EP0479147A1 - Mechanical and/or electromechanical timepiece - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece of the mechanical and/or electromechanical type. This timepiece comprises a first display mechanism (1), particularly a date display, a second display mechanism (2), such as a lunar phase display mechanism, means (4) for rapid correction of the two display mechanisms (1, 2) and a carrier member (6) which controls these display mechanisms (1, 2) and which can absorb the movement of one or the other of these mechanisms equally, this timepiece being characterised in that the means (4) for rapid correction comprise gearing means (64) common to the two mechanisms (1, 2), mounted in rotation and capable of acting alternately, through the action of control means (72, 74), on one or the other of these two mechanisms (1, 2). This invention applies, for example, to calendar and lunar phase watches provided with a central date hand. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a timepiece of the mechanical and / or electromechanical type, and in particular to a timepiece called a calendar and moon phase timepiece.

More particularly, this invention relates to timepieces, such as wristwatches or horometric movements, which are small and which include a date display, that is to say a date display, associated a moon phase display to inform the user of the synodic revolution of the moon, called lunation.

Even more precisely, this invention relates to a timepiece with dates and moon phases in which the date wheel, which supports a date display means and which conventionally comprises 31 teeth, is arranged at the center of this part, coaxially with the hour and minute canons.

The essential problem in timepieces comprising displays of the date and moon phases is to provide the user with means of rapid correction of these two displays to compensate for an interruption in the current supply in the case of an electromechanical part, i.e. the absence of actuation of the winder for parts of the purely mechanical type.

Thus, a first method for modifying the display of the date and moon phases consists in using the winding stem in its position and its function for resetting the hour of the hour and minute indicator means, then in rotating these indicator means as many times as it is necessary to spend several days, even several weeks.

We understand that this method is very long since the jump in the display mechanisms of the date and moon phases respectively is only repeated every 24 hours. Thus, this method is extremely tedious and even painful.

It is therefore necessary to provide the user with other means which allow him to quickly correct these two displays, without having to go through the actuation of the means indicating the hours and minutes.

Furthermore, it has always been desired that, during the normal operation of the movement, the transition from one date to another and the visible evolution of the moon phases be done instantaneously. This has given rise to numerous solutions, the most widely used of which are known as jumper mechanisms. As a result, the wheels of the date and moon phases respectively are made up of stars, that is to say discs with triangular teeth, the drive of which must be carried out by a member which is not in constant grip with these stars but which, over a predetermined period, namely every 24 hours, comes to actuate successively or simultaneously these two stars.

This drive member can be constituted, for example, by a pin which is integral with a wheel and which meshes with a reference of the horometric movement.

However, it is understood that when this jumper mechanism is combined with a rapid correction system, one of the pins or the star drive pin can be engaged, for example with the date star, while at same time the user changes the displayed date.

The period of time during which the pin is engaged with the corresponding star is relatively long, so that this probability is far from negligible.

Timepieces generally cannot withstand a reversible action of the stars and in this case, one of the constituents would block or break.

Patent CH no. 4542 which dates from 1891 proposes an improved date mechanism which addresses this problem.

This mechanism therefore conventionally comprises a date star for displaying the dates, as well as a so-called moon star for displaying the moon phases. These two stars are successively driven by a single driving member which is linked to a reference of the horometric movement and which is equipped, on its side, with a bracket subjected to the action of a spring. This square comes into engagement, sometimes with the star of the dates, sometimes with the star of the moon phases to cause their advance in combination with jumper springs.

In addition, this date mechanism includes discounts, namely elongated levers pivotally mounted on the movement plate, of which a first free end actuates one of the corresponding stars, while a second end is available outside the box of the watch. Thus, the user by pressing these discounts comes directly to solicit the date or lunar stars, and he can therefore modify the display in a corresponding manner. In addition, as the bracket of the driving member is elastically connected to the wheel which carries it, this bracket by a ratcheting phenomenon supports the action of the rebates without passing it on the wheel, therefore on the other constituents of the movement. .

However, such a mechanism has many drawbacks.

