Timepiece

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece movement, in particular an armilla watch, comprising a plurality of concentrically or eccentrically arranged rings or discs, called armillas (1), used for displaying regular or irregular cycles of any type. Each armilla is mounted on a support (2) and can be driven by modular gearboxes, called chiplets. These chiplets constitute interchangeable, autonomous transmission units that can be arranged on a single functional plane or on distinct functional levels. The drive is provided either by a central motor (conventional timepiece movement), or by a digital mechanical motor (4), that is to say a movement associated with a constant force mechanism, delivering the energy in a time-controlled manner to the chiplets, or by any electrical or electronic motor or drive unit. By virtue of this modular structure, the timepiece movement can be freely configured without it being necessary to modify the basic drive motor. It thus becomes possible to represent a wide variety of cycles and periodic phenomena, going significantly beyond the time or calendar display functions of conventional watches.

Description

[0001] Timepiece

[0002] technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking. It concerns more particularly a way of indicating different information by a series of concentric rings, called armillae (1). They may or may not be centered at the center of the movement.

[0004] By a particular arrangement of the gear and function levels, as well as by the modular replaceability of gearboxes, called here "chiplets" (30), it becomes possible to represent all the regular or irregular cycles of the universe by means of armillas (1) rotating in a centered or eccentric manner with respect to the center of motion.

[0005] Thus, the classic watch movement, as it is known in its traditional sense - comprising a driving element (barrel), a transmission element (gear train), an escapement element (escape wheel, anchor) and a regulating element (balance wheel-hairspring) - serves as a general and non-specific drive module for the chiplets arranged above and interchangeable in a modular manner.

[0006] In order to improve the representation of the desired information on the armillas and to optimize the energy flow in the watch (inertia and friction), the general drive module can be designed to operate digitally (pulsed) or in continuous rotation.

[0007] P220981 The chiplets in turn drive the rings (armillas) arranged in a central or eccentric manner with respect to the center of movement and located on a higher functional level.

[0008] It thus appears that the classic watch movement no longer plays the central role as in a traditional watch, but acts as a driving force for the modular and adaptive chiplets, which have different rotation speeds and in turn drive the moving armillas.

[0009] Core of the invention / New feature

[0010] The invention lies in the specific arrangement and combination of several upper or lower gear levels, which are connected together by means of interchangeable modular gearboxes, called chiplets.

[0011] This architecture allows for the first time the mechanical representation of any regular or irregular cycle, independently of the function of the classic watch movement, which acts only as a standardized drive motor.

[0012] technical effect

[0013] Thanks to its modular structure, the system can be extended or reconfigured at will, without the need to modify the basic drive motor.

[0014] P220981 Each chiplet can produce different transmission ratios or motion patterns, thus allowing a variable representation of cycles, rotations or periodic phenomena on the armillae.

[0015] Thus, the functionality of these watchmaking systems is extended far beyond the traditional purpose of displaying information on a watch.

[0016] Differentiation from the state of the art Unlike known watch movements, each designed for a predefined function (e.g. chronograph, calendar or time zones), the present invention allows a freely configurable mechanical representation of arbitrary cycles, thanks to the modular structure composed of chiplets and armillas.

[0017] The watch movement is no longer the determining functional element, but acts only as a universal drive engine for an evolving gear architecture.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention allows for the arrangement of several chiplets on the same plane. For example, four chiplets can be arranged radially side by side, either driven directly by the central motor or mechanically coupled together to ensure synchronization functions.

[0019] This configuration allows for coordinated movement of multiple display units, without requiring separate motors for each one.

[0020] P220981 Synthetic formulation

[0021] The inventive depth lies in the modular arrangement of interchangeable chiplets and armillas on several functional levels, driven by a classic clockwork movement serving as a single drive motor, thus enabling the mechanical representation of any regular or irregular cycle.

[0022] State of the art

[0023] The indications on a watch are usually made by hands, sometimes by discs, and almost never by large rings, even more rarely concentric ones. This rarity is even more pronounced if one of the rings indicates the minutes, since in this case, given the high speed of this ring, the inertia and friction it generates can disrupt the movement's operation. One object of the present invention is to avoid this danger. More generally, another object of the present invention is to make possible a new type of timepiece.

