CH702718A2 - Time-zone mechanism for displaying time in specific time zone on main hand of dual time zone watch, has programmable and reprogrammable memory wheels directly or indirectly meshed with crown, and cannon-pinion forming output of differential - Google Patents

Abstract

The mechanism (100) has support units (50) engageably cooperating with a support surface of one of programmable and reprogrammable memory wheels and disengaged from a support surface of the other wheel between two actions of a user. A differential (12) has an input constituted by a minute mobile so as to be driven by a movement, and another input constituted by a crown of the differential. The differential has an output constituted of a cannon-pinion (18) or an axle carrying an hour hand. The wheels are directly/indirectly meshed with the crown by driving units of the wheels. An independent claim is also included for a timepiece comprising a movement.

Description

The present invention relates to a time zone mechanism, arranged for displaying, on demand, the time in a particular time zone, on the main switch of a timepiece comprising a movement with a finishing gear.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a mechanism.

The invention relates to the field of watchmaking, including watch mechanisms integrable into watches, and, specifically, the particular field of display on timepieces.

The invention seeks to solve the problem of display on demand, on the main switch, dual time zones.

The main problem of the display on demand is mainly the problem related to the instantaneity of the desired result, which is further complicated when you want, as in this case, to display on the referral central of a timepiece, including a watch. It is necessary, in fact, to instantly have a stored information in mechanical form. Of course, it is necessary to offer the user the ability to easily change the settings stored in memory.

It is known that the purely mechanical storage of data does not fit well with the small footprint of a portable timepiece such as a watch, and that only a few masterpieces of the history of the watches have involved memory mechanisms that are not easily accessible to industrial productions.

Known mechanical memories in the form of cards or perforated or machined discs, for example with alternating tooth ranges with toothless pads, or with grooves or cleats of different lengths. These devices are of perfect reliability, but realized once and for all. The only way to modify the adjustment data contained in these mechanical memories is to exchange them completely and to replace them with another similar medium, including other adjustment data.

There are also known devices with tabs or change-position latches, which generally allow only the setting of a small number of parameters, and whose reliability in time is not exemplary.

[0009] Other rotary drum systems, such as the one described in the patent document FR 2 158 532 in the name of Solari & C, for controlling a change of day indication and an incremental date setting, are set with the insertion of combs with or without teeth in different positions, but their use requires a pre-adjustment such as analogous systems used on machine tools, automatic lathes or the like, and no new programming can be made at the level of the mechanism which incorporates them. The document FR 2 254 820 in the name of Copal Company Ltd, a device incorporating several memory wheels cooperating with each other and provided with cams or portions of cams is still known in a similar but simplified manner.

Also known by the patent document CH 693 292 in the name of Antonio Dolcet Cavero, a perpetual calendar mechanism that incorporates, in a watch application, memory wheels, which include a number of cuts on the periphery. external or internal of a disk or a ring, which are of variable widths and depths and correspond for example, on a wheel of the days of the month, to the changes of tens and the 29th, 30th, 31st days of the month. Some of these cuts, including the last in the previous example, which is wide and stepped, can be obscured entirely or partially by a moving screen under the action of a cam or the like. However the occultation mechanism is bulky, which allows only very few memorizable positions.

In short, there are few purely mechanical solutions that are well suited to the problem, not only of data storage, but also of the reprogramming of a device by selecting a stored setting, or by creation of a new setting, and this in the small footprint available in a watch mechanism. The problem is even more acute when it comes to providing a certain amount of adjustments, which is common in a timepiece where it is desired to adjust discrete parameters, with a large number in each category, such as the days of a month, the months of the year, time zones, astronomical or zodiacal phases for example.

The invention seeks to solve this problem of the realization of a programmable mechanical memory, which can be reprogrammable by the user, and in particular by the end user of a watch movement, such as the wearer of a watch . In short, it is easy to memorize settings made by the user, very reliably and accurately.

