Clock device for displaying a clock information and method for operating same
The display device with complementary-edged coplanar discs addresses the unsightly gaps in existing large date displays, ensuring a clear and compact date presentation in watches.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ROLEX SA
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing large date display mechanisms in watches suffer from unsightly gaps between display discs due to their circular shape, requiring additional thickness and separate planes, which complicates the design and visibility.
A display device with complementary-shaped edges on two coplanar discs that minimize the gap between them to less than 0.05 mm, allowing for a single-piece aperture display without a divider, using actuation means to adjust the discs' positions during jumps.
The solution provides a clear, high-finish date display with minimal gap and no additional thickness, maintaining the watch's aesthetic integrity and functionality.
Smart Images

Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a device for displaying horological information, in particular a date display device. The invention also relates to a device for displaying horological information. The invention further relates to a watch movement comprising such a display device. Finally, it relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, comprising such a device or such a movement. The invention relates in particular to a "large date" type display device or mechanism, that is to say, a date display using two discs, in particular a first disc indicating the units digit of the date and a second disc indicating the tens digit of the date.
[0002] Document CH310559A describes a "large date" type calendar comprising two display discs placed side by side on the same plane. The perimeter of the discs is circular, which consequently creates a biconcave gap between them at the level of the date window.
[0003] Document EP0940833B1 discloses a solution for displaying a large date display with a straight line separating the tens and units digits. This solution requires the superposition of two display discs in two separate planes, which necessitates additional thickness and results in an unsightly vertical gap between the two digits.
[0004] In document EP3779609B1, a large date display comprises two display discs truncated by approximately 60°, with the first disc showing the numbers 4 to 18 and the second the numbers 19 to 31, as well as 1 to 3. The discs are designed to be placed side-by-side and rotated in opposite directions without jamming, thanks to the truncated notches. Each disc is designed to be visible through a single window in turn. This solution requires larger display discs and / or a smaller font than a solution using two side-by-side discs displaying the tens and units digits, respectively.
[0005] Large date displays utilize two juxtaposed discs, typically displayed through a split window. Generally, one section displays the tens digit and the other the units digit. This split window is necessary to conceal the unsightly, biconcave lens-shaped gap between the two discs. This gap is due to the circular shape of the display discs, which allows them to rotate without interfering with each other.
[0006] The aim of the invention is to provide a device for displaying horological information, in particular time information or information derived from time, notably a date, thereby overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks and improving upon known prior art display devices. In particular, the invention proposes a device for displaying horological information that is an alternative to those already known, notably clear information with a high level of finish in a single-piece aperture.
[0007] A method of operation according to a first aspect of the invention is defined by claim 1.
[0008] Different modes of execution of the process are defined by dependent claims 2 to 5.
[0009] A display device according to a first aspect of the invention is defined by claim 6.
[0010] Different embodiments of the display device are defined by dependent claims 7 to 15.
[0011] A movement according to the invention is defined by claim 16.
[0012] A timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 17.
[0013] According to a second aspect of the invention, a display device 100 for horological information, in particular time information or information derived from the time, the device comprises: a first display mobile 10 (i) comprising a first disc 11 presenting first clockwork information and a first edge having first portions 11b, and (ii) mounted pivotally about a first axis A1, and a second component comprising a second edge having a second portion 21b having a conformation at least partially complementary to a conformation of a first portion 11b, actuation means 30, 40, 50, 52 of at least the first display mobile, the first portion 11b and the second portion 21b have complementary shapes, the first moving part and the second component being arranged so that in a stable state of display of the horological information, a first portion 11b and a second portion 21b are: in contact with each other, or in a configuration providing a clearance of less than 0.2 mm or less than 0.1 mm or less than 0.05 mm between a first portion 11b and a second portion 21b.
[0014] The figures represent, by way of example, one embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention. There figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention. figure 2 illustrates a partial view of the display device for the embodiment of the timepiece according to the invention. figures 3 to 5 illustrate a sequence of operation of the display device.
[0015] An embodiment of a timepiece 300 according to the invention is described below with reference to figures 1 to 5 The timepiece is, for example, a watch, in particular a wristwatch. The timepiece includes an embodiment of a watch movement 200 according to the invention. The watch movement includes an embodiment of a device 100 for displaying timekeeping information. The watch movement 200 may be: a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement, or an electronic movement, or a hybrid movement.
