EP4339714A1 - Watch adapted to generate a sequential animation - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a watch (10) comprising a case (11) comprising a middle part (12) to which are fixed a crystal (13) and a transparent back (14) so as to form an internal volume, said watch (10) being characterized in that it comprises a watch movement (15) housed in the internal volume of the case (11), comprising a supporting structure through which extends a shaft (16) adapted to be rotated by said movement watchmaker (15) and carrying, at one of its ends opening beyond said supporting structure, facing the crystal (13), an indicator of a time value (17), and at the the other end opening beyond said supporting structure, facing the bottom (14), a disk (18) on which extends a pattern (181) facing a graphic representation (142), the pattern (181) and the graphic representation (142) being shaped such that, when the shaft (16) rotates, they cooperate with each other to generate a sequential moiré animation formed by a sequence of at least two distinct images.

Description

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and in particular watchmaking complications.

More particularly, the invention relates to a watch adapted to generate a sequential animation.

Technology background

In order to stand out from the competition and offer attractive products, watchmaking companies pay particular attention to the aesthetic appearance of watches. To this end, the decoration of the exterior elements of a watch, including the dial, the bezel and the displays, and any horological complications are often the subject of significant development and design efforts.

Animations are part of the responses provided in response to this need. In addition, they often contribute to the notoriety of a watch. These animations are, for example, formed by watch complications, such as a tourbillon, a moon phase, a chronograph, etc. or by an oscillating mass.

The present invention fits into this problem of providing a user with a watch whose visual appearance is unique and particularly attractive.

Summary of the invention

To this end, the invention relates to a watch comprising a case comprising a middle part to which a crystal and a transparent back are fixed so as to form an internal volume. Said watch comprises a watch movement housed in the internal volume of the case, comprising a structure carrier through which extends a shaft adapted to be rotated by said watch movement and carrying, at one of its ends opening beyond said supporting structure, facing the crystal, an indicator of a time value, and at the other end opening beyond said supporting structure, facing the background, a disk on which extends a pattern facing a graphic representation. The pattern and the graphic representation are shaped such that, as the shaft rotates, they cooperate with each other to generate a sequential moiré animation formed by a sequence of at least two images distinct.

Thanks to the characteristics of the invention, an animation is generated by taking advantage of the energy provided by the watch movement. In particular, the rotation of the disk makes it possible to generate an animation whose speed is relatively high.

Furthermore, the invention advantageously makes it possible in particular to be able to generate an animation from a conventional, existing watch movement, without requiring significant modifications to the latter.

In particular embodiments, the invention may also include one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

In particular embodiments, the graphic representation is formed on a bottom glass.

In particular embodiments, the pattern and the graphic representation are shaped so that, when the shaft rotates, they cooperate with each other in order to generate a sequential animation formed by a sequence of four images distinct.

In particular embodiments, the indicator of a time value is a seconds hand, the shaft being rotated so as to make a complete revolution in one minute.

In particular embodiments, the pattern and the graphic representation are shaped so that between two successive images generated, the disk rotates by six degrees.

In particular embodiments, the bottom is formed by a fixing ring on which a glass is driven, the graphic representation extending over one side of said glass.

In particular embodiments, the fixing ring is screwed against the middle part by a plurality of screws distributed around its periphery, each engaged in a tapped hole extending in the middle part.

In particular embodiments, the graphic representation is produced by depositing a thin layer on one side of the background arranged opposite the watch movement and forming a set of opaque zones.

In particular embodiments, the pattern is formed by a plurality of identical spirals extending from the center of the disc to its periphery, and being distributed regularly around the center of the disc, said pattern being produced by the deposition of a thin layer on one side of the disc arranged facing the bottom.

In particular embodiments, the disc and the ice are separated by a distance of less than 0.5 mm.

In particular embodiments, the disk advantageously has a diameter of approximately 10 mm.

In particular embodiments, the pattern and the graphic representation are shaped so that the sequential animation consists of moving an element in a rectilinear direction.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 représente schématiquement une vue en coupe partielle d'une montre selon un exemple préféré de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue de dessus d'un disque de la montre de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 représente une vue de dessus d'une glace de la montre de la figure 1 ;
• les figures 4 à 7 représentent une vue de dessous de la montre de la figure 1, dans lesquelles le disque occupe des positions angulaires successives différentes de sorte à générer des images distinctes formant une animation séquentielle.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following detailed description given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• there figure 1 schematically represents a partial sectional view of a watch according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
• there figure 2 represents a top view of a watch disc of the figure 1 ;
• there Figure 3 represents a top view of a watch glass of the figure 1 ;
• THE figures 4 to 7 represent a bottom view of the watch of the figure 1 , in which the disk occupies different successive angular positions so as to generate distinct images forming a sequential animation.

Note that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale for reasons of clarity.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention relates to a watch 10 adapted to generate a sequential animation, in particular visible through a transparent background 14.