Indeed, the use of sheds first of all requires lateral openings in the box which it is difficult to seal, without forgetting that such sheds are generally somewhat aesthetic.

In addition, these sheds are complex in shape and being relatively long they require, for their movement, a stroke and therefore a large place. In addition, their manufacture and assembly significantly increase the cost price of timepieces.

It will also be noted that, in this patent, the two stars respectively of the dates and of the moon phases are very distant from each other so that they too occupy a considerable place. It is therefore understood that such an arrangement is firstly expensive, but that it also cannot be applied to the production of a timepiece of small dimensions, which is intended to be compact.

In addition, this mechanism can hardly be fitted to a timepiece in which the date star is centered on the movement since, in such a case, the moon phase star should be placed even more outside the movement. , given that the axes, respectively of the date star, of the moon phase star and the driving organ are arranged on a straight line.

Furthermore, it is described in the book "Modern calendar watches" by B. Humbert, published in 1953 in the editions of the "Swiss Watchmaking Journal", pages 100 and 101, figure 159, a mechanism in which the star calendar with 31 teeth is centered on the horometric movement coaxially with the two hour and minute indicators. The day star carries a hand which evolves in coincidence with indications of the days of the week, marked on the outer periphery of the dial.

In this caliber, the size has been significantly optimized by the use of a single driving member, as in the previous mechanism, but of a very particular design. Indeed, this driving member comprises a cam mounted freely on a wheel which is driven by the time movement. On this cam are arranged two fingers, one being intended to successively drive the date star, the other that of the moon phases.

This cam is driven by the wheel of which it is integral, by means of a pin housed in a partial clearance formed at the periphery of the cam. In this clearance are formed two shoulders capable of abutting against the pin.

Thus, when one wants to quickly correct one of the display stars, the cam can leave the pin which pushes it since this cam is mounted free relative to the drive wheel.

However, this design is relatively complex since it requires difficult machining operations and costly assembly and adjustment operations between the elements.

We therefore understand that here again, it is impossible with this caliber to offer very small dimensions at the lowest possible price.

Thus, the object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a timepiece of the mechanical and / or electromechanical type, and in particular a timepiece providing displays, in particular calendars and moon phases , which is small, achievable at a very low cost and which includes means for rapid correction of these displays, simple and not altering the compactness of the assembly.

• un premier mécanisme d'affichage, notamment un affichage des quantièmes, susceptible de fournir des informations, telles que la date, modifiées de préférence de façon instantanée à une fréquence calée sur une période de temps prédéterminée,
• un second mécanisme d'affichage, tel qu'un mécanisme d'affichage des phases de lune, fournissant des informations de même modifiée, de préférence de façon instantanée, à une fréquence calée sur une période de temps identique à celle du premier mécanisme,
• des moyens de correction rapide des deux mécanismes d'affichage, comportant des moyens de commande qui sont de préférence disponibles extérieurement à la boîte de la pièce d'horlogerie, et
• un organe entraîneur qui est lié cinématiquement à un renvoi, et qui effectue une rotation complète sur ladite période de temps, cet organe entraîneur étant susceptible, d'une part, de piloter le premier mécanisme d'affichage ainsi que le second, et d'autre part, d'absorber le déplacement indifféremment de l'un ou de l'autre de ces mécanismes d'affichage lorsque cet organe entraîneur est en prise avec l'un de ces deux mécanismes et que le mécanisme avec lequel il engrène subit simultanément l'action des moyens de correction, caractérisée en ce que ces moyens de correction rapide comprennent des moyens d'engrènement communs aux deux mécanismes, montés à rotation et susceptibles d'agir alternativement sous l'action des moyens de commande sur l'un ou sur l'autre des deux mécanismes .

