Dynamic display device designed to be integrated into a timekeeping device

Abstract

We provide a dynamic display device designed to be integrated into a timekeeping device. [Solution] The present invention relates to a display device (1) designed to be incorporated into a timepiece such as a wristwatch, wherein the display device (1) comprises a first lenticular grid (11) and a first support element having a pattern arranged to be visible through the first lenticular grid, the device further comprises a second support element having a second lenticular grid (12), the second support element extending above the first support element and arranged to be visible through both the first lenticular grid and the second lenticular grid (12), and either the first or second support element is a support element that rotates around an axis perpendicular to the plane P on which the pattern extends.

Description

Technical Field

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[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device designed to be incorporated into a timepiece and featuring dynamic display.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a display device designed to be incorporated into a timepiece, comprising a lenticular grid and a first support element with a pattern arranged to be visible through the first lenticular grid.

[0003] This display device is particularly designed to be incorporated into wearable objects such as wristwatches, but is not limited thereto.

Background Art

[0004] Display devices that use lenticular grids to provide dynamic displays are known. [[ID=​​​​​​One known application of lenticular grids is to place duplicates of two patterns of the same design but different sizes beneath a lenticular grid. Depending on the angle from which the patterns are viewed, the observer first perceives one pattern and then the other pattern, which is different from the first, resulting in a zoom effect and generating a dynamic display. The two pattern duplicates are moved on a substrate and covered by the lenticular grid. Patent application EP3032357 describes the use of lenticular grids in display devices designed to be incorporated into wearable objects.

[0007] Another known application of lenticular grids is to place a pattern divided into straight strips sandwiched between transparent strips beneath the lenticular grid, where the straight strips of the pattern and the transparent straight strips are arranged continuously at the same spacing as the spacing between the cylindrical lenses of the lenticular grid covering the pattern. Thus, depending on the angle at which the observer views the lenticular grid, the observer sees either the pattern on an enlarged scale or the transparent pattern behind the lenticular grid. One such application of lenticular grids is described in patent application EP3128359.

[0008] A drawback of these display devices is that, in the case of a wristwatch equipped with any of these devices, the dynamic display only appears after an observer action, such as wrist rotation or head movement. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application No. 3032357 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application No. 3128359 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a dynamic (animated) display device designed to be integrated into a wearable object without requiring any special actions from the observer. "Specific observer actions" refers to any movement by the observer (such as wrist or head movements). [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a display device designed to be incorporated into a timepiece such as a wristwatch, the display device comprising a first lenticular grid and a first support element having a pattern arranged to be visible through the first lenticular grid, the pattern being divided into straight strips extending parallel to each other in a plane P parallel to the first support element, the first lenticular grid being formed from a plurality of juxtaposed cylindrical or spherical lenses extending parallel to each other, having focal lengths such that the focal planes of these lenses coincide with the plane P, and the lenses of the lenticular grid having spacings corresponding to the spacing at which the strips in the first group are arranged consecutively, as are the strips in the second group. Preferably, the linear strips are formed from a first group of strips defining at least a first image and a second group of strips defining a second image, the first and second images forming a pattern, the linear strips of the first group of strips alternating with the strips of the second group of strips, and the strips of the first group of strips are always adjacent to the strips of the second group of strips. The device comprises a second support element having a second lenticular grid, the second support element extending above the first support element and positioned so that the pattern can be seen through both the first and second lenticular grids, and it is noteworthy that either the first or second support element is a support element rotating about an axis perpendicular to the plane P.

[0012] By arranging two lenticular grids and associating one of them with a movable support element, the pattern creates an animation effect without requiring any special movements from the observer, such as wrist or head movements.

[0013] Advantageously, the lenses of either the first or second lenticular grating have a spacing between them that is the same as or equivalent to the spacing between the lenses of the other first or second lenticular grating.

[0014] Advantageously, the rotating support element is the date disc.

[0015] Advantageously, the rotational support element is a vibrating mass.

[0016] Advantageously, the rotating support element also functions as a display.

[0017] Advantageously, the indicator is a transparent second hand positioned above the first lenticular grid.

[0018] Advantageously, the other of the first or second support element is a fixed support element.

[0019] Advantageously, the fixed support element is the dial.

[0020] Conveniently, the first lenticular grid is the first support element, and / or the second lenticular grid is the second support element.

