TIMEPIECE MECHANISM INDICATING A MAXIMUM VALUE OF A MEASURED PHYSICAL VARIABLE AND TIMEPIECE COMPRISING SUCH A MECHANISM
20230047315 · 2023-02-16
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
International classification
Abstract
Provided is an ambient physical variable measuring device (5) including an element configured to mechanically deform under the effect of a variation of a physical variable to rotate a physical variable measured value indication train including a physical variable maximum value display wheel (21). An indexing mechanism (40) to index the position of a physical variable maximum value display train (24) at each advance, the indexing mechanism (40) comprising a blocking organ (41) cooperating with an indexing wheel assembly (43). The the indexing wheel assembly (43) is kinematically connected to the physical variable maximum value display wheel (21) by a gear train T1, T2 and in that the gear ratio of the gear train T1, T2 between the physical variable maximum value display wheel (21) and the indexing wheel assembly (43) is a multiplication ratio.
Claims
1. Timepiece mechanism (100) comprising: an ambient physical variable measuring device (5) comprising an element configured to mechanically deform under the effect of a variation of said physical variable; a physical variable measured value indication train (10) kinematically linked to the physical variable measuring device, in such a way as to be rotated under the effect of a variation of the ambient value of the physical variable; a physical variable maximum value indication mechanism (20) comprising a physical variable maximum value display train (24) comprising a physical variable maximum value display wheel (21), said physical variable maximum value indication mechanism (20) comprising a physical variable maximum value indicator organ (23) integral with the physical variable maximum value display wheel (21); a drive mechanism (30) configured to gradually drive the physical variable maximum value display train (24) during an increase of the ambient physical variable; an indexing mechanism (40) to index the position of the physical variable maximum value display train (24) at each advance, the indexing mechanism (40) comprising a blocking organ (41) cooperating with an indexing wheel assembly (43); wherein the indexing wheel assembly (43) is kinematically connected to the physical variable maximum value display wheel (21) by a gear train T1, T2 and in that the gear ratio of the gear train T1, T2 between the physical variable maximum value display wheel (21) and the indexing wheel assembly (43) is a multiplication ratio.
2. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 1, wherein the indexing wheel assembly (43) comprises a central indexing pinion (45) meshed with the physical variable maximum value display wheel (21), such that said gear train T1 is formed by the cooperation of the physical variable maximum value display wheel (21) and of the central indexing pinion (45).
3. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 1, wherein the indexing mechanism (40) comprises an intermediate indexing wheel assembly (70) inserted between the physical variable maximum value display wheel (21) and the indexing wheel assembly (43) such that said gear train T2 is formed by the cooperation between the physical variable maximum value display wheel (21), the intermediate indexing wheel assembly (70) and the indexing wheel assembly (43).
4. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 3, wherein the indexing wheel assembly (43) comprises a central indexing pinion (45) meshed with the intermediate indexing wheel assembly (70), such that said gear train T2 is formed by the cooperation between the physical variable maximum value display wheel (21), the intermediate indexing wheel assembly (70) and the central indexing pinion (45);
5. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 2, wherein the indexing wheel assembly (43) comprises an indexing toothed wheel (44) integral with the central indexing pinion (45).
6. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 5, wherein said indexing toothed wheel (44) comprises an asymmetric toothing (48), preferably a wolf-tooth toothing, said blocking organ (41) cooperating with the asymmetric toothing (48) of the indexing toothed wheel (44).
7. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 5, wherein said indexing toothed wheel (44) comprises a toothed sector less than 360°, such that said indexing toothed wheel (44) comprises at least one angular sector (Z1, Z2) devoid of at least one indexing tooth.
8. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 7, wherein said at least one angular sector (Z1, Z2) devoid of at least one indexing tooth is positioned close to a reference indexing position (P0) of the indexing wheel assembly (43).
9. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 1, wherein said blocking organ (41) is a blocking organ that can be uncoupled via a zero-reset lever (60).
10. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 1, wherein the indexing mechanism (40) comprises a return organ (49) configured to ensure a repositioning of the physical variable maximum value display train (24) under the effect of a return element (47).
11. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 10, wherein the return organ (49) cooperates with the indexing wheel assembly (43).
12. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 3, wherein the indexing mechanism (40) comprises a return organ (49) configured to ensure a repositioning of the physical variable maximum value display train (24) under the effect of a return element (47), the return organ (49) cooperating with the intermediate indexing wheel assembly (70).
13. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 12, wherein the return organ (49) cooperates with the intermediate indexing pinion (72) of the intermediate indexing wheel assembly (70).
14. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism (30) comprises a first wheel assembly (31), known as driver wheel assembly, integral with an arbor (33), meshed with the physical variable measured value indication train (10), and a second wheel assembly (32), known as follower wheel assembly, freely mounted about the arbor (33) of the first wheel assembly (31), said second wheel assembly (32) being meshed with the physical variable maximum value indication train (24), said first wheel assembly (31) being configured to drive the second wheel assembly (32) during an increase of the value of the ambient physical variable.
15. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 14, wherein the drive mechanism (30) comprises a drive pin (34) integral with the first wheel assembly (31) cooperating with an opening (35) arranged in the second wheel assembly (32).
16. Timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 1, wherein the timepiece mechanism comprises: an ambient pressure measuring device (5) comprising an element configured to mechanically deform under the effect of a pressure variation; a measured pressure indication train (10) kinematically linked to the pressure measuring device, in such a way as to be rotated under the effect of a variation of the ambient pressure; a maximum pressure indication mechanism (20) comprising a maximum pressure display train (24) comprising a maximum pressure display wheel (21), said maximum pressure indication mechanism (20) comprising a maximum pressure indicator organ (23) integral with the maximum pressure display wheel (21); a drive mechanism (30) configured to gradually drive the maximum pressure display train (24) during an increase of the ambient pressure; an indexing mechanism (40) to index the position of the maximum pressure display train (24) at each advance, the indexing mechanism (40) comprising a blocking organ (41) cooperating with an indexing wheel assembly (43); wherein the indexing wheel assembly (43) is kinematically connected to the maximum pressure display wheel (21) by a gear train T1, T2 and in that the gear ratio of the gear train T1, T2 between the maximum pressure display wheel (21) and the indexing wheel assembly (43) is a multiplication ratio.
17. Depth gauge comprising a timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 1.
18. Altimeter comprising a timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 1.
19. Horological movement comprising a timepiece mechanism (100) according to claim 1.
20. Timepiece, such as a diving watch, comprising a horological movement according to claim 19.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0053] The aims, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description making reference to the following figures:
[0054]
[0055]
[0056]
[0057]
[0058] In all of the figures, the common elements bear the same reference numbers unless otherwise specified.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0059] Generally, in the field of horology, and in the present application, the term arbor designates a part having the shape of a cylinder that generally supports a toothed wheel or a pinion.
[0060]
[0061] The timepiece mechanism 100 according to the invention is a mechanism for measuring information relating to a physical variable and for indicating a maximum value reached of this measured information.
[0062] More particularly, the timepiece mechanism 100 according to the invention is a mechanism for measuring information relating to a physical variable via a mechanical device and for indicating a maximum value reached of this measured information.
[0063] The timepiece mechanism 100 according to the invention has a particularly interesting application in depth gauges, or timepieces, such as diving watches, for measuring the ambient pressure and indicating the maximum value reached, particularly during dives.
[0064] However, the timepiece mechanism 100 according to the invention also applies to an altimeter, or to a barometer, for measuring the ambient pressure and indicating the maximum value reached in the form for example of an altitude, particularly useful during ascents.
[0065] In the remainder of the application, a timepiece mechanism 100 for measuring the ambient pressure and indicating the maximum pressure reached will be taken as example of embodiment. Of course, the invention is not limited to this particular embodiment.
[0066] Indeed, the invention also applies to other types of information relating to a physical variable that can be measured by a timepiece mechanism comprising means for measuring this information, such as for example an acceleration, a deceleration, a force, a torque, a magnetic field, a radioactive field or also exposure times to these magnetic or radioactive fields.
[0067] With reference to
[0068] The measured pressure indication wheel 11 is kinematically connected to the ambient pressure measuring device 5.
[0069] The ambient pressure measuring device 5 comprises an element (not shown) configured to mechanically deform under the effect of a variation of the ambient pressure.
[0070] The element configured to mechanically deform under the effect of a variation of the ambient pressure is for example a deformable flat membrane setting in motion a feeler-spindle.
[0071] The element configured to mechanically deform under the effect of a variation of the ambient pressure may also be an aneroid capsule comprising an aneroid box compressing or dilating depending on the ambient pressure.
[0072] The ambient pressure measuring device 5 is relatively conventional and is not shown in detail in
[0073] The ambient pressure measuring device 5 is arranged such that the displacements of the element configured to mechanically deform under the effect of a variation of the ambient pressure (deformable flat membrane, or aneroid capsule), are transmitted to the measured pressure indication wheel 11, in the form of a rotation of the first arbor 12, by means of a transmission mechanism, such that the angular position of the measured pressure indication wheel 11 depends on the ambient pressure measured by the pressure measuring device.