To this end, the subject of the invention is a mechanical and / or electromechanical timepiece, of the type comprising:

• a first display mechanism, in particular a display of dates, capable of providing information, such as the date, preferably modified instantaneously at a frequency set over a predetermined period of time,
• a second display mechanism, such as a moon phase display mechanism, providing information that is similarly modified, preferably instantaneously, at a frequency set over a period of time identical to that of the first mechanism,
• means for rapid correction of the two display mechanisms, comprising control means which are preferably available outside the timepiece case, and
• a driving member which is kinematically linked to a reference, and which performs a complete rotation over said period of time, this driving member being capable, on the one hand, of driving the first display mechanism as well as the second, and on the other hand, to absorb the displacement indifferently of one or the other of these display mechanisms when this driving member is engaged with one of these two mechanisms and when the mechanism with which it meshes undergoes simultaneously the action of the correction means, characterized in that these rapid correction means comprise engagement means common to the two mechanisms, mounted in rotation and capable of acting alternately under the action of the control means on one or on the other of the two mechanisms.

It is therefore understood that with this arrangement, namely the combination of a single driving member and a rapid correction system common to the two mechanisms, it is possible to provide a rational arrangement in which the rapid correction system can be arranged substantially in look of the coach, which takes up a minimum of space and allows a simple and inexpensive implementation.

• La figure 1 est une vue de dessus d'une pièce d'horlogerie dans laquelle ne sont représentés que les éléments essentiels de l'invention;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe faite selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1;
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe faite selon la ligne III-III de la figure 1, représentant essentiellement l'agencement de mobiles formant respectivement un mécanisme d'affichage des phases de lune et des moyens de correction rapide;
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe faite selon la ligne IV-IV de la figure 1 et représentant plus particulièrement différents mobiles formant notamment un mécanisme d'affichage et des moyens de correction rapide de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe faite selon la ligne V-V de la figure 1; et
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe d'un ressort-sautoir faite selon la ligne VI-VI de la figure 1.

However, other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings which are given solely by way of example, and in which:

• Figure 1 is a top view of a timepiece in which are shown only the essential elements of the invention;
• Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of Figure 1, essentially showing the arrangement of mobiles respectively forming a mechanism for displaying the moon phases and rapid correction means;
• FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1 and representing more particularly different mobiles, in particular forming a display mechanism and rapid correction means of FIG. 3,
• Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line VV of Figure 1; and
• Figure 6 is a sectional view of a jumper spring made along line VI-VI of Figure 1.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a timepiece according to the invention which comprises a first display mechanism 1, in particular a date display, as well as a second display mechanism 2, such as a display of the moon phases.

In addition, this timepiece comprises, on the one hand, means 4 for rapid correction of the two display mechanisms 1 and 2 respectively, and on the other hand, a driving member 6 which is shaped to be able to cause successively the displacements of these mechanisms.

As can be seen more particularly in FIG. 2, the date display mechanism 1 comprises a date wheel 8, of the barrel wheel type, the barrel 9 of which is mounted to rotate freely on a central barrel 11 of a wheel hours 10. The central hours 11 gun is itself mounted coaxially on a 12 minutes gun, this assembly being able to pivot about an axis of rotation Z1. Of course, the barrel 9 of the date wheel 8, as well as the cannons 11 and 12 respectively of the hours and the minutes are intended to receive indicator hands generally evolving above a dial on which are entered appropriate indications (not shown). The date wheel 8 is disposed in axial support freely on a reference 14 driven out on the hour-barrel wheel 10. Thus, the reference 14 is disposed directly below the date wheel 8, and it is sandwiched between the latter and the 10 hour cannon wheel.

The driving member 6 comprises a wheel 16 whose external peripheral toothing 28 meshes and is in permanent engagement with the reference 14.

The reference 14 has 12 teeth and rotates over 12 hours, while the wheel 16 of the driving member 6 has 24 teeth and rotates over 24 hours.

The wheel 16 is mounted to rotate freely, around a geometric axis Z2, on a pivot 18 driven into a plate 20. This wheel 16 is also in axial support, by its rear flank, on the plate 20. On this wheel 16 is formed a single drive finger 22 which is shaped to mesh successively with the two display mechanisms 1 and 2, and more particularly, on the one hand, directly with the date wheel 8 of the first mechanism 1, thus on the other hand, directly with a moon phase wheel 24 of the second mechanism 2.