[0024] In the current state of technology, watch movements are generally designed and sized for a specific function. From the development phase, the function that the movement must perform is predetermined. This may be, for example, a chronograph mechanism, an annual calendar, a perpetual calendar, or a simple movement intended for displaying hours, minutes, and seconds.

[0025] P220981 In addition, watch movements are known to have modular additional functions mounted on the main movement. However, these additional modules always serve a specific predefined purpose and are limited to a particular function.

[0026] Contrary to this prior art, the mechanism described in the present invention is designed to be extended or reconfigured at will, and capable of representing arbitrary cycles by means of armillas.

[0027] The watch movement here acts as a universal drive motor for different gear combinations, comparable to a DC motor used in various technical applications.

[0028] As an illustration, we can cite the architecture of an electric vehicle: this also includes a general non-specific drive module (battery or hybrid motor) located in the center, transmitting its power to the motors integrated into the wheels.

[0029] Disclosure of the invention

[0030] The object of the invention is completed by a timepiece according to claim 1. Embodiments result from the features of claims 2 to 32.

[0031] The timepiece can be made, for example, a watch, a wristwatch, or a pocket watch. Armilla watches, and in particular chiplet and armilla watches, can also be made with...

[0032] P220981 purely mechanical drive units than with electrical or electronic drive units (quartz movement).

[0033] Chapter 1: Armillas

[0034] The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising concentric rings, called armillas (1) which can be mounted in descending order of their diameters.

[0035] Each armilla is placed on a support (2), then one or more pieces (3) holding it in place are fixed to said support before the next armilla is mounted. Each armilla is arranged in a rotational manner relative to the other armillas and to the support.

[0036] The armillae are driven by chiplets. The chiplets (gearboxes) connect the drive motor (clock movement) to the armillae and can be modularly replaced depending on the desired armillae rotation speed. The armillae's axes of rotation are parallel. They can also be identical. The armillae can be arranged so that their visible face is positioned at a common level. The armillae's dimension along the axis of rotation can be smaller than their radial width. Furthermore, the armillae's direction of rotation can be positive (clockwise) or negative (counterclockwise) and can vary from one armilla to another.

[0037] P220981 Chapter 2: Cycles

[0038] In one embodiment, the timepiece is characterized in that it can indicate on its arms or otherwise, in a jumping or continuous manner, any regular cycle in nature, culture, environment, astronomy, or otherwise, such as the minute, the unit of minutes, the tens of minutes, the 12 hours, the 24 hours, AM / PM, the day of the week, the sidereal day, the week, the month, the sidereal solar month, the sidereal lunar month, the lunar month, the lunar month, the sun, the tropical year, leap years, the sidereal year, the lunar year, the equation of time, sunrise and sunset, the length of the day, the rising of fixed stars, an alarm (such as a 100-day optical alarm or any other duration), the biorhythm (such as fertility), Fibonacci sequences, the tides, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, the moons. Galilean stars (such as Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto), Titan, comets, asteroids,the angle between two celestial bodies (ephemeris) or any other regular cycle; by numbers (19), symbols, colors, or an object (sun, Earth, moon, etc.) with one or more lines in the center (20).

[0039] In principle, any cycle existing in our universe can be represented. Patterns or image elements can also be applied to the different armillae, which combine to form a predetermined image at a defined moment.

[0040] P220981 Chapter 3: Mechanical Engine

[0041] In one embodiment, the movable heat sinks (chiplets and armillas) are driven directly or indirectly by the drive motor.

[0042] The drive is provided by the central wheel of the clock movement, which can complete one rotation per hour. In this configuration of the mechanism, the armillae rotate continuously.

[0043] In another embodiment, the watch movement includes an additional digital mechanical motor (4), based on an equalization winder, whose charging cycle is preferably one minute.

[0044] The constant-force escapement is designed to act as an energy accumulator, storing the energy supplied by the watch movement in a spring and then releasing it after the winding cycle, for example after one minute, to cause the central wheel to advance rapidly. Since the central wheel is connected to the armillary spheres via chiplets, this switching motion results in a gradual triggering of the chiplets arranged in the energy flow.