[0021] Conveniently, the second pattern is sandwiched between the second lenticular grid and the second support element.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a wristwatch comprising a display device according to any of the prior claims. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, which is provided by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 8 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a date wristwatch provided with a display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 11 is a design plan view illustrating a top view of an exemplary pattern. [Figure 2B] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary lenticular grating corresponding to the pattern illustrated in FIG. 2A. [Figure 3] FIG. 17 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a wristwatch provided with a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] In the example described, the display device according to the present invention includes a first support element that moves a pattern, a second support element disposed above the first support element, and a first lenticular grating and a second lenticular grating. One of the first support element or the second support element is a rotary support element, and the other of the first support element and the second support element is a fixed support element.

[0026] FIG. 29 illustrates a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a date wristwatch provided with a display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In this example, the display device 1 includes a dial 2 and a rotating disk disposed behind the dial 2. The rotating disk is, for example, a date disk 3 that moves the date of the month. The date disk 3 is driven by a timepiece mechanism (not shown). The date disk 3 is visible through an opening 5 in the dial 2. The opening 5 in the dial 2 faces the date disk 3. The dimensions of the opening 5 are preferably substantially the same as the dimensions of the date disk 3.

[0028] In the example provided, the date disc 3 is a rotating support element (defining the first support element), and the dial 2 is a fixed support element (defining the second support element).

[0029] The first lenticular grid 11 is positioned on the date disc 3, and the second lenticular grid 12 is moved by the dial 2.

[0030] The pattern is positioned between the first lenticular grid 11 and the date disk 3. The pattern is divided into linear strips 24 and 26 that extend parallel to each other in a plane P parallel to the date disk 3. The linear strips are formed from at least a first group of strips defining a first image and a second group of strips defining a second image. The linear strips in the first group are arranged alternately with the strips in the second group, and the strips in the first group are always adjacent to the strips in the second group.

[0031] Examples of pattern representations are illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B. According to a particular exemplary representation, the first image defines a number ("30") having a first size, and the second image, having the same meaning as the first image, has a second size different from the first image. Of course, this is an exemplary representation, and other patterns can be used without departing from the scope of the invention, depending on the pattern and the intended animation of that pattern. Furthermore, in the exemplary example, the pattern is broken down into two groups of strips. Of course, the invention is not limited to such embodiments, and the pattern may comprise two or more groups of intertwined strips, depending on the desired animation.

[0032] The second lenticular grid 12 is positioned on the dial 2 so as to cover the opening 5. Thus, the pattern is visible through both the first lenticular grid 11 and the second lenticular grid 12. In the illustrated example, the second lenticular grid 12 covers the entire surface of the dial 2, including the opening 5 in the dial 2. According to a modified embodiment not shown, the lenticular grid can be designed to substantially cover the opening 5 of the dial 2.

[0033] The first lenticular grid 11 and the second lenticular grid 12 are each formed from a plurality of juxtaposed cylindrical or spherical lenses extending parallel to each other. A “cylindrical” lens is not actually cylindrical in shape; the term “cylindrical” should be interpreted broadly herein, and the expression “cylindrical lens” refers to any lens having an optical axis OO and, in cross-section, a contour that remains constant throughout its entire length. These grids are typically in the form of a sheet made of a transparent and stable material. Conventionally, the lenses have a smooth backing 22 that allows the sheet to be attached to a substrate.

[0034] In one advantageous modification, the lenticular grid can be a plane on which the pattern to be displayed is moved. In this modification, the pattern is applied directly to a smooth backing 22 of the lenticular sheet, for example by printing, and the lenticular grid on which the pattern is moved covers the date disc 3. In another modification, the pattern is printed directly onto the date disc 3 and covered by a first lenticular grid 11. In yet another modification, the pattern is applied to a thin plastic sheet placed between the substrate and the lenticular grid, and the whole forms the date disc 3.

[0035] The lenses 20 in the first lenticular grid 11 have focal lengths such that the focal planes of the lenses 20 in the first group coincide with the plane P. Furthermore, advantageously, the first lenticular grid 11 and the second lenticular grid 12 have equivalent, substantially similar, or strictly similar spacings between each lens.

[0036] The first group of straight strips 24 and the second group of straight strips 26 are arranged in succession at the same intervals as the lenses 20 in the first lenticular grid 11 cover the pattern.

[0037] Figure 3 shows a partial schematic diagram of a display device 10 for a wristwatch according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In this example, the display device 10 includes an indicator formed by at least one of the hands of a wristwatch, preferably the second hand 4, which forms the rotating element of the display device 10. As previously mentioned, the fixed element is the dial 2. In this example, the rotating element forms the second support element, and the fixed element forms the first support element.

