CH712165A2 - Retractable needle clock display. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a clock display mechanism (1) comprising a cam (2) driven by a time base, and a pivoting lever (3) comprising a feeler (4) along the contour of this cam (2). resilient biasing and a first rake (5) meshing with a first angular orientation wheel (6) which drives an indicator plate (7) synchronously or through a differential mechanism, this indicator plate (7) protruding radially from a main axis (AP) and being parallel or coplanar with the first angular orientation wheel (6), this display mechanism (1) comprises a connecting rod (8) articulated at a first end with a carriage (9) slidably mounted on the indicator plate (7) and carrying a retractable needle, a second end of this rod (8) being pivoted on a fixed pivot (12) or on a movable pivot has a mobile elongation entered directly or indirectly by the rocker (3). An embodiment of said display mechanism (1) is retrograde.

Description

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a clock display mechanism comprising a cam driven by a time base, and a pivoting rocker comprising a feeler following the contour of this cam under elastic return and a first rake. meshing with a first angular orientation wheel which drives an indicator plate synchronously or through a differential mechanism, said indicator plate protruding radially from a main axis and being parallel or coplanar with the first wheel.

The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such display mechanism.

The invention relates to a watch comprising such a watch movement, and / or comprising at least one such display mechanism.

The invention relates to the field of clock display mechanisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] The space available on the watch dials does not always make it possible to display readings in good readability, especially when the watch cases are small, and / or of a different shape. than circular. This difficulty is magnified when there are multiple complications in the movement, causing a conflict between the display areas.

The piloting of a display, including a needle, on an imposed trajectory, other than circular, often results in the use of milled cams, a substantial size in thickness, and a lack of versatility and difficulty. to repackage the mechanism for a display with a different trajectory. Known articulated needle mechanisms do not allow easy adjustment of the orientations and reference elongations of the needles. These complications require, moreover, highly skilled labor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The invention proposes to create a display with retractable display, in particular a retractable needle, and in particular according to the angular position of a display support, such as a needle body or similar.

The invention relates to a clock display mechanism according to claim 1.

The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such display mechanism.

The invention relates to a watch comprising such a watch movement, and / or comprising at least one such display mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIGS. 1 to 5 show, schematically and in plan, the same display mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention, in five successive time steps between an initial state and a final state, through an elongation and then a contraction of the needle; figs. 6 and 7 show, schematically and in section, the display mechanism of FIGS. 1 to 5, according to the cutting lines AA and BB shown in FIG. 3; figs. 8 to 12 show, schematically and in plan, the same display mechanism according to a second embodiment of the invention, in five successive time steps between an initial state and a final state, via an elongation and then a contraction of the needle; figs. 13 and 14 show, schematically and in section, the display mechanism of FIGS. 8 to 12, according to the cutting lines AA and BB shown in FIG. 10; fig. 15 show, schematically and in section, a third embodiment of the invention; fig. 16 is a block diagram showing a watch having a movement which itself comprises a display mechanism according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention proposes to create a display with retractable display, in particular a retractable needle, and in particular according to the angular position of a display support, such as a body of needle or the like. It is described here in the particular and non-limiting case of a needle.

This display is unusual. Indeed, the needle extends and retracts during its race, allowing it to have a curvilinear course, including elliptical in the variants illustrated by the figures, instead of following a circular arc. This configuration makes it possible to adapt the trajectory of the needle to the shape of the dial or the box, which provides a good readability, and moreover an innovative and particular aesthetic effect. To do this, the invention uses a connecting rod / crank mechanism which, in a particular application, is combined with a retrograde system.

The invention relates to a clock display mechanism 1 which comprises, arranged on a bridge 11, a cam 2 arranged to be driven by a time base that includes a watch movement 100, at the level of an output 101, and a flip-flop 3.

This rocker 3 is pivotally mounted about a rocker axis AB, it comprises firstly a feeler 4 which follows the contour of the cam 2 under the action of elastic return means, and secondly a first rake 5 in a circular arc around the flip-flop axis AB.

The display mechanism 1 further comprises a first angular orientation wheel 6, which directly or indirectly drives an indicator plate 7. The first rake 5 meshes with this first angular orientation wheel 6 for its training in rotation about a first axis A1. The first angular orientation wheel 6 drives the indicator plate 7, or synchronously as visible on the first and second embodiments illustrated respectively in FIGS. 1 to 7 and 8 to 14, or else through a differential mechanism 30 as visible in FIG. In a third embodiment.

