HK1170811B - Timepiece with a modular analogue display - Google Patents

Description

Timepiece with modular analogue display

Technical Field

The invention relates to a timepiece with an analogue display, comprising a timepiece movement provided with a mechanical output on an axis of said movement, and a display assembly provided with at least one time display device driven by said mechanical output, wherein said display assembly is separate from said timepiece movement and is coupled to a fixed part of said movement by means of a support means, which enables said display device to adopt a plurality of different positions around an output axis of said movement.

Background

In order to achieve a rational production of the different watch models, the manufacturer uses the same timepiece movement model (also known as "movement number") in combination with various display assemblies in a known manner. Each of these assemblies comprises the required display members (hour, minute and second hands, date indicator, chronograph hand, etc.) and the gear train necessary for driving these members by one or more mechanical outputs of the movement. Such an assembly is generally referred to as a "module", since it generally means that it can be replaced by a different module in the same timepiece movement (referred to as "basic movement").

For the purpose of variable production, different display modules can be used for the basic movement device, in particular off-centre display means, such as a small seconds hand display, or the modules can be exchanged for changing the display type (e.g. retrograde hand) or adding display means (e.g. 24-hour display), without the need to develop a new movement each time.

However, such a module type is conceivable for one or more predetermined display functions, and if it is desired to produce an improved table model, it is obviously necessary to improve the display module, which includes redesigning the module by increasing the number of component references (component references) and complicating production and storage.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to overcome all or part of the above drawbacks by proposing a modular display system for a timepiece and in particular for a timepiece, which provides increased modularity so as to allow one or more different types of display devices to be mounted on a single basic movement model, the output of which drives the display assembly. The display system according to the invention, which may be referred to as "configurable", maintains a modular design while providing additional flexibility with respect to the positioning of the display device, and provides versatility and combinations thereof.

The invention therefore relates to a timepiece with an analogue display, comprising a timepiece movement provided with a mechanical output on an axis of said movement, and a display assembly provided with at least one display device driven by said mechanical output, wherein said display assembly is separate from said timepiece movement and is coupled to a fixed part of said movement by means of a support means, which enables said display device to adopt a plurality of positions around an output axis of said movement. The invention is characterised in that the support means of the display assembly comprise an intermediate support fixed to the fixed part of the timepiece movement and provided with support members to allow said at least one display device to be mounted in a plurality of positions on the intermediate support.

The addition of an intermediate support (which can be fixed by conventional means on a fixed part of the basic movement) provides a large number of assembly positions for one or more display devices. Furthermore, the display device may be of different types and be formed by a single element designed to be fixed to a multifunctional support member comprised in the intermediate support. Thus, the system allows for multiple display variations to be presented without changing any mechanical parts on the same basic movement. Advantageously, according to the invention, it is evident that the presence of the control and/or correction means (for example crown/crown) is no longer an obstacle to the positioning of the display member on the timepiece.

According to other advantageous features of the invention:

in three embodiments, the mechanical output comprises a second axis surrounded by a minute wheel (cannon-pinion);

the timepiece comprises at least two display devices;

in a first embodiment, the intermediate support comprises an at least partially circular rail, centred on the output shaft of the timepiece movement;

-the support member comprises an aperture engaging the rail for fixing and/or positioning each display device;

the apertures are arranged at a predetermined angular pitch around the output shaft to provide a number of possible positions for each display device;

-each display device is fixed to the rail and engages with a wheel of the mechanical output so as to display at least one time value;

in the second and third embodiments, the intermediate support comprises a frame having a central hole opposite to the mechanical output;

in a second embodiment, at least one clamping plate is mounted at a distance from the frame, and at least one display device is mounted in a space between the at least one clamping plate and the frame;

-the support member comprises at least one series of holes in the frame and at least one series of holes in the at least one clamping plate for fixing and/or positioning each display device;

said series of holes being distributed at a predetermined angular pitch around the output shaft to provide a number of possibilities for positioning the respective display device;

-said support member comprises a second series of holes at a predetermined angular pitch within said frame and within said at least one clamping plate so as to provide more possibilities for positioning the respective display device;

-the frame and the at least one clamping plate are fixed together to the fixed part by means of bolts that each pass through the at least one clamping plate and the frame;

in a third embodiment, the support member comprises at least one series of holes in a bottom portion of the frame and at least one series of holes in a top portion of the frame for fixing and/or positioning each display device;

the series of holes are distributed around the output shaft at a predetermined angular pitch so as to provide a number of possibilities for positioning the respective display device;

