EP2362277B1 - On-demand time zone displayed on the main hand of a timepiece - Google Patents

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 watchmaking mechanisms that can be integrated into watches, and more specifically, the particular field of display on timepieces.

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

The main problem of the on-demand display is mainly the problem related to the instantaneousness of the desired result, which is further complicated when one wants, as in this case, to display on the central switch 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 accommodate the small size of a portable timepiece such as a watch, and that only a few masterpieces of the history of watchmaking have included mechanisms with memory, not very accessible to industrial productions.

Mechanical memories are known in the form of punched or machined cards or discs, for example having teeth alternating with beaches without toothing, 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.

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

Other rotating drum systems, such as that described in the patent document FR 2 158 532 in the name of Solari & C., to order 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 preset such as similar systems used on machine tools, automatic lathes or the like, and no new programming can be made at the level of the mechanism incorporating them. It is still known, in a similar but simplified manner, by the patent document FR 2,254,820 in the name of Copal Compay Ltd, a device incorporating several memory wheels cooperating with each other and provided with cams or portions of cams.

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 cutouts at the outer or inner periphery of a disk or ring, which are of varying widths and depths and correspond for example, on a wheel of the day of the month, to the changes of tens and the 29th, 30th, 31st days of the month. Some of these cuts, especially the last one in the previous example, which is wide and staggered, 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.

A patent document CH 693 155 on behalf of STREHLER Andreas describes a switchable display mechanism to display two different information with the same needle. A heart integral with a planet gear wheel of a planet gear is provided for analogically storing the difference between the values of the two pieces of information. A first input of this planet gear is connected to the needle, the second input is driven to represent the value of the second information. The position of the planet wheel, output of the differential, represents the difference between the values of the two pieces of information. When the display mechanism is switched to the second information, the kinematic link between the first information and the needle is disengaged, and simultaneously a hammer is lowered against the heart to rotate with the carrier wheel in zero angular position , the second display is maintained as the hammer is supported on this wheel. The movements of the second input wheel of the differential are then transmitted to the needle whose position changes according to the value of the second information. A second heart with a second hammer constitutes the disengageable link between the first information and the needle. This device is complex and expensive to deal with the case of time zones between which the difference does not vary over time.

The patent document is still known WO 2007/115984 in the name of FREDERIC PIGUET SA, which discloses a mechanism for storing a time difference between two time zones, and switch display means to indicate the time of one or other of these time zones. This mechanism comprises a rotating core connected to the time display means by a kinematic chain, and cooperates selectively with one or the other of two levers each corresponding to the display of one of these spindles. , the switching is manual, and the Time difference between the spindles is determined by the relative position of one lever relative to the other. This heart is asymmetrical, and it performs a complete rotation in 48 hours. Control means are provided for adjusting the time difference between the spindles by changing the position of at least one of the levers around the core.

The patent document EP 2 136 271 on behalf of WATCHES BREGUET discloses a display device for displaying one of two different indications with the same indicator organ. It comprises a rotating analog indicator member, first and second meter mobiles whose positions are representative of two quantities to be displayed by the indicator member, and a manual switching mechanism for displaying the first or the second magnitude. The latter comprises a rotary shaft kinematically connected to the indicator member, and a sliding mobile integral in rotation with the shaft, and sliding under the action of the manual control, so as to selectively occupy a first or a second position on the shaft, wherein the moving mobile engages respectively with the first or the second counter mobile.

The patent document EP 1 1959 317 in the name of MAURICE LACROIX SA proposes a switchable mechanism comprising a transmission gear driven by a first mobile and representing a first information to display. An element carrying a first rattrapante heart is mounted crazy on this pinion, and driven by the first mobile or by a second mobile representing a second information. A second jumper core is fixed on this transmission pinion, and carries a first / second hammer preloaded by a first / second spring against the first / second core. A switching wheel is rotatably mounted on the periphery of this transmission wheel. It carries a first / second cam acting on the first / second hammer to alternately remove the contact between the first / second hammer and the first / second core, in order to switch the position of the wheel. transmission according to the first / second information to be displayed. An intermediate control wheel is mounted idly about the transmission pinion, and is engaged with the switching wheel. This intermediate control wheel is attached to a control wheel that can be rotated in a controlled manner by means of a control mechanism of the transmission mechanism.