[0045] The drive of the digital mechanical motor (4) is carried out by its input (5), which is coupled to the barrel (6) or to an intermediate wheel disposed between the barrel (6) and the digital mechanical motor (4).

[0046] The digital mechanical motor (4) has the function of isolating the regulating organ from influences caused by forces

[0047] P220981 of inertia and / or friction of at least one derived moving element.

[0048] The watch may also include a jumping minute indicator, in which the units and tens of minutes are displayed separately.

[0049] The mechanisms corresponding to each of the indications can be either coupled together or independent of each other.

[0050] Similarly, the watch may include a jumping hour indicator, the mechanism of which is either coupled to that of the minute indicator, or carried out independently of it.

[0051] Chapter 4: Chiplets

[0052] In one embodiment, the timepiece includes a continuously rotating gear at the center of the movement, referred to as the "central motor," which drives at least one peripheral module, called a "chiplet," that rotates an indicator at a highly precise speed. A chiplet can be positioned in various locations to perform its function. This embodiment also clearly highlights the configuration potential of the new mechanism.

[0053] A plurality of chiplets, each producing a movement independent of the other chiplets, is possible according to this implementation. Entirely new combinations of indications can be achieved based on such a modular system. Units, each unit formed by a

[0054] P220981 armilla and a chiplet, can be exchanged for another unit with matching geometry in a "plug-and-play" manner.

[0055] In one embodiment, the timepiece is characterized in that said chiplets can be interchangeable, thus allowing the speeds of the indications to be chosen.

[0056] In one embodiment, the timepiece is characterized in that each chiplet may or may not be actuated by another chiplet. In the latter case, it is actuated either by said central motor, or by the incoming part (5) of said digital mechanical motor (4), or directly from the barrel (6), or by a moving part located between these two.

[0057] Chiplets have, in the horizontal plane, a shape of a quarter of a disk (30), or of another fraction of a disk (31), or any other shape, which, with several instances of the latter, allows a disk to be composed. This shape is here called the standard shape of chiplets.

[0058] In one embodiment, a chiplet may have, in the horizontal plane, a shape equivalent to twice, or more, the standard shape of chiplets (30). The chiplet output points (32), that is, where the moving parts actuating the armillae driven by each chiplet are mounted, are limited in number and at precise positions: they correspond to one of the points on the support-dial bridge (33). There is only one support-dial bridge for all possible combinations of chiplets.

[0059] P220981 In one embodiment, there are several dial support bridges.

[0060] Chapter 5: Correction, Implementation

[0061] In one embodiment, the timepiece includes at least one multifunction pusher (8), that is, one capable of correcting the display of at least two different indications, but only one at a time, or of correcting one indication at two different speeds, but only one at a time. The choice of which indication is corrected or which speed is selected when said pusher, called the correction pusher, is pushed by another pusher, called the selection pusher (7), or a rod. Each time an action is performed on this latter element, that is, if the selection pusher (7) is pushed or the rod is turned, then the target or the speed of the correction of the correction pusher (8) will change.

[0062] This armillary correction can change the minute, the unit of minutes, the tens of minutes, the 12 hours, the 24 hours, AM / PM, the day of the week, the sidereal day, the week, the month, the solar sidereal month, the lunar sidereal month, the lunar month, the lunation, the sun, the tropical year, leap years, the sidereal year, the lunar year, the equation of time, sunrise and sunset, the length of the day, the rising of fixed stars, an alarm (such as a 100-day optical alarm or any other duration), the biorhythm (such as fertility), Fibonacci sequences, the tides, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, and the moons.

[0063] P220981 Galilean stars (such as Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto), Titan, comets, asteroids, the angle between two stars (ephemeris) or any other regular or irregular cycle.

[0064] In one embodiment, the timepiece is characterized in that the correction pusher (8) actuates a lever (9) carrying at least two other levers called correction points (10, 11); and in that said selection pusher (7) or the rod rotates by a defined angle a moving part comprising cams, called selection cams (12). Said selection cams (12) separate all of the correction points (10 and 11) or all of the correction points except one (11).

[0065] In one embodiment, the timepiece is characterized in that the non-spread correction point (11) rotates a mobile (13) when said correction pusher (8) is pushed.