One of the applications having provided a good solution to this problem is known from the patent document EP 1873 696 in the name of Swatch Group Res. & Dvpt. Ltd, a golf counter, designed to be integrated with a mechanical watch, which allows the user to memorize mechanically the scores made on each hole of a course. This counter has as many mobiles as holes on a course, and each mobile can occupy different angular positions depending on the number of shots played at each hole. Separate windows allow you to view the hole number displayed on a turntable, the score of the current hole displayed on a disc driven by a pinion, and the cumulative score on all holes played on a totalizer driven by a star ad hoc. In order to memorize the number of strokes played at each hole, the user actuates, during each stroke played, an incrementing push-button causing a lever to toggle, which triggers the pivoting of an incremental mobile, which on the one hand, a pivoting star held by a jumper and secured to a homing core and a snail cam of degressive radius, and on the other hand the star of the totalizer. A revolving rake lever is biased towards the track of the snail cam, whose decay allows a limited rotation of the rake, which drives that of the pinion gear of the score disc relative to the current hole. Repeated presses allow to change the score, the user also has a pusher for a reverse movement of decrementation. The traction of a control member allows the user to control the passage to the next hole of its path, by the movement of a special cam that allows a release action of the rake lever of the snail cam, and the rotation of the movable stage showing the next hole. The resetting of the scores is done by the action on a lever actuating a ring gear which realigns all the hearts of all the mobiles in a position of origin. As long as the user has not done this reset, he can recall each of the holes to view his score, by an action on the controller, since the position of each mobile is stored by a jumper. Naturally, these jumpers are indispensable, at the rate of one per mobile, and the whole mechanism requires a certain volume.

The storage performed by such a device is effective, and offers an easy return on the stored information, but without making it immediately available, for example on a single push button. This device is, moreover, not specifically designed for a display on the main switch, with which it does not interfere.

[0015] Patent document CH 683055, in the name of the Longines Watch Company, Francillon SA, discloses a timepiece whose display of hours can be modified independently, in particular during the passage on a other time zone. The hour hand is driven on an inner barrel hours which serves as a pivot to an outer barrel supporting a correction wheel which drives drive rollers each having a radial degree of freedom, and which are recalled, together, by elastic return means, in cooperation with a star. It is secured to a lower hour wheel, which is engaged with the timer and is free to rotate relative to the inner barrel carrying the needle. The correction wheel meshes with a motion correction mechanism. This device allows a simple, inexpensive time display change, and adaptable to any existing movement. However, it does not have mechanical memory for storing certain settings, and can not guarantee immediate access to the display of another time zone, but only by a series of pulses.

Also known, in a similar manner, by the patent document CH 685 965 in the name of Ulysse Nardin SA, a timepiece whose hour hand can be advanced or retreated in steps of one hour. The hour hand is fitted on a free barrel rotating around a roadway. This gun is secured to a correction star on the teeth of which act two levers each controlled by a pusher. An hour wheel driven by a timer, and pivoting freely around the barrel, is coupled to this correction star by a jumper mechanism. This jumper mechanism allows the decoupling of the moving barrel with respect to the fixed hour wheel, when the correction star is driven by one of the pushers, as well as the barrel and the hour hand, while the hour wheel is not trained since it is restrained by movement. In the absence of action on one of the pushers, the jumper mechanism behaves like a rigid coupling. An auxiliary wheel is integral with the correction star, and drives a date disc via an intermediate mobile. Each action on a pusher causes a jump of one hour to the hour hand, the date disc is always wedged or in phase with the hour hand. A twenty-four hour disc allows the display of another time zone, different from the switch which displays the local time, or at least one reference hour chosen by the user by action on the push buttons. This document thus exposes a mode of rapid change of position of the hour hand in steps of one hour. However, there is no possibility of memorizing another time zone, or the possibility of jumping the display for several hours at a time.

The teachings of these different patent documents provide partial solutions to the problem, and the mechanisms presented are too different between them so that the skilled person can reasonably combine them, or even only juxtapose them to obtain an intermediate solution.

In order to solve the problem of the display on demand, and instantly, on the main switch, dual time zones, with the ability for the user to easily change the settings or retained in the present invention relates to a time zone mechanism, arranged for the display, on demand, of the time in a particular time zone, on the main switch of the time zone, in a very reliable and accurate manner. a timepiece comprising a movement, characterized in that it comprises: at least two programmable and reprogrammable memory wheels, each comprising, on the one hand, a wheel comprising means for driving in rotation about an axis of rotation, and, on the other hand, a heart movable in a reversible manner by pivoting between indexing positions included in said wheel, - Support means arranged to cooperate disengageably with a bearing surface that each said memory wheel comprises, and between two actions of the user cooperating in a manner engaged with said bearing surface of the one said memory wheels and then being disengaged from said bearing surface of the other of said memory wheels, a differential with two inputs and an output, a first input being constituted by a timer mobile arranged to be driven by said movement, a second input being constituted by a ring which comprises said differential, and said output consisting of a roadway or a axis carrying an hour hand, each of said memory wheels meshing by said drive means, directly or indirectly, with said differential ring.