In short, there are few purely mechanical solutions that are well suited to the problem, not only of the storage of data, but also of the reprogramming of a device by selecting a stored setting, or by creating a new setting , and this in the small space 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 achieving 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 1 873 696 on behalf 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 hole score in progress displayed on a disc driven by a pinion, and the accumulated score on all the holes played on a totalizer driven by an ad hoc star. 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 that realigns all the hearts of all the mobiles in an original position. 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 to the stored information, without however 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.

It is known from the patent document CH 683 055 in the name of the Longines Watch Company, Francillon SA, a timepiece whose display of hours can be changed independently, especially when switching to another 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.

It is still known, in a similar way, from the patent document CH 685 965 in the name of Ulysse Nardin SA, a timepiece whose hour hand can be moved forward or backward by 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 secured to the correction star, and drives a disk of date through 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 offer partial solutions to the problem, and the mechanisms presented are too different from each other for the skilled person to reasonably combine them, or even to juxtapose them together to obtain a solution. intermediate.

• au moins deux roues de mémoire programmables et reprogrammables, comportant chacune, d'une part une roue comportant des moyens d'entraînement en rotation autour d'un axe de rotation, et d'autre part un coeur mobile de façon réversible par pivotement entre des positions d'indexation que comporte ladite roue,
• des moyens d'appui agencés pour coopérer de façon débrayable avec une surface d'appui que comporte chaque dite roue de mémoire, et, entre deux actions de l'utilisateur, coopérant de façon embrayée avec ladite surface d'appui de l'une desdites roues de mémoire et étant alors débrayés de ladite surface d'appui de l'autre desdites roues de mémoire,
• un différentiel à deux entrées et une sortie, une première entrée étant constituée par un mobile de minuterie agencé pour être entraîné par ledit mouvement, une seconde entrée étant constituée par une couronne que comporte ledit différentiel, et ladite sortie consistant en une chaussée ou un axe portant une aiguille des heures, chacune desdites roues de mémoire engrenant par lesdits moyens d'entraînement, directement ou indirectement, avec ladite couronne de différentiel.

In order to solve the problem of the on-demand display, and instantaneously, on the main switch, dual time zones, with the ability for the user to easily change the setting or settings stored in memory in the or reprogramming them, very reliably and accurately, 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 room 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 core reversibly movable by pivoting between indexing positions contained in said wheel,
• support means arranged to cooperate in a disengageable manner with a bearing surface that each said memory wheel comprises, and, between two actions of the user, cooperating in a geared manner with said a bearing surface of one of 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 that comprises said differential, and said output consisting of a roadway or an 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 characteristic of the invention, said support means are constituted by a hammer arranged to pivot between at least two positions, one resting on said support surface of said heart of one of said memory wheels, 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 relying on one or the other of two pins that includes said hammer for rotate the latter to one of said memory wheels, said mechanism comprising a jumper arranged to lock said hammer in its position after pivoting to a new action on said push which will trigger the cooperation of said shuttle with the other of said pins to pivot said hammer toward the other of said memory wheels.

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

The invention brings many advantages: it makes it possible to realize a spindle watch of great simplicity and optimum reading, as much for reading the reference time or current time at the place of use, as for the read 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.