[0066] In one embodiment, the timepiece is characterized in that the correction is either jumping or non-jumping, i.e. continuous.

[0067] In one embodiment, the timepiece is characterized by the presence of two correction pushers (8). The first correction pusher (8) rotates the correction target in one direction and the other correction pusher (8) rotates the correction target in the other direction.

[0068] In one embodiment, the timepiece is characterized by the presence of at least two targets of

[0069] P220981 correction, either the presence of at least two correction speeds, or the presence of at least two correction targets and at least two correction speeds.

[0070] In one embodiment, the timepiece includes an assembly, called a jumping differential (14), comprising a jumper (15) on one of its moving parts (17). Said jumper interacts with a star (16), fixed to the other moving part (18) of the jumping differential (14), thus defining the relative position between the first moving part (17) and the second (18).

[0071] In one embodiment, the timepiece has a ring around its case, called a winding ring (21), which the user can rotate. This movement will wind the movement.

[0072] In one embodiment, the timepiece is characterized in that said winding is done by a chain of gears, called winding gear (24), going from said winding ring (21) to ratchet (27), comprising at least one sliding pinion (25).

[0073] In one embodiment, the timepiece is characterized in that the casing of the movement begins with the fixing of the movement (22) in the first half of the case (23). Then the winding ring (21) and the winding gear train (24), comprising at least one sliding pinion (25), are fitted. Finally, the second half of the case (26) is fixed.

[0074] Chapter 6: Dial and Mask

[0075] P220981 In one embodiment, the timepiece is characterized in that it has a mask on its visible face, this mask being characterized in that it is, in places, either pierced, transparent, or partially transparent so that the indications can be displayed. This mask can be decorated; for this purpose, it provides ample space for illustrations or decorations.

[0076] In one embodiment, the timepiece is characterized in that it has a two-level dial: at least one armilla and at least one mask, making a unit of indications.

[0077] The invention also relates to a method of producing a watch part. According to the method, one or more parts (3) holding a first arm in place are fixed on said support before a subsequent arm is mounted.

[0078] According to the invention, the timepiece comprises a series of concentric rings instead of indications, called armillas (1). Each armilla is actuated in a jumping or, on the contrary, continuously.

[0079] Brief description of the drawings

[0080] Fig. 1: View of the watch dial side with its armlets. Fig. 2: Section of the dial showing the armlet attachment.

[0081] Fig. 3: Digital mechanical motor.

[0082] P220981 Fig. 4: Digital mechanical motor, barrel and an intermediate moving part between the latter two.

[0083] Fig. 5: Watch with a mask and its three pushers: one for selection and two for correction.

[0084] Fig. 6: Correction mechanism.

[0085] Fig. 7: Correction mechanism.

[0086] Fig. 8: Correction mechanism selection cams. Fig. 9: Jumping differential.

[0087] Fig. 10: Jumping differential.

[0088] Fig. 11: Armilla dedicated to indicating the 24 hours by numbers.

[0089] Fig. 12: Armilla indicating information by means of a sun with two lines in its center.

[0090] Fig. 13: Case with its winding ring.

[0091] Fig. 14: Section of the watch showing the structure of its case and winding ring.

[0092] Fig. 15: Winding mechanism, with its sliding pinion. Fig. 16: Mask indicating the months and days of

[0093] 1st year.

[0094] Fig. 17: chiplet of the units of the minutes.

[0095] Fig. 18: In one embodiment, section through the axis of rotation of four armillas through the armillas and the support of the armillas.

[0096] Fig. 19: In one embodiment, section through the axis of rotation of the armillas with the context of a complete watch shown in perspective view;

[0097] P220981 Fig. 20: Digital mechanical motor as in figure 3, with more details indicated;

[0098] Fig. 21: Interchangeable chiplet of a standard quarter-disc shape.

[0099] Fig. 22: Interchangeable chiplet of a standard double quarter-disc shape.

[0100] Fig. 23: Common exit scores of chiplets.

[0101] Fig. 24: Dial support bridge.

[0102] Fig. 25: Dial support bridge.