According to a feature of the invention, said support means are constituted by a hammer arranged to pivot between at least two positions, one bearing on said bearing surface of said heart of one of said wheels. memory, and the other bearing on said bearing surface of said heart of the other of said memory wheels.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the mechanism comprises a pusher arranged to actuate a rocker under a pressure of the user, rocker which is permanently recalled to a starting rest position by a rocker spring, and which carries a pivoting shuttle, which is returned to an original position under the action of a compensating spring and which is arranged to cooperate with said hammer by leaning on one or the other of two pins that comprises said hammer for pivoting the latter to one of said memory wheels, said mechanism comprising a jumper arranged to lock said hammer in its position after pivoting until a new action on said push which will trigger the cooperation of said shuttle with the another of said pins for pivoting said hammer toward the other one of said memory wheels.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a mechanism.

The invention provides many advantages: it allows a spindle watch of great simplicity and optimum reading, both for reading the reference time or current time at the place of use, only for reading the time zone desired by the user.

The dial of the timepiece retains its simplicity, although the function is technically complicated. This display function by the main switch is original, and provides undeniable approval to the user.

The solution proposed by the invention is, again, applicable to the display of other temporal, astronomical, or other quantities, and the invention is remarkable precisely for its versatility and the range of solutions it offers. to the skilled person with similar problems.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description which follows of an embodiment of the watch according to the invention, this example being given for purely illustrative and not limiting purposes only in connection with the appended drawing in which: <tb> - fig. 1 <sep> shows, schematically and in plan view, a watch incorporating a time zone mechanism according to the invention, in a first preferred embodiment; <tb> - fig. 2 <sep> represents, similarly to FIG. 1, a watch incorporating a time zone mechanism according to the invention, in a second embodiment, in a display position of a so-called reference time zone; <tb> - fig. 3 <sep> represents the watch of FIG. 2, in a display position of a time zone called spindle; <tb> - fig. 4 <sep> represents, schematically, partially and in perspective, a time zone mechanism according to the invention; <tb> - fig. 5 <sep> represents, schematically, partially and in plan view, the mechanism of FIG. 4; <tb> - fig. 6 <sep> represents, schematically and in plan view, a memory wheel that comprises the mechanism of FIGS. 4 and 5; <tb> - fig. 7 <sep> shows, schematically and in plan view, another variant of a memory wheel according to the invention; <tb> - fig. 8 <sep> represents, schematically and in a view from below, the mechanism of FIGS. 4 and 5, in a first support position of a hammer on a first heart that includes this mechanism; <tb> - fig. 9 <sep> represents, schematically and in a view from below, similar to FIG. 8, in a second support position of the same hammer on a second heart that includes this mechanism; <tb> - fig. 10 <sep> represents, schematically and in plan view, the cooperation of the mechanism in the position of FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, with a disk of cities that includes the time zone mechanism according to the invention; <tb> - fig. 11 <sep> represents, in a partial schematic and in plan view, the position of the elements of a mechanism similar to that of FIGS. 4 to 10 but with a preferred alternative construction of the hammer and hearts, set in the same time zone of London; <tb> - fig. 12 <sep> represents, in a partial schematic and in plan view, the position of the elements of the mechanism of FIG. 11 set, one on the Midway time zone, the other on Wellington, the first of the two being displayed; <tb> - fig. 13 <sep> represents, in a partial schematic and in plan view, the position of the elements of the mechanism of FIG. 11 set, one on the Midway time zone, the other on Wellington, the second of the two being displayed; <tb> - fig. 14 <sep> represents, in a partial schematic and in plan view, the position of the elements of the mechanism of Figure 11 set, one on the time zone of Wellington, the other on that of Midway, the first of two being posted; <tb> - fig. <Sep> represents, in a partial schematic and in plan view, the position of the elements of the mechanism of FIG. 11 set, one on Wellington's time zone, the other on Midway's, the second of the two being posted; <tb> - fig. 16 <sep> shows, schematically and in plan view, the spindle adjustment train according to the invention.

The invention relates to the field of display on timepieces.

The present invention relates to a clock mechanism which is first arranged to store settings chosen by the user.

In particular, the invention is described in a preferred application, but not limited to, a time zone mechanism, which is arranged for the display, on demand and instantaneously, the time in a particular time zone, on the main switch of a timepiece. This mechanism will be described in a preferred embodiment, with indication of the 24 time zones, with double spindle on the main switch, indication of the date and display 24 hours day-night.

According to the invention, such a mechanism is based on the use of at least one memory wheel, which constitutes a physical support for the mechanical storage of a particular setting, and which is programmable and reprogrammable by the user, without any disassembly.