-the support member comprises a second series of holes in the top portion of the frame so as to each communicate with one of the holes formed in the bottom portion of the frame;

-the frame is fixed to the fixed part by means of bolts in at least one hole of said frame;

in the second and third embodiments, the support member is able to receive the shaft and/or the tube and/or the bearing;

in three embodiments, each display device engages a wheel of the mechanical output to display at least one time value;

at least one part of the display assembly is integral with a fixed part of the timepiece movement;

-an angular pitch of less than or equal to 30 °;

the timepiece movement comprises a drive mechanism for a calendar display member, and the calendar display member is offset with respect to the plane of the drive mechanism by a space substantially corresponding to the thickness of the display assembly, so that the display of the calendar is as close as possible to the analogue display.

Drawings

Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, by way of non-limiting indication, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a schematic front view of a display assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising two time display devices;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-section taken along line II-II of FIG. 1 via point M;

FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged cross-section taken along the line III-III of FIG. 1 via the point R;

figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a display assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

fig. 5 is a schematic front view of a display assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, comprising two time display devices;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-section taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5;

fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

figures 8-18 are diagrams showing various display configurations that can be achieved by the invention using the same timepiece movement in the three embodiments;

figures 19 and 20 are illustrations of a third embodiment of an intermediate portion according to the present invention;

figure 21 is a cross section of an alternative embodiment of a calendar display member according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

The exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1-4 comprises a time display of the "regulator" type (schematically shown in fig. 11) having a minute hand M at the centre, an eccentric hour hand H (which is shorter than the minute hand) and a second hand S, which is here a small second hand and is eccentric opposite the hour hand. Advantageously, according to the invention, it will be seen later that the axes of the pointers H, M and S (aligned in fig. 11) can all be positioned independently of each other.

A calendar display may also be provided, here comprising a date disc, which appears in a hole D in the dial (dial). In general, the designer can place this hole anywhere around the perimeter of the dial. Of course other types of display means may be used to display the date, for example using a pointer.

As described above, the timepiece (in the case described here, a watch) comprises a basic movement 1 of the usual type and various display devices driven by said movement 1 but which can be arranged in various configurations in order to make the watch have different display members using the same mechanical parts. The base movement 1 can be any mechanical or electromechanical timepiece movement, for example a quartz movement.

The basic movement 1 therefore comprises a mechanical output (usually a minute wheel) with a geometric axis 2 and a second axis (in the previously described figures) inside the minute wheel. Among the elements of the basic movement 1 present in the first embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 4, the following elements may also be mentioned: a fixed part 10, in this case a bottom plate, a seconds shaft 11 fitted with a seconds wheel 12 and guided by means of a fixed tube 9, a minute wheel 13, a minute wheel drive wheel 14 and an hour wheel 15 driven by teeth 13a of the minute wheel 13 via a usual motion work (not shown in the figures). A control rod 16 with a crown 16a is also visible, as well as a correction wheel 17 and an intermediate correction wheel 18 controlled by the rod 16.

Thus, the second shaft 11 and the minute wheel 13 form a mechanical output member to drive the time display member. In the example of fig. 1-4, it should be noted that advantageously according to the invention, the mechanical output is in the centre of the movement 1. Although this is not a necessary feature. It is therefore evident that the hour wheel 15 of the basic movement 1 is not directly used for the time display, i.e. no hands are fixed thereto. The hour wheel 15 is however used in a known manner to drive the calendar display and at least one display device according to the invention in a conventional manner by completing one turn per day by insertion of a wheel (not shown in the figures).

In fig. 1-7, a calendar display is formed by means of a date ring 20. The ring is here in two stages, with two annular discs 21 and 22 connected by a post 23. In a usual manner, movement 1 comprises a chassis 21 having internal teeth and slidably mounted on plate 10. According to the invention, the calendar display surrounds the display device and comprises a second annular disc 22 mounted on the first disc 21 in the space between the posts 23, which space corresponds substantially to the thickness of the display assembly, so as to display said calendar on the second annular disc as close as possible to said analogue display, i.e. as close as possible to the hole D, as shown in fig. 8-18. Thus, in the example of fig. 1-7, the top surface of the tray 22 carries thirty-one days of a month when the calendar display displays the date.