[0103] The following explanations apply to all the figures, each to the figures, which show the reference sign addressed in the respective context.Each armilia (1) indicates information, either jumping or continuous, being a regular cycle in nature, culture, environment, astronomy, or other, such as the minute, the unit of minutes, the tens of minutes, the 12 hours, the 24 hours, AM / PM, the day of the week, the sidereal day, the week, the month, the solar sidereal month, the lunar sidereal month, the lunar month, the lunation, the sun, the tropical year, leap years, the sidereal year, the lunar year, the equation of time, sunrise and sunset, the length of the day, the rising of fixed stars, an alarm (such as a 100-day optical alarm or any other duration), the biorhythm (such as fertility), Fibonacci sequences, the tides, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, the Galilean moons (such as Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto), Titan.

[0104] P220981 comets, asteroids, the angle between two celestial bodies (ephemeris) or any other regular cycle; by numbers (19), symbols, colours, or an object (sun, Earth, moon, etc.) with one or more lines in the centre (20).

[0105] The armillas (1) are mounted in descending order of their diameters. Each armilla is placed on a support (2), then one or more pieces (3) holding said armilla in place are fixed to said support before the next armilla is mounted.

[0106] As can be seen particularly in Figure 2, all the moving indicators can be arranged essentially along a single level, that is, the set of armillas form a two-dimensional (2D) arrangement.

[0107] This invention may include a digital mechanical motor (4), which we have developed on the basis of a constant-force escapement, whose cycle is one minute. Said digital mechanical motor is used in the event of a rapid armillary action, such as a jumping minute.

[0108] In this case, the armillas concerned are actuated by the incoming part (5, 5b) of said digital mechanical motor (4), or directly from the barrel (6), or by a mobile located between these two, in order to preserve the balance wheel from the friction and inertia of the armillas concerned and their mechanisms.

[0109] This invention may have a central motor, being a toothed wheel rotating at the center of the movement, called the central motor, driving at least one peripheral module, called the chiplet; each of these rotating an armilla at a precise speed.

[0110] P220981 In the present invention, the mechanism actuating an armilla is called a chiplet. A chiplet may or may not be actuated by another chiplet. In the latter case, it is actuated either by the central motor, or by the incoming part (5, 5b) of said digital mechanical motor (4), or directly from the barrel (6), or by a moving part located between these two.

[0111] The chiplets are interchangeable, allowing for different armillary speeds. A chiplet can be positioned in various locations to perform its function. This timepiece has no stem but features three pushers. Pressing the central pusher, called the selection pusher (7), changes the correction target (operating in a jumping or continuous manner, being a regular cycle in nature, culture, environment, astronomy or other, such as the minute, the unit of minutes, the tens of minutes, the 12 hours, the 24 hours, AM / PM, the day of the week, the sidereal day, the week, the month, the solar sidereal month, the lunar sidereal month, the lunar month, the lunation, the sun, the tropical year, leap years, the sidereal year, the lunar year, the equation of time, sunrise and sunset, the length of the day, the rising of fixed stars, an alarm (such as a 100-day optical alarm or any other duration),biorhythms (such as fertility), Fibonacci sequences, tides, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, the Galilean moons (such as Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto), Titan, comets, asteroids, the angle between two celestial bodies (ephemeris),

[0112] P220981 or any other regular cycle) and pressing one of the other pushbuttons, called correction pushbuttons (8), increases or decreases said correction target.

[0113] One variation is that pressing the selection button (7) changes the correction speed of the correction target. We can thus, for example, have a fast correction and a fine correction, changing the same correction target by a large or small value respectively.

[0114] Pressing one of the correction pushers (8) advances a lever (9), which has as many points, called correction points (10, 11), as there are targets and correction speeds.

[0115] All of the said correction points (10, 11), or all except one (11), are separated by a stack of cams, called selection cams (12).

[0116] The correction tip not pushed aside (11) by the selection cams (12) rotates a correction star (13) when the correction pusher (8) is pushed. This causes a change in the correction target indication.

[0117] The said change, that is to say the correction, is either continuous, or on the contrary, skipping.

[0118] Jumping corrections are made through a moving part, called a jumping differential (14). It includes a jumper (15) on one of its moving parts (17). Said jumper interacts with a star (16), fixed to the other moving part (18) of the jumping differential (14).