As shown in the sectional view of the figure 1 , the watch 10 comprises a case 11 comprising a middle part 12 to which a crystal 13 and the transparent back 14 are fixed. The middle part 12, the crystal 13 and the back 14 form an internal volume in which is housed a watch movement 15 shown schematically on the figure 1 .

The bottom 14 is formed, in particular in the preferred embodiment of the invention, by a fixing ring 140 on which a glass 141 is driven, as shown in figure 1 . Preferably, this fixing ring 140 is screwed against the middle part 12 by a plurality of screws 120 distributed over its periphery, each of the screws 120 being engaged in a tapped hole extending in the middle part 12. This characteristic, visible on the figures 4 to 7 , allows the bottom 14 to be fixed to the middle part 12 in a very precise relative angular position.

The watch movement 15 comprises a supporting structure through which extends a shaft 16 kinematically linked to a motor member of the watch movement 15 so as to be driven in rotation. The supporting structure is known per se to those skilled in the art and is made up of bridges and/or a plate. In the same way, the driving member of the watch movement 15 is known per se to those skilled in the art and can be formed by a barrel spring, an electric motor, etc.

The shaft 16 extends between two ends, one of which, called the “upper end”, opens beyond said supporting structure, facing the glass 13, and the other of which, called the “lower end”. , opens beyond said supporting structure, facing the bottom 14.

The terms “upper” and “lower” relate to the arrangement of the watch 10 on the figure 1 and are chosen in order to simplify the understanding of the invention.

The shaft 16 carries, at its upper end, an indicator of a time value 17, preferably formed by a seconds hand, as shown in figure 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, and at its lower end, a disk 18.

The time value indicator 17 and the disk 18 can each be fixed to the shaft 16 via a barrel, as illustrated in the figure 1 .

The shaft 16 is therefore preferably rotated so as to make a complete revolution in one minute. Shaft 16 is therefore driven in a rotation of six degrees every second.

The disc 18 comprises a body 180 on which an opaque pattern 181 extends, preferably on a face arranged opposite the bottom 14. The pattern 181 presents, in the exemplary embodiment shown on the figure 2 And 4 to 7 , an overall shape of several spirals all starting from the same central point of the disk 18 and extending from said center to the periphery of the disk 18. Said spirals are identical to each other and each represent a portion of a Archimedes' spiral. These spirals are distributed regularly around the center of the disk 18, extend preferentially over an angle of twenty-four degrees and are preferentially separated from each other by an angle of six degrees. In other words, if we consider that each spiral is defined between two curves conforming to Archimedean spirals, said curves delimiting the contours of said spiral, the distance between said curves is representative of a rotation of the disk 18 over an angle of twenty-four degrees. Analogously, if we consider that two adjacent spirals are separated by two curves conforming to Archimedean spirals, the distance between these two curves is representative of a rotation of the disk 18 over an angle of six degrees.

Preferably, the pattern 181 is produced by deposition of a thin layer, for example metallic. The body 180 of the disk 18 can be made of a transparent material, for example glass or sapphire, or opaque, such as a metal or a polymer.

Preferably, the back 14 comprises, on one face of the crystal 141 facing the watch movement 15, a graphic representation 142 as shown on the Figure 3 in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

In particular, the graphic representation 142 is formed by a set of opaque zones contrasting with the transparency of the rest of the glass 141 of the bottom 14. Preferably, the graphic representation 142 is produced by a deposition of a thin layer, for example metallic.

The pattern 181 and the graphic representation 142 can be produced by screen printing, decals, surface treatment, painting, enamelling, etc.

The graphic representation 142 and the pattern 181 are arranged to be opposite each other. More precisely, they are arranged so that the pattern 181 faces at least part of the graphic representation 142. In addition, the graphic representation 142, and in particular the opaque areas, has a shape such that its alignment with the disk 18 generates an image, following the angular position of said disk 18, as visible on the figures 4 to 7 .

In particular, due to the transparency of the glass 141 of the bottom 14, all or part of certain opaque zones are visible when they extend opposite the spaces separating two adjacent spirals of the pattern 181. The rest of the opaque zones and/or parts of opaque zones is then arranged opposite the spirals, and is therefore concealed.

In summary, the image is generated by cooperation between the graphic representation 142 and the pattern 181. We then understand the importance of controlling the angular position of the bottom 14 with respect to the middle part 12 so that the image generated by the cooperation between the pattern 181 and the graphic representation 142 is free of defects, for example due to poor alignment between said pattern 181 and said graphic representation 142.

In particular, the pattern 181 and the graphic representation 142 are shaped so that, during the rotation of the shaft 16, they cooperate with each other in order to generate a sequential animation by moiré effect formed by a sequence of at least two distinct images appearing through the background 14, a new image being generated with each successive rotation of the disk 18. The rotation of the shaft 16 thus makes it possible to generate a visual effect of homogeneous fading of the colors of the pattern 181 and of the body of the disc 18.