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, une montre incorporant un mécanisme de fuseau horaire selon l'invention, dans un premier mode préféré de réalisation;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une montre incorporant un mécanisme de fuseau horaire selon l'invention, dans un second mode de réalisation, dans une position d'affichage d'un fuseau horaire dit de référence;
• la figure 3 représente la montre de la figure 2, dans une position d'affichage d'un fuseau horaire dit de fuseau;
• la figure 4 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en perspective, un mécanisme de fuseau horaire selon l'invention;
• la figure 5 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en vue en plan, le mécanisme de la figure 4;
• la figure 6 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, une roue de mémoire que comporte le mécanisme des figures 4 et 5;
• la figure 7 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, une autre variante de roue de mémoire selon l'invention;
• la figure 8 représente, de façon-schématisée et en vue de dessous, le mécanisme des figures 4 et 5, dans une première position d'appui d'un marteau sur un premier coeur que comporte ce mécanisme;
• la figure 9 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue de dessous, de façon similaire à la figure 8, dans une seconde position d'appui du même marteau sur un second coeur que comporte ce mécanisme;
• la figure 10 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, la coopération du mécanisme dans la position des figures 4, 5, et 8, avec un disque des villes que comporte le mécanisme de fuseau horaire selon l'invention;
• la figure 11 représente, de façon schématisée partielle et en vue en plan, la position des éléments d'un mécanisme analogue à celui des figures 4 à 10 mais avec une variante préférée de construction du marteau et des coeurs, calés sur le même fuseau horaire de Londres ;
• la figure 12 représente, de façon schématisée partielle et en vue en plan, la position des éléments du mécanisme de la figure 11 calés, l'un sur le fuseau horaire de Midway, l'autre sur celui de Wellington, le premier des deux étant affiché ;
• la figure 13 représente, de façon schématisée partielle et en vue en plan, la position des éléments du mécanisme de la figure 11 calés, l'un sur le fuseau horaire de Midway, l'autre sur celui de Wellington, le second des deux étant affiché ;
• la figure 14 représente, de façon schématisée partielle et en vue en plan, la position des éléments du mécanisme de la figure 11 calés, l'un sur le fuseau horaire de Wellington, l'autre sur celui de Midway, le premier des deux étant affiché ;
• la- figure 15 représente, de façon schématisée partielle et en vue en plan, la position des éléments du mécanisme de la figure 11 calés, l'un sur le fuseau horaire de Wellington, l'autre sur celui de Midway, le second des deux étant affiché ;
• la figure 16 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, le rouage de réglage de fuseau selon l'invention.

Other characteristics 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 purely by way of illustration and not limiting only in connection with the attached drawing in which:

• the figure 1 shows schematically and in plan view a watch incorporating a time zone mechanism according to the invention, in a first preferred embodiment;
• the figure 2 represents, similarly to the figure 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;
• the figure 3 represents the watch of the figure 2 in a display position of a time zone called spindle;
• the figure 4 represents, schematically, partially and in perspective, a time zone mechanism according to the invention;
• the figure 5 represents, schematically, partially and in plan view, the mechanism of the figure 4 ;
• the figure 6 represents, schematically and in plan view, a memory wheel that includes the mechanism of figures 4 and 5 ;
• the figure 7 shows schematically and in plan view, another variant of the memory wheel according to the invention;
• the figure 8 represents, schematically and in a view from below, the mechanism of figures 4 and 5 , in a first support position of a hammer on a first heart that includes this mechanism;
• the figure 9 represents, schematically and in a view from below, similar to the figure 8 in a second support position of the same hammer on a second heart that this mechanism comprises;
• the figure 10 represents, schematically and in plan view, the cooperation of the mechanism in the position of figures 4 , 5 , and 8 with a disk of the cities that includes the time zone mechanism according to the invention;
• the figure 11 represents, in a partial schematic and in plan view, the position of the elements of a mechanism similar to that of Figures 4 to 10 but with a preferred construction variant of the hammer and hearts, set to the same time zone of London;
• the figure 12 represents, partially schematically and in plan view, the position of the elements of the mechanism of the figure 11 stalled, one on Midway's time zone, the other on Wellington's, the first one being posted;
• the figure 13 represents, partially schematically and in plan view, the position of the elements of the mechanism of the figure 11 stalled, one on the Midway time zone, the other on Wellington, the second of the two being displayed;
• the figure 14 represents, partially schematically and in plan view, the position of the elements of the mechanism of the figure 11 set, one in Wellington's time zone, the other in Midway's, the first of two being displayed;
• the- figure 15 represents, partially schematically and in plan view, the position of the elements of the mechanism of the figure 11 stalled, one on the Wellington time zone, the other on Midway, the second of the two being displayed;
• the figure 16 represents, 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, but not limiting, application of a time zone mechanism, which is arranged to 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 the indication of the 24 time zones, with double spindle on the main switch, date indication and 24-hour day-night display.