Such a memory wheel 30 for a clockwork mechanism comprises a wheel 31 which comprises means for driving in rotation 36 about an axis of rotation 33. In a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, this wheel 31 is toothed and has a toothing 32 constituting the latter. In the particular application of FIG. 6, this toothing 32 is external, but the invention is applicable in the same way if the toothing 32 is internal, or according to a bell, or other. Without departing from the spirit of the invention, the driving means 36 may be constituted by a groove or the like for the support of a drive belt, or a chain, or the like, or by pins or the like, or by a wheel a friction surface for driving the wheel.

According to the invention, the memory wheel 30 comprises a core 40, which is reversibly movable by pivoting between indexing positions that comprises the wheel 31. Preferably, as visible on the fig. 6, where the wheel 31 is a toothed wheel, the core 40 is pivotally movable relative thereto around the axis of rotation 33, between indexing positions 34 that the gear 31 comprises. The heart 40 comprises indexing means, preferably an indexing finger 41, with which it can cooperate with these indexing positions 34, one at a time. This indexing finger 41, in particular made in the form of a pin 42, as visible in FIGS. 4 to 6, is biased radially by elastic return means 43, in particular by a spring 44, to the indexing positions 34. It will be understood that, as the case may be, the elastic return means 43 may work in compression, as in FIG. example of FIG. 6, or in tension as in FIG. 7.

The core 40 comprises at least one bearing surface 45, which is arranged to cooperate with a complementary surface that includes a mechanism incorporating the memory wheel 30. Preferably, this bearing surface 45 corresponds, in a section of the heart 40 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 43, the portion of the peripheral surface of the core 40 which is closest to this axis of rotation 43. A first embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 to 10, this bearing surface 45 is substantially flat and substantially perpendicular to a radial end of the axis of rotation 33. In a second preferred embodiment, as visible in FIGS. 7 and 11 to 15, the bearing surface 45 has a V-shaped female profile substantially symmetrical with respect to such a radial. It is understood that this support surface 45 can provide a drive function, when the antagonistic means are arranged to also ensure the dual function of support and training. The remainder of the periphery 47 of the core 40 preferably has an ovoid or cardioid cam profile, which is not necessarily symmetrical, as shown in FIG. 7.

Preferably, the indexing positions 34 are constituted by notches 35 distributed over a sector centered on the axis of rotation 33.

For a particular preferred application, relating to the display of the time in different time zones, the notches 35 are 24 in number and equidistant.

In an alternative embodiment, the indexing positions 34 are distributed over a complete circumference.

In a particular embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the notches 35 are open towards the axis of rotation 33.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, the notches 35 are instead open towards the periphery of the wheel 31. The spring 44 forces the pin 42 towards the center 33, the two toothed wheels are secured and the heart 40 can rotate when the pin 42 passes a notch 35 It will be understood that, in order to lower the manufacturing cost, it may be advantageous to make only external cuts, for a toothing 32, and for the indexing notches 35. The wheel 31 is then advantageously staggered, or in two parts, one on top of the other.

[0038] Preferably, the notches 35 are equidistant.

The notches 35 are made with slopes or shelves on either side of a hollow central portion forming the receptacle of the indexing finger 41. Thus, the latter can slide or roll a notch to a other, under the effect of the application of a tangential force applied by the wheel 31, provided that the radial component of the reaction of the wall of the notch 35 to this force is greater and opposite direction to the effort of centrifugal return, or centripetal depending on the case, exerted by the elastic return means 43, in particular a spring 44.

It is understood that the mechanical memory made by the positioning of the indexing finger 41 in a particular notch 35 is easily reprogrammable, since it is sufficient to move the finger 41 to another notch 35 to memorize another setting, as it will be explained later.

It is therefore possible to design a clock mechanism incorporating at least one such memory wheel 30. Preferably, according to the invention, this clock mechanism comprises support means 50 arranged to cooperate in a disengageable manner. with the bearing surface 45 of each memory wheel 30 that includes this clock mechanism. The limitation of the number of memory wheels is imposed by the space available in the case of the watch mechanism and by the desired functionalities.

Preferably, in the application described in detail below, the clock mechanism comprises at least two memory wheels 30 corresponding to two different states of the time display on the clock mechanism. Figs. 4, 5, and 8 to 16 illustrate the particular and preferred case of a two-wheeled memory mechanism. But it is understood that many other applications can be envisaged, without departing from the invention, especially with more than two memory wheels on the same level preferably consisting of an additional board relative to the movement of the room. watchmaker who incorporates it, or even with several additional boards each having several memory wheels, each additional board then being equipped with a separate pusher.