[0016] The 300 timepiece also includes a case designed to house the 200 watch movement and protect it from the external environment.
[0017] Preferably, the display device 100 allows the display of time information or information derived from the time, in particular a display of "large date" type information in which the information is displayed by first and second discs intended to display respectively the tens and units of the information.
[0018] The display device 100 includes a frame 90. This frame 90 may include a mainplate and / or a bridge. The display device 100 may be a module that can be assembled and remain assembled independently of the rest of the movement. This module, once completed, may be fixed to the rest of the watch movement 200, in particular to a blank of the rest of the watch movement 200, such as a mainplate. The frame 90 may be the frame of the watch movement 200.
[0019] The 100-unit clock display system includes: a first display element 10: a) comprising a first disc 11 displaying initial timekeeping information and a first edge having first portions 11b, and b) pivotally mounted about a first axis A1, a second edge having a second portion 21b having a conformation partially complementary to a conformation of a first portion, and actuation means 30, 40, 50, 52 arranged such that, during at least some display jumps or during at least one display jump: i) they move the first axis A1 so as to move the first display element 10 relative to the second edge in order to move a first portion 11b away from the second portion 21b, from a rest position of the axis A1, ii) they modify the display, iii) they move the first axis A1 so as to move the first display element 10 relative to the second edge in order to move a first portion 11b towards the second portion 21b,up to the rest position of the first axis A1.
[0020] Advantageously, the display device further includes a second display element 20 comprising a second disc 21. The second disc 21 presents second timekeeping information and a second edge with second portions 21b. The second display element 20 is pivotally mounted about a second axis A2.
[0021] The actuation means 30, 40, 50, 52 are arranged so that, during at least one display jump or during at least some display jumps, they modify the display: by rotation of the second display mobile 20 around the second axis A2, and / or by rotation of the first display mobile 10 around the first axis A1.
[0022] In the embodiment described in detail and shown, the display device is a large date display device.
[0023] The first display mobile 10 further includes a first pinion 12 attached to the first disc 11. The first disc 11 bears numbers 11a intended to indicate the tens of the date, in particular a sequence of numbers 0, 1, 2, 3 or a sequence of numbers 1, 2, 3 (in the latter case a gap or absence of marking on the disc takes the place of the number 0).
[0024] The second display mobile 20 includes a second pinion 22 attached to the second disc 21. The second disc 21 bears numbers 21a intended to indicate the units of the date, namely a list of numbers from 0 to 9.
[0025] The first disc 11 can carry at least once a sequence of the four digits 11a of the tens, from 0 to 3 or from 1 to 3. The second disc 21 can carry at least once a sequence of the ten digits 21a of the units, from 0 to 9.
[0026] Preferably, the first and second discs 11, 21 are coplanar. Even more preferably, the first and second discs 11, 21 are arranged side by side, so that a first piece of information, such as a tens digit 11a on the first disc 11, and a second piece of information, such as a units digit 21a on the second disc 21, are positioned close to each other to indicate the timekeeping information, such as the date. The information is, for example, displayed through a dial aperture 201, that is to say, the information appears in the opening formed by the aperture.
[0027] The first and second axes A1 and A2 are preferably parallel.
[0028] Preferably, the two display mobiles 10, 20 are respectively indexed by first and second jumpers 13, 23 cooperating with the first and second pinions 12, 22.
[0029] Preferably, the actuation means include: a control mobile 30, a drive mobile 40, a first mobile chassis 52, and an indexing element 50 of the control mobile 30, such as a jumper 50.
[0030] The first and second display units 10, 20 are driven by the control unit 30. The control unit 30 comprises: a first gear 31 for driving the first display mobile 10, a second gear 32 for driving the second display mobile 20, and a third gear 33 for driving the control mobile 30. The first and second gears 31, 32 are respectively intended to cooperate with the first and second pinions 12, 22 of the display mobiles 10, 20.
[0031] Each of these teeth 31, 32 includes truncated teeth, or teeth of different dimensions, arranged so as to allow a predetermined sequence of drive of the first disc 11 and the second disc 21.
[0032] In this case, in the embodiment described, the first toothing 31 includes 4 teeth capable of cooperating with the first pinion 12, and the second toothing 32 includes 30 teeth capable of cooperating with the second pinion 22.