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 no 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 the figure 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 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 the wheel 31 comprises. figure 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 comprises the toothed wheel 31. The core 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 on the Figures 4 to 6 , is recalled radially by elastic return means 43, in particular by a spring 44, to the indexing positions 34. It is understood that, as the case may be, the elastic return means 43 can work in compression, as in the example of the figure 6 , or in traction as on the figure 7 .

The core 40 comprises at least one bearing surface 45, which is arranged to cooperate with a complementary surface that comprises 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 visible on the figures 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 variant, as visible on the figures 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 advantageously has an ovoid or cardioid cam profile, which is not necessarily symmetrical, as shown in FIG. figure 7 .

In a preferred manner, the indexing positions 34 consist of notches 35 distributed over a sector centered on the axis of rotation 33.

For a particular preferred application, relating to the time display 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 visible on the figure 6 the notches 35 are open towards the axis of rotation 33.

In another embodiment as shown in the figure 7 on the contrary, the notches 35 are 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 core 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 stepped, or else in two parts one on the other.

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 from one notch to another, under the effect of the application of a tangential force applied by the wheel 31, to provided that the radial component of the reaction of the wall of the notch 35 to this force is greater and of opposite direction to the centrifugal return force, or centripetal as 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 will be explained more far.

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 disengageably with the surface 45 support 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. The figures 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 every 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 transition from one memorized state to another.

The invention relates to a time zone mechanism 100, which is arranged to display, on demand and instantaneously, the time in a particular time zone, on the main switch of a timepiece. 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. figure 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 the figure 1 . A 24-hour disc 65 indicates whether the city in the selected time zone is in the day or at 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 the figure 1 .

Recall that the standard time is the legal time for each country, determined by local law, and based on the theoretical division of the Earth's surface into 24 zones or spindles, of 15 degrees of longitude each, with certain deviations due 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 visible on the figures 4 , 5 , and 8 to 16 , a memory mechanism, a display state change mechanism, and a differential mechanism.

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

The display state change mechanism comprises support means 50 arranged to cooperate disengageably with a bearing surface 45 that includes the core 40 of each memory wheel 30. Between two actions of 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 mode with two memory disks 30, according to the invention, in the absence of action by the user, the support means 50 of the watch mechanism cooperatively engage with the bearing surface 45 of the 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.

• position neutre, sélection du fuseau horaire mémorisé, passage d'un fuseau horaire à l'autre par le poussoir ;
• correction par réglage du fuseau sélectionné, tige tirée.

A pusher 28 is arranged to actuate a rocker 1 under pressure from the user. This pusher 28 is preferably constituted by a crown-push on a spindle rod 13, visible on the figure 1 to 8 hours. The pusher 28 can also be integrated with the crown the time 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 pusher;
• correction by setting the selected spindle, pulled rod.