The user has full latitude to program each of the memory wheels 30, and to control, by a mechanical action on a pusher that provides the necessary energy, the passage of a stored state to another.

The invention relates to a time zone mechanism 100, which is arranged for displaying, on demand and instantaneously, the time in a particular time zone, on the main switch of a workpiece. watchmaking. The latter comprises a movement, especially with a finishing gear, not shown in the figures.

This mechanism 100 makes it possible to store two hours of localities located in preferably different time zones, but not necessarily as shown in FIG. 11, but only one of the two time zones is displayed on the main switch. The time that is displayed then corresponds to the time zone of the locality which is displayed or engraved on a city disc 60 which appears in a window 66 located at 6 o'clock in the example of FIG. 1. a 24-hour disc 65 indicates whether the city in the selected time zone is in the day or night. The date is also indicated by a date disk 64 which appears in a window 67, located at 12 o'clock in the example of FIG.

Recall that the standard time is the legal time for each country, determined by local law, and based on the theoretical sharing of the Earth's surface in 24 zones or spindles, 15 degrees of longitude each, with certain deviations due to borders or decisions of the authorities. The user generally compares the standard time of the place where it is, to that of another place.

According to the invention, the mechanism 100 comprises, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8-16, a memory mechanism, a display state change mechanism, and a differential mechanism.

The memory mechanism comprises two programmable and reprogrammable memory wheels 30, of the type as described above, the role of which will be explained below.

The display state change mechanism comprises support means 50 arranged to cooperate disengageably with a bearing surface 45 that comprises the heart 40 of each memory wheel 30. Between two actions of the the user, these support means 50 cooperate in engagement with the bearing surface 45 of one of the memory wheels 30, and are disengaged from the bearing surface 45 of the other of the two memory wheels 30 .

In this particular embodiment two memory disks 30, according to the invention, in the absence of action of the user, the support means 50 of the clock mechanism cooperating in engagement with the bearing surface 45 of one of the memory wheels 30, and are disengaged from the bearing surface 45 of the other of the memory wheels 30.

The differential mechanism comprises a differential 12 with two inputs and an output. This differential 12 is preferably located at the center of the movement of the timepiece in which is incorporated the time zone mechanism 100. A first input is constituted by a timer mobile arranged to be driven by the basic movement of the room. watchmaking, in particular by the finishing gear of this one. A second input is formed by a ring 12A that includes this differential 12. The output consists of a gun, a roadway 18 or an axis carrying a 25 hour hand. Each of the memory wheels 30 cooperates by its drive means 36, either directly or indirectly by at least one intermediate mobile 9, with the differential ring 12A. When the wheel 31 has a toothing 32, it meshes with the differential ring 12A or with an intermediate mobile 9 which meshes with the latter.

A pusher 28 is arranged to actuate a rocker 1 under a pressure of the user. This pusher 28 is preferably constituted by a crown-push on a spindle rod 13, visible in FIG. 1 to 8 hours. The pusher 28 can also be integrated with the time setting ring of the timepiece. We will see in the following description the detail of its operation according to its two positions: neutral position, selection of the memorized time zone, passage of one time zone to another by the push-button; - correction by setting the selected spindle, pulled rod.

This flip-flop 1 is permanently recalled to a starting rest position by a flip-flop spring 6. The flip-flop 1 carries a shuttle 2 pivoting about a shuttle pivot axis 2A, which is biased towards a position d the origin under the action of a compensating spring 3. The shuttle 2 is arranged to cooperate by relying on one or the other of the two pins 4A or 4B integral with a hammer 4.

In an advantageous embodiment, the support means 50 which act on the hearts of the memory wheels are constituted by the hammer 4, which is arranged to pivot about a pivot axis 4C between two positions, one bearing on the bearing surface 45 of the heart 40 of one of the memory wheels 30, and the other bearing on the bearing surface 45 of the heart 40 of the other of the memory wheels 30. Preferably, this support of the shuttle 2 on one of the pins 4A, 4B, is by burying or the like. The function of the spindle selection pusher is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, which show the relative positions of the rocker 1 relative to the pins 4A, 4B of the hammer in the extreme positions of the latter: the shuttle 2 takes one or the other of these pins depending on the position of hammer 4. The support of the shuttle 2 on one of the two pins has the effect of pivoting the hammer 4 against the bearing surface 45 of the heart 40 of one of the memory wheels 30 and thus to rotate the corresponding memory wheel to a position of equilibrium, the heart and the corresponding wheel pivoting together. This change of position of the hammer 4 thus induces the selection of the memory wheel used at a given instant.