The indicator plate 7 protrudes radially relative to a main axis AP, and is parallel or coplanar with the first wheel 6. More particularly, the first axis A1 and the main axis AP coincide.

According to the invention, the display mechanism 1 comprises a connecting rod 8, which is articulated to a first end 81 with a carriage 9 slidably mounted on the indicator plate 7 and which carriage 9 preferably carries a retractable needle 10, or constitutes such a needle, or a display of another form. A second end 82 of the connecting rod 8 is pivoted, either on a fixed pivot 12 at the level of the bridge 11 in the case of the first embodiment, or on a movable pivot that includes an elongation wheel driven directly or indirectly by flip-flop 3, in the second and the third embodiment.

In the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7, the first angular orientation wheel 6 synchronously drives the indicator plate 7, directly or through a wheel, and the second end of the rod 8 is pivoted on a fixed pivot 12 at the bridge 11.

In a particular application, and as illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 14, the display mechanism 1 is retrograde.

In a particular embodiment, the cam 2 is a snail cam having, on its maximum radius, a spout 21 whose passage controls a jump of the probe 4 back on the minimum radius of the cam 2. And the mechanism of display 1 further comprises, pivoted on the bridge 11, a third rake 25 which is recalled by primary resilient return means 26, and which meshes with the first angular orientation wheel 6 for the play catching during its retrograde recall when of the probe 4 jump back to the minimum radius of the cam 2.

It is understood that the profile of the cam is adapted to the path that is desired, the above example being dedicated to a retrograde display in a given angular sector. Of course, other profiles are feasible, for other paths, for example a cam-heart that travels an elliptical path back and forth at the same speed, or other.

Preferably, to avoid unbalance, the indicator plate 7 comprises at least a first counterweight 71 which is arranged to balance, with respect to the main axis AP, the assembly that forms the indicator plate 7 , with the carriage 9 halfway therefrom, and with the retractable needle 10.

On the nonlimiting variant illustrated by the figures, and relative to an elliptical trajectory of the end of the needle 10, the cam 2 rotates clockwise. By turning, the cam 2 raises the first rake 5, which is forced against the cam 2 by a return spring not shown. The indicator plate 7 is here, nonlimitingly, integral with the first wheel of angular orientation 6, and is therefore driven by the first rake 5. By turning relative to the main axis AP, the indicator plate 7 push the rod 8 at its first end 81 via a hinge shaft. The carriage 9 is connected to two shafts which can slide on the indicator plate 7, one of them being that of articulation of the connecting rod 8. The center of rotation of the connecting rod 8, at its second end 82, is located at the fixed pivot 12, and is different from that of the indicator plate 7 The rod 8 pushes or pulls the hinge shaft located at its first end 81, which causes the carriage 9, respectively the elongation or retraction of the needle 10. The needle 10 slides thus, to lengthen or retract, while pivoting with respect to the main axis AP.

The kinematics of FIGS. 1 to 5 describes a succession of intermediate positions, in a retrograde variant where the end of the needle 10 follows the elliptical edge of a window 110: FIG. 1 shows the initial position, in maximum retraction of the needle assembly, immediately after the jump of the probe 4 from the spout 21 on the minimum radius surface of the cam 2; fig. 2 shows the elongation of the needle assembly after a 30 ° rotation of the indicator plate 7; fig. 3 shows the maximum elongation of the needle assembly at the angular half-cycle; fig. 4 shows the retraction of the needle assembly after a 90 ° rotation of the indicator plate 7; fig. 5 shows the final position, in maximum retraction of the needle assembly, when the feeler 4 is on the face of maximum radius of the cam 2, at the spout 21, immediately before the jump of the probe 4.

In the second embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 14, the first angular orientation wheel 6 drives the indicator plate 7 synchronously directly or through a gear train, and the lever 3 carries, parallel to the first rake 5, a second rake 15 which meshes with a second elongation wheel 16 that also comprises the display mechanism 1. This second elongation wheel 16 is synchronous with a lever 18 constituting such a mobile elongation, and which carries a lever pivot 13 constituting the movable pivot articulation of the rod 8, the second wheel 16 being parallel or coplanar with the lever 18. More particularly, the second wheel 16 is integral with the lever 18.

In this second embodiment, the display mechanism 1 further comprises, pivoted on the bridge 11, a fourth rake 27 biased by secondary elastic return means 28, which can be confused with the primary elastic return means 26 as in the case of fig. 8 to 14, and this fourth rake 27 meshes with the second elongation wheel 16 for the clearance of clearance during its retrograde recall when the probe 4 is jumped back on the minimum radius of the cam 2.

