A clock suitable for generating continuous animation

Abstract

To provide a watch adapted to generate a sequential animation.SOLUTION: In a watch 10, a crystal 13 and a transparent back 14 are fastened to a middle 12. The watch includes a horological movement 15. The horological movement 15 includes a carrying structure through which an arbor 16 extends. The arbor 16 is adapted to be rotated by the horological movement 15, and carries: a time value indicator 17 at one end of the arbor 16 that opens out beyond the carrying structure so as to face the crystal 13; and a disc 18 at the other end opening out beyond the carrying structure so as to face the back 14. A pattern 181 facing a graphical representation extends on the disc 18. The pattern 181 and the graphical representation are shaped such that, when the arbor 16 is rotating, the pattern 181 and the graphical representation cooperate to generate a sequential animation by moire effect. The sequential animation is formed by a sequence of at least two distinct images.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of timepieces, and in particular to timepiece complications.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a clock adapted for generating sequential animation. [Background technology]

[0003] To differentiate themselves from their competitors and to provide an attractive product, watch manufacturers pay particular attention to the aesthetic appeal of their watches. To this end, the decoration of the external elements of the watch, including the dial, bezel and indicators, as well as any timekeeping complications, is often the subject of significant development and design effort.

[0004] Animations are part of the answer to this need. Moreover, animations often contribute to the reputation of a watch. These animations are produced, for example, by timekeeping complications such as tourbillons, moon phases or chronographs, or by oscillating weights. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention relates to this problem of providing the user with a watch that has a unique and particularly attractive appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a timepiece comprising a case including an intermediate part, to which a glass and a transparent back cover are fastened to form an inner volume, said timepiece comprising a timepiece movement housed in the inner volume of the case, said timepiece movement comprising a support structure through which a stem extends, adapted to be rotated by said timepiece movement, supporting at one of its ends opening beyond said support structure towards the glass a time value indicator, and at its other end opening beyond said support structure towards the back cover a disk, on which a pattern facing a graphic representation extends, said pattern and said graphic representation being shaped such that, when the stem rotates, they cooperate with each other to generate a continuous animation with a Moiré effect, said continuous animation being formed by a series of at least two individual images.

[0007] Due to the features of the present invention, the animation is generated by utilizing the energy provided by the timepiece movement, in particular the rotation of the disk, which generates the animation at a relatively high speed.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention advantageously enables the generation of animations in particular from existing conventional timepiece movements and does not require major modifications to the timepiece movements.

[0009] According to particular embodiments, the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features, which have to be considered alone or according to any technically possible combination:

[0010] According to a particular embodiment, the graphic representation is formed on the glass back cover.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment, the pattern and the graphic representation are shaped such that as the mandrel rotates, the pattern and the graphic representation work together to generate a continuous animation, the continuous animation being formed by a series of four individual images.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, the time value indicator is a seconds hand and the axle rotates such that the axle makes a complete rotation in one minute.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the patterns and graphic representations are shaped such that the disk pivots by 6 degrees between the generation of two successive images.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the back cover is formed by a fastening ring, the glass is driven onto the fastening ring and the graphic representation extends over one face of said glass.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, the fastening ring is screwed onto the intermediate portion by means of a number of screws distributed around the periphery of the intermediate portion, each of the screws being engaged within a threaded hole extending into the intermediate portion.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the graphic representation is produced by depositing a thin layer on one side of the back cover that is positioned facing the timepiece movement, forming a set of opaque areas.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the pattern is formed by a plurality of identical spirals, which extend from the center of the disk to its outer periphery and are evenly distributed around the center of the disk, said pattern being formed by depositing a thin layer on one side of the disk that is positioned facing the back cover.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, the disk and the glass are separated from each other by a distance of less than 0.5 mm.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the disk advantageously has a diameter of about 10 mm.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, the patterns and graphic representations are shaped such that the continuous animation constitutes a linear displacement of the elements.

