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

Abstract

To provide a timepiece including a timepiece movement housed in a case.SOLUTION: A chronograph mechanism 200 including a gear train 5 dedicated to time sharing and a chronograph train 230 arranged to be coupled on demand to the gear train via a chronograph start / stop control 210, and including an adjustment member 18 which is rotated about a pivot axis each time the chronograph start / stop control is operated; The regulating member directly actuates a set of control levers to give the various operating states of the chronograph mechanism, the feature being that the chronograph mechanism includes a state indicator device 50 secured in rotation to the regulating member, the state indicator device including a first portion representing first information and a second portion representing second information different from the first information, each portion of the state indicator being positioned to alternately face an aperture of a mask included in watch 1 each time the chronograph start / stop control is operated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a chronograph mechanism provided with a status indicator device for indicating to the user the status (running or stopped) of the chronograph mechanism. [Background technology]

[0003] The chronograph mechanism can measure time on demand by means of several chronograph counters, for example a minutes counter and a seconds counter.

[0004] The chronograph mechanism is started, stopped and reset by a control member, such as a push-button. Watch movements are also known that include a single push-piece that can start and stop the chronograph mechanism and reset the various counters by multiple successive presses.

[0005] It may be advantageous to provide the user with additional visual information regarding the state of the chronograph mechanism, whether the chronograph mechanism is running or stopped.

[0006] The document WO 02 / 04494 proposes, inter alia, using a hand that is rotatably actuated by turning a button.

[0007] Patent document 2 also describes indicating the status of the chronograph mechanism using a hand facing a scale on the dial, the hand being rigidly connected to a rotatable switch that cooperates with and abuts against a three-position shuttle of the chronograph mechanism.

[0008] However, these solutions are not entirely satisfactory as they complicate the design, assembly and maintenance of the clock movement.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for improved timepiece movements equipped with chronograph mechanisms. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] French Patent No. 866748 [Patent Document 2] Swiss Patent No. 705439 Summary of the Invention

[0011] In this context, the invention proposes a timepiece including a timepiece movement housed in a case, said timepiece movement including a wheel train dedicated to time division and a chronograph mechanism including a chronograph train configured to be connected to the wheel train on demand via a chronograph start / stop control, the chronograph mechanism including an adjusting member that is rotated about a pivot axis each time the chronograph start / stop control is operated, the adjusting member directly actuating a set of control levers to give various operating states of the chronograph mechanism, characterized in that the chronograph mechanism includes a status indicator device fixed to the adjusting member so as to rotate together with it, the status indicator device including a first part that represents first information and a second part that represents second information different from the first information, and each part of the status indicator is positioned so as to alternately face an aperture of a mask included in the timepiece each time the chronograph start / stop control is operated.

[0012] In addition to the features mentioned in the previous paragraph, the timepiece according to the invention may also have other features, considered individually or in any technically possible combination, namely: The adjusting member is a chronograph cam. the chronograph cam includes at least one shuttle, and the status indicator device is rigidly connected to the at least one shuttle; the status indicator device is rigidly connected to the at least one shuttle by push-fitting or screw-fitting; the status indicator device is rigidly connected by means of a push-fit or screw-fit connection to said at least one shuttle at a distance from the pivot axis P2 of the chronograph cam; the status indicator device is integrally formed with the at least one shuttle; the case includes a crystal, characterized in that the mask is interposed between the watch movement and the crystal so that the status indicator device is visible through an aperture on the dial side of the watch movement; the watch includes a dial fastened onto a watch movement, and the mask is a layer applied to or formed by the dial; the case includes a transparent back cover, characterized in that a mask is interposed between the watch movement and the transparent back cover so that the status indicator device is visible through an aperture on the back of the watch movement; The mask is a layer that is applied to the inside surface of the transparent back cover. The mask is a digitally printed ink applied to the inside surface of the transparent back cover. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description given below in conjunction with the following drawings.