Preferably, to avoid unbalance, in the second embodiment, the elongation mobile preferably comprises at least a second counterweight 72 which is arranged to balance, with respect to the main axis AP, all that the lever 18 forms with the mobile pivot 13 and with the connecting rod 8.

The kinematics is similar to that of the first mode, but this time the second end 82 of the rod 8 is pivoted to a moving point, which is carried by the lever 18.

The cam 2 rotates clockwise. By turning, the cam 2 raises the first rake 5, which is forced against the cam 2 by a return spring not shown. The indicator plate 7 is integral with the first angular orientation wheel 6, and is thus driven by the first rake 5. The second rake 15, which is integral with the first rake 5, drives the second elongation wheel 16, which it itself drives the rod 8 via the lever 18 secured to the second elongation wheel 16. The carriage 9 is connected to two shafts which can slide on the indicator plate 7. The carriage 9 and the lever 18 do not rotate at the same speed, because of the different gear ratio, the indicator plate 7 then pushes the connecting rod 8 at its first end through the shaft, pushing or pulling this shaft and thus the carriage 9. The needle 10 therefore slides to lengthen or retract, while pivoting with respect to the main axis AP.

The kinematics of FIGS. 8 to 12 depicts a succession of intermediate positions, in a retrograde variant where the end of the needle 10 follows the elliptical edge of a window 110: FIG. 8 shows the initial position, in maximum retraction of the needle assembly, immediately after the jump of the probe 4 from the spout 21 on the minimum radius surface of the cam 2; fig. 9 shows the elongation of the needle assembly after a 30 ° rotation of the indicator plate 7; fig. 10 shows the maximum elongation of the needle assembly at angular half-stroke; fig. 11 shows the retraction of the needle assembly after a 90 ° rotation of the indicator plate 7; fig. 12 shows the end position, in maximum retraction of the needle assembly, when the feeler 4 is on the maximum radius surface of the cam 2, at the spout 21, immediately before the probe 4 has jumped.

In the same way, in each of the modes described here, the connecting rod 8 preferably comprises a third balancing counterweight 83.

A third mode uses a differential capable of handling multiple speeds. It is a differential mechanism with a connecting rod connected to a differential cage, whose combination of the two inputs, which are fed by a rake palpating a cam or by the movement, allows the tip of the needle to follow an arbitrary geometric trajectory imposed by the profile and the speed of rotation of the cam. Indeed, if for example the cam is oval and rotates at the same speed as the needle, it follows an elliptical trajectory; if the cam rotates at a multiple speed integral with that of the needle, a multilobed trajectory of the needle is obtained.

Associated with the double rake system, this differential can display a wide variety of geometric trajectories. The first differential input is directly related to the movement (one turn per hour for a minute display, one turn per 12 hours for a time display, etc.). The second entry is linked to a rake that palpates a cam. The output of the differential sums the speeds of the two inputs and turns the connecting rod. Finally the elongation of the needle depends directly on the shape of the cam. For example, a cam in the heart allows the needle to follow an oval: during the rise of the cam, the rod goes faster than the plate 180 °, elongation and retraction of the needle 180 °; then down the cam where the rod goes slower than the tray 180 ° and returns to its original position, elongation and retraction of the needle 180 °.

The choice of a suitable cam profile provides a particular geometric path, elliptical, square, rectangular or other.

More particularly, as shown in FIG. 15, this third embodiment relates to a differential mechanism, wherein the first angular orientation wheel 6 meshes with a first mobile 31 which constitutes a first input of the differential mechanism 30, or itself constitutes the first mobile 31 as in the case of the figure.

The display mechanism 1 comprises a second mobile 32, which, driven directly or indirectly by an output 101 of the movement 100, or constituted by such an output 101, is synchronous with the cam 2, and which drives the plateau indicator 7.

This indicator plate 7 constitutes a second input of the differential mechanism 30, [0039] This differential mechanism 30 conventionally comprises a differential cage 35, constituting such an elongation mobile, and which carries a cage pivot 36, constituting the movable articulation pivot of the connecting rod 8.

The indicator plate 7 comprises at least one satellite pivot 33, which carries a satellite 34 meshing with both the differential cage 35 and the first mobile 31, here guided in a guide 310 of the bridge 11 or another component of the movement structure 100.