[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following detailed description, given by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the attached drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a watch according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the disc of the timepiece of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the watch glass of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the watch of FIG. 1, in which the disk occupies different successive angular positions to generate individual images forming a continuous animation. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the watch of FIG. 1, in which the disk occupies different successive angular positions to generate individual images forming a continuous animation. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the watch of FIG. 1, in which the disk occupies different successive angular positions to generate individual images forming a continuous animation. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the watch of FIG. 1, in which the disk occupies different successive angular positions to generate individual images forming a continuous animation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Please note that the drawings are for clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.

[0024] The present invention relates to a timepiece 10 adapted for the generation of animation sequences, which are visible in particular through a transparent back 14 .

[0025] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 1, the watch 10 comprises a case 11 with an intermediate part 12 to which a crystal 13 and a transparent back cover 14 are fastened. The intermediate part 12, the crystal 13 and the back cover 14 form an inner volume in which a timepiece movement 15, shown diagrammatically in Figure 1, is housed.

[0026] The back cover 14, in particular in a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, is formed by a fastening ring 140, as shown in Figure 1, on which the crystal 141 is driven. Preferably, this fastening ring 140 is screwed to the intermediate part 12 by means of a number of screws 120 distributed around the periphery of the intermediate part 12, each of the screws 120 being engaged inside a threaded hole extending in the intermediate part 12. This feature, visible in Figures 4 to 7, makes it possible to fasten the back cover 14 to the intermediate part 12 in a fairly precise relative angular position.

[0027] The timepiece movement 15 comprises a support structure through which the axle 16 extends and which is kinematically connected to a drive member of the timepiece movement 15 so that the drive member rotates. The support structure itself is known to the person skilled in the art and consists of bridges and / or plates. Similarly, the drive member of the timepiece movement 15 itself is known to the person skilled in the art and is formed by a mainspring or an electric motor, etc.

[0028] The stem 16 extends between two ends, one of which, called the "upper end", opens beyond said support structure towards the glass 13 and the other end, called the "lower end", opens beyond said support structure towards the back cover 14.

[0029] The terms "upper" and "lower" are chosen with reference to the layout of watch 10 in FIG. 1 and to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

[0030] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, axle 16 supports at its upper end a time value indicator 17, preferably formed by a seconds hand, and at its lower end axle 16 supports a disk 18.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the time value indicator 17 and the disk 18 may each be fastened to the mandrel 16 via a pipe.

[0032] Thus, the mandrel 16 preferably rotates such that the mandrel 16 rotates one complete revolution per minute. Thus, the mandrel 16 rotates six degrees every second.

[0033] The disk 18 comprises a body 180 on which an opaque pattern 181 extends, preferably on the surface that is arranged opposite the back cover 14. The pattern 181, in the exemplary embodiment shown in figures 2 and 4 to 7, has the overall shape of a number of spirals, all starting from the same central point of the disk 18 and extending from said center to the outer periphery of the disk 18. The spirals are identical to each other and each represents a portion of an Archimedes spiral. These spirals are evenly distributed around the center of the disk 18, preferably extend around an angle of 24 degrees and are separated from each other by an angle of preferably 6 degrees. In other words, considering that each spiral is defined between two curves shaped as an Archimedes spiral, said curves delimiting the contour of said spiral, the distance between said curves represents a rotation of the disk 18 around an angle of 24 degrees. Similarly, if we consider that two adjacent spirals are separated by two curves shaped as Archimedes' spirals, the distance between these two curves represents a rotation of the disk 18 around an angle of 6 degrees.

[0034] Preferably, the pattern 181 is produced by deposition of a thin layer, for example a metal layer. The body 180 of the disk 18 may be made of a transparent material, for example glass or sapphire, or an opaque material, such as a metal or a polymer.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the back cover 14 preferably includes, on the side of the crystal 141 facing the timepiece movement 15, a graphic representation 142, such as that shown in FIG.