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 shows a diagrammatic bottom view of a timepiece movement including a chronograph mechanism according to the present invention, in particular showing the chronograph mechanism stopped; FIG. [Figure 2] 2 shows a schematic bottom view of the watch movement shown in FIG. 1 when the chronograph mechanism is running. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic perspective view illustrating in particular a chronograph cam of a chronograph mechanism including a status indicator device according to the present invention; [Figure 4]The back of the watch is shown diagrammatically when the chronograph mechanism is stopped. [Figure 5] The back of the watch is shown diagrammatically with the chronograph mechanism running. [Figure 6] 1 shows diagrammatically a timepiece according to the invention, which timepiece includes a chronograph mechanism and a device for indicating the operating state of the chronograph mechanism.

[0015] In all figures, common elements are designated by the same reference numerals unless otherwise noted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Figure 1 shows diagrammatically a bottom view of a timepiece movement 100 of a timepiece 1 according to the invention, which movement includes a chronograph mechanism 200. In particular, Figure 1 shows the chronograph mechanism 20 stopped.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically a bottom view of a timepiece movement 100 including a chronograph mechanism 200 according to the present invention when the chronograph mechanism 200 is running.

[0018] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the various figures herein, the chronograph mechanism 200 is a cam-operated chronograph mechanism. However, the present invention may also be applied to chronograph mechanisms having a column wheel while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0019] Conventionally, the timepiece movement 100 according to the invention comprises a running gear train 5 (partially shown) dedicated to time division, which is driven by an energy source (not shown).

[0020] The chronograph mechanism 200 includes a chronograph train 230 that is driven on demand via a gear train 5. Conventionally, the chronograph train 230 includes at least one chronograph minute counter 232 and one chronograph second counter 231.

[0021] The chronograph mechanism 200 includes a coupling lever 250 configured to couple or decouple the chronograph train 230 to the gear train 5 of the timepiece movement 100 on demand.

[0022] That is, the coupling lever 250 allows the chronograph train 230 to be kinematically coupled to the train wheel 5 on demand via the chronograph start / stop control device 210. This drives the train wheel to match the regulating member of the train wheel 5.

[0023] The chronograph start / stop control device 210 includes a start / stop push-piece 11 kinematically connected to the controller 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the push-piece 11 is rigidly connected to the controller 12, and the assembly moves translationally under the action of the push-piece 11.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment, the control 12 is of the lever type and pivots around a pivot axis under the influence of the push piece 11 .

[0025] The controller 12 can then drive an intermediate controller (not shown) which rotates the control lever 15. The control lever 15 is under the influence of a control spring 16 which returns the control lever 15, controller 12 and intermediate controller to their rest positions when the push piece 11 is no longer actuated by the user.

[0026] The intermediate controller includes end portions which cooperate with adjusting members 18 which directly actuate a set of control levers to provide the various functions and states of the chronograph mechanism 200 .

[0027] The adjusting member 18 is movable about a pivot axis P2 and rotates each time the chronograph start / stop control device 210 is operated. This adjusting member makes it possible to adjust various phases of the chronograph mechanism 200, thereby controlling various levers or oscillators of the chronograph mechanism 200 to provide various phases of operation, stop, and reset. As is well known, the various levers or oscillators operated by the adjusting member 18 are, in particular, connecting levers, hammers, and stoppers.

[0028] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the adjustment member is a chronograph cam 18 .

[0029] Another known adjusting element in a chronograph mechanism is the column wheel.

[0030] The chronograph cam 18 has a lower shuttle 18.1 which cooperates with the end of the intermediate controller.

[0031] The end of the intermediate control is configured to rotate the lower shuttle 18.1 by at least one notch about its pivot axis P2 each time the push piece 11 is actuated, the rotation being clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the position of the lower shuttle 18.1.

[0032] The lower shuttle 18.1 cooperates with a shuttle spring 17 which locks each position change of the lower shuttle 18.1 by engaging one of several notches 19 in the lower shuttle 18.1 provided for this purpose. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the lower shuttle 18.1 has two notches 19. The two notches 19 are configured to cooperate with the shuttle spring 17 to index two stable positions of the chronograph cam 18.