The hammer 4 has support faces 4D and 4E to cooperate with the bearing surface 45 of each memory wheel. In a first variant visible in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8 to 10, these bearing faces 4D and 4E are planar. In a second preferred variant, as visible in FIGS. 11 to 15, the bearing faces 4D and 4E have a male V-shaped profile arranged to cooperate with the V-shaped female profile of each bearing surface 45.

Advantageously, in this second variant, the ends of the hammer 4 having the bearing faces 4D and 4E have an elasticity provided by a slot 4G optionally extended by a 4H light.

The change of position of the hammer 4 by pivoting is preferred for reasons of reliability and small size.

To return to the two memory wheels 30, the first is called the "reference" memory wheel 11, and corresponds to the display of time in a first time zone said displayed, for example corresponding to the current time instead of of the user, while the second is called the "spindle" memory wheel 8, and corresponds to the display of time in a second particular time zone memorized by the user. Each of the two memory wheels 8 and 11 can be set independently on a particular time zone, one being said reference reference spindle and corresponding to the reference memory wheel 11, the other being said memorized spindle and corresponding to the spindle memory wheel 8.

At any time, one of the two memory wheels 11,8, meshes, directly or indirectly by the mobile 9, with the ring 12A of the differential 12. The intermediate time zone mobile 9 meshes with the differential 12 which will change. hour hand 25 on the selected spindle, as the case "reference" or "spindle".

Figs. 11 to 17 illustrate the variety of positions that can occupy, on the one hand the hearts in relation to the memory wheels that carry them, and on the other hand to each other. Fig. 11 illustrates two hearts set in the same time zone of London.

FIG. 12 illustrates the spindle core 7 set on the Midway time zone, and the reference heart 10 on Wellington's, the display being made on the Midway time zone, and FIG. 13 represents, with the same setting hearts, the display on the time zone of Wellington.

Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate the inverse wedges: FIG. 14the spindle heart 7 set in Wellington's time zone and the reference heart 10 in Midway's, the display being made on the Wellington time zone, and fig. 15 with the same setting of the hearts as fig. 14, but the display being made on the Midway time zone.

In sum, during an action of the user on the pusher 28, the time zone mechanism 100 performs, thanks to the energy transmitted by the thrust of the user, the disengagement of the memory wheel which was engaged, and the clutch of the memory wheel which was not engaged, so as to transmit, by the differential 12, to the output gun 18 the position corresponding to the time display in the spindle desired time. A simple pressure on the pusher therefore allows to go from the displayed zone to the second time zone memorized, and vice versa, by a second pressure which again displays the starting time zone.

The two memory wheels 11 and 8 are preferably driven together by an intermediate mobile time zone 9. They rotate together until the bearing surface 45 of the heart 40 of one of the wheels memory 30, comes in stable cooperation with the support means 50, in this case one of the bearing faces 4D or 4E that includes the hammer 4. In the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, it is the spindle core 7 of the spindle memory wheel 8 which is resting on the bearing surface 4D of the hammer 4. It will be understood that, previously to the action on the pusher 28, it is is the other support surface 4E of the hammer 4 which rested on the reference core 10 of the reference memory wheel 11. There is thus between the positions blocked by the hammer 4 of these two memory wheels, an angular phase shift that corresponds to the angle which then pivots the hour hand 25.

The mechanism 100 further comprises a jumper 5 arranged to lock the hammer 4, after its pivoting, in a selected position, corresponding to the reference time or to the memorized time zone, until a new action on the pusher 28 and therefore on the rocker 1, which will trigger the cooperation of the shuttle 2 with the other hammer pin, 4A or 4B, that with which, 4B or 4A, with which it was previously engaged., to rotate the hammer 4 towards the other of the memory wheels 30.

In the example of the figures, each of the memory wheels 11 and 8 comprises an external toothing 32 for meshing with the intermediate time zone mobile 9, and an inner toothed sector, respectively 21 for the wheel 11, and 24 for the wheel 8, constituting the indexing positions 34. In the particular embodiment illustrated by the figures, this internal toothing occupies a circular sector, and has 24 internal notches 35.