[0074] By way of example, the transmission mechanism of the ambient pressure measuring device may comprise a rack 6 at the end of the kinematic chain, directly meshing the measured pressure indication wheel 11, or an intermediate wheel assembly 14 positioned between the measured pressure indication wheel 11 and the rack 6 of the transmission mechanism of the ambient pressure measuring device 5, as shown in
[0075] In the example of embodiment illustrated in
[0076] The measured pressure indication wheel 11 may be integral with a measured pressure indicator organ 13 making it possible for the user to see the ambient pressure measured by the measuring device. The measured pressure indicator organ 13 is for example a hand integrally mounted on the arbor 12 of the measured pressure indication wheel 11.
[0077] The timepiece mechanism 100 also comprises a maximum pressure indication mechanism 20 making it possible for example to indicate the maximum depth reached during one or more dives, so long as the maximum pressure indication mechanism 20 is not reset to zero.
[0078] Such a maximum pressure indication mechanism 20 comprises a maximum pressure display train 24, comprising at least one maximum pressure display wheel 21, integral with an arbor 22 pivotally mounted on the frame. The maximum pressure display train 24 is kinematically connected to the measured pressure indication train 10.
[0079] In the example of embodiment illustrated in
[0080] In the example of embodiment illustrated in
[0081] The maximum pressure display wheel 21 is integral with a maximum pressure indicator organ 23, for example a hand integrally mounted on the arbor 22.
[0082] The maximum pressure display wheel 21 is capable of being driven gradually by the measured pressure indication train 10, or by a wheel assembly kinematically connected to the measured pressure indication train 10.
[0083] To this end, the timepiece mechanism 100 comprises a drive mechanism 30 comprising a first wheel assembly 31 meshed with the measured pressure indication wheel 11. The first wheel assembly 31 is integral with an arbor 33 pivotally mounted on the frame.
[0084] Thus, the first wheel assembly 31 of the drive mechanism 30 is rotated by the measured pressure indication wheel 11, depending on variations of the ambient pressure.
[0085] The drive mechanism 30 also comprises a second wheel assembly 32 freely mounted about the arbor 33 of the first wheel assembly 31 and meshed with the maximum pressure display wheel 21. The second wheel assembly 32 is therefore coaxial with the first wheel assembly 31.
[0086] The first wheel assembly 31 is a driver wheel assembly configured to gradually drive the second wheel assembly 32 during an increase of the ambient pressure, measured by the pressure measuring device and depending on the relative position of the second wheel assembly 32 in relation to the first wheel assembly 31. The second wheel assembly 32 is therefore a follower wheel assembly.
[0087] The drive mechanism 30 is configured to make it possible to advance the angular position of the second wheel assembly 32 when the angular position of the first wheel assembly 31 becomes greater than the angular position of the second wheel assembly 32.
[0088] The driving of the second wheel assembly 32 by the first driver wheel assembly 31 is performed by means of a drive pin 34 integral with the first wheel assembly 31.
[0089] The drive pin 34 is pushed in the first wheel assembly 31 and protrudes in relation to the plate of the first wheel assembly 31. The drive pin 34 is configured to be able to move inside an opening 35 arranged in the body of the second wheel assembly 32 and to be able to drive the second wheel assembly 32 when the drive pin 34 abuts against one end of the opening 35.
[0090] The opening 35 has an arc of circle shape the angular extent of which is configured substantially depending on the angular travel of the measured pressure indication wheel 11.
[0091] Thus, the first wheel assembly 31 can pivot freely without driving the second wheel assembly during a reduction of the ambient pressure and when the ambient pressure remains lower than the maximum pressure corresponding to the effective position of the second wheel assembly 32.
[0092] The drive mechanism 30 operates in the following way. When the organs for indicating the ambient pressure 13 and the maximum pressure 23 are in a reference position (theoretical zero) the two wheel assemblies 31 and 32 are also in their initial reference position. In this case, the drive pin 34 abuts against one end of the opening 35 of the second wheel assembly 32, as illustrated by
[0093] During an increase of the ambient pressure measured by the ambient pressure measuring device 5, the first wheel assembly 31 is rotated and pivots according to a first direction of rotation (for example in the anticlockwise direction). The two wheel assemblies being respectively in the same reference position, the rotation of the first wheel assembly 31 also drives the rotation of the second wheel assembly 32, the drive pin 34 abutting against one end of the opening 35. The second wheel assembly 32 is thus driven in an angular position corresponding to the measured pressure.