[0119] P220981 thus defining the relative position between the first moving part (17) and the second (18).

[0120] Pressing the selection button (7) rotates the selection cams (12) by one step, which changes which correction point (10, 11) is pushed out and which one is not (11).

[0121] The winding of this movement is done by turning a ring, called the winding ring (21), located around its case.

[0122] It follows that the casing is unusual: it begins with the movement (22) being fixed in the first half of the case (23). Then the winding ring (21) and the winding gear train (24), which includes a sliding pinion (25), are fitted. Finally, the second half of the case (26) is fixed.

[0123] A timepiece characterized by a mask on its visible face, this mask being characterized in that it is, in places, either pierced, transparent, or partially transparent to allow the indications to be displayed. This mask can be decorated, and for this purpose, it provides ample space for illustrations or decorations.

[0124] This mask can include numbers, indices, and symbols. This mask can be integrated into the watch crystal.

[0125] The dial of the present invention can thus be two-tiered: the armillary spheres and the mask, creating a unified display. The mask can be made like a film.

[0126] P220981 produced by physical vapor deposition and / or chemical vapor deposition on a transparent body. This film can be structured by etching and / or by a corrosive substance.

[0127] As can be seen in Figure 18, each armilla can be composed of a dial portion (C) and a wheel portion (R), which can be formed as a toothed wheel. The wheel portion can be driven by a chiplet. The support (2) of the armillas can be made as a support-dial bridge (P).

[0128] Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a watch. Details are visible in the section through the axis (A) of rotation of four armillae. The same section is shown in an enlarged version in Figure 18, where the dial support bridge (P), the dial portion (C) and the wheel portion (R) are marked.

[0129] Figure 20 shows details of the digital mechanical motor. The upper part (28b, 28c) of the output portion (28a, 28b, 28c) of the digital mechanical motor (4) is actuated by the spring of the digital mechanical motor, located between said upper part (28b, 28c) and the lower part (28a) of said output portion (28a, 28b, 28c) of said digital mechanical motor (4). Said upper part (28b, 28c) actuates the seconds wheel (not shown), which itself actuates, directly or through at least one intermediate wheel, the escape wheel.

[0130] The upper part (28b, 28c) includes the cam (28c) of the digital mechanical motor (4). The latter actuates the lever (29) of the digital mechanical motor (4) by causing it to perform a rotary reciprocating movement.

[0131] P220981 The lever (29) of the digital mechanical motor (4), at its inward end (29a, 29b), interacts with the probe (5b) of the inward portion (5) of the digital mechanical motor (4). The inward portion (5) is actuated by the barrel (6), either directly or through at least one intermediate moving part. The inward portion (5) can be blocked by the lever (29) if its right inward portion (29a) or its left inward portion (29b) touches the probe (5b). This will be the case most of the time.

[0132] Every minute, or at any other regular interval, the movement of the lever (29) generated by that of the cam (28c) causes the release of the probe (5b). This results in an impulse movement of the incoming part (5), which in turn causes a movement of the lower part (28a) of the outgoing part (28a, 28b, 28c) of the digital mechanical motor (4). This latter movement winds the spring of the digital mechanical motor (4).

[0133] The said impulse movement stops when the probe (5b) touches the lever (29) again at its right entering part (29a) or at its left entering part (29b).

[0134] In one example, the timepiece comprises four armillas and four chiplets. Each armilla has its own chiplet. The chiplets have their own speed. All chiplets can have the same external dimensions. Each chiplet occupies a quadrant. Each chiplet is driven by a central wheel or axle.

[0135] P220981 List of reference signs

[0136] 1, 1 ' , 1 ' ' , 1 ' ' ' , 1 ' ' ' ' armilla

[0137] 2 bridge support-dial

[0138] 3 pieces (which hold an armilla in place)

[0139] 4 digital mechanical motor

[0140] 5 input part of the digital mechanical motor 5b sensor of the input part of the digital mechanical motor

[0141] 6 barrel

[0142] 7 selection push button

[0143] 8 multi-function push button

[0144] 9 lever

[0145] 10, 11 correction points

[0146] 12 selection cams

[0147] 13 mobile

[0148] 14 jumping differential

[0149] 15 jump

[0150] 16 stars

[0151] 17 First part mobiles

[0152] 18 second mobile part

[0153] 19 digit, symbol, etc.

