A watch containing a chronograph mechanism, equipped with a device that indicates the operating status of the chronograph mechanism.

Abstract

Relating to a timepiece including a timepiece movement housed in a case. [Solution] The watch includes a chronograph mechanism 200 including a gear train 5 dedicated to time division and a chronograph train 230 configured to be connected to the gear train on demand via a chronograph start / stop control device 210, and includes an adjusting member 18 that is rotated around a pivot axis each time the chronograph start / stop control device is operated, and the adjusting member directly operates a set of control levers to give various operating states of the chronograph mechanism, and is characterized in that the chronograph mechanism includes a status indicator device 50 fixed to the adjusting member so as to rotate together, and the status indicator device includes 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 to alternately face an aperture of a mask included in the watch 1 each time the chronograph start / stop control device is operated.

Description

Technical Field

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

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

Background Art

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

[0004] The chronograph mechanism is actuated, stopped and reset by means of a control member such as, for example, a push button. There are also known timepiece movements including a single push piece which can start and stop the chronograph mechanism and reset various counters by pressing it repeatedly in succession.

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

[0006] Patent Document 1 in particular proposes using a needle which is rotatably actuated by turning a button.

[0007] Also, Patent Document 2 describes using a needle facing the graduations on the dial to display the state of the chronograph mechanism. This needle is rigidly connected to a rotatable switch which cooperates with and abuts against a three-position shuttle of the chronograph mechanism.

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

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to improve watch movements that are equipped with a chronograph mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] French Patent No. 866748 [Patent Document 2] Swiss Patent No. 705439 [Overview of the project]

[0011] In this context, the present invention proposes a clock including a clock movement housed in a case, the clock movement being: Timekeeping The chronograph mechanism includes a dedicated gear train and a chronograph train configured to be connected to the gear train on demand via a chronograph start / stop control device, the chronograph mechanism includes an adjustment member that rotates around a pivot axis each time the chronograph start / stop control device is operated, the adjustment member directly acts a set of control levers to give various operating states of the chronograph mechanism, the chronograph mechanism includes a state indicator device fixed to rotate together with the adjustment member, the state indicator device includes 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 state indicator is positioned to alternately face apertures of a mask included in the watch each time the chronograph start / stop control device is operated.

[0012] In addition to the features described above, the clock according to the present invention includes features that are considered according to individual criteria or according to any technically possible combination, namely, The adjustment component is a chronograph cam. The chronograph cam includes at least one shuttle, and the status indicator device is rigidly connected to at least one shuttle. The status indicator device is rigidly connected to at least one shuttle by push-in or screw-in, The status indicator device is rigidly connected by push-in or screw-in to at least one shuttle located at a certain distance from the pivot axis P2 of the chronograph cam. The status indicator device is integrated with and formed as a single unit with the at least one shuttle. The case includes a crystal, and is characterized in that the mask is interposed between the watch movement and the crystal so that the state indicator device is visible through the aperture on the dial side of the watch movement. The watch includes a dial fastened on a watch movement, and the mask is a layer applied to the dial or formed by the dial. The case includes a transparent case back, and is characterized by the fact that a mask is interposed between the watch movement and the transparent case back so that the state indicator device can be seen through the aperture on the back of the watch movement. The mask is a layer applied to the inner surface of the transparent back cover. The mask is ink applied to the inner surface of the transparent back cover by digital printing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] The purpose, advantages, and features of the present invention will be well understood by referring to the following drawings and reading the detailed description provided below.

[0014] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the bottom view of a watch movement including a chronograph mechanism according to the present invention is shown, and in detail, the diagram shows the chronograph mechanism in a stopped state. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the bottom view of the watch movement when the chronograph mechanism is in operation. [Figure 3] A schematic perspective view illustrating a chronograph cam of a chronograph mechanism including a state indicator device according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 4]Diagrammatically show the watch from the back side when the chronograph mechanism is stopped. [Figure 5] Diagrammatically show the watch from the back side when the chronograph mechanism is running. [Figure 6] Diagrammatically show the watch according to the present invention, which includes a chronograph mechanism and a device for indicating the operating state of the chronograph mechanism.

[0015] In all the drawings, common elements are given the same reference numerals unless otherwise indicated.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows a bottom view of a watch movement 100 of a watch 1 according to the present invention, which movement includes a chronograph mechanism 200. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows the stopped chronograph mechanism 20.

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

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

[0019] Conventionally, the watch movement 100 according to the present invention Timekeeping includes a dedicated operating wheel train 5 (partially shown), 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 the wheel train 5. Conventionally, the chronograph train 230 includes at least one chronograph sub-counter 232 and one chronograph second counter 231.

[0021] The chronograph mechanism 200 includes a coupling lever 250 configured to connect or disconnect the chronograph train 230 and the gear train 5 of the watch movement 100 on demand.