Each of the memory wheels 11 and 8 supports a core, respectively 10 and 7. This heart is pivotally mounted on the axis of rotation and pivoting of the memory wheel with which it is associated. It comprises an inner chamber enclosing a spring, respectively 44, 23, constituting the elastic return means 43, and on which is mounted a pin, respectively 42, 22 constituting the indexing means 41, and which is movable radially relative to to the axis of rotation and pivoting concerned, and which is arranged to cooperate with one of the notches of the internal toothing, respectively 21, 24. It is understood that the pin 42, 22 has a dual function: on the one hand the displaying a time zone corresponding to one of the 24 notches of the wheel 11.8 concerned, and secondly the integral drive of the heart 10, 7 and the associated memory wheel 11.8. The rocker system is designed to alternately block the cores 10 and 7.

When the user wishes to change the time display from one spindle to another, its action on the pusher 28, echoed by the rocker 1, the shuttle 2 and the hammer 4, allows the hammer 4 to pivot against the heart of one of the memory wheels, and thus also rotate the latter in its support position, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

The inverse maneuver of the time display is similar: the action of the user on the pusher 28, echoed by the rocker 1, the shuttle 2 and the hammer 4, allows the hammer 4 to pivot against the heart of the other memory wheel, and thus also rotate the latter.

The entire system is powered to prevent play in the gears.

Advantageously, the time zone mechanism 100 is mounted on an additional board which is superimposed on the one carrying the movement.

It is understood that the mechanism 100 according to the invention may comprise more than two memory wheels 30, and in particular that it may comprise several additional boards, each corresponding to a plurality of memory wheels, preferably two per board . Each board then preferably comprises an independent pusher.

The correction of the selected spindle is done by the rod 13. Using the different references 14 composed of 14A and 14B, and 15, 16, 17, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, while passing through the intermediate time zone mobile 9, the two memory wheels rotate ("reference" or "spindle"). The wheels of the memories 8 and 11 allow the memorization of the two different zones thanks to their 24 notches 35 interiors.

The hammer 4, actuated by the pusher 28, moves the heart and rotate one of the two memory wheels. The rocking system alternately blocks one heart and turns the second. The heart which is blocked by the hammer 4 is incremented one notch in one direction or the other, which results in the incrementation or decrementation of one hour of the hour hand 25 corresponding to a time. The heart that is not blocked can rotate freely by driving the associated memory wheel. The pin 42 mounted on the spring 44 allows the indexing of the 24 positions of the different time zones using the cores.

In a particular embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 10 and 16, the time zone mechanism 100 comprises means for displaying cities linked to each time zone, in particular in the form of a disc or ring 60. In the preferred embodiment illustrated by the figures, the disc of FIGS. 60 is driven, during the change of spindle, from the memory wheels, a gear train 61 comprising for example two wheels 62 and 63, the wheel 62 meshing with a memory wheel 8 and the wheel 63, the latter meshing with a toothed sector of the city disc 60.

As visible in FIG. 16, during the adjustment of the selected spindle, stem 13 pulled, the memory wheels are driven by the gear train of the various references 14 composed of 14A and 14B, and 15, 16, 17, as visible in FIGS. 4 and 5. In the case of the execution according to FIG. 10 with memory wheels according to FIG. 6, where the indexing positions 34 are distributed over a sector limited in amplitude, including limits at + 12h and -11 h, the device comprises a safety clutch when the user comes to a stop.

By spindle, the hour hand 25 is 1 / 12th of a turn, and the city disc is 1 / 24th of a turn, the reduction ratio between the two is 2.

When setting the time, the selected time zone does not change. This operation, which is performed on the basic movement, has no influence on the memorization of time zones.

With regard to the alternative use of the two inputs of the differential for the function of displaying the time and of change or correction of time zone, when no change or no correction of time zone with the help of the push-button is performed, the input of the differential is blocked and the normal movement of the hour hand is ensured.

When the spindle is changed or corrected, the entrance of the mobile timer is considered blocked, since its speed is very low, the timer mobile making a turn in 3 hours. The movement of the hour hand will therefore be ensured by the mechanism of the spindle.

In a second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the time zone mechanism 100 comprises means for displaying the state of the display, as the case said reference start state, or the state obtained linked to a particular time zone memorized. This display means is advantageously constituted by the combination of a reference / spindle display window 26, through the opening of which is visible a portion of a reference / spindle display medium 27, such as a disc, ring, or similar, for the display of mentions such as "reference" and "spindle", only one of these mentions is readable both through the window 26, the passage from one mention to the other being ensured by the pivoting of the hammer 4. Such a disk is, preferably, following the memory wheels. In an alternative embodiment, a surface of the hammer 4 facing the user may also constitute such a display medium 27.