[0036] In particular, the graphic representation 142 is formed by a set of opaque areas that contrast with the transparency of the remainder of the glass 141 of the back cover 14. Preferably, the graphic representation 142 is produced by the deposition of a thin layer, for example a metal layer.

[0037] The pattern 181 and the graphic representation 142 may be produced by screen printing, transfer printing, surface treatment, painting or enameling, and the like.

[0038] Graphic representation 142 and pattern 181 are positioned such that they face each other. More specifically, graphic representation 142 and pattern 181 are positioned such that pattern 181 faces at least a portion of graphic representation 142. Furthermore, graphic representation 142, and in particular the opaque regions, are shaped such that alignment of the opaque regions with disc 18 produces an image dependent on the angular position of said disc 18, as shown in Figures 4 to 7.

[0039] In particular, because glass 141 of back cover 14 is transparent, all or part of a particular opaque area is visible when the opaque area extends against the space separating two adjacent spirals of pattern 181. The remainder of the opaque area and / or the part of the opaque area is therefore hidden because it is located facing the spiral.

[0040] In summary, an image is generated by cooperation between the graphic representation 142 and the pattern 181. This makes it important to control the angular position of the back cover 14 relative to the intermediate part 12 so that the image generated by cooperation between the pattern 181 and the graphic representation 142 is free of errors. Errors may result for example from misalignment between said pattern 181 and said graphic representation 142.

[0041] In particular, the pattern 181 and the graphic representation 142 are shaped such that as the axle 16 rotates, the pattern 181 and the graphic representation 142 cooperate with each other to create a continuous animation with a Moire effect, the continuous animation being formed by a series of at least two separate images appearing through the back cover 14, a new image being generated with each successive rotation of the disk 18. Thus, the rotation of the axle 16 creates the visual effect of the colors of the pattern 181 and the body of the disk 18 blending uniformly.

[0042] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the rotation of the axle 16 and therefore of the disk 18 allows the generation of a continuous animation with a Moire effect, which is formed by four successive images, as shown in figures 4 to 7. This continuous animation, in a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, constitutes a linear displacement of an element 19, in this case a character, as shown successively in the figures 4 to 7 drawings mentioned above.

[0043] By taking into account the dimensions of the spiral of pattern 181 described above, disc 18 is driven to pivot at 6 degrees per second, generating 15 animations per minute, making it possible to obtain a series of relatively dynamic and fascinating animations as mandrel 16 rotates.

[0044] The selection of the size and shape of the pattern 181 and the graphic representation 142, as well as the number of animations per minute, advantageously makes available clear, easy to read animations, and provides for sufficiently large manufacturing and alignment tolerances.

[0045] By way of example, the disk 18 may be positioned at a fairly short distance from the back cover 14 and especially the glass 141, so that the user cannot perceive any offset between the pattern 181 and the graphic representation 142. Preferably, the distance between the disk 18 and the glass 141 is of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter, preferably less than 0.5 mm, for example 0.2 mm.

[0046] Furthermore, the disk 18 must be large enough so that the pattern 181 is easily visible, but thin enough to limit the risks of inertia and imbalance. To this end, the disk 18 advantageously has a diameter of a few millimeters, for example about 10 mm.

[0047] In summary, the watch 10 includes on a first face a display of at least one timekeeping function, such as a display of the current time, and on a second face a running animation.

[0048] In the exemplary embodiment described above, the animation is intended to be continuously active and driven by the timepiece movement 15 .

[0049] However, the activation of the animation may be made conditional on the control of a timekeeping function or on the activation of a dedicated control member.

[0050] The invention is advantageously suitable for any existing timekeeping movement so as to produce continuous animation at a reasonable cost. In another aspect, the invention may possibly increase the thickness of the watch case 11, but this is negligible as long as the additional thickness is limited to the thickness of the disk 18 and the safe gap between said disk 18 and the timekeeping movement 15 on the one hand, and between said disk 18 and the crystal 141 of the back cover 14 on the other hand.