[0094] During a reduction of the ambient pressure, the first wheel assembly 31 pivots in the opposite direction (for example in the clockwise direction according to the architecture shown in
[0095] When the ambient pressure increases again, the second wheel assembly 32 will be rotated by the first wheel assembly 31 when the measured pressure will become greater than the maximum pressure, corresponding to the effective angular position of the second wheel assembly 32, that is to say when the drive pin 34 of the first wheel assembly 31 will come back to abut against the end of the opening 35.
[0096] Thus, the angular position of the second wheel assembly 32 corresponds to the maximum value of the pressure measured by the ambient pressure measuring device 5, so long as it is not reset to zero by the zero-reset lever that will be described subsequently.
[0097] The angular position of the second wheel assembly 32, and therefore of the maximum pressure display wheel 21, is maintained at each advance by means of an uncouplable indexing mechanism 40, in such a way as to index the angular position of the second wheel assembly 32 corresponding to the maximum measured value of the ambient pressure, since the last zero-reset of the mechanism.
[0098] The uncouplable indexing mechanism 40 is configured to block the angular position of the maximum pressure display wheel 21 at each advance of it, during phases of increase of the ambient pressure, such that the maximum pressure display wheel 21 remains indexed during a reduction of the ambient pressure.
[0099] The uncouplable indexing mechanism 40 comprises an uncouplable blocking organ, for example an indexing jumper 41, rotatable about a pivot 42 integral with the frame, between a coupled position and an uncoupled position.
[0100] The indexing jumper 41 cooperates with an indexing wheel assembly 43 comprising an indexing toothed wheel 44 and a central indexing pinion 45, integral with the indexing toothed wheel 44. The central indexing pinion 45 is kinematically connected to the maximum pressure display wheel 21.
[0101] The indexing toothed wheel 44 cooperates with the indexing jumper 41, and more particularly with a jumper beak 46, in such a way as to block the position of the maximum pressure display wheel 21, by means of the central indexing pinion 45, at each advance of the maximum pressure display wheel 21.
[0102] The indexing toothed wheel 44 has an asymmetric toothing 48, for example a wolf-tooth toothing, comprising a plurality of indexing teeth, in such a way as to make possible a clear indexing without clearance and without backward return possible of the maximum pressure display wheel 21, particularly thanks to the straight flanks of the teeth of the asymmetric toothing 48.
[0103] However, according to alternative embodiments it is possible to use another type of toothing.
[0104] The indexing jumper 41 cooperates with a spring blade 50 exerting a force on the indexing jumper 41 in such a way as to position it by default in its coupled position and to ensure the positioning of the indexing jumper 41, and more particularly the jumper beak 46, at the tooth bottom of the toothing of the indexing toothed wheel 44.
[0105] The indexing toothed wheel 44 has a reference indexing position corresponding for example to the theoretical zero of the pressure measured by the ambient pressure measuring device 5. In such a way as to easily see this reference indexing position, the indexing toothed wheel 44 advantageously has an indexing symbol or marking, referenced P0, arranged on the plate of the indexing toothed wheel 44. When this indexing symbol is positioned opposite the jumper beak 46, the indexing toothed wheel 44 is in its reference indexing position, as illustrated in
[0106] As shown in
[0107] Advantageously, the indexing toothed wheel 44 comprises at least one angular sector, devoid of at least one tooth or a plurality of indexing teeth, located close to the indexing symbol, referenced P0, such that the indexing toothed wheel 44 has a portion devoid of indexing teeth close to its reference indexing position in relation to the jumper beak 46.
[0108] Advantageously, the indexing toothed wheel 44 comprises a first angular sector Z1 without indexing teeth positioned in such a way as to render the indexing inactive during small pressure variations, beyond the theoretical zero, for example for variations of the ambient pressure measured during a dive of less than a few metres, for example of less than 1 m, or to prevent indexing the maximum pressure indicator organ 23 during slight modifications of the atmospheric pressure.
[0109] For example, and according to the example of embodiment illustrated in
[0110] Advantageously, the indexing toothed wheel 44 may also comprise a second angular sector Z2 without indexing teeth positioned in such a way as to render the indexing inactive when the ambient pressure exceeds the maximum value of the display dedicated to the maximum pressure, for example a display appearing on a dial. Thus, the position of the maximum depth indicator organ 23 may not be indexed in a position located beyond the maximum value provided by the display.
[0111] Thus, in our preceding example, the second angular sector Z2 devoid of at least one indexing tooth is positioned after the straight flank of a last tooth corresponding to the last desired indexing position, or between the indexing symbol P0 and the straight flank of a last tooth of the asymmetric toothing 48, as symbolised in
[0112] The zero-reset of the maximum pressure display train 24 is ensured by a zero-reset lever 60 that can be manipulated by the user via a push-piece, or an actuation stud 62.