The current time is indicated by means of a time display assembly 30 (shown in fig. 11), which time display assembly 30 comprises at least one display device and preferably two independent display devices, each of which is driven individually by the output of the basic movement 1 and is fixed to the fixed part 10 of the movement 1, in this case to the board, by means of a support means. The first device can therefore be driven by the minute wheel 13 and display the hours and minutes by means of the hands H and M. The second device can be driven by the seconds axis 11 and displays seconds by means of the hands S. However, it is fully contemplated that a single display device could drive three pointers H, M, S or display less information.

In the example of fig. 1-4 showing the first embodiment, hand H is off-center at 12 o 'clock, hand M is in the center, and hand S forms a small second hand at 6 o' clock. This display configuration is shown in fig. 11. According to a first embodiment, the display assembly comprises two display devices 31 and 32, which are connected to the fixed part 10 of the movement 1, in this case a plate, by means of support means. The support device includes an intermediate support and a support member.

Preferably, the intermediate support is formed by an at least partially circular rail 34, which rail 34 is centred with respect to the shaft 2 and is fixed to the fixed part 10 by bolts 35. Here, the rail 34 has a flat shape. In addition to the top and side surfaces, the support member in this example also includes twelve stepped apertures 36 that are capable of receiving bolt mounts 37 to secure at least one display device to various positions of the rail 34, at the option of the designer. In the example of fig. 1-4, the orifices 36 are regularly spaced at an angular pitch P, here 30 °. Thus, the designer has twelve possible positions for each display device 31, 32 of the display assembly 30.

In the example of fig. 1, it can be seen that each display device 31, 32 is fixed to the rail 34 by means of two bolts 38 associated with a bolt base 37, and still six apertures 36 remain free, which means that these devices can be moved or that several additional display devices can be fixed. It is therefore evident that, once the first display device 31 is fixed to the rail 34, the invention advantageously offers more possibilities for placing the second display device 32 in different positions along the rail 34, as chosen by the designer, due to the support member formed by the still free aperture 36. This will be seen hereinafter with reference to fig. 16 and 17.

Of course, if the designer wishes the device to have more possible positions, it is possible to simply use a rail with more orifices 36 (where the orifices 36 have a pitch P of less than 30 °), or to make the orifices have an oval shape, thus providing an infinite number of positions. In addition, other methods of securing some devices can be provided, such as with or without notches on the rails if the device has a frame overlying the rails and has transverse bolt clamps. It will also be noted that the rail 34 may be discontinuous, i.e. comprise one or more sections in the shape of a circular arc, in order to free some space, for example a passage for a functional connection between the display device and the lever 16 or calendar drive member of the base movement 1.

Each display device 31, 32 includes a frame, referred to herein as a "stand" or "carriage," because it can be positioned by movement along rail 34. This frame, which is fixed to the rail 34 by means of bolts 38 engaged in the bolt seats 37, may be similar to the plates used to form the mechanical parts of the respective display devices 31, 32. Fig. 2 and 3 show that the frame 41 of the hour/minute display device 31 is provided with three shafts 42, 43 and 44, which are intended to be used as pivot pins. The shaft 42 thus carries a top minute wheel 45 provided with a minute hand M, as well as a wheel 46. The shaft 43 receives a tube 47 provided with an hour hand H and a top hour wheel 48. Finally, shaft 44 carries a top running gear 49 which connects the pinion of top minute wheel 45 to top wheel 48 using the usual gear ratios.

The frame 41 also comprises a bearing shaft 51 (visible in fig. 3) of a double intermediate wheel 50, which double intermediate wheel 50 connects the wheel 46 of the top cannon-pinion 45 to a drive wheel 52 fixed to the cannon-pinion 13 of the basic movement 1. Because the rail 34 and its row of apertures 36 are centrally located on the output shaft 2 of the movement 1, the double intermediate wheel 50 engages the wheel 52 at all possible positions of the display device 31 on the rail 34. Of course, the transmission ratio of the double intermediate wheel 50 is 1:1, so that the hands M and H rotate at the same speed as the wheels 14 and 15 of the basic movement 1.

The carriage 54 of the display device 32 carries a bridge 55. The clamp plate 55 and the carriage 54 are provided with two pairs of drills (jewel) to carry a small second axle 56 and an intermediate wheel 58 respectively. As shown in the example of fig. 2, the shaft 56 is equipped with a wheel 57 and a small seconds hand S, while the intermediate wheel 58 engages the wheel 57. The intermediate wheel 58 also engages a second drive wheel 59, which second drive wheel 59 is fixed to the top end of the second shaft 11, replacing the usual central second hand. Thus, with respect to the first display device 31, the intermediate wheels 58 remain engaged on the wheels 59 regardless of the position of the second display device 32 on the rail 34. Preferably, the wheels 57 and 59 have the same diameter so that they can rotate at the same speed.