[0033] The chronograph cam 18 comprises the above-mentioned lower shuttle 18.1, which is fixed for rotation with an upper shuttle 18.2, which cooperates in particular with a reset hammer 26 to reset the chronograph counters 231, 232.

[0034] The coupling lever 250 cooperates by abutment with the lower shuttle 18.1 of the chronograph cam 18. As a result, a change in the angular position of the lower shuttle 18.1 changes the position and state of the coupling lever 250 by moving it from engaged with the chronograph train 230 to disengaged from the chronograph train 230 and vice versa.

[0035] The chronograph mechanism 200 includes a status indicator device 50 having at least two states. The status indicator device 50 is activated each time the chronograph start / stop control 210 is operated. The status indicator device 50 provides the user with additional information, for example by color coding, corresponding to the operating state of the chronograph mechanism 200 (i.e., whether it is running or stopped).

[0036] The status indicator device 50 comprises two different visual displays arranged to alternately face the aperture 25 of the mask 30 included in the watch 1 .

[0037] That is, the user can easily view the operating state of the chronograph mechanism 200 on either the dial side or the back side of the timepiece 1 through an aperture provided for this purpose.

[0038] The status indicator device 50 is rigidly connected to the adjustment member 18 .

[0039] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the status indicator device 50 is rigidly connected to the chronograph cam 18 .

[0040] For example, the status indicator device 50 is rigidly connected to one of the shuttles 18.1, 18.2 of the chronograph cam 18 by means of a press-fit or screw-fit.

[0041] Preferably, the status indicator device 50 is rigidly connected, by means of a press fit or screw fastening, to one of the shuttles 18.1, 18.2 at a fixed distance from the pivot axis P2 of the chronograph cam 18.

[0042] For example, the status indicator device 50 is integrally formed with the chronograph cam 18 or with one of the shuttles 18.1, 18.2 of the chronograph cam 18.

[0043] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the status indicator device 50 takes the form of a plate 51 rigidly connected to the chronograph cam 18 .

[0044] 3 shows in particular the chronograph cam 18 carrying a plate 51. For example, as shown, the plate 51 is fixed to the upper shuttle 18.2 so as to rotate therewith. However, the plate 51 may also be rigidly connected to the lower shuttle 18.1.

[0045] The plate 51 has two portions 51.1, 51.2 extending radially relative to the pivot axis P2 of the chronograph cam 18. These portions 51.1, 51.2 each have a specific, mutually different first information V1 and second information V2, such as two different colors or two different patterns. Each of the information V1, V2 is associated with an operating state of the chronograph mechanism 200.

[0046] The plate 51 is positioned facing at least one aperture 25 (two apertures are shown in Figures 4 and 5 by way of example), which is formed by an opening or transparent part of the mask 30 such that only a limited part of the plate 51 is visible. That is, depending on the angular position of the plate 51, either a first part 51.1 or a second part 51.2 of the plate 51 is visible through the aperture 25.

[0047] The mask 30 is interposed between the watch movement 100 and the crystal of the case 3 or between the watch movement and the transparent back cover 4 .

[0048] The mask 30 may be placed on the dial 6 of the watch, on the inside surface of the crystal, or on the inside surface of the transparent back cover 4.

[0049] Alternatively, the mask is formed by the dial of a watch, which includes an opening or transparent portion to form the aperture 25, which allows portions 51.1, 51.2 of the plate 51 positioned below the dial to be viewed alternately through the watch crystal.

[0050] Preferably, the mask 30 is formed by an opaque layer deposited on the inside surface of a transparent back cover.

[0051] For example, the layer forming the mask 30 is an ink deposited, for example by digital printing. For example, the layer may represent a pattern.