[0033] The second set of teeth 32 is arranged in the same plane or on the same level as the first set of teeth 31. Some teeth of the second set of teeth 32 are coincident or inscribed in the first set of teeth 31 which includes teeth of larger dimensions, with a pitch diameter greater than the second set of teeth.
[0034] The third gear 33 enables the control wheel 30 to be driven by a finger 41 arranged within the drive wheel 40. Preferably, the drive is instantaneous or nearly instantaneous and occurs every 24 hours. In other words, the rotation period of the drive wheel is 24 hours, so as to allow the control wheel 30 to be driven by a finger 41 by at least one step per day. In the described embodiment, the third gear 33 comprises 31 teeth arranged in the same plane or on the same level as the first and second gears.
[0035] More generally, it should be noted that at least two of the three teeth 31, 32, 33 of the control mobile 30 can be confused in whole or in part.
[0036] The control wheel 30 and the drive wheel 40 pivot within the frame 90, respectively around axes A3 and A4, which are preferably parallel to axes A1 and A2. Preferably, the control wheel 30 is indexed or substantially indexed by the indexing element 50 (which we hereafter refer to as the "jumper") cooperating with the third gear 33. The jumper 50 is also pivoted within the frame 90, around an axis A5 preferably parallel to axes A1 and A2.
[0037] A particular feature of the solution according to the invention lies in the fact that, at the level of the window 201, the space or gap between the outer edges of the discs 11, 21 does not have a gap in the shape of a biconcave lens, but has a gap j1 of a constant width l1, as shown in the figure 2Preferably, the width of the gap is zero. Advantageously, window 201 can therefore be without a partition separating the display of tens and units.
[0038] To achieve this, the outer edge or rim of the first disc 11, opposite each tens digit 11a, includes portions 11b that can conform to the shape of complementary portions 21b on the outer edge or rim of the second disc 21, opposite each units digit 21a, and vice versa. In other words, the shapes chosen for the outer rims of the two discs 11, 21 are designed so as to present complementary portions 11b, 21b, or portions that can conform to each other's shapes, particularly at the slot 201. Therefore, one or both discs 11, 21 advantageously do not have a circular outer rim or rim.
[0039] In this case, the outer edge or perimeter of the disks 11, 21 of the described and illustrated embodiment comprises straight portions 11b, 21b adjacent to each piece of information 11a, 21a. The straight portions 11b, 21b are preferably oriented in an orthoradial direction relative to the axes A1, A2, as shown in the figure 2 In this way, when positioned opposite window 201, the gap j1 between each straight section 11b, 21b forms a space of constant width l1, preferably zero. More specifically, the gap j1 has a straight or substantially straight geometry with a constant or zero width.
[0040] In order for the gap j1 to have a width of zero, substantially zero, or approaching zero, the two disks 11, 21 are advantageously radially supported or substantially supported against each other. To achieve this, at least one of the two display elements 10, 20, in this case the first 10, is advantageously pivoted on a first movable frame 52 (in particular a rocker 52), itself pivoted within the frame 90 around an axis A51, different from the first axis A1. The axis A51 is, for example, parallel to the axis A1 (and at a distance from the axis A1) and perpendicular to the disks 10 and 11. The second display element 20 is pivoted, for example, within the frame 90. In other words, the axis A2 is fixed relative to this frame. The rocker 52 is intended to allow the movement of the first display mobile 10, in particular in a plane perpendicular P to the axis A1, during at least one drive phase of the control mobile 30.This movement is essential, in at least one training phase, to rotate one and / or the other of the two disks 11, 21, because because of their non-circular edges or perimeters and arranged with less play, the rotation necessarily generates interference, unless the center distance d1 between the two display mobiles 10 and 20 is increased.
[0041] The first jump 13 is preferably arranged within the rocker 52. The second jump 23 is preferably arranged within the frame 90.