The drive finger 22 is integral with an elastic arm 26 with which it preferably comes in one piece. The elastic arm 26 is formed directly in the body or plate C of the wheel 16, and it therefore also preferably comes in material with this wheel 16.

Thus, it will be noted that the body or plate C of the wheel 16 is partially hollowed out around the pivot 18, between the latter and the outer peripheral toothing 28 of the wheel 16. The opening or recess thus produced, referenced 30, extends partially curved and centered on the axis of rotation Z2 of the wheel 16. The elastic arm 26 is essentially housed in this opening 30. The base of the elastic arm 26 extends and projects coplanarly with the wheel 16 from an extreme edge 31 of the opening 30, in the direction of the other extreme edge 33 of this opening and following an arc centered on the axis of rotation Z2. It is therefore noted that the arm 26 is formed essentially in the thickness of the wheel 16. As a result, since the arm 26 is substantially formed in the same plane as the body or plate C of the wheel 16, and therefore in the same plane as the toothing 28, the arm 26 which is essentially retracted can move at any time and in all directions to the inside of the opening or recess 30. The drive finger 22 which is formed at the free end of the elastic arm 26, in the extension of the latter, rises substantially normal with respect to the wheel 16 and to the arm 26 to mesh successively with the moon phase wheel 24, then with the date wheel 8 and vice versa.

The arm 26 and the drive finger 22, which are formed between the teeth 28 of the wheel 16 and its axis of rotation Z2, are advantageously produced by stamping in the body C of the wheel 16, by operations common to the operations of toothing 28.

The wheel 16 being mechanically driven by the reference 14, it can cause the displacement of the two wheels respectively of the moon phases 24 and of the dates 8, at a frequency set over a predetermined period of time, namely every 24 hours, and this by means of the drive finger 22 which meshes with the external teeth of these wheels. Since the drive finger 22 is elastically linked to the wheel 16 which carries it via the arm 26, it is understood that it is possible to act externally on the two display mechanisms 1 and 2, in particular by the intermediary of the correction means 4 without there being any repercussion, that is to say a reversible action, on the other organs of the timepiece, for example on the reference 14. In fact, the elastic arm 26 indifferently absorbs the displacement of one or the other of the display mechanism 1 or 2 when the driving member 6, and in particular the drive finger 22 of the wheel 16, is engaged with the one of these two mechanisms 1 or 2 and that the mechanism with which this driving member 6 meshes, simultaneously undergoes the action of the correction means 4.

The elastic arm 26, when it meshes with the wheel 8, has the possibility of extending partly under the toothing of the wheel 24. It is therefore possible to produce a relatively long elastic arm 26, arranged close to the external toothing 28 .

On the other hand, we note that the drive finger 22 thanks to its freedom of radial movement, in addition to its freedom of tangential movement, can go to the bottom of the toothing of one of the wheels 8 or 24 without blocking in the meshing between the driving member 6 and these wheels 8 and 24.

It is therefore possible to provide for less severe manufacturing tolerances.

In addition, the axial clearance of the wheel 16 is limited by the two wheels 8 and 24 under which this wheel moves.

In order to be able to pivot instantaneously, that is to say by jumps, the two wheels of the dates 8 and of the moon phases 24 are respectively associated with elastic extensions 32 and 34. One of the sides, called the inner side, bent free ends of these extensions snap onto the external teeth of the two wheels 8 and 24.

It will be noted that the two elastic extensions 32 and 34 come in one piece and are formed on the same single jumper spring 36 common to the two display mechanisms 1 and 2. The jumper spring 36 therefore comprises a base 38 in the central region which is arranged a fixing screw 40 engaged in the plate 20. Two positioning pads 42 and 44 are engaged in corresponding orifices provided in the end regions or wings of the base 38 to allow, before final fixing by the screw 40 , the relative positioning of the elastic extensions 32 and 34 relative to the wheels 8 and 24 with which they cooperate. It will also be observed that the two extensions 32 and 34 which rise normally from the base 38 extend relative to each other by forming a V in which the driving member 6 is advantageously housed.