In the case where the display device 30 has, in addition to the devices 31 and 32 described herein, other display devices that may require correction (for example, a second time zone display, a calendar or a moon phase display), the central correction wheel 62 is rotatably mounted on the cannon pinion 13 of the base movement 1 and is axially wedged using a hairspring 63 (see fig. 3). Which can be driven by the correction wheel 17 via a train of two correction intermediate wheels 18 and 64 mounted on the plate 10 of the basic movement 1. Thus, a display device requiring a correction function can be mounted at any location on rail 34 while maintaining engagement of both central correction wheel 62 and the wheel that normally drives the device (e.g., hour wheel 15).

It can be observed that a system incorporating rails as intermediate supports and a plurality of display devices not only allows the display members of these devices to be placed in different positions without changing any parts, but also allows one display device to be replaced by a different device, thus changing the product range of the manufacturer. It may be a device displaying another magnitude, but it may also be a device displaying the same magnitude but in a different way, for example with a disc, a drum, a reverse hand or even with a normal second hand, for example to display a time zone with a fixed time difference.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, namely the example shown in figures 5 to 7, the intermediate support of the display assembly is made in the form of a frame 70 fixed to the fixed portion 10 of the basic movement 1 so as to be at least partially superimposed, in this case the fixed portion 10 being a plate. In the example shown in fig. 5-7, the frame 70 takes the form of a circular plate having a central aperture 71, wherein the central aperture 71 is opposite the mechanical output of the basic movement 1.

Preferably, this movement 1 is identical to the movement of the first embodiment and it is also equipped with the same date display using a two-stage ring 20, as shown in fig. 8-18, the top disc 22 of the two-stage ring 20 carrying the date revealed in the hole D.

The elements of the time display assembly of the watch are mounted on the frame 70 or, preferably, between the frame 70 and at least one of the jaws 72. In the example shown in fig. 5-7, a single clamp plate 72 is used, which is in the form of a substantially circular plate having the same diameter as the frame 70.

The clamping plate 72 and the frame 70 are each positioned to, and thus together fixed to, the stationary part 10 by means of a plurality of bolts 73, in this example the stationary part 10 is a plate, wherein each bolt 73 passes in succession through a hole 74 in the clamping plate 72, a tubular post (not shown) defining a space between the clamping plate 72 and the frame 70, and a hole 76 in the frame 70. Preferably, each bolt 73 is retained within plate 10 by being screwed into a tapped hole 77 in plate 10. The position of the holes 77 does not follow any particular arrangement. Therefore, these positions should preferably be chosen according to the available area on the fixed part 10 of the movement 1.

According to a second embodiment, the frame 70 and the clamping plate 72 comprise a series of support members for mounting the mechanical elements of the display assembly. In the example shown in fig. 5-7, the support member is formed by an aperture. The arrangement of these support members is regular and in the example shown in fig. 18 is based on six radial axes 81-86, which axes 81-86 are spaced apart from each other by an angular pitch P =30 ° as in the first embodiment.

According to this arrangement, there are crowns of twelve pivot holes 87 in a circle of relatively large diameter in the frame 70, and perpendicular to the holes, the crowns having twelve wider holes 88 in the clamp plate 72. The wider diameter of the bore 88 enables various components to be received as desired, particularly a shaft or bushing bearing or a watch jewel (watch jewel), as described below.

On a circle of smaller diameter, there is also provided in the frame 70 a second series of six pivot holes 89, which are substantially arranged in a crown shape and perpendicular thereto there is a second crown of six wider holes 90 in the splint 72. Preferably, the second series of holes 89, in combination with the first series of holes 87, are mounted in a five-point arrangement and closer to the output shaft 2.

Similarly to on the clamp plate 72, the second series of holes 90 in combination with the first series of holes 88 are mounted in a five-point arrangement and closer to the output shaft 2. It is therefore evident that the use of a pair of mounted wheels in pairs of holes 89 and 90 enables the engagement of the wheel sets carried by one and/or the other pair of adjacent pairs of holes 87 and 88.

As shown in fig. 5 and 7, splint 72 may also include a crown-shaped third series of six holes 91 and a crown-shaped fourth series of twelve holes 92, where each hole 91 is formed between two holes 88 and each hole 92 is radially aligned with a hole 88 between a hole 88 and the outer edge of splint 72. As will be shown below, the third and fourth series are intended to add modularity and/or functionality to the display device.