[0113] The zero-reset lever 60 comprises a finger-piece 61 capable of forming a pivoting yoke of the indexing jumper 41. The actuation by the user of the zero-reset lever 60 must overcome the return force of the spring blade 50 to make possible the pivoting of the indexing jumper 41 and its disengagement from the toothing of the indexing toothed wheel 44.
[0114] The uncouplable indexing mechanism 40 also comprises a return organ 49, for example a return rack, cooperating with a return element 47 capable of exerting a return force on the return organ 49. The return organ 49 is kinematically connected to the maximum pressure display train 24, and more particularly to the maximum pressure display wheel 21. Thus, the return organ 49 makes it possible to tension the maximum pressure display train 24 and the drive mechanism 30, which makes it possible to prevent fluttering of the maximum pressure indicator organ 23, caused by the operating clearances existing between the various gears of the train.
[0115] Via the return element 47, the return organ 49 also exerts a return force on the maximum pressure display wheel 21 capable of repositioning the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the maximum pressure indicator organ 23 in a reference position, for example the theoretical zero, when the indexing jumper 41 is in uncoupled position.
[0116] The return element 47 is for example a return spring.
[0117] As seen above, the indexing wheel assembly 43 is kinematically connected to the maximum pressure display wheel 21.
[0118] According to a first alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the indexing wheel assembly 43 is directly meshed with the maximum pressure display wheel 21, for example by means of the central indexing pinion 45, such that a first gear train T1 is formed between the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the indexing wheel assembly 43.
[0119] According to a second alternative embodiment, illustrated more particularly in
[0120] Regardless of the alternative embodiment, the various gears constituting the gear trains T1 or T2 are configured such that the gear ratio, resulting between the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the indexing wheel assembly 43, is a multiplication ratio.
[0121] Thus, with a multiplication ratio between the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the indexing wheel assembly 43, the mechanism according to the invention makes it possible to increase the possible indexing positions of the maximum pressure indicator organ 23, which makes it possible to increase the maximum pressure display resolution.
[0122] The use of a multiplication ratio between the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and the indexing wheel assembly 43 particularly makes it possible to get closer to the display and accuracy results of a friction drive mechanism while proposing a mechanism of simpler design with an optimised and reduced compactness.
[0123] The use of an intermediate indexing wheel assembly 70 advantageously makes it possible to produce an intermediate wheel in such a way as to offset the indexing wheel assembly 43 outside of an area close to the arbor 22 of the maximum pressure display wheel 21. Thus, the installation of various elements of the maximum pressure indication mechanism 20 is facilitated and the thickness of the mechanism is minimised. Advantageously, the intermediate indexing wheel assembly 70 makes it possible to offset the indexing wheel assembly 43 from the central region of the mechanism that generally comprises an accumulation of indicator organs on the same arbor. Thus, the installation is facilitated and the overall thickness of the mechanism is minimised according to the invention, and particularly of a horological movement integrating such a mechanism.
[0124] More particularly, the intermediate indexing wheel assembly 70 comprises an intermediate indexing wheel 71 meshed on the one hand with the maximum pressure display wheel 21 and meshed on the other hand with the central indexing pinion 45 of the indexing wheel assembly 43.
[0125] The intermediate indexing wheel assembly 70 also comprises an intermediate indexing pinion 72 (that can be seen in
[0126] However, other constructions are possible without departing from the context of the invention.
[0127] According to one alternative embodiment, the return organ 49 may cooperate for example with the indexing wheel assembly 43, and be meshed on the central indexing pinion 45 of the indexing wheel assembly 43.
[0128] By way of example, the indexing wheel assembly 43 comprises 62 machined teeth, which corresponding to an indexing wheel assembly comprising 73 teeth over at total circumference of 360°.
[0129] Thus, in the example of embodiment presented, the indexing wheel assembly 43 makes it possible to perform 62 indexing positions of the maximum pressure indicator organ 23. Thus, it is possible to have a more precise resolution in the display of the maximum pressure reached.
[0130] The timepiece mechanism 100 according to the invention may be combined with a horological movement configured to indicate information relating to time information.
[0131] The invention also relates to a depth gauge, an altimeter or a barometer integrating such a timepiece mechanism 100, as described above.
[0132] The invention also relates to a timepiece, such as a diving watch, comprising a horological movement comprising such a timepiece mechanism for measuring information relating to the ambient pressure and for indicating the maximum pressure reached.