The moon phase wheel 24 is pivotally mounted on a drop 50 formed in the plate 20, and in which is engaged a fixing screw 52 whose head axially maintains the wheel 24 which is mounted free in rotation relative to the plate 20 , around an axis of rotation Z3.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 3, it will be noted that the moon phase wheel 24 can be actuated by the correction means 4, preferably using a pinion intermediate 60 in constant engagement with the moon phase wheel 24. This intermediate pinion 60 is mounted to rotate freely on a pivot 62 driven into the plate 20 and it makes it possible to rotate the two wheels 8 and 24 in the same direction.

As can also be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the means 4 for rapid correction of the two display mechanisms 1 and 2 comprise a pinion 64 of the sliding pinion type. This sliding pinion 64 is a stepped pinion, a first stage, said upper, is constituted by a wheel 66 adapted to come to mesh, either with the date wheel 8 (Figure 4), or indirectly, that is to say via the pinion 60, with the moon phase wheel 24 (Figure 3). In another embodiment, not shown, no intermediate pinion 60 is provided, so that the wheel 66 can mesh directly with the wheel of the moon phases 24.

The second, called lower stage, of the sliding pinion 64 is constituted by a pinion 68 which meshes permanently with a correcting wheel 70 (FIG. 4) which is kinematically connected, preferably by mechanical means not shown, to control means. unique components made up of a crown 72 - winding stem 74 assembly shown in FIG. 1. The connection between the corrective wheel 70 and the external control means 72, 74 being conventional, it has not been shown here in detail.

The sliding pinion 64 also comprises a stepped pivot 76, the upper part of which receives, driven onto it, the wheel 66, while the pinion 68 which is driven mechanically by the drive, is driven onto the lower part of this pivot 76 corrective wheel 70. The wheel 66 and the pinion 68 are separated axially by means of a collar 78 formed directly on the pivot 76.

The lower part of the pivot 76 is mounted free in rotation and in translation inside a guide groove 80 to allow the sliding pinion 64 to move freely in translation relative to the plate 20. The groove 80 is straight or substantially curved. Thus, when the corrective wheel 70 is pivoted, by means of the external control means 72, 74 in a first direction represented by the arrow F1 (FIG. 1), the sliding pinion 64 moves in the groove 80 along a first direction of movement D1 (FIG. 3) to go towards the date wheel 8 and come to mesh with it. We can therefore correct the date displayed extremely quickly.

When the corrective wheel 70 is turned in the direction of arrow F2, still by means of the external control means 72, 74, the sliding pinion 64 now translates towards the intermediate pinion 60 in a second direction of movement D2 to mesh with this pinion 60. We can therefore quickly modify the information provided by the second moon phase display mechanism 2.

It is therefore understood that the sliding pinion 64 constitutes meshing means common to the two display mechanisms 1 and 2, mounted in rotation and capable of acting alternately, under the action of the control means 72, 74, on the one or the other of these two mechanisms 1 and 2.

It will be noted that the axis of rotation Z4 of the pinion 64 is displaceable in translation relative to the plate 20.

The timepiece according to the invention further comprises a support flange 90 (Figures 1 and 5) whose base 92 is fixedly held on the plate 20 by means of a fixing screw 94 engaged in the plate . The base 92 is arranged in the vicinity of the periphery of the timepiece according to the invention. From this base 92 extends a covering part 96 which covers, at least in part, the intermediate pinion 60, the sliding pinion 64, as well as the date wheel 8. This covering part 96 comes to rest by its end free on a pin 98 driven into the plate 20 and making it possible to define a fixed height between this covering part 96 and the upper surface of the plate 20. Inside this covering part 96 is provided a tongue 100 which is cut out by stamping and which is slightly curved in the direction of the plate 20 to come to bear on the upper surface of the sliding pinion 64, and in particular on its wheel 66. This pressing facilitates the translational movement of the sliding pinion 64 by creating a pressure causing a resistant moment when the corrective wheel 70 is actuated.