The mechanical output of the basic movement 1 is shown more particularly in figure 6. The following parts are again seen: a fixed part 10, in this case a plate; a second shaft 11 provided with a second wheel 12 and guided by means of the fixed tube 9; a minute wheel 13; a minute wheel drive wheel 14; and an hour wheel 15 driven by the teeth 13a of the minute wheel 13 via a usual feed mechanism (not visible in the figures). The cannon pinion 13 used here replaces the cannon pinion of the original movement, since it is shorter. The top end of which is provided with a top drive wheel 94, the top drive wheel 94 having a diameter small enough to occupy the central aperture 71 of the frame 70. Above the wheel 91, there is a second drive wheel 95 fixed to the end of the shaft 11.

Frame 70 and plate 72 carry two time display devices 111 and 112 driven by the output of movement 1, as described above. In the example shown in fig. 5-7, a first "tuner" type display device 111 (similar to the device 31 of the first embodiment) displays time by means of an eccentric hand H and minutes by means of a central hand M. The pointer M is carried by a top partial wheel 96, which top partial wheel 96 is provided with teeth 97 and pivots on a shaft 98 fixed to the centre of the plate 72. The hour hand H is carried by the tube of a wheel 100, which wheel 100 pivots on an axle 101, which axle 101 is mounted in one of the holes 88 in the plate 72, in this case in the hole located towards the top of the dial.

The hour wheel set 100 and minute wheel set 96 of the display device 111 are connected by a motion work wheel set 102, the motion work wheel set 102 having a motion work shaft 103 rotatably mounted in a guide tube 104, the guide tube 104 being urged into the aperture 91 in the cleat 72. The shaft 103 carries a motion work pinion 105 meshing with the wheel 100, a top plate 106 meshing with the teeth of the top cannon pinion 96 and a hub 107 integral with a bottom plate 108, the bottom plate 108 meshing with the top drive wheel 94 of the cannon pinion 13 of the basic movement 1. The two plates 106 and 108 are identical to simplify manufacture and form a double intermediate wheel having the same function as the double intermediate wheel 50 of the first embodiment.

Of course, the motion transmission ratio between the top minute wheel 96 and the wheel 100 is preferably equal to 1: 12. However, if the hour hand H needs to make only one revolution in 24 hours, it is only necessary to simply change the diameters of the wheel 100 and the pinion 105.

In the example shown in fig. 5-7, the second time display 112 is of the small second hand type, in which the second hand S is off-centre in a similar manner to the device 32 of the first embodiment. This pointer S is carried by the shaft 113. The latter is provided with a pinion 114 and is guided between a bearing (bushing or drill) 115 and one of the holes 87 in the frame 70, wherein the bearing 115 is driven into one of the holes 88 in the clamping plate 72.

A small seconds hand pinion 114 is connected to the drive wheel 95 via an intermediate wheel 116, the shaft 117 of which intermediate wheel 116 pivots within one of the apertures 89 in the frame 70 and a bearing 119 (bush or drill) urged into one of the apertures 90 in the clamp plate 72. The drive wheel 95 and pinion 114 are preferably of the same diameter so as to rotate at the same speed.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 6, a magnetized pin 118 is urged into one of the holes 92 opposite the pinion 114. The pin 118 advantageously acts on the teeth of the pinion 114 so as to brake said pinion when one of its teeth is perpendicular to the pin 118 in order to reduce the oscillation of the hands S.

It can be observed that the two time display devices 111 and 112 respectively fulfill the same functions as the two display devices 31 and 32 of the first embodiment and can also each occupy twelve different positions offset from each other by steps of 30 ° over the circumference of the dial. Simple solutions may also allow other locations. For example, in the second embodiment, more or fewer holes 74, 76 can be provided in the clamping plate 72 and the frame 70 to increase or decrease the number of fixing bolts 73. For example, the gap may then be offset by 15 degrees (0.5 · P) or 45 degrees (1.5 · P) relative to the first embodiment.

The examples shown in fig. 5-7 illustrate the relatively thin construction of a display assembly according to the invention. The reason for this low height is clearly allowed for the fact that no correction elements are provided within the display assembly itself. Only the correction of the basic movement 1 is present. Nevertheless, the second embodiment can be designed with a central correction wheel (e.g., wheel 62) as previously described to correct the indication of the second time zone or calendar display carried by the frame 70 and the bridge 72, for example.