In a particular variant embodiment, as visible in FIG. 1, the time zone mechanism 100 includes display means 64 of the date linked to the particular time zone memorized by the user. Preferably, these display means 64 consist of a date disc, which is driven by a wheel gear engaged with the differential 12.

In a particular variant embodiment, as visible in FIG. 1, the time zone mechanism 100 includes a day-night display 65 relative to the particular time zone memorized by the user. Preferably, the information for this day-night display is taken on the gear train which connects the differential 12 to the date disc 64.

In a particular variant embodiment, not illustrated in the figures, and corresponding to the particular embodiment described below, in which the choice of time zones is made on a 24-position scale, the time zone mechanism 100 has an indication for the user as to the direction of adjustment to be applied. Indeed, in the case of a toothed sector, graduated and limited for example between + 12h and -11 h, it is necessary to know in which direction to adjust.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a mechanism 100.

Claims (14)

1. Time zone mechanism (100), arranged for displaying, on demand, the time in a particular time zone, on the main switch of a timepiece comprising a movement, characterized in that 'it comprises: at least two programmable and reprogrammable memory wheels (30), each comprising, on the one hand, a wheel (31) comprising drive means (36) rotated about an axis of rotation (33), and on the other hand a heart (40) movable reversibly by pivoting between indexing positions that includes said wheel, - support means (50) arranged to cooperate disengageably with a bearing surface (45) that each said memory wheel (30) comprises, and between two actions of the user cooperating in a geared manner with said bearing surface (45) of one of said memory wheels (30) and then being disengaged from said bearing surface (45) of the other of said memory wheels (30), - a differential (12) with two inputs and an output, a first input being constituted by a timer mobile arranged to be driven by said movement, a second input being constituted by a ring (12A) that comprises said differential (12), and said exit consisting of a roadway (18) or an axis carrying an hour hand (25), each of said memory wheels (30) meshing by said driving means (36), directly or indirectly, with said differential ring (12A). 2. Mechanism (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said core (40) is pivotally movable relative to said wheel (31) about said axis of rotation (33), between indexing positions (34) which comprises said wheel (31) with which said core (40) is arranged adapted to cooperate by indexing means or a finger (41) which it comprises and which is biased radially by elastic return means (43) to said indexing positions (34). 3. Mechanism (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support means (50) are constituted by a hammer (4) arranged to pivot between at least two positions, one bearing on said bearing surface (45) of said core (40) of one of said memory wheels (30), and the other bearing on said bearing surface (45) of said core (40) of the other of said wheels memory (30). 4. Mechanism (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two memory wheels (30) and in that said hammer (4) is arranged to pivot between two positions. 5. Mechanism (100) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that it comprises a pusher (28) arranged to actuate a rocker (1) under pressure from the user, rocker (1) which is recalled constantly to a rest starting position by a rocker spring (6) and carrying a shuttle (2) pivoting, which is returned to an original position under the action of a compensating spring (3) and which is arranged to cooperate with said hammer (4) by relying on one or the other of two pins (4A; 4B) that includes said hammer (4) for pivoting the latter to one of said memory wheels (30); ), said mechanism (100) having a jumper (5) arranged to block said hammer (4) in its position after pivoting to a new action on said pusher (28) which will trigger the cooperation of said shuttle (2) with the other (4B; 4A) of said pins for pivoting said hammer (4) towards the other said memory wheels (30). 6. Mechanism (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said memory wheels (30) meshes with its external toothing (32) with the same intermediate mobile time zone (9) which meshes itself with said differential ring (12A). 7. Mechanism (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said indexing positions (34) are constituted by notches (35) distributed over a sector centered on said axis of rotation (33). 8. Mechanism (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said notches (35) are 24 in number and equidistant. 9. Mechanism (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for displaying the cities related to each time zone, in the form of a disc of the cities (60) driven, during the change of spindle, from the memory wheels, by a gear train (61) meshing with a toothed sector that includes said disc cities (60). 10. Mechanism (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises display means (64) of the date linked to a particular time zone and cities related to each time zone, consisting of a disk date, which is driven by a gear engaged with said differential (12). 11. Mechanism (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a day-night night display (65) relative to the particular time zone, stored by the user, the information for this day-night display being taken on said train gear that connects said differential (12) to said date disc (64). 12. Mechanism (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises display means comprising an indication to the user relative to the direction of adjustment to be applied. 13. Timepiece comprising a mechanism (100) according to one of the preceding claims. 14. Timepiece according to the preceding claim, characterized in that its movement comprises a finishing gear train arranged to drive said mobile timer constituting said first input of said differential (12).