[0042] The rocker 52 cooperates directly or indirectly with the third gear 33 of the drive unit 30 so as to be set in motion during each phase of the display drive. In other words, for each step taken or for each tooth passage, the gear 33 moves the rocker 52 back and forth. This kinematics is explained in more detail below. In the embodiment described and illustrated, the rocker 52 is set in motion by means of the third jumper 50, which actuates it via a portion 50a that cooperates with a complementary portion 52a shaped on the rocker 52 as shown in the figure. figure 1More specifically, portion 50a is a pin or stud 50a, and the complementary portion 52a is a slide or oblong opening 52a. Thus, when the third jumper 50 is set in motion by the drive of the control wheel 30, it actuates the rocker 52 so as to momentarily displace the first axis A1 and the first display wheel 10 in plane P and increase the center distance d1 between the display wheels 10, 20, that is, between axes A1 and A2. Alternatively, the rocker 52 and the jumper 50 can therefore be a single component that would pivot within the frame 90 around an axis A5 or A51.
[0043] The seesaw 52 is returned to its rest position by an elastic return element 51 which, in the embodiment described and represented, is included in the third jump 50. In addition, outside of the training phases, the elastic return element 51 also allows the first disc 11 to be held against the second disc 21, so as to present a gap j1 of a width l1 for example zero or substantially zero.
[0044] At rest, in order to optimally control the width l1 of the gap j1, it is preferable that the third jumper 50 positions the control arm 30 with a slight play, so as to ensure that the first display arm 10 is correctly positioned relative to the second display arm 20, under the effect of the elastic return element 51. In this case, this ensures that, at rest, a first portion 11b of the first display arm 10 is correctly supported against a second portion 21b of the second display arm 20. Alternatively, this ensures that, at rest, the rocker is correctly supported against a stop and, consequently, controls the width l1 of the gap j1.
[0045] An embodiment of an operating method according to the invention is described below. Such an embodiment is, for example, an operating method of the display device, the watch movement, or the timepiece described previously.
[0046] The operating procedure includes, during at least one display jump or during at least some display jumps: a first step of moving the first axis A1 allowing the first display mobile 10 to be moved relative to the second edge so as to move a first portion 11b away from the second portion 21b, from a rest position of the first axis A1, a display modification step, a second step of moving the first axis A1 allowing the first display mobile 10 to be moved relative to the second edge so as to move a first portion 11b closer to the second portion 21b, up to the rest position of the first axis A1.
[0047] In the embodiment described and illustrated, all three steps mentioned in the preceding paragraph are implemented at each display jump. These three steps mentioned in the preceding paragraph are part of the training phase already mentioned above.
[0048] During the drive phase, the first and second display wheels 10, 20 are likely to be rotated by the first and second teeth 31, 32 of the drive wheel 30, respectively, in order to change the time information displayed by the first and second display wheels. The drive wheel 30 is driven by the drive wheel 40 through the interaction of the finger 41 with the third tooth 33.
[0049] Simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, when the control wheel 30 is set in motion by the interaction of the finger 41 with the teeth 33, the latter lifts the jumper 50, which causes a displacement in plane P of the first axis A1 and the first display wheel 10, thereby increasing the center distance d1 between the two display discs 11, 21. More specifically, in the described and illustrated embodiment, the pin 50a of the jumper 50 acts against the oblong opening 52a of the rocker 52, causing it to rotate around its axis A51 and to move the first display wheel 10 in plane P. In this way, the increase in the center distance d1 allows the display wheels 10, 20 to rotate without touching each other during the display modification step, despite the fact that the discs 11, 21 have non-circular contours, as illustrated on the figure 3 .
[0050] When the jumper 50 has passed the top of the tooth of the toothing 33, it is pulled back towards the bottom of the toothing by the elastic return element 51, consequently initiating the movement of the rocker 52 towards its rest position.
[0051] Under the action of the first jumper 13, as soon as it has passed the crest of the tooth of the toothing 12, the first display mobile 10 completes its rotation so as to be indexed to the next digit 11a as illustrated on the figure 4 Preferably, the rotation of the first display mobile 10 should be completed before the rocker 52 returns to its rest position.
[0052] Similarly, the second display wheel 20 completes its rotation under the effect of the second jumper 23 so as to be indexed to the next digit 21a. At the end of the drive phase, the first disc 11 is again against or substantially against the second disc 21 under the effect of the elastic element 51, and it is indexed by the first jumper 13 as illustrated in the figure 5 .
[0053] Thus, 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 back to its rest position.
[0054] The display modification step allows for the positioning, at a given moment, of opposite portions 11b, 21b (to indicate subsequent time information) from the first portion 11b and / or the second portion 21b positioned opposite each other at a previous moment, prior to the modification step. In other words, when the first display element 10 or the second display element 20 is respectively indexed or positioned at the next digit 11a, 21a (to indicate the next time information), the following portion 11b, 21b is positioned at the level of the aperture 201.