It will also be appreciated that the clamping plate 72 may be replaced, as required, with a different clamping plate cooperating with the same frame 70, or even with a plurality of clamping plates different from one another, without resulting in a significant increase in the number of semi-finished products stored by the manufacturer. Similarly, the possibility of using two frame models as required will not significantly complicate the manufacture and storage of parts, compared to the prior art solutions of manufacturing and storing a variety of complete display devices.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in the second embodiment of the present invention, the time display device 111 can be easily modified to form a device that displays hours, minutes and seconds (as configured in fig. 8) in a conventional manner using a coaxial pointer H, M, S at the center. Referring now to fig. 6, it will be noted that hour wheel 100 may be placed on a tube that rotates about minute wheel 96 without changing the set of moving wheels 102, while remaining engaged to the motion work pinion 105 because of the same distance between the holes in cleat 72. The central second hand S may be carried in the usual way by a shaft passing through the shaft 98 and coupled with the shaft 11 of the base movement 1. If, on the contrary, the small second hand display device 112 is left, the configuration of fig. 9 is obtained.

Similarly, by retaining the small second hand display 112, the conventional hour and minute display can be set in an off-center position on the shaft 101 without any change to the motion work wheel set 102. It is necessary to simply modify the shaft 101 so that it acts as a pivot for the minute wheel which engages the plate 106 and carries the tube of the hour wheel 100 thereabout. The configuration of fig. 10 is thus obtained.

Fig. 11-15 schematically show other time display configurations by means of an hour hand H, a minute hand M and a second hand S, which can be easily implemented on the same basic movement 1 by using the invention. It will be noted that the date display in hole D may be present or absent, and that hole D may be in a number of different positions, in particular coupled in a coordinated manner to various scales associated with the display member (e.g. cursor H, M, S).

As explained above for the second embodiment, it is important to note that all configurations shown in fig. 8-18 can also be obtained by using the principle of the first embodiment of the invention, namely a display device comprising a carriage of the type 41, 54, which can be placed in various positions on a support rail of the type 34, which is at least partly circular, i.e. circular or circular arc.

FIGS. 16-18 schematically illustrate the very broad modularity that the present invention can provide for a watch display. Fig. 18 shows the arrangement along the six principal axes 81-86 that is already possible with the same common basic movement model 1, when the angular pitch P is 30 ° in accordance with the two embodiments described above.

According to a second example shown in fig. 16, it has a conventional time display with hands H and M in the centre and a small second hand S, the latter being able to occupy any of twelve positions 120 corresponding to axes 81-86, without any mechanical parts having to be changed. Incidentally, the date hole D may also occupy an arbitrary position, for example obviously in a fixed position relative to the shaft 2 opposite the small second hand, as required. Furthermore, one or more additional display devices may also be provided in place with the small second hand S in position 120.

In another example shown in fig. 17, the display assembly includes an off-center display having hands H and M. Thus, the small second hand S can occupy seven different positions 121 along an arc centred on the output shaft 2 of the basic movement 1, without changing any mechanical parts. Incidentally, the date hole D may also occupy an arbitrary position. Furthermore, if the small second hand display S is placed towards the most lateral position 121, it is also conceivable to set an additional display means in place.

In the view of fig. 18, it can be directly seen that, using the output of a conventional movement 1 and without modifying any mechanical part, more positions are obtained with respect to the axes 81-86 so as to obtain an original or at least unusual display configuration. Only the dial is changed, which provides a direct economic benefit compared to existing solutions for changing modules.

Furthermore, advantageously according to the invention, it is also evident that, for a given orientation of the display, the designer can choose to place the control lever 16 and its crown 16a in twelve different positions without any change to the basic movement 1 or to the display assembly, i.e. without any change to the mechanical parts.

The above description illustrates that the present invention allows a time display or other display to have a number of different configurations with a limited set of parts. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention provides the same advantages for other types of displays driven by the basic movement, in particular chronograph, calendar, power reserve or lunar phase displays. It also makes it easy to combine a basic movement of a generic type with a display of a specific type, for example a retrograde indicator, without the need to change the main mechanical parts of the watch.

Furthermore, in order to limit the number of semi-finished products and according to the third embodiment, it is also possible to use thicker intermediate supports, for example a frame 70 ', which frame 70' comprises the features of both the frame 70 and the clamping plate 72 of the second embodiment. Fig. 19 and 20 show non-limiting examples of such a third embodiment. According to this third embodiment, the pivoting of the wheel sets is preferably effected in a similar manner to the motion work wheel set 102 of the second embodiment. Thus, this third embodiment does not require any additional clamping plates.

