A portable watch equipped with a timekeeping movement that includes a lunar phase display device and a geothermal phase display device.

Abstract

We offer a portable watch that displays both the lunar and earth phases simultaneously. [Solution] The present invention relates to a portable watch (10) comprising a dial (13) and a timekeeping movement (100) including a lunar phase display device (11) and an earth phase display device (12). The earth phase display device (12) is configured to remain immovable relative to the dial (13) and includes a graphic representation of the Earth (120) facing a first opening (130) formed in the dial (13), and a mask (123) rotated by a drive mechanism and positioned between the graphic representation of the Earth (120) and the dial (13). The lunar phase display device (11) includes a display (110) positioned to face a second opening (131) formed in the dial (13) and rotated relative to the dial (13) by a drive mechanism, the display (110) includes graphic representations (111) of two moons.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to the field of timepieces, and more particularly to a device for displaying the value of time in a timepiece.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable timepiece (e.g., a wristwatch, a pocket watch) comprising a movement for a timepiece including a moon phase display device and an earth phase display device.

Background Art

[0003] The display of the moon phase is well known in the field of timepieces, as is the display of the earth phase, i.e., the portion of the earth visible from the moon.

[0004] Devices for displaying the moon phase or the earth phase considerably complicate the movement for a timepiece in which they are incorporated.

[0005] Also, for aesthetic reasons, it may be desirable to display the moon phase and the earth phase simultaneously.

[0006] The present invention addresses this need and simplifies the movement as much as possible in order to display the moon phase and the earth phase simultaneously.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a portable timepiece comprising a dial and a movement for a timepiece including a moon phase display device and an earth phase display device.

[0008] The earth phase display device is configured to be immovable relative to the dial and includes a graphic representation of the earth facing a first opening formed in the dial and a mask disposed between the graphic representation of the earth and the dial and rotated by a drive mechanism. <​​The lunar phase display device includes a display that is positioned to face a second opening formed in the display panel and rotates relative to the display panel by a drive mechanism, the display including graphic representations of two moons.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the present invention may further include one or more of the following features, either separately or in any technically possible combination:

[0011] In a particular embodiment, the mask and the display are driven by two separate drive mechanisms, each formed by an electric motor configured to be powered by a power source.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the mask and the display are driven by the same drive mechanism, which is formed by an electric motor intended to be powered by a power source.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the mask and the display are driven by the same drive mechanism, which is formed by a barrel kinematically connected to the adjustment mechanism.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, the mask of the Earth phase display device includes two masking elements positioned on opposite sides in diameter from each other, the masking elements extending along a longitudinal axis between their first end and its free second end, and the masking elements having a center of rotation on the first end side.

[0015] In certain embodiments, each masking element has two transverse rims symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis, and each of these transverse rims forms a lobe.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the lateral apex of the lobe has a projection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and this lateral apex is closer to the first end of the masking element than to the second end.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the graphic representation of the Earth is made on a support, which is in the form of a disc, attached, for example, without any degrees of freedom to the structure on the timekeeping movement.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, the mask is rotatably and permanently attached to a geophase pipe, to which a pipe wheel is attached via an intermediate wheel that engages with a drive mobile wheel, and the drive mobile wheel has a pivot shank to which the geophase pipe is attached so as to rotate freely.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the display on the lunar phase display device and the mask on the earth phase display device rotate in opposite directions.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description, which is given as an example with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This shows a front view of a portable watch equipped with a device for displaying lunar and earth phases, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a specific component of the portable watch. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the portable watch along axis AA. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the mask of the Earth phase display device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] For the sake of clarity, the diagrams are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0023] The present invention relates to a portable watch 10 equipped with a timekeeping movement 100 that includes a lunar phase display device 11 and an earth phase display device 12.

[0024] The portable clock 10 further includes a dial 13, and on this dial 13, as shown in the front view of FIG. 1, a first opening 130 and a second opening 131 for respectively displaying the earth phase and the moon phase are formed.