[0055] It should be noted that, in the embodiment described and preferably illustrated, even when one of the two display wheels 10, 20 is not driven in rotation by the control wheel 30, for example, when switching from 30 to 31 or from 31 to 1, the first wheel is still moved in plane P during the drive phase, in order to allow the date change without interference from the discs 11, 21. In other words, for each drive phase, the flip-flop 52 is actuated in the same way as before. However, the first gear 31 or the second gear 32 does not systematically cooperate with the first pinion 12 or the second pinion 22, respectively.
[0056] As a consequence of what has been described previously, the display modification step advantageously includes a rotation of the first display mobile 10 around the first axis A1 and / or a rotation of the second display mobile 20 around the second axis A2.
[0057] In the embodiment described and illustrated above, the first display unit is moved relative to the frame 90, and the second display unit remains fixed relative to the frame (except when rotated about its axis A2). Alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the second display unit can be moved relative to the frame 90, and the first display unit can remain fixed relative to the frame (except when rotated about its axis A1). Alternatively again, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the second display unit can be moved relative to the frame 90, and the first display unit can be moved relative to the frame 90. Preferably, these movements of the units are carried out in plane P.In the latter two scenarios, the second display unit is mounted pivotally on a second chassis that can be moved relative to frame 90. This second chassis is different from the first chassis. Preferably, the second chassis can be moved perpendicularly to axis A2.
[0058] In the embodiment described above and shown, the chassis 52 is returned to a rest position by an elastic element 51. Alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the chassis 52 can be actuated by the control mobile 30 via a desmodromic link.
[0059] In the embodiment described and illustrated above, the portions 11b and 21b, visible in stable positions of the display discs in the window, are rectilinear. Alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the portions 11b and 21b visible in stable positions of the display discs in the window may have any complementary geometries. These geometries may, in particular, be curved, including convex or concave shapes. They may also include convex and concave areas. The portions 11b and 21b may have zigzag or wavy geometries. In particular, the second display disc may have a circular edge or perimeter, and the first display disc 11 may have portions 11b visible in stable positions of the display discs in the window that are concave and complementary to the curvature of the perimeter of the second disc.In this case, the second disc allows, for example, the display of the units of horological information, particularly the units of the date. With such a configuration, the chassis does not necessarily need to be moved during display jumps that result only in the rotation of the second moving part 20, and the chassis is advantageously moved only during display jumps that result in the rotation of the first moving part 10. In the case of a date display, there would only be a movement of the chassis when there is a change in the display of the tens digit of the date. Alternatively, the first display disc can have a circular edge or rim, and the second display disc 12 can have portions 12b visible in stable positions of the display discs in the aperture that are concave and complementary to the curvature of the rim of the first disc.With such a configuration, the chassis does not necessarily have to be moved during display jumps that result only in the rotation of the first mobile 10, and the chassis is advantageously moved only during display jumps that result in the rotation of the second mobile 20.
[0060] Preferably, one can use: a disk having a circular perimeter to display part of the information, in particular the units of a number, in particular the units of a date, part which is modified at a first frequency, and another disk having a perimeter with portions of geometry complementary to the circular perimeter, to display another part of the information, in particular the tens of a number, in particular the tens of a date, another part which is modified at a second frequency, the first frequency being greater than the second.
[0061] More generally, the solution according to the invention can be adapted to present, in the slot, a gap j1 between the first and second discs which is: not necessarily rectilinear, and / or with a constant or non-constant width l1, and / or non-zero, and / or with a zero or non-zero width l1.
[0062] In summary, and as a consequence of the solutions according to the invention, it is possible to freely and unconstrainedly define a gap geometry. Thus, the visible portions 11b and 21b can have straight or curved shapes. Preferably, these portions are parallel (in stable display states), meaning that the distance (measured perpendicular to the tangents at the edges) between portions 11b and 21b is constant.
[0063] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the clearance (or width 11) is less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm. Thus, the first and second moving parts are advantageously arranged so that, in a stable display state of the timekeeping information, a first portion 11b and a second portion 21b are: in contact with each other, or in a configuration providing a gap of less than 0.2 mm or less than 0.1 mm or less than 0.05 mm between a first portion 11b and a second portion 21b.