[0052] Figures 4 and 5 show diagrammatically the watch mechanism 100 from below through the mask 30. The plate 51 of the status indicator device 50 (shown in dotted lines) and the operating state of the chronograph mechanism 200 are visible through the aperture 25 in the mask 30. The case, middle and back of the watch are not shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0053] That is, depending on the angular position of the chronograph cam 18 relative to its pivot axis P2, the user can see through the aperture 25 either a first portion 51.1 containing first information V1 and corresponding to a first state of the chronograph mechanism 200 (e.g., a stopped state), or a second portion 51.2 containing second information V2 corresponding to a second state of the chronograph mechanism 200 (e.g., a running state).

[0054] This additional information regarding the operating state of the chronograph mechanism 200 is provided without adding any complexity to the timepiece movement 100.

[0055] The present invention simplifies the chronograph mechanism, making it easier to adjust and implement, especially since it does not include additional moving parts that complicate the chronograph mechanism and timepiece movement. Specifically, the use of different moving parts to achieve such functions requires a doubling of operating clearances, leading to inaccuracies at the end of the kinematic chain and difficulties in correctly adjusting the position of the status indicator.

[0056] According to the invention, this additional visual information is provided by a simple additional plate rigidly connected to the chronograph cam or to the shuttle of the chronograph cam. In particular, such an architecture makes it possible to improve the positioning accuracy of the status indicator by eliminating the operating clearances inherent in the installation of different moving parts interacting with each other.

[0057] More generally, the status indicator device 50 may be an attachment rigidly connected to the chronograph cam 18 of the chronograph mechanism 200, to the connecting lever 250, or by some other part, that has two different and alternating stable positions depending on the operating state of the chronograph mechanism 200.

[0058] The status indicator device 50 may be made integral with the chronograph cam, the connecting lever 250 or other part of the chronograph mechanism 200 that has two different and alternating stable positions depending on the operating status of the chronograph mechanism 200 .

[0059] According to an alternative embodiment in which the chronograph mechanism includes a column wheel rather than a chronograph cam, the status indicator device 50 may be carried by the column wheel. In this case, the status indicator device 50 includes a plurality of first portions 51.1 and a plurality of second portions 51.2 that are alternated such that the first portions 51.1 and second portions 51.2 of the status indicator device 50 are alternately displayed each time the chronograph start / stop control 210 is operated.

[0060] The invention further relates to a timepiece 1, such as a wristwatch, including such a timepiece movement 100. Such a timepiece 1 is shown diagrammatically with reference to Figure 6. The timepiece 1 includes a case 3 in which is placed a timepiece movement 100 according to the invention.

[0061] Preferably, the watch 1 includes a crystal 7 and a transparent back cover 4 which closes the rear of the case 3. The transparent back cover 4 has a mounting ring and a transparent central part, for example made of sapphire.

[0062] A mask 30 is preferably applied to the inside surface of the transparent central portion of the transparent case back 4. The mask 30 includes an opening that forms an aperture 25. The aperture 25 allows a status indicator device 50, which indicates the operating status of the chronograph on the back of the watch movement 100, to be viewed through the mask 30.

[0063] According to an alternative embodiment, the mask 30 is an additional layer applied to the dial 6 so that the status indicator device 50 indicating the operating status of the chronograph is visible on the dial side of the timepiece movement 100 .

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the mask 30 is formed by the dial 6. The dial 6 has an opening that allows the status indicator device 50 to be viewed through the dial.

[0065] Operation of the chronograph mechanism according to the present invention

[0066] When the chronograph mechanism 200 is stopped, for example after a reset, the chronograph cam 18 is fixed in a first angular position, referred to as the stop position, by the shuttle spring 17 cooperating with a first notch 19 in the lower shuttle 18.1. In this position of the chronograph cam 18, the coupling lever 250 is decoupled from the chronograph train 230. This stop position of the chronograph mechanism is shown in detail in FIGS. 1 and 4.

[0067] In the stopped position, the first portion 51.1 of the plate 51 faces the aperture 25 of the mask 30. In the first position, the user can see through the aperture 25 the first information V1 corresponding to the first portion 51.1, which indicates that the chronograph mechanism is stopped, as shown in Figure 4.