In the embodiment examples shown in the figures, the rotation of the shaft 16, and therefore of the disk 18, makes it possible to generate a sequential animation by moiré effect formed by four successive images, as visible on the figures 4 to 7 . This sequential animation consists, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, in moving an element 19, in this case a character, in a rectilinear direction, as shown successively in the aforementioned figures.

Taking into consideration the dimensions of the spirals of pattern 181 mentioned above, the disk 18 being driven so as to pivot by six degrees every second, fifteen animations are generated in one minute, which makes it possible to obtain a succession of relatively dynamic and attractive animations when rotating the shaft 16.

The choice of the dimensions and shapes of the pattern 181 and the graphic representation 142, as well as the number of animations per minute, advantageously makes it possible to obtain a clear and very easily readable animation, and to require manufacturing and processing tolerances. sufficiently wide alignment.

For example, the disk 18 can be arranged at a very short distance from the bottom 14, and from the glass 141 in particular, so that a user cannot distinguish any discrepancy between the pattern 181 and the graphic representation 142 Preferably, the distance separating the disc 18 and the glass 141 is of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter, preferably less than 0.5 mm, for example 0.2 mm.

Furthermore, the disc 18 must have sufficiently large dimensions so that the pattern 181 can be easily visible, while being narrow enough to limit inertia and the risk of unbalance. For this purpose, the disc 18 advantageously has a diameter of several millimeters, for example, approximately 10 mm.

To summarize, the watch 10 includes, on a first side, the display of at least one watch function, such as the display of the current time, and on a second side, the sequential animation.

In the embodiment described above, the animation is intended to be active, continuously, under the drive of the watch movement 15.

However, it is possible to condition the activation of the animation on the control of a watch function, or on the request of a dedicated control unit.

The invention is advantageously suitable for any existing watch movement for the creation of sequential animations, with a reasonable cost. Furthermore, it can possibly generate an increase in the thickness of the watch case 11, but this is negligible insofar as the additional thickness is limited to the thickness of the disc 18 and the safety clearances between said disc 18 and the watch movement 15 on the one hand, and the crystal 141 of the bottom 14 on the other hand.

More generally, it should be noted that the modes of implementation and embodiment considered above have been described by way of non-limiting examples, and that other variants are therefore possible.

In particular, in examples of embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the graphic representation 142 can be formed on a structural element of the watch movement 15, for example on a bridge or a plate of the latter, instead of be formed on the ice 141 of the bottom 14. In other words, the graphic representation 142 can be arranged on one side or the other of the pattern 181.

Furthermore, the invention can be implemented both for watches comprising mechanical watch movements and for watches comprising electric or electromechanical watch movements.

Claims (12)

Watch (10) comprising a case (11) comprising a middle part (12) to which are fixed a crystal (13) and a transparent back (14) so as to form an internal volume, said watch (10) being characterized in that ' it comprises a watch movement (15) housed in the internal volume of the case (11), comprising a supporting structure through which extends a shaft (16) adapted to be driven in rotation by said watch movement (15) and carrying, at one of its ends opening beyond said supporting structure, facing the glass (13), an indicator of a time value (17), and at the other end opening at -beyond said supporting structure, facing the bottom (14), a disk (18) on which extends a pattern (181) facing a graphic representation (142), the pattern (181) and the graphic representation (142) being shaped so that, during the rotation of the shaft (16), they cooperate with each other in order to generate a sequential animation by moiré effect formed by a sequence of at least two distinct images. Watch (10) according to claim 1, in which the graphic representation (142) is formed on a glass (141) of the back (14). Watch (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the pattern (181) and the graphic representation (142) are shaped so that, during the rotation of the shaft (16), they cooperate with each other. with each other in order to generate a sequential animation formed by a sequence of four distinct images. Watch (10) according to claims 1 to 3, in which the indicator of a time value (17) is a seconds hand, the shaft (16) being rotated so as to make a complete revolution in one minute . Watch (10) according to claim 4, in which the pattern (181) and the graphic representation (142) are shaped so that between two successive images generated, the disk (18) rotates by six degrees. Watch (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the back (14) is formed by a fixing ring (140) on which a crystal (141) is driven, the graphic representation (142) extending on one face of said glass (141). Watch (10) according to claim 6, in which the fixing ring (140) is screwed against the middle part (12) by a plurality of screws (120) distributed around its periphery, each engaged in a tapped hole extending in the middle (12). Watch (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the graphic representation (142) is produced by depositing a thin layer on one side of the back (14) arranged opposite the watch movement (15) and forming a set of opaque zones. Watch (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the pattern (181) is formed by a plurality of identical spirals extending from the center of the disc (18) to its periphery, and being distributed regularly around the center of the disc (18), said pattern (181) being produced by depositing a thin layer on one side of the disc (18) arranged facing the bottom (14). Watch (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the disc (18) and the crystal (141) are separated by a distance less than 0.5 mm. Watch (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which the disc (18) advantageously has a diameter of approximately 10 mm. Watch (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the pattern (181) and the graphic representation (142) are shaped so that the sequential animation consists of moving an element (19) in a rectilinear direction.

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