For further understanding of the example of fig. 19 and 20, reference numerals similar to those of the corresponding elements of the second embodiment are used, with particular reference to fig. 7. Thus, a frame 70 ' can be seen, which can be fixed to the fixed part 10 of the movement 1 by means of a plurality of bolts each passing through a hole 76 ' in the frame 70 '. According to a third embodiment, the frame 70' includes a plurality of series of support members for mounting the mechanical elements of the display assembly.

In the example shown in fig. 19 and 20, the support members are formed with regularly arranged holes based on the six radial axes 81-86 in the example shown in fig. 18. As shown in the first two embodiments, the holes are spaced apart from each other by an angular pitch P =30 °.

According to this arrangement, a crown having twelve positioning holes 87 'is provided in the bottom portion of the frame 70', each opening into a wider hole 88 'in the top portion of the frame 70'. Thus, apertures 88 'also form crowns with twelve wider apertures 88'. The holes 87 ', 88' have a diameter capable of receiving various elements as needed as in the second embodiment.

On a circle of smaller diameter, a second series of twelve positioning holes 89 'is also provided in the bottom part of the frame 70', which is also substantially crowned. In the example of fig. 20, a groove 71 'is formed in a top portion of the frame 70'. The groove 71 'is intended to be mounted tangentially relative to the machine output and in communication with the bore 88'. It is evident that the wheel set present in the hole 88 'can therefore engage a wheel set located in the recess 71' and specifically fixed in the hole 89 'opposite said hole 88'.

For example, as shown in fig. 19 and 20, the shafts 113 ' have been positioned within the holes 88 ' by securing one end thereof within the corresponding hole 87 '. A first shaft 98 'and a second shaft 101' have also been added, which are fixed in a central hole in the top part of the frame 70 'and in the further hole 87' respectively, so as to assume two pivoting levels in a manner similar to the second embodiment. Thus, the shaft 101' includes a base 100 ' secured within the hole 87 ' such that the shaft 101' protrudes from a top portion of the frame 70 '. Finally, two guide tubes 104 'have been installed in two different bores 89'.

Thus, as with the first and second embodiments, the third embodiment also provides greater modularity and/or increases the functionality of the display device as described above due to the holes 87 ', 88 ' and 89 '.

Furthermore, according to a variant of the invention and in three embodiments, it is conceivable for a portion of the display assembly 30 to be formed in a single piece with the fixed portion 10 of the movement 1. It is therefore conceivable for the central part 34, 70, 72 and/or 70' of the display module 30 to be formed wholly or partly integrally with the fixed part 10 for mounting the display module 30, this fixed part 10 being, for example, a plate of the movement 1. Furthermore, the fixed part 10 of the movement 1 is not limited to its plate, but may be a plate or even part of the drive mechanism of the calendar display member.

It should also be noted that advantageously according to the invention, in the three embodiments, the symmetry of the intermediate means 34, 70, 72, 70 'combined with the symmetry of the fixing holes 76, 76' also allows to change the position of the display member without changing the components of the display device 31, 32, 111, 112. Therefore, in order to screw the display assembly into a new position, it is necessary to simply remove the bolts 35, 73 and then to have to rotate the display assembly 30 with respect to the timepiece movement 1. Thus, it is possible to provide more tapped holes 77 also in the fixed part 10 of the timepiece movement 1, allowing more possible positions.

Finally, the calendar element is not limited to a date ring 20 having two annular discs 21 and 22 connected by a post 23. It is important to simply create space relative to the plane of the drive mechanism of the basic movement 1. This space corresponds substantially to the thickness of the display assembly 30 so that the calendar display is as close as possible to the analogue display, i.e. perpendicular to the aperture D in the case of figures 8-18.

Thus, according to an alternative form of the invention, the date element may be a cylinder, the internal diameter of which comprises teeth able to mesh with said drive mechanism of the basic movement 1 and the height of which extends into said space. It is also possible to hollow out a portion of the cylinder as shown in fig. 21 in order to make this alternative form lighter. Thus, a one-piece date ring 20 'is obtained, which has a substantially S-shaped cross-section, comprising a top portion 22' carrying a date scale and a bottom portion 21 'comprising teeth 24'. The bottom part 21 ' and the top part 22 ' may also be connected by a fully or partially recessed wall 23 '.