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

In an advantageous embodiment, the bearing means 50 which act on the hearts of the memory wheels are constituted by this hammer 4, which is arranged to pivot about a pivot axis 4C between two positions, one in support on the bearing surface 45 of the core 40 of one of the memory wheels 30, and the other bearing on the bearing surface 45 of the core 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 pushbutton is illustrated by the Figures 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 the hammer 4 The support of the shuttle 2 on one of the two pins therefore has the effect of pivoting the hammer 4 against the bearing surface 45 of the core 40 of one of the memory wheels 30 and thus to rotate the memory wheel corresponding 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 bearing faces 4D and 4E to cooperate with the bearing surface 45 of each memory wheel. In a first variant visible on the figures 4 , 5 , and 8 to 10 these bearing faces 4D and 4E are planar. In a second preferred variant, as visible on the Figures 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 elasticity provided by a 4G slot 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 the time in a first time zone said displayed, for example corresponding to the current time instead of activity 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 moment, one of the two memory wheels 11, 8 meshes, directly or indirectly with the mobile 9, with the ring 12A of the differential 12. The intermediate mobile of the time zone 9 meshes with the differential 12 which will change the needle of the 25 hours on the selected time zone, depending on the case "reference" or "time zone".

The Figures 11 to 17 illustrate the variety of positions that can occupy, on the one hand the hearts compared to the memory wheels that carry them, and on the other hand with respect to each other. The figure 11 illustrates two hearts set in the same time zone of London.

The figure 12 illustrated the heart of spindle 7 set on the time zone of Midway, and the heart of reference 10 on that of Wellington, the display being made on the time zone of Midway, and the figure 13 represents, with the same heartbeat, the display on the Wellington time zone.

The Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the inverse wedges: the figure 14 the spindle core 7 set to the Wellington time zone and the reference heart 10 to the Midway heart, the display being made to the Wellington time zone, and the figure 15 with the same rigging of hearts as the figure 14 , but the display is done on the Midway time zone.

In sum, during a user action 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 display of the time in the desired time zone. 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 of time zone 9. They rotate together until the bearing surface 45 of the core 40 of one of the memory wheels 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 on the figures 4 and 5 it is the spindle core 7 of the spindle memory wheel 8 which bears on the bearing surface 4D of the hammer 4. It will be understood that, previously to the action on the pusher 28, it is 4E other bearing surface of the hammer 4 which was supported 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, a phase shift angle which 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 chosen position, corresponding to the reference time or the memorized time zone, until a new action on the pusher 28 and thus 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 pivot the hammer 4 towards the other memory wheels 30.

In the example of the figures, each of the memory wheels 11 and 8 has 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 core 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 modify the display of the time from one time zone to the other, its action on the push-button 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 to also rotate the latter in its support position, as visible on the figures 4 and 5 .

The opposite operation 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 whole system is energized to prevent play in the gears.

Advantageously, the time zone mechanism 100 is mounted on an additional board that 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 various referrals 14 composed of 14A and 14B, and 15, 16, 17, as visible on the figures 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 toggle system allows you to alternately block a heart and rotate the second. The core which is blocked by the hammer 4 increments 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 one time. The heart which 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 hearts.

In a particular variant embodiment, as visible on the figures 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 disk or ring 60. In the preferred embodiment illustrated by the figures, the disk of the cities 60 is driven, during the change of spindle, from the memory wheels, by 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 disc cities 60.

As visible on the figure 16 when the selected spindle is adjusted, rod 13 is pulled out, the memory wheels are driven by the gear train of the various gearboxes 14 composed of 14A and 14B, and 15, 16, 17, as visible on the figures 4 and 5 . In the case of execution according to figure 10 with memory wheels according to the figure 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 ratio of reduction 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 differential inputs for the time display function and the time zone change or correction function, when no change or correction of With the help of the pusher, the differential input is blocked and the normal movement of the hour hand is ensured. When the time zone is changed or corrected, the entrance of the timer mobile is considered blocked, since its speed is very low, the timer mobile taking 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 visible on the Figures 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 on the figure 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 on the figure 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 includes an indication for the user relative 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 hands of a timepiece, including a movement, characterized in that it includes:

   - at least two programmable and reprogrammable memory wheels (30), each including, on the one hand, a wheel (31) including means (36) for rotational driving about an axis of rotation (33), and on the other hand, a heart-piece (40) reversibly movable by pivoting between indexing positions of said wheel,

   - support means