[0064] The solution according to the invention is not limited to the display of a date, but could be used for any information that can be displayed by discs, for example the year, the month, the day of the week, a number of hours, a number of minutes or more generally any numeric or alphanumeric display by digits or jumping characters.
[0065] The combination of disks could also be used to display a moon phase. In this example, each disk could display a portion of the moon, specifically half of the moon display. More precisely, the first disk would display the different moon phases, and the second disk would display the remaining phases. More generally, the combination of disks could also be used to display specific geometries, symbols, or even emojis.
[0066] Alternatively, in an unillustrated variant where only a display mobile is required for the display of information, the second portion 21b may be part of a second edge of a frame or a fixed border of a second component, such as a second edge of a dial, window, flange or blank.
[0067] As an alternative to the embodiment described and represented, one or more intermediate mobiles may be arranged between the control mobile 30 and the pinion 12 and / or the pinion 22 and / or the drive mobile 40.
[0068] In the embodiment described and illustrated above, the chassis 52 is actuated by the control mechanism 30 to increase the center distance d1 between the disks 11 and 21. Alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, it is not essential for the chassis 52 to be actuated by the control mechanism 30 to increase the center distance d1 between the disks 11 and 21. Indeed, the chassis can simply be shifted or displaced by the reaction of one disk on the other during their rotation or during its own rotation. Alternatively, or in addition, the displacement of the mobile chassis carrying a display mechanism can be achieved by the mechanical action of the teeth 31 on the teeth 12.
[0069] The jumps take place at a defined frequency depending on the time information to be displayed, typically every 24 hours for date information or day information.
[0070] In the embodiment described and illustrated above, the moving steps (away and away) are rotational movements about a third axis A51, specifically about a third axis A51 located at a distance from the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. However, alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the moving steps (away and away) can be translational movements. In such a case, the rocker 52 could be replaced by a sliding-type frame that moves in translation relative to the frame 90 and on which the first moving part 10 would be pivoted.
[0071] Preferably, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the steps of moving away, modifying the display, and moving closer are performed sequentially. Alternatively: The display modification step can be implemented while the move-away step has already started and is not finished, and / or the move-to-close step can be implemented while the display modification step has already started and is not finished, the display modification step however ending before the move-to-close step ends.
[0072] Preferably, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the first tooth 31 is part of the second tooth 32, and / or the first tooth 31 and the second tooth 32 are made on the same level, and / or one of the first tooth 31 and second tooth 32 on the one hand and the third tooth 33 on the other hand are made on the same level.
[0073] Preferably, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the jumps are instantaneous or nearly instantaneous. Preferably, throughout this application, "instantaneous jump" means a jump lasting a fraction of a second, typically on the order of about one hundredth of a second, one twenty-fifth of a second, or one tenth of a second. Preferably, throughout this application, "nearly instantaneous" means a jump lasting on the order of a few seconds, for example, between 1 and 10 seconds.
[0074] Thus, according to the invention, there is considerable freedom in defining: the geometry of the perimeter of display discs, and / or the gap between these discs at the level of the window (which can possibly be removed).
[0075] The solutions according to the invention allow the use of two juxtaposed display discs while offering considerable freedom in defining the geometry of the discs' perimeter, all while minimizing the gap or space between them. More specifically, these solutions allow for a straight gap with a width that can be zero. In this way, it is advantageously possible to implement a single-opening window, without a divider, for displaying the date, as opposed to a two-opening window for displaying the tens digit in one opening and the units digit in the other.
[0076] Finally, the solutions according to the invention do not require more space than the solutions known in the prior art, particularly with regard to the discs.
Claims
1. Method of operating a display device (100) for timekeeping information, in particular time information or information derived from time, the device comprising: - a first display element (10) (i) comprising a first disc (11) presenting first timekeeping information and a first edge having first portions (11b) and (ii) mounted pivotally about a first axis (A1), - a second component (21) comprising a second edge having a second portion (21b) having a conformation at least partially complementary to a conformation of a first portion (11b), the method of operation comprising, during at least one display jump or during at least some display jumps: - a first step of moving the first axis (A1) allowing the first display element (10) to be moved relative to the second edge so as to move a first portion (11b) away from the second portion (21b),from a rest position of the first axis (A1), - a display modification step, - a second step of moving the first axis (A1) allowing the first display element (10) to be moved relative to the second edge so as to bring a first portion (11b) closer to the second portion (21b), until the rest position of the first axis (A1).