The axis of rotation Z1 of the date wheel 8 coincides with the central axis of the timepiece according to the invention.

Thus, the two axes of rotation Z1 respectively of the day wheel 8 and Z3 of the moon phase wheel 24 can be joined by a normal geometric axis X1, constituting one of the spokes of the timepiece according to the invention.

It will be observed that the means 4 for rapid correction and the driving member 6 are arranged on either side of the geometric axis X1 joining the two axes of rotation Z1 and Z3. Thus, the engagement means 64 are arranged substantially opposite to the driving member 6 and substantially in line with the latter relative to the geometric axis X1.

Since the driving member 6 and the rapid correction means 4 are arranged opposite one another, on either side of the two display mechanisms 1 and 2, a particularly compact construction is obtained which occupies a minimum space.

In other words, a so-called cross construction is obtained in which the two axes of rotation respectively Z4 of the sliding pinion 64 and Z2 of the driving member 6 form a geometric axis Y1 (FIG. 1) substantially normal to the geometric axis X1.

The extensions 32 and 34 are arranged on either side of the geometric axis Y1, the single and common jumper spring 36 being substantially centered with respect to this geometric axis Y1.

It will also be observed that in this construction the day wheel 8 and the moon phase wheel 24 are extremely close together, which reduces their bulk accordingly.

Claims (12)

Mechanical and / or electromechanical timepiece, comprising: - a first display mechanism (1), in particular a display of dates, capable of providing information, such as the date, preferably modified instantaneously at a frequency set over a predetermined period of time, - a second display mechanism (2), such as a moon phase display mechanism providing modified information, also preferably instantaneously, at a frequency set over a period of time identical to that of the first mechanism , - means (4) for rapid correction of the two display mechanisms (1,2), comprising control means (72,74) which are preferably available outside the timepiece, and - a driving member (6) which is kinematically linked to a reference (14), and which performs a complete rotation over said period of time, this driving member (6) being capable, on the one hand, of driving the first mechanism d 'display (1) and the second (2), and secondly, to absorb the displacement of either of these mechanisms (1,2) when this drive member (6) is in engagement with one of these two mechanisms (1,2) and that the mechanism (1,2) with which it meshes undergoes simultaneously the action of the correction means (4), characterized in that the correction means ( 4) fast comprise meshing means (64) common to the two mechanisms (1,2), mounted in rotation and capable of acting alternately, under the action of the control means (72,74), on one or on the other of the two mechanisms (1,2). Timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that the engagement means (64) are arranged, with respect to a geometric axis (X1) joining the two display mechanisms (1,2), opposite to the driving member (6) and substantially to the right of the latter relative to said axis (X1). Timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises single control means constituted by a crown (72) - winding stem (74) assembly. Timepiece according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the engagement means comprise a pinion of the sliding pinion type (64). Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving member (6) comprises a wheel (16) in permanent engagement with the gear (14), the driving member (16) further comprising a drive finger (22) resiliently linked thereto and shaped to mesh successively with the two display mechanisms (1,2), this drive finger (22) being formed between the teeth (28) of said wheel (16) and its axis of rotation (Z2). Timepiece according to claim 5, characterized in that said finger (22) is integral with an elastic arm (26) formed in the body (c) of said wheel (16). Timepiece according to claim 6, characterized in that said finger (22) and the arm (26) of which it is integral are made integrally with the wheel (16). Timepiece according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the elastic arm (26) is formed in the same plane as that of the teeth of the wheel (28). Timepiece according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said arm (26) is bent and has a radius of curvature centered on the axis of rotation (Z2) of said wheel (16). Timepiece according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that said finger (22) is formed at the free end of the arm (26), in the extension thereof and rises from it. a substantially normal way. Timepiece according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the arm (26) and the finger (22) are produced by stamping in the body of the wheel. Timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a jumper spring (36) which is common to the two display mechanisms (1,2) and which comprises two V-shaped extensions forming a spring , acting respectively on one of the two mechanisms (1,2).

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