When a particular guide 310, for example cantilevered from below, allows to release the upper face of the differential cage 35, nothing prevents the free rotation of the connecting rod 8 which n ' then interferes with any tree, and a 360 ° display is possible. The variant of FIG. 15 comprises a shaft portion of the first mobile 31 capable of colliding with the connecting rod 8, which imposes the choice of a retrograde mechanism as described in detail for the first and second modes.

This differential mechanism may comprise several variants. In particular, it is possible to lock the differential cage 35 to return to an equivalent of the first mode, which of course requires having a retrograde display. Another variant is to replace the second mobile 32 by a rake, engaged on a plate wheel 70 secured to the indicator plate 7, and which palpates a cam driven by the movement.

It is understood that, under certain conditions of passage of the components, the third differential mode provides a rotation of the needle 360 °, the first rake 5 retrograde first and second mode is then no longer useful, and only the second rake 15, elongation, of the second mode, is preserved.

In the various illustrated modes, in a particular and non-limiting way, the carriage 9 is movable in a radial direction R with respect to the main axis AP, as visible in the figures.

In a particular embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 14, the first rake 5 is angularly adjustable, with reference to the rocker axis AB, relative to the probe 4. A first adjustment device 40 comprises in particular an eccentric screw 42 cooperating with an oblong 41.

In a particular embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 8 to 14, the second elongation wheel 16 pivots around the main axis AP.

In a particular embodiment of the second embodiment, illustrated by FIGS. 8 to 14, the first rake 5 and the second rake 15 have different radii with respect to the flip-flop axis AB. More particularly, the second rake 15 has a radius smaller than that of the first rake 5.

In a particular embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 8 to 14, the second rake 15 is angularly adjustable, with respect to the rocker axis AB, relative to the first rake 5. A second adjusting device 50 comprises in particular an eccentric screw 52 cooperating with an oblong 51.

The invention also relates to a watch movement 100 comprising at least one such display mechanism 1, driven by an output 101 or the like.

The invention relates to a watch 200 comprising such a watch movement 100, and / or comprising at least one such display mechanism 1.

The advantage of a retractable display according to the invention is to allow a wide variety of displays, with particular trajectories, in particular areas of the dial of the watch.

Claims (17)