[0068] When the push piece 11 is pressed for the first time, it moves the controller 12, the intermediate controller, if any, and the control lever 15 against the biasing force of the control spring 16. The lower shuttle 18.1 is then, according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, moved clockwise by one notch, and is held in place by the shuttle spring 17 cooperating with a second notch 19 of the lower shuttle 18.1, thus releasing the push piece.

[0069] A change in the position of the chronograph cam 18 changes the position of the lower shuttle 18.1, which allows the coupling lever 250 to pivot under the influence of the lever spring so as to couple the gear train 5 to the chronograph train 230.

[0070] The change in position of the chronograph cam 18 also changes the position of the plate 51, which is fixed to the upper shuttle 18.2 for rotation therewith. From this point on, the second portion 52.2 of the plate 51, which displays the second information V2, faces the aperture 25 in the mask 30. In this second position, the user can see through the aperture 25 the second information that indicates that the chronograph mechanism is running, as shown in Figure 5.

[0071] By pressing the push piece 11 again, it resists the biasing force of the control spring 16 and again moves the controller 12, the intermediate controller and the control lever 15. The lower shuttle 18.1 is then, according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, moved counterclockwise by one notch, and the shuttle spring 17 is held in place by cooperating with the corresponding first notch 19 of the lower shuttle 18.1, thus releasing the push piece.

[0072] The change in position of the chronograph cam 18 causes the position of the lower shuttle 18.1 to be changed, which decouples the coupling lever 250 from the chronograph train 230 and repositions the first part 51.1 of the plate 51 so that it faces the aperture 25.

Claims

1. A timepiece (1) including a timepiece movement (100) housed in a case (3), The timepiece movement (100) includes a gear train (5) dedicated to time division, and a chronograph mechanism (200) including a chronograph train (230) configured to be connected to the gear train (5) on demand via a chronograph start / stop control device (210); The chronograph mechanism (200) includes an adjusting member (18) that is rotated about a pivot axis (P2) each time the chronograph start / stop control device (210) is operated; The adjusting member (18) directly operates a set of control levers to provide various operating states of the chronograph mechanism (200); The timepiece (1) is characterized in that the chronograph mechanism (200) includes a status indicator device (50) fixed to the adjusting member (18) so as to rotate therewith, the status indicator device (50) including a first portion (51.1) representing first information (V1) and a second portion (51.2) representing second information (V2) different from the first information (V1), and the portions (51.1, 51.2) of the status indicator (50) are positioned so as to alternately face apertures (25) of a mask (30) included in the timepiece (1) each time the chronograph start / stop control device (210) is operated.

2. Timepiece (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said adjusting member (18) is a chronograph cam (18).

3. 3. Timepiece (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the chronograph cam (18) comprises at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2), and the status indicator device (50) is rigidly connected to said at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2).

4. 4. Timepiece (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said state indicator device (50) is rigidly connected to said at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2) by means of a press-fit or screw-fit.

5. 5. A timepiece (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the status indicator device (50) is rigidly connected by means of a press-fit or screw-fit to the at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2) at a fixed distance from the pivot axis (P2) of the chronograph cam (18).

6. Timepiece (1) according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said status indicator device (50) is integral and formed in one piece with said at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2).

7. Features include: the case (3) containing a crystal (7); The mask (30) is interposed between the clock movement (100) and the crystal (7) so that the status indicator device (50) is visible through the aperture (25) on the dial side of the clock movement (100). A watch (1) according to claim 1,

8. A watch (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the watch (1) comprises a dial (6) fastened onto the watch movement (100), and the mask (30) is a layer applied to the dial (6) or is formed by the dial (6).

9. Features include: The case (3) includes a transparent back cover (4); The mask (30) is interposed between the watch movement (100) and the transparent back cover (4) so ​​that the status indicator device (50) can be seen through the aperture (25) on the back side of the watch movement (100). A watch (1) according to claim 1,

10. 10. Watch (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that said mask (30) is a layer applied to the inside face of said transparent back cover (4).

11. 11. Watch (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the mask (30) is ink applied by digital printing to the inside surface of the transparent back cover (4).

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