[0039] As illustrated in Figure 3, the first lenticular grid 111 is moved by the dial 2, and the pattern is sandwiched between the first lenticular grid 111 and the dial 2. As already described, the pattern can be attached to a smooth backing 22 of the first lenticular grid 111, or directly to the dial 2, or to a thin sheet, such as plastic, placed between the substrate and the lenticular grid, and these assemblies form the dial 2. "Attaching" is interpreted to mean printing the pattern or any other known technique that makes it possible to reproduce the pattern on a particular medium.

[0040] The second lenticular grid 112 forms the second hand 4. Of course, this is an exemplary embodiment, and other arrangements can be envisioned without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the second lenticular grid 112 can be envisioned to be positioned on a support element constituting the hand, in which case it is advantageous that the support element be transparent so that the pattern can be seen through the second lenticular grid 112 and the first lenticular grid 111.

[0041] The first lenticular grid 111 and the second lenticular grid 112 each have the same characteristics as the first lenticular grid 11 and the second lenticular grid 12 in the previously described example.

[0042] In the example already described, the display device comprises a single pattern associated with a bottom support element and an associated lenticular grid. However, a configuration in which the display device comprises a second pattern associated with an upper support element is also conceivable.

[0043] In other examples of this display device, it should be noted that the rotational support element (defining the first support element) may be a vibrating mass.

[0044] The above description of the present invention is provided as an example. Those skilled in the art will understand that different modifications of the present invention can be conceived without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 1.10 Display Devices 2 Dial Disk dated 3 4 seconds hand 5 Openings 11,111 First lenticular grid 12,112 Second lenticular grid 20 lenses 24 Straight strips of the first group of strips 26 Straight strips of the second group of strips 22 Backing

Claims

1. A display device (1, 10) designed to be incorporated into a timepiece such as a wristwatch, the display device (1, 10) comprises a first lenticular grid (11, 111) and a first support element having a pattern arranged to be visible through the first lenticular grid, the pattern being divided into linear strips (24, 26) extending parallel to each other in a plane P parallel to the first support element, the linear strips (24, 26) being formed from at least a first group of strips defining a first image and a second group of strips defining a second image, the first image and the second image forming the pattern, the linear strips (24) in the first group alternating with the linear strips (26) in the second group, the linear strips (24) in the first group always adjacent to the strips (26) in the second group, and the first lenticular grid A lenticular grid (11,111) is formed from a plurality of juxtaposed cylindrical or spherical lenses (20) extending parallel to each other and having focal lengths such that the focal planes of the lenses coincide with the plane P, wherein the lenses (20) within the lenticular grid (11,111) have spacings corresponding to the spacing at which the strips (24) in the first group are arranged in a continuous manner, similar to the spacing at which the linear strips (26) in the second group are arranged, and the display device (1,10) comprises a second support element having a second lenticular grid (12,112), the second support element extending above the first support element, the pattern being arranged to be visible through both the first lenticular grid and the second lenticular grid (12,112), and one of the first or second support element is a rotating support element that rotates around an axis perpendicular to the plane P.

2. The display device (1, 10) according to claim 1, wherein the lenses of one of the first lenticular grids or the second lenticular grids (11, 12, 111, 112) have the same spacing between lenses as the spacing between lenses of the other first lenticular grid or the second lenticular grid (11, 12, 111, 112).

3. The display device (1, 10) according to claim 1, wherein the rotating support element is a date disk (3).

4. The display device (1, 10) according to claim 1, wherein the rotational support element is a vibrating mass.

5. The display device (1, 10) according to claim 1, wherein the rotating support element is a display.

6. The display device (1, 10) according to claim 1, wherein the rotating support element is a vibrating mass, and the indicator is a transparent second hand (4) positioned above the first lenticular grid (111).

7. The display device (1, 10) according to claim 1, wherein the other of the first support element or the second support element is a fixed support element.

8. The display device (1, 10) according to claim 1, wherein the rotating support element is a vibrating mass, the indicator is a transparent second hand (4) positioned above the first lenticular grid (111), and the fixed support element is a dial (2).

9. The display device (1, 10) according to claim 1, wherein the first lenticular grid is the first support element and / or the second lenticular grid is the second support element.

10. The display device (1, 10) according to claim 1, wherein a second pattern is sandwiched between the second lenticular grid (12, 112) and the second support element.

11. A wristwatch comprising the display devices (1, 10) described in claim 1.

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