In the preferred retrograde type display, the rake of the retrograde mechanism is used to control both the angular orientation and the radial extension of the needle. This rake is animated by an alternating movement. The only continuous drive is that of the snail cam, so it is not necessary to have a continuous drive by the center wheel, which facilitates the implantation topology in the watch case. The invention makes it possible to adapt to any shape and size of box, in particular to the oval boxes that are appreciated for ladies' watches. The drivers of the connecting rod and the retrograde needle are coaxial, which ensures a perfect positioning of the components. In the first mode, the rod has a direct pivot on the bridge, by ball bearing, or rocking, or other, free dimensioning and not limited by the size of moving components. The first rake can be disconnected from the cam follower for regal retrograde initial position. If the connecting pin is made at a moving bridge, not shown in the figures, it is still possible to adjust the initial elongation of the needle. The low number of pivoting components makes it possible to minimize the residual clearance. The existence of a single catch-up rake makes it possible to constrain the entire mechanism, and to limit the sensitivity of the needle to impacts, in particular to limit its vibration. The few superimposed components allow a low total thickness of this display mechanism. In the second mode, the rod drivers and the retrograde needle are coaxial, which also ensures perfect positioning of the components. Each of the two rakes manages a particular movement of the needle: the first rake manages the rotation, and the second rake manages the translation. It is therefore possible and easy, thanks to eccentrics, to adjust the initial position and elongation of the needle, unlike the retrograde displays of the prior art, where the indexing of the display is done at the same time. switching operation, by delicate and unique handling. The rotational drive of the connecting rod allows to have an additional parameter for the dimensioning of the elongation of the needle. The play catch rakes acting on the first angular orientation wheel and the second elongation wheel can constrain the needle, and strongly limit the vibration of the needle shock. In each of the embodiments of the invention, the high inertia of the needle during its return to position can be used to drive a disc on jumper. For example, this hand displays the minute, and the time is displayed on a jumping disc. When the minute hand returns, it hits an hour coach that makes the hours jump, the inertia of the minute hand helping the jumping hours, which makes it possible, and greatly facilitates , the synchronization of the jumps of the displays. The retractable and retrograde display of the invention is modular. Note, again, that the crank-crank system makes it possible to get rid of milled cam track systems in a bridge or a plate, and thus known problems of burrs or milling precision. claims 1. Display mechanism (1) including, arranged on a bridge (11), a cam (2) arranged to be driven by a time base, and a rocker (3) pivoting about a axis of flip-flop (AB) and comprising on the one hand a feeler (4) along the contour of said cam (2) under the action of elastic return means and on the other hand a first rake (5) meshing with a first wheel angular orientation (6) for driving in rotation about a first axis (A1), said first angular orientation wheel (6) driving an indicator plate (7) synchronously or through a differential mechanism (30), said indicator plate (7) projecting radially from a main axis (AP) and being parallel or coplanar with said first wheel (6), characterized in that said display mechanism (1) has a connecting rod (8) articulated at a first end (81) with a carriage (9) mounted sliding on said indicator plate (7) and carrying a retractable needle (10), a second end (82) of said connecting rod (8) being pivoted, or on a fixed pivot (12) at said bridge ( 11), or on a movable pivot that comprises an elongation mobile driven directly or indirectly by said rocker (3). 2. Display mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first angular orientation wheel (6) synchronously drives said indicator plate (7) directly or through a train, and in that said second end of said link (8) is pivoted on a said fixed pivot (12) at said bridge (11). 3. Display mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first angular orientation wheel (6) drives said indicator plate (7) synchronously directly or through a wheel, and in that said flip-flop (3) carries, parallel to said first rake (5), a second rake (15) meshing with a second elongation wheel (16) synchronous with a lever (18) constituting a said elongation mobile and carrying a lever pivot (13) constituting said movable hinge pivot of said link (8), said second wheel (16) being parallel or coplanar with said lever (18). 4. Display mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first wheel of angular orientation (6) meshes with a first mobile (31) which constitutes a first input of said differential mechanism (30) or constitutes said first mobile (31), in that said display mechanism (1) comprises a second mobile (32) synchronous with said cam (2) and which drives said indicator plate (7) which constitutes a second input of said differential mechanism (30), which comprises a differential cage (35) constituting a said elongation mobile and carrying a cage pivot (36) constituting said movable hinge pivot of said rod (8). 5. Display mechanism (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said indicator plate (7) comprises at least one satellite pivot (33) carrying a satellite (34) meshing with both said differential cage (35) and said first mobile (31). 6. Display mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said display mechanism (1) is retrograde, and in that said cam (2) is a snail cam comprising, on its maximum radius, a spout (21) whose passage controls a jump of said probe (4) back on the minimum radius of said cam (2), and in that said display mechanism (1) comprises, pivoted on said bridge (11), a third rake (25) biased by primary resilient biasing means (26) and meshing with said first angular orientation wheel (6) for catching play during its retrograde return during said jump of said probe (4) back on the minimum radius of said cam (2). 7. Display mechanism (1) according to claims 3 and 6, characterized in that said display mechanism (1) comprises pivoted on said bridge (11), a fourth rake (27) recalled by biasing means secondary elastic (28) and meshing with said second elongation wheel (16) for the play clearance during its retrograde return during said jump of said probe (4) back on the minimum radius of said cam (2). 8. Display mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said carriage (9) is movable in a radial direction (R) relative to said main axis (AP). 9. Display mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said indicator plate (7) comprises at least a first counterweight (71) arranged to balance, with respect to said main axis ( AP), the assembly that forms said indicator plate (7) with said carriage (9) halfway thereof, and with said retractable needle (10). 10. Display mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said first rake (5) is angularly adjustable, with reference to said rocker axis (AB), relative to said probe (4) . 11. Display mechanism (1) according to claim 3 or 7, characterized in that said second elongation wheel (16) pivots about said main axis (AP). 12. Display mechanism (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said first rake (5) and said second rake (15) have different radii relative to said rocker axis (AB). 13. Display mechanism (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that said second rake (15) has a radius smaller than that of said first rake (5). 14. Display mechanism (1) according to one of claims 3, 12 or 13, characterized in that said second rake (15) is angularly adjustable, relative to said rocker axis (AB), relative to said first rake (5). 15. Display mechanism (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said mobile elongation comprises at least a second counterweight (72) arranged to balance, with respect to said main axis (AP), all that form said lever (18) with said movable pivot (13) and with said connecting rod (8). 16. Watch movement (100) comprising at least one display mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15. 17. Watch (200) comprising a clockwork movement (100) according to claim 16, and / or comprising at least one display mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15.