[0022] In other words, the coupling lever 250 allows the chronograph train 230 to be kinematically coupled to the gear train 5 on demand via the chronograph start / stop control device 210. This drives the gear train to match the speed regulator of the gear train 5.

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

[0024] According to one alternative embodiment, the controller 12 is 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) that rotates the control lever 15. The control lever 15 is under the influence of a control spring 16. The control spring 16 returns the control lever 15, controller 12, and intermediate controller to their stationary positions when the push piece 11 is no longer operated by the user.

[0026] The intermediate controller includes an end that cooperates with an adjustment member 18 that directly acts on a set of control levers to provide various functions and states of the chronograph mechanism 200.

[0027] The adjustment member 18 is movable around the pivot axis P2 and rotates each time the chronograph start / stop control device 210 operates. This adjustment member allows for adjustment of various phases of the chronograph mechanism 200, thereby controlling various levers or oscillators of the chronograph mechanism 200 to provide various phases such as operation, stop, and reset. As is well known, the various levers or oscillators actuated by the adjustment member 18 are, in particular, coupling levers, hammers, and stoppers.

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

[0029] Another component known as an adjustment part in a chronograph mechanism is the column wheel.

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

[0031] The end of the intermediate control unit is configured to rotate the lower shuttle 18.1 by at least one notch around its pivot axis P2 each time the push piece 11 is operated. This rotation is either 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 that locks each position change of the lower shuttle 18.1 by engaging with one of a plurality of 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 includes the lower shuttle 18.1 described above. The lower shuttle 18.1 is fixed to rotate together with the upper shuttle 18.2. The upper shuttle 18.2 cooperates with the reset hammer 26, in particular, to reset the chronograph counters 231 and 232.

[0034] The connecting lever 250 cooperates with the lower shuttle 18.1 of the chronograph cam 18 by contact. As a result, changes in the angular position of the lower shuttle 18.1 alter the position and state of the connecting lever 250, causing it to shift from a state engaged with the chronograph row 230 to a state disengaged from the chronograph row 230, and vice versa.

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

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

[0037] In other words, the user can easily observe the operating status of the chronograph mechanism 200 through an aperture provided for this purpose, either on the dial side or the back side of the watch 1.

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

[0039] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the state 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 push-in or screw-in.

[0041] Preferably, the status indicator device 50 is rigidly connected by push-in or screw-in to one of the shuttles 18.1, 18.2 located at a certain distance from the pivot axis P2 of the chronograph cam 18.

[0042] For example, the status indicator device 50 is integrated and formed as a single unit with the chronograph cam 18, or with one of the shuttles 18.1 or 18.2 of the chronograph cam 18.

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

[0044] Figure 3 shows the chronograph cam 18, in particular, which supports the plate 51. For example, as shown, the plate 51 is fixed to rotate together with the upper shuttle 18.2. However, the plate 51 may also be rigidly connected to the lower shuttle 18.1.

[0045] The plate 51 has two parts 51.1 and 51.2 that extend radially with respect to the pivot axis P2 of the chronograph cam 18. Each of these parts 51.1 and 51.2 has a specific, distinct first piece of information V1 and a second piece of information V2, respectively, such as two different colors or two different patterns. Each piece of information V1 and V2 is associated with the operating state of the chronograph mechanism 200.

[0046] The plate 51 is positioned to face at least one aperture 25 (Figures 4 and 5 show two apertures as an example). At least one aperture 25 is formed by an opening or transparent portion of the mask 30 such that only a limited portion of the plate 51 is visible. That is, depending on the angular position of the plate 51, either a first portion 51.1 or a second portion 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 case back 4.

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

[0049] Alternatively, the mask is formed by the watch face. The watch face includes an opening or transparent portion to form an aperture 25, thereby allowing alternating views of portions 51.1, 51.2 of the plate 51 positioned beneath the watch face through the watch crystal.

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

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

[0052] Figures 4 and 5 schematically show the watch mechanism 100 from below through the mask 30. The plate 51 of the state indicator device 50 (shown by a dotted line) and the operating state of the chronograph mechanism 200 can be seen through the aperture 25 in the mask 30. The watch case, middle section, and case back are not shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0053] In other words, depending on the angular position of the chronograph cam 18 with respect to its pivot axis P2, the user can view through the aperture 25 either a first part 51.1 containing first information V1 corresponding to a first state of the chronograph mechanism 200 (e.g., stopped state), or a second part 51.2 containing second information V2 corresponding to a second state of the chronograph mechanism 200 (e.g., running state).

[0054] This additional information regarding the operating status of the chronograph mechanism 200 is provided without complicating the watch movement 100.