[0154] 20 obj and (with line(s) in the center)

[0155] 21 winding ring

[0156] 22nd movement

[0157] 23 first part of the build

[0158] 24 winding gears

[0159] 25 sliding sprocket

[0160] 26 second part of the case 27 ratchet of the barrel 28a lower part of the outgoing part of the engine

[0161] P220981 digital mechanics

[0162] 28b wheel of the upper part of the outgoing part of the digital mechanical motor

[0163] 28c cam of the digital mechanical engine

[0164] 29 lever of the digital mechanical motor 29a, right inward part of the lever of the digital mechanical motor 29b left outward part of the lever of the digital mechanical motor

[0165] 30 interchangeable chiplets in a standard quarter-disc shape

[0166] 31 interchangeable chiplets of a standard double quarter-disc shape

[0167] 32 chiplet exit scores

[0168] 33 pointings of the bridge support-dial

[0169] A axis of rotation (of an armilla)

[0170] P bridge support-dial

[0171] C part of the dial (of an armilla)

[0172] R wheel part (of an armilla)

[0173] P220981

Claims

Demands 1. A timepiece comprising concentric arms (1) which can be mounted in descending order of their diameters, characterized in that each arm is placed on a support (2), and in that one or more parts (3) holding it in place are fixed to said support.

2. A timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that it can indicate, by means of its chiplet mechanism, in a jumping or continuous manner, any regular cycle in nature, culture, environment, astronomy, or otherwise, such as the minute, the unit of minutes, the tens of minutes, the 12 hours, the 24 hours, AM / PM, the day of the week, the sidereal day, the week, the month, the solar sidereal month, the lunar sidereal month, the lunar month, the lunar month, the lunar month, the sun, the tropical year, leap years, the sidereal year, the lunar year, the equation of time, sunrise and sunset, the length of the day, the rising of fixed stars, an alarm (such as a 100-day optical alarm or any other duration), the biorhythm (such as fertility), Fibonacci sequences, the tides, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, the Galilean moons (such as Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto), Titan, comets, asteroids,the angle between two celestial bodies (ephemeris) or any other regular cycle; by numbers (19), symbols, colors, or an object (sun, Earth, moon, etc.) with one or more lines in the center (20). P220981 3. Timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a digital mechanical motor (4), based on an equality winder, whose cycle is one minute.

4. A timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a digital mechanical motor (4) used to isolate the regulating organ from inertia and / or friction from at least one dissipating mobile.

5. A timepiece according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one dissipative mobile is linked directly or indirectly to the incoming part (5) of the digital mechanical motor (4), to the barrel (6) or to a mobile located between the incoming part (5) of the digital mechanical motor (4) and the barrel (6).

6. Timepiece, according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the watch includes the display of a jumping minute or a large jumping minute.

7. Timepiece, according to claim 6, characterized in that the watch includes a jumping hour display.

8. A timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a continuously rotating toothed wheel at the center of the movement, called a central motor, driving at P220981 minus a chiplet rotating an indicator at a precise speed.

9. A timepiece according to claim 8, characterized in that said chiplets can be interchangeable, thus allowing the speeds of the indications to be chosen.

10. A timepiece according to claims 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, characterized in that each chiplet may or may not be actuated by another chiplet. In the latter case, it is actuated either by said central motor, or by the incoming part (5) of said digital mechanical motor (4), or directly from the barrel (6), or by a moving part located between these two.

11. A timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least one multifunction pusher (8), i.e., capable of correcting the display of at least two different indications but only one at a time, or alternatively capable of correcting one indication at two different speeds, but only one at a time. The choice of which indication is corrected or which speed is selected when said pusher, referred to as the correction pusher, is pressed is made by another pusher, referred to as the selection pusher (7), or a rod. Each time an action is performed on this latter element, i.e., if the selection pusher (7) is pressed or the rod is turned, P220981 then the target or speed of the correction of the correction pusher (8) will change.