Claims (22)

1. A timepiece having an analog display, comprising:

timepiece movement (1) provided with a mechanical output on an output shaft (2) of said movement, and

a display assembly (30) provided with at least one display device (31, 32, 111, 112) driven by the mechanical output,

wherein the display assembly is separate from the timepiece movement (1) and is coupled by support means to a fixed part (10) of the timepiece movement (1), which enables the at least one display device to assume a plurality of positions about an output shaft (2) of the timepiece movement,

characterized in that said support means for said display assembly comprise an intermediate support (34, 70, 72, 70 ') fixed to a fixed portion (10) of the timepiece movement (1) and provided with support members (36, 87, 89, 87', 89 ') to allow said at least one display device (31, 32, 111, 112) to be mounted in a plurality of positions on said intermediate support (34, 70, 72, 70').

2. The timepiece according to claim 1, characterised in that the mechanical output comprises a seconds axis (11) surrounded by a minute wheel (13).

3. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises at least two display means (31, 32).

4. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterised in that the intermediate support comprises an at least partially circular rail (34) centred on the output shaft (2) of the timepiece movement (1).

5. The timepiece of claim 4, characterised in that the support member comprises an aperture (36) which engages the rail (34) in order to fix and/or position each display device (31, 32).

6. The timepiece according to claim 5, characterised in that the aperture (36) is arranged around the output shaft (2) with a predetermined angular pitch (P) so as to provide a plurality of possibilities for positioning the respective display means (31, 32).

7. The timepiece according to claim 4, characterised in that each display means (31, 32) is fixed to the rail (34) and engages a wheel (52, 59) of the mechanical output to display at least one time value (H, M, S).

8. The timepiece of claim 1, characterised in that the intermediate support comprises a frame (70, 70 ') having a central hole (71, 71') opposite the mechanical output.

9. The timepiece according to claim 8, characterised in that at least one bridge (72) is mounted at a distance from the frame (70) and at least one display device (111, 112) is mounted in a space between the at least one bridge and the frame.

10. The timepiece according to claim 9, characterised in that said support member comprises at least one series of holes (87, 89) in said frame and at least one series of holes (88, 90) in said at least one bridge (72) for fixing and/or positioning each display means (111, 112).

11. Timepiece according to claim 10, characterised in that the series of holes (87, 88, 89, 90) is distributed around the output shaft (2) with a predetermined angular pitch (P) so as to provide a plurality of possibilities for positioning the respective display means (111, 112).

12. The timepiece according to claim 10, characterised in that said support member comprises a second series of holes (89, 90) in said frame and in said at least one bridge at a predetermined angular pitch, so as to provide more possibilities for positioning the respective display means (111, 112).

13. The timepiece according to claim 9, characterised in that the frame (70) and the at least one bridge (72) are fixed together to the fixed part (10) by means of bolts (73) which pass through both the at least one bridge (72) and the frame (70).

14. The timepiece of claim 8, characterised in that the support member comprises at least one series of holes (87 ') in a bottom portion of the frame (70') and at least one series of holes (89 ') in a top portion of the frame (70') for fixing and/or positioning each display means.

15. The timepiece according to claim 14, characterised in that the series of holes (87 ', 89') are distributed around the output shaft (2) with a predetermined angular pitch (P) to provide a plurality of possibilities for positioning the various display devices.

16. The timepiece of claim 14, characterised in that the support member comprises a second series of holes (88 ') in a top portion of the frame (70') so as to be in communication each with one of the holes (87 ') formed in a bottom portion of the frame (70').

17. The timepiece of claim 14, characterised in that the frame (70 ') is fixed to the fixed part (10) by means of bolts in at least one hole (88', 76 ') in the frame (70').

18. Timepiece according to claim 10, characterised in that the support member is able to receive a shaft (98, 98', 101 ') and/or a tube (104, 104 ') and/or a bearing (115, 119).

19. The timepiece according to claim 8, characterised in that each display means (111, 112) engages a wheel (94, 95) of the mechanical output for displaying at least one time value (H, M, S).

20. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterised in that at least a part of the display assembly (30) is integral with the fixed part (10) of the timepiece movement (1).

21. Timepiece according to claim 6, 11 or 15, characterised in that the angular pitch (P) is less than or equal to 30 °.

22. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterised in that the timepiece movement (1) includes a drive mechanism for a calendar display member, and in that the calendar display member (22, 22 ') is offset with respect to the plane of the drive mechanism by a space substantially corresponding to the thickness of the display assembly (30), so that the calendar display member (22, 22') is as close as possible to the analogue display.