[0055] According to the present invention, the chronograph mechanism is simplified and easier to adjust and implement. In particular, it does not include additional moving parts that complicate the chronograph mechanism and watch movement. Specifically, the use of different moving parts to achieve such a function requires a doubling of the operating clearance, leading to inaccuracies at the ends of the kinematic chain and difficulty in correctly adjusting the position of the state indicators.

[0056] According to this invention, this additional visual information is provided by a simple additional plate rigidly connected to the chronograph cam, or a simple additional plate rigidly connected to the shuttle of the chronograph cam. More specifically, such an architecture makes it possible to improve the positioning accuracy of the state indicator by eliminating the operational clearances inherent in the placement of different moving parts that interact 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, the connecting lever 250, or other parts, having two different and alternating stable positions depending on the operating state of the chronograph mechanism 200.

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

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

[0060] The present invention further relates to a watch such as a wristwatch 1 that includes such a watch movement 100. Such a watch 1 is schematically shown with reference to Figure 6. The watch 1 includes a case 3 in which the watch movement 100 according to the present invention is housed.

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

[0062] Preferably, a mask 30 is applied to the inner 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 state indicator device 50, which indicates the operating status of the chronograph located on the back of the watch movement 100, to be viewed through the mask 30.

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

[0064] In one alternative embodiment, the mask 30 is formed by a dial 6. The dial 6 has an opening that allows viewing of the status indicator device 50 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 to a first angular position, referred to as the stop position, by a shuttle spring 17 cooperating with a first notch 19 in the lower shuttle 18.1. At this position of the chronograph cam 18, the coupling lever 250 is discoupled from the chronograph row 230. The stop position of the chronograph mechanism is shown in detail in Figures 1 and 4.

[0067] At this stopping position, the first portion 51.1 of the plate 51 faces the aperture 25 of the mask 30. At this first position, the user can see through the aperture 25 a first piece of 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 moved one notch clockwise according to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, and the shuttle spring 17 holds it in place in cooperation with the second notch 19 of the lower shuttle 18.1, thereby releasing the push piece.

[0069] The position of the lower shuttle 18.1 is changed by the change in the position of the chronograph cam 18. This allows the connecting lever 250 to pivot under the influence of the lever spring so as to connect the gear train 5 to the chronograph train 230.

[0070] The change in the position of the chronograph cam 18 also changes the position of the plate 51, which is fixed to rotate together with the upper shuttle 18.2. From this point onward, the second portion 52.2 of the plate 51, which represents the second information V2, faces the aperture 25 in the mask 30. At this second position, the user can see the second information indicating that the chronograph mechanism is in operation through the aperture 25, as shown in Figure 5.

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

[0072] The position of the lower shuttle 18.1 is changed by the change in the position of the chronograph cam 18. This causes the coupling lever 250 to be discoupled from the chronograph row 230, and the first portion 51.1 of the plate 51 is repositioned to face the aperture 25.

Claims

1. A clock (1) including a clock movement (100) housed in a case (3), The watch movement (100) includes a gear train (5) dedicated to timekeeping and a chronograph mechanism (200) which includes 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 adjustment member (18) that rotates around a pivot axis (P2) each time the chronograph start / stop control device (210) is operated. The adjustment member (18) directly operates a set of control levers to give the chronograph mechanism (200) various operating states. A feature of the watch (1) is that the chronograph mechanism (200) includes a state indicator device (50) fixed to the adjustment member (18) so as to rotate together with the adjustment member (18) around the pivot axis (P2), the state indicator device (50) includes a first part (51.1) representing first information (V1) and a second part (51.2) representing second information (V2) different from the first information (V1), and each part (51.1, 51.2) of the state indicator device (50) is positioned to alternately face the aperture (25) of the mask (30) included in the watch (1) each time the chronograph start / stop control device (210) is operated.

2. The watch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment member (18) is a chronograph cam (18).

3. The clock (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the chronograph cam (18) includes at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2), and the state indicator device (50) is rigidly connected to the at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2).

4. The clock (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the state indicator device (50) is rigidly connected to the at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2) by push-in or screw-in.

5. The clock (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the state indicator device (50) is rigidly connected by push-in or screw-in to at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2) located at a certain distance from the pivot axis (P2) of the chronograph cam (18).

6. A feature of the clock (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5 is that the state indicator device (50) is integrated and integrally formed with the at least one shuttle (18.1, 18.2).

7. The features are, The case (3) includes a crystal (7), The mask (30) is interposed between the watch movement (100) and the crystal (7) so that the state indicator device (50) is visible through the aperture (25) on the dial side of the watch movement (100). The clock (1) described in claim 1.

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

9. The features are, 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 state indicator device (50) can be seen through the aperture (25) on the back of the watch movement (100). The clock (1) described in claim 1.

10. The watch (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the mask (30) is a layer applied to the inner surface of the transparent back cover (4).

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

Images