12. A timepiece according to claim 11, characterized in that the correction pusher (8) actuates a lever (9) carrying at least two other levers called correction points (10, 11); and in that said selection pusher (7) or the rod rotates by a defined angle a moving part comprising cams, called selection cams (12). Said selection cams (12) separate all of the correction points (10 and 11) or all of the correction points except one (11).

13. A timepiece according to claim 12, characterized in that the non-spread correction point (11) rotates a mobile (13) when said correction pusher (8) is pushed.

14. A timepiece, according to claim 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that the correction is either jumping or non-jumping, i.e. continuous.

15. A timepiece according to claim 11, 12, 13 or 14, characterized in the presence of two correction pushers (8). The first correction pusher (8) rotates the correction target in one direction and the other correction pusher (8) rotates the correction target in the other direction. P220981 16. Timepiece according to claim 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 characterized in either the presence of at least two correction targets, or the presence of at least two correction speeds, or the presence of at least two correction targets and at least two correction speeds.

17. A timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising an assembly, called a jumping differential (14), having a jumper (15) on one of its moving parts (17). Said jumper interacts with a star (16), fixed to the other moving part (18) of the jumping differential (14), thus defining the relative position between the first moving part (17) and the second (18).

18. A timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising around its case a ring, called a winding ring (21), which the user can rotate. This movement will wind the movement.

19. A timepiece, according to claim 18, characterized in that said winding is done by a chain of gears, said winding gear (24), going from said winding ring (21) to ratchet (27), comprising at least one sliding pinion (25). P220981 20. A timepiece according to claim 18, characterized in that the movement casing begins with the fixing of the movement (22) in the first half of the case (23). Then the winding ring (21) and said winding train (24) comprising at least one sliding pinion (25) are put in place. Next, the second half of the case (26) is fixed.

21. A timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that it comprises a mask on its visible face, this mask being characterized in that it is, in places, either pierced, transparent, or partially transparent so as to allow the indications to be displayed. This mask can be decorated; for this purpose, it provides ample space for illustrations or decorations.

22. A timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that it comprises a two-level dial: at least one armilla and at least one mask, making a unit of indications.

23. Method of producing a timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more parts (3) holding a first armilla in place are fixed on said support before a subsequent armilla is mounted. P220981 24. A timepiece according to claims 1, 2, 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that the chiplets have, in the horizontal plane, the shape of a quarter of a disc, or of another fraction of a disc, or any other shape, which, with several instances of the latter, makes it possible to compose a disc. This shape is herein referred to as the standard shape of the chiplets.

25. Timepiece according to claims 1, 2, 8, 9, 10 or 24, characterized in that the chiplets can have, in the horizontal plane, a shape equivalent to twice, or more, the standard shape of chiplets.

26. A timepiece according to claims 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 24 or 25, characterized in that the chiplet output points, i.e., where the moving parts actuating the armillae actuated by each chiplet are mounted, are limited in number and in precise positions: they correspond to one of the points on the dial support bridge. There is only one dial support bridge for all possible combinations of chiplets.

27. Timepiece according to claims 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 24, 25 or 26, characterized by the existence of several dial support bridges.

28. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 27, P220981 characterized in that the timepiece comprises a plurality of modular gear boxes, called chiplets, each capable of forming an independent transmission unit, powered either by the common motor of the watch movement or by another chiplet.

29. Timepiece according to claim 28 or any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the watch movement is designed as a universal drive module, usable independently of the type and number of chiplet configurations, in order to mechanically represent regular or irregular cycles of any kind.

30. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the digital mechanical motor (4) is designed as a pulse-controlled drive module, delivering energy in a timed manner to the chiplets, in order to cause rapid switching or jumping displays of the armillas (1).

31. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that the system includes a modular control or software description logic, defining the mechanical configuration of the chiplets, so that any modification of the chiplet arrangement P220981 can be performed without rebuilding the basic drive engine.

32. Timepiece according to any one of claims 28 to 31, characterized in that several chiplets, in particular four chiplets, are arranged side by side on the same plane, these chiplets being either driven directly by the central drive motor, or mechanically coupled together in order to provide synchronization functions between the chiplets. P220981

Images