[0051] More generally, it should be noted that the implementations and embodiments considered above are described as non-limiting examples, and thus other alternatives are possible.

[0052] In particular, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention not shown, the graphic representation 142 may not be formed on the crystal 141 of the back cover 14, but on a structural element of the timepiece movement 15, such as a bridge or plate of the timepiece movement 15. In other words, the graphic representation 142 may be located on both sides of the pattern 181.

[0053] Furthermore, the invention may be implemented both in timepieces with mechanical timepiece movements and in timepieces with electric or electromechanical timepiece movements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10. Clock 11 Cases 12 Middle section 13. Glass 14 Transparent back cover 15 Timekeeping Movements 16 Mandrel 17 Time value indicator 18 Disc 120 Screw 140 Fastening Ring 141 Glass 142 Graphic Representation 181 Patterns

Claims

1. A timepiece (10) comprising a case (11) including an intermediate part (12), a crystal (13) and a transparent back cover (14) fastened to said intermediate part (12) so as to form an internal volume, said timepiece (10) comprising a timekeeping movement (15) housed in said internal volume of said case (11), said timekeeping movement (15) comprising a support structure, a stem (16) extending through said support structure, said stem (16) adapted for rotation by said timekeeping movement (15), at one of the ends of said stem (16) which penetrate said support structure in a direction facing the crystal (13), a time value indication 4. A watch (10) which supports a vessel (17) and, at the other end of said support structure passing through said support structure in a direction facing said back cover (14), supports a disk (18), a pattern (181) facing a graphic representation (142) extends on said disk (18), said pattern (181) and said graphic representation (142) being shaped in such a way that, as said axle (16) rotates, said pattern (181) and said graphic representation (142) cooperate with each other to produce a continuous animation by a Moiré effect, said continuous animation being formed by a series of at least two individual images.

2. 2. The watch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the graphic representation (142) is formed on a crystal (141) of the back cover (14).

3. 3. The watch (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pattern (181) and the graphic representation (142) are shaped such that, as the axle (16) rotates, the pattern (181) and the graphic representation (142) cooperate with each other to generate a continuous animation, the continuous animation being formed by a sequence of four individual images.

4. 2. The timepiece (10) of claim 1, wherein the time value indicator (17) is a seconds hand and the axle (16) rotates such that the axle (16) completes one revolution in one minute.

5. 5. The watch (10) according to claim 4, wherein the pattern (181) and the graphic representation (142) are shaped such that the disc (18) pivots by 6 degrees between each image of the generated sequence of two individual images.

6. 2. The watch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the back cover (14) is formed by a fastening ring (140) and a crystal (141) of the back cover (14), the crystal (141) of the back cover (14) being arranged on the fastening ring (140), and the graphic representation (142) extends over one side of the crystal (141) of the back cover (14).

7. 7. The watch (10) of claim 6, wherein the fastening ring (140) is screwed to the intermediate portion (12) by a plurality of screws (120) distributed around the outer periphery of the intermediate portion (12), each of the screws (120) being engaged within a threaded hole extending into the intermediate portion (12).

8. 2. The timepiece (10) of claim 1, wherein the graphic representation (142) is produced by depositing a thin layer on one side of the back cover (14) positioned opposite the timepiece movement (15) to form a set of opaque areas.

9. 2. The watch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pattern (181) is formed by a plurality of identical spirals, the spirals extending from the center of the disk (18) to the outer periphery of the disk (18) and evenly distributed around the center of the disk (18), the pattern (181) being formed by depositing a thin layer on one side of the disk (18) that is positioned facing the back cover (14).

10. 2. Timepiece (10) according to claim 1, wherein the disk (18) and the crystal (141) of the back cover (14) are separated from each other by a distance of less than 0.5 mm.

11. 2. The timepiece (10) according to claim 1, wherein said disk (18) has a diameter of 10 mm.

12. 2. The watch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pattern (181) and the graphic representation (142) are shaped such that the animation sequence constitutes a linear displacement of an element (19) of the animation sequence.

Images