2. Operating method according to claim 1, characterized in that the display modification step includes a rotation of the first display mobile (10) around the first axis (A1).
3. Operating method according to claim 1, characterized in that The display device (100) includes a second display unit (20): - comprising the second component consisting of a second disc (21) displaying second timekeeping information and the second edge having second portions (21b), and - mounted pivotally about a second axis (A2), and in thatThe display modification step includes, during at least one display jump or during at least some display jumps: - a rotation of the second display mobile (20) around the second axis (A2), and / or - a rotation of the first display mobile (10) around the first axis (A1).
4. A method of operation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second movement steps are movement steps: - in translation, and / or - in rotation around a third axis (A51) different from the first axis (A1).
5. A method of operation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The display jump is an instantaneous jump or a substantially instantaneous jump.
6. Display device (100) for horological information, in particular time information or information derived from the time, the device comprising: - a first display element (10) (i) comprising a first disc (11) presenting first horological information and a first edge (11b) having first portions (11b), and (ii) mounted pivotally about a first axis (A1), - a second component (21) comprising a second edge having a second portion (21b) having a conformation at least partially complementary to a conformation of a first portion (11b), and - actuation means (30, 40, 50, 52) arranged such that, during at least one display jump or during at least some display jumps: - they move the first axis (A1) so as to move the first display element (10) relative to the second edge in order to move away a first portion (11b) of the second portion (21b), from a resting position of the first axis (A1),- They modify the display, - they move the first axis (A1) so as to move the first display element (10) relative to the second edge in order to bring a first portion (11b) closer to the second portion (21b), until the rest position of the first axis (A1).
7. Display device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuation means (30, 40, 50, 52) are arranged so that they modify the display by rotating the first display mobile (10) around the first axis (A1).
8. Display device (100) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The device includes a second display unit (20): - comprising the second component (21) consisting of a second disc displaying second timekeeping information and a second edge (21b), and - mounted pivotally about a second axis (A2), and in thatthe actuation means (30, 40, 50, 52) are arranged so that, during at least one display jump or during at least some display jumps, they modify the display: - by rotation of the second display mobile (20) around the second axis (A2), and / or - by rotation of the first display mobile (10) around the first axis (A1).
9. Display device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The first and second disks are coplanar.
10. Display device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the display device (100) includes a frame (90) and in that- the first display mobile (10) is mounted pivoting around the first axis (A1) on the frame (90) or on a first chassis (52) movable relative to the frame (90) in a plane perpendicular to the first axis (A1), and / or - the second display mobile (20) is mounted pivoting around the second axis (A2) on the frame (90) or on a second chassis movable relative to the frame (90) in a plane perpendicular to the second axis (A2).
11. Display device (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the second timekeeping information is modified at a higher frequency than the modification of the first timekeeping information, in particular a timekeeping information of tens of the date.
12. Display device (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the first disc (11) is a disc for displaying the tens of the date and the second disc (21) is a disc for displaying the units of the date.
13. Display device (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the actuation means include: - a control mobile (30), - a drive mobile (40), - a first mobile chassis (52), and - an indexing element (50) of the control mobile (30), such as a jumper (50), the control mobile (30) comprising: - a first drive tooth (31) of the first display mobile (10), - a second drive tooth (32) of the second display mobile (20), and - a third drive tooth (33) of the control mobile (30).
14. Display device (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the conformations of the first portion (11b) and of the second portion (21b) are respectively substantially: - concave and convex, or - convex and concave, or - rectilinear and rectilinear.
15. Display device (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 14, characterized in thatit includes an elastic return means (51) bringing the first portion (11b) and the second portion (21b) into contact with each other or in a configuration providing a clearance of less than 0.2 mm or less than 0.1 mm or less than 0.05 mm between the first portion (11b) and the second portion (21b).
16. Watch movement (200) comprising a display device (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 15.
17. Timepiece (300), in particular wristwatch, comprising: - a watch movement (200) according to the preceding claim, and / or - a display device (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 15.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
timepiece with dates.
CH310559A
Calendar mechanism for watch movement
EP0940833B1
Timepiece display mechanism
EP3629101A1
Date indicating mechanism
EP1296204A1
Display device for a timepiece
EP3779609B1