[0025] The earth phase display device 12 has a graphic representation 120 of the earth configured to be stationary with respect to the dial 13 and to face the first opening 130. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in the drawings, the graphic representation 120 of the earth is made on a disk-shaped support 121, and the first opening 130 is substantially semi-circular. Generally, the support 121 is in the shape of a plate, and its contour can be any suitable geometric configuration. The support 121 is attached without freedom to the structure on the timepiece movement 100, and preferably, it is adhered using an adhesive film 122. Therefore, incorporating the earth phase display device 12 into the timepiece movement 100 can be easily industrialized.

[0026] The earth phase display device 12 further includes a mask 123 disposed between the graphic representation 120 of the earth and the dial 13.

[0027] The mask 123 is configured to rotate by a drive mechanism to hide the graphic representation 120 of the earth. Such a drive mechanism is preferably formed by a first electric motor 125, and its output part is shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3.

[0028] Advantageously, the graphic representation 120 of the earth is made on the back 124, and the appearance of this back 124 is the same as the appearance of the mask 123. For example, the back 124 and the mask 123 are the same single-color.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the mask 123 can be fitted into the earth phase pipe 126 to which the pipe wheel 127 is attached. The pipe wheel 127 meshes with the drive mobile wheel 128 via an intermediate wheel 129. The drive mobile wheel 128 is preferably directly coupled to a first electric motor 125 and includes a pivot shank 1280 into which the earth phase pipe 126 is slidably fitted. That is, the mask 123 is permanently mounted to rotate with the earth phase pipe 126 which rotates freely relative to the pivot shank 1280.

[0030] Advantageously, the lunar phase display device 11 includes a display 110 that is rotatable relative to the front panel 13 and positioned opposite a second aperture 131. The display 110 includes two radially opposite lunar graphic representations 111. The display 110 is preferably disc-shaped, as shown in the exploded view of Figure 2. The second aperture 131 is shaped such that the front panel, in a well-known form, forms a mask that can hide the display 110 behind the mask when the display 110 is rotated.

[0031] Therefore, the Earth phase and the Moon phase can be viewed through two separate openings that enhance the decorative appeal of the portable watch 10.

[0032] The display 110 of the lunar phase display device 11 is rotated by a drive mechanism, preferably formed by a second electric motor different from the first electric motor 125 connected to the mask 123. As a result, the driving of the lunar phase display and the driving of the earth phase display are performed separately from each other. This feature is particularly advantageous because the lunar phase and earth phase displays can be set individually.

[0033] The electric motors that drive the mask 123 and display 110 of the lunar phase display device 11 are designed to be powered by a power supply, preferably provided by the same battery.

[0034] Furthermore, the portable watch 10 according to the present invention may preferably be equipped with an electric motor designed to supply power to each of the functions of the portable watch 10, such as a current time display, a chronograph function, an additional time zone display, and a date display.

[0035] Figures 2 and 4 show a preferred exemplary embodiment of the mask 123, which has two identical masking elements 1230 located on opposite sides of each other in diameter. Each masking element 1230 has an elongated shape and extends along the longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end which is a free end, with a center of rotation on the first end side.

[0036] Each masking element 1230 has two transverse rims that are symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis, each of which forms a lobe 1231.

[0037] In particular, as shown in Figure 4, lobe 1231 has a lateral vertex, and the orthogonal projection of this lateral vertex onto the vertical axis is closer to the first end of the masking element 1230 than to the second end. Each of these lateral vertices is defined as a point on the lateral limb furthest from the vertical axis.

[0038] Thanks to these features, when mask 123 partially or completely covers the graphic representation 120 of the Earth, it becomes possible to reproduce the projection of the Moon's shadow onto the Earth as faithfully as possible.

[0039] To display the lunar and earth phases as accurately as possible and to make the appearance of the portable watch 10 as attractive as possible, the display 110 on the lunar phase display device 11 and the mask 123 on the earth phase display device 12 rotate in opposite directions.

[0040] In particular, in a preferred exemplary embodiment, the first and second electric motors are controlled by an electronic circuit to which they are connected, as is known to those skilled in the art.

[0041] For the sake of clarity, the components of the timekeeping movement 100, which are known to those skilled in the art, are not described here and are not shown in the diagrams.

[0042] Furthermore, the embodiments and usage examples described above are merely illustrative and not limiting; other variant forms are also conceivable.

[0043] In particular, the mask 123 and the display 110 can be driven by the same electric motor, which is designed to be powered by a power supply, and this power supply may or may not be shared.

[0044] Alternatively, the mask 123 and the indicator 110 can also be moved by the same drive mechanism, which is formed by a barrel kinematically connected to the adjustment mechanism.

[0045] In the last two examples above, the display 110 of the lunar phase display device 11 and the mask 123 of the earth phase display device 12 can be rotated in opposite directions by a rotatable intermediate wheel arranged in a kinetic chain, which can be easily incorporated by those skilled in the art. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 10. Portable Watches November Phase Display Device 12. Earth phase display device 13 Front panel 100 Timekeeping Movements 110 displays Graphic representation of the month 111 120 Graphic representations of the Earth 121 Support 123 Masks 126 Earth Phase Pipe 127 Pipe car 128 Drive Mobile Car 129 Intermediate car 130 First opening 131 Second opening 1230 Masking elements 1231 Robe 1280 Pivot Shank

Claims

1. A portable watch (10) comprising a dial (13) and a timekeeping movement (100) including a lunar phase display device (11) and an earth phase display device (12), The Earth phase display device (12) is configured to remain immovable relative to the display panel (13) and includes a graphic representation of the Earth (120) facing a first opening (130) formed in the display panel (13), and a mask (123) that is rotated by a drive mechanism and positioned between the graphic representation of the Earth (120) and the display panel (13). The lunar phase display device (11) includes a display (110) that is positioned to face a second opening (131) formed in the front panel (13) and rotates relative to the front panel (13) by a drive mechanism. The aforementioned display (110) includes graphic representations (111) of two moons. Portable watch (10).

2. The mask (123) and the display (110) are each driven by two separate drive mechanisms, each formed by an electric motor configured to be powered by a power source. The portable watch (10) according to claim 1.

3. The mask (123) and the indicator (110) are driven by the same drive mechanism, which is formed by an electric motor intended to be powered by a power source. The portable watch (10) according to claim 1.

4. The mask (123) and the indicator (110) are driven by the same drive mechanism, which is formed by a barrel kinematically connected to the adjustment mechanism. The portable watch (10) according to claim 1.

5. The mask (123) of the Earth phase display device (12) includes two masking elements (1230) that are arranged on opposite sides of each other in diameter. These masking elements (1230) extend along the longitudinal axis between their first end and their free second end, and these masking elements have a center of rotation on the first end side. Each masking element (1230) has two lateral rims that are symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis. Each of these lateral rims forms a lobe (1231). The portable watch (10) according to claim 1.

6. The lateral apex of the lobe (1231) has a projection perpendicular to the vertical axis, and this lateral apex is closer to the first end of the masking element (1230) than to the second end. The portable watch (10) according to claim 5.

7. The graphic representation of the Earth (120) is created on a support (121) which is in the form of a disk attached without any degrees of freedom to the structure on the timekeeping movement (100). The portable watch (10) according to claim 1.

8. The mask (123) is rotatably and permanently attached to the Earth phase pipe (126). A pipe car (127) is attached to this Earth phase pipe (126) via an intermediate car (129) to engage with a drive mobile car (128). The aforementioned mobile drive vehicle (128) has a pivot shank (1280) to which the Earth phase pipe (126) is attached so as to rotate freely. The portable watch (10) according to claim 1.

9. The display (110) on the lunar phase display device (11) and the mask (123) on the earth phase display device (12) rotate in opposite directions. The portable watch (10) according to claim 1.

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