and in an efficient and simple manner, without the presence of the additional display members negatively affecting the normal display of the time when these additional display members are not in use.

[0010] Thus, the present invention makes it possible to propose a solution which presents, in a particularly simple manner, an indication of the time remaining available before the conclusion of a determined time, such as a timer, but also an indication of the time counted beyond the determined time, thus allowing a counting of the relative time.

[0011] The advantages of such a timepiece include, among other things, the provision of a new function which would be similar to a combination between a timer and a classic chronograph with its secondary dials, the simplicity of use, the good estimation and readability of the duration of an operation, and the wide field of application of this watch.

[0012] According to the invention, a mechanical timepiece comprises:

[0013] - a movement arranged to drive a minute display member and an hour display member;

[0014] - a first means for controlling the minute and hour display members arranged to move, on demand, said minute and hour display members;

[0015] - a target time display device;

[0016] - at least one second control means arranged to move the display member of a target time on demand, and

[0017] - a means for resetting the target time display member, wherein in normal operation of the timepiece for displaying the time, said target time display member is placed under and hidden by the minute or hour display member so that the minute and hour display members display the time.

[0018] According to the invention, the second control means is arranged to move the target time display member relative to the minutes or hours display member each time the control means is pressed by an incremental value to determine a target time to be reached by successive actuations of the control means.

[0019] Furthermore, when activated, the means for resetting the target time display member is arranged to move the target time display member so as to place it under the minute or hour display member occupying its normal time indication position so that the timepiece displays the time according to its normal operating state without displaying a target time. In one embodiment, another control means comprises a first push button for moving the target time display member by a fraction of an hour and a second push button for moving the target time display member by another different fraction of an hour, the target time display member moving relative to the time display member under which it is arranged.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, another control means comprises a first push button for moving the target time display member by one minute and a second push button for moving the target time display member by five minutes, the target time display member moving relative to the time display member under which it is arranged.

[0021] In one embodiment, the target time display member moves clockwise when actuated, and when the reset means is actuated, the target time display member moves to superimpose on or under the minute or hour display member in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, i.e., in the proper and most efficient direction of rotation.

[0022] In one embodiment, the hour display member, the minute display member and the target time display member are a hand or another time indicator member similar to a hand driven in rotation opposite a dial bearing a series of time indications.

[0023] In one variant, the hour display member, the minute display member and the target time display member are a disc or a crown.

[0024] The invention relates to a timepiece in the form of a wristwatch, a pocket watch, a table clock or a wall clock.

[0025] The characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of several embodiments given solely by way of example, in no way limiting, with reference to the schematic figures, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a timepiece in normal operation displaying 8 o'clock with the target minute hand hidden under the minute hand. Figure 2 shows the timepiece of Figure 1 in which the target minute hand is visible and is positioned 9 minutes from the minute hand displaying the current time;

[0027] - Figure 3 shows the timepiece of Figure 1 in which the target minute hand is visible and is positioned 5 minutes from the minute hand displaying the current time; and

[0028] - Figure 4 shows the timepiece of Figure 1 in which the target minute hand is visible and is positioned 2 minutes from the minute hand displaying the current time;

[0029] - Figure 5 represents a form of execution of a mechanism for the implementation of the target time and its correction;

[0030] - Figure 6 represents an embodiment of a minute wheel of the mechanism of figure 5;

[0031] - Figure 7 represents an embodiment of a display mobile of the mechanism of figure 5;

[0032] - Figure 8 represents an embodiment of a shifting mobile of the mechanism of figure 5;

[0033] - Figure 9 represents an embodiment of the arrangement of a display wheel and a minute wheel according to the mechanism of Figure 5;

[0034] - Figure 10 represents a perspective view of a connection between a shifting mobile and a mobile according to the mechanism of Figure 5;

[0035] - Figure 11 represents a minute-by-minute correction mechanism of the mechanism of Figure 5;

[0036] - Figure 12 represents a five-minute correction mechanism of the mechanism of Figure 5;

[0037] - Figure 13 represents an overall view of the correction mechanism of the mechanism of Figure 5; and Figure 14 represents a perspective view of the reset mechanism of the mechanism of Figure 5

[0038] As illustrated in Figure 1, a mechanical timepiece comprising a movement arranged to drive a minute display hand 1 and an hour display hand 2, a means for controlling the minute display hands 1 and hour display hands 2 in the form of a winding crown 3, the winding crown being arranged to move, on demand, the minute display hands 1 and hour display hands 2, as well as the target time display hand 6 when it is merged with the minute display hand 1.

[0039] The timepiece comprises a target time display hand 6 (superimposed with or placed under the minute hand 1), two push buttons 4, 5 arranged to move the target time display hand 6 on demand, and a means 7 for resetting the target time display member 6 in the form of a push button positioned at the level of the winding crown 3.

[0040] In this example, in normal operation of the timepiece to display the time, the target time display hand 6 is superimposed on or laid under and hidden by the minute display hand 1 so that the minute display hands 1 and hour display hands 2 display the time.

[0041] The push buttons 4, 5 are arranged to move the target time display hand 6 relative to the minute display hand 1 each time one of the two push buttons 4, 5 is pressed by an incremental value to determine a target time to be reached by successive actuations of each of the push buttons 4, 5.

[0042] When activated, the reset push button 7 of the target time display hand 6 is arranged to move the target time display hand 6 so as to place it on or under the minute display member 1, thereby switching the timepiece to its normal operating state for displaying the time.

[0043] In this example, the timepiece indicates that it is 8 o'clock. Figure 2 shows the timepiece with another display. In this example, the target time display hand 6 is positioned nine minutes from the minute display hand 1. To achieve this, pressing the push button 4 positioned at 10 o'clock moves the target time display hand 6 by five minutes relative to the minute display hand 1 under which it was hidden and then four successive presses on the push button 5 positioned at 8 o'clock move the target time display hand 6 by four minutes by five minutes relative to the minute display hand 1.

[0044] The minute 1 and hour 2 display hands show the current time and it is 8:00 in this example.

[0045] The target time display hand 6 has therefore been moved by nine minutes. The target time hand 6 remains fixed during the normal advancement of the minute hand 1. Thus, one can see when the minute hand 1, through its normal advancement, reaches the target time hand 6. One can also easily see and measure by how much the minute hand 1 exceeds the target hand 6 during the normal advancement of the minute hand 1 beyond the position of the target hand 6.

[0046] Once the target time is set in operation, the reset push button 7 of the target time display hand 6, when activated, allows the target time display hand 6 to be moved so as to merge it with the minute display member 1 occupying its time indication position, thus switching the timepiece to its normal operating state to display the time.

[0047] In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the target time display hand 6 is positioned five minutes from the minute display hand 1 by pressing the push button 4 positioned at 10 o'clock which moves the target time display hand 6 five minutes relative to the minute display hand 1 under or over which it was hidden.

[0048] The minute 1 and hour 2 display hands show the current time, and in this example it is 8:00. The display hand for a target time of 6 has therefore been moved five minutes. The target time hand of 6 remains fixed during the normal advancement of the minute 1 hand. This allows us to see when the minute 1 hand reaches the target time hand of 6. We can also easily see and measure how much the minute 1 hand passes the target hand of 6 during the normal advancement of the minute 1 hand beyond the position of the target hand of 6.

[0049] Once the measurement has been taken, when activated, the reset push button 7 of the target time display hand 6 is arranged to move the target time display hand 6 so as to place it on or under the minute display member 1 occupying its time indication position, thus switching the timepiece to its normal operating state to display the time.

[0050] In the example of Figure 4, the target time display hand 6 is positioned two minutes from the minute display hand 1 by two successive presses on the push button 5 positioned at 8 o'clock.

[0051] The minute 1 and hour 2 display hands show the current time and it is 8:00 in this example.

[0052] The target time display hand 6 has therefore been moved two minutes. The target time hand 6 remains fixed during the normal advancement of the minute hand 1. Thus, one can see when the minute hand 1 reaches the target time hand 6. One can also easily see and measure by how much the minute hand 1 exceeds the target hand 6 during the normal advancement of the minute hand 1 beyond the position of the target hand 6.

[0053] Once the measurement has been taken, when activated, the reset push button 7 of the target time display hand 6 is arranged to move the target time display hand 6 so as to place it under or on the minute display member 1 occupying its time indication position, thus switching the timepiece to its normal operating state to display the time. In a variant not illustrated, it is possible to combine two target time display hands to indicate, for example, a timer with a duration of 1 hour 30 minutes.

[0054] In another variant not illustrated, it is possible to keep only one hand displaying a target time coupled with a counter visible through a window on the dial, the window having another primary function, such as a date display for example.

[0055] Figure 5 represents a mechanism for implementing a function for displaying a target time and resetting it, the mechanism comprising:

[0056] - A minute wheel arranged to synchronize a target time hand or split-seconds minute hand with a traditional minute hand displaying the current time;

[0057] - A display mobile arranged to display the split-second minute hand;

[0058] - A shifter wheel arranged to control the position of the split-second minute hand;

[0059] - A minute correction system, and

[0060] - A reset system.

[0061] As illustrated in Figure 6, a minute wheel rotates with a cannon pinion of movement 29, making one revolution per hour. The minute wheel is used to synchronize the split-seconds minute hand 6 with the traditional minute hand 1, driven onto the cannon pinion of movement 29.

[0062] Figure 7 represents a display wheel, on which a split-second minute hand 6 is driven. The display wheel is composed of a display wheel 11 and a zero-reset heart 12, both driven onto a barrel 13.

[0063] As illustrated in Figure 8, a shifter wheel set controls the position of the split-second minute hand 6. The shifter wheel set is composed of a shifter wheel 14 and a wolf-tooth shifter wheel 15 driven onto the shifter shaft 17, while a star 16 is positioned on the shaft using three central springs integrated into said star. When a force is applied to the star 16, the entire shifter wheel set rotates. When a force is applied to the wolf-tooth shifter wheel 15, the entire wheel set except the star 6 rotates.

[0064] As shown in Figure 9, the minute wheel and the display wheel are concentric, so that the traditional minute hand 1 and the target time hand or split-seconds hand can overlap

[0065] As illustrated in Figure 10, the display wheel 11 and the shifter wheel 14 permanently mesh together, allowing the movement of the shifter wheel to be transmitted to the display wheel.

[0066] As illustrated in Figure 11, when the +1 minute button is first pressed, a first lever 18 will both rotate the sixty-tooth star 16 by one tooth and rotate a second lever 19 counterclockwise. The second lever 19, once pushed, releases a first jumper 20, which then positions the star 16.

[0067] During subsequent presses, the first lever 18 will only be used to rotate the star 16, since the second lever 19 is held in the pushed position by a second jumper 21. The star 16 drives the entire shifter wheel.

[0068] As illustrated in Figure 12, upon first pressing the +5 minute button, the third rocker 22 will both rotate the wolf tooth shifter wheel 15 and pivot the second rocker 19 counterclockwise.

[0069] The second lever 19, once pushed, releases the first jumper 20, which then positions the star 16.

[0070] During subsequent presses, the third lever 22 will only be used to turn the wolf-tooth shifter wheel 15, since the second lever 19 is held in the pushed position thanks to the second jumper 21.

[0071] The wolf-toothed shifter wheel 15 rotates the shifter shaft 17 but the star 16 remains fixed thanks to the shape of the shaft 17 and the central springs machined in the star 16. These geometries allow the shaft to move exactly 30°, equivalent to 5 minutes. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the minute correction system.

[0072] As illustrated in Figure 14, when the reset button is pressed, initially a fourth lever 23 pushes the second lever 19 to rotate it clockwise, thus allowing the first jumper 10 to come out of the teeth of the sixty-tooth star 16.

[0073] In a second step, the fourth lever 23 comes into action with a wolf-toothed wheel 24, which sets it in rotation. A stud 26 being driven onto the wolf-toothed wheel 24, it also sets itself in rotation.

[0074] The stud 26 comes into contact with a hammer 25, which tilts and presses on the reset heart 12, thus inducing synchronization of the display wheel with the minute wheel.

[0075] In summary, the timepiece according to the invention allows the normal display of the time and the measurement and indication of a time difference or target time simultaneously, in direct relation to each other, and in an efficient and simple manner. Furthermore, it presents, in a particularly simple manner, an indication of the time remaining available before the conclusion of a determined time, such as a timer, as well as the indication of the time counted beyond a specified determined time.

[0076] Of course, such a timepiece is powered by a mechanical watch movement comprising a mechanism for driving the target time display organs, in particular a split-seconds mechanism known from the state of the art.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Mechanical timepiece comprising: - a movement arranged to drive a minute display member (1) and an hour display member (2); - a first control means (3) for the minute (1) and hour (2) display members arranged to move, on demand, said minute (1) and hour (2) display members; - a target time display member (6) arranged to be moved by the first control means (3) when the target time display member (6) and the minute display member (1) or the hour display member (2) are the same; a second control means (4, 5) arranged to move the target time display member (6) on demand, and - a means (7) for resetting the target time display member (6), wherein in normal operation of the timepiece for displaying the time, said target time display member (6) is placed under or on and hidden by the minute (1) or hour (2) display member so that the minute (1) and hour (2) display members display the time; characterized in that - the second control means (4, 5) is arranged to move the target time display member relative to the minutes (1) or hours (2) display member each time the control means (4, 5) is pressed by an incremental value to determine a target time to be reached by successive actuations of the control means (4, 5), and - when activated, the means (7) for resetting the target time display member (6) is arranged to move the target time display member (6) so as to place it on or under the minute display member (1) or hours (2) occupying its normal time-indicating position so that the timepiece displays the time according to its normal operating state without displaying a target time.

2. Timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the second control means comprises a first push button (4) for moving the target time display member by a fraction of an hour and a second push button (5) for moving the target time display member (6) by another different fraction of an hour, the target time display member (6) moving relative to the time display member (1, 2) on or under which it is arranged.

3. Timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second control means comprises a first push button (4) for moving the target time display member (6) by one minute and a second push button (5) for moving the target time display member (6) by five minutes, the target time display member moving relative to the time display member (1, 2) under which it is arranged.

4. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, in which the target time display member (6) is arranged under the minute display member (1).

5. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, in which the target time display member (6) moves clockwise when it is actuated and when the reset means (7) is actuated, the target time display member (6) moves to superimpose itself on or rest under the minute (1) or hour (2) display member in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

6. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, in which the hour display member (2), the minute display member (1) and the target time display member (6) are each a hand or another time indicator member similar to a hand driven in rotation opposite a dial (8) bearing a series of time indications.

7. Timepiece according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the hour display member (2), the minute display member (1) and the target time display member (6) are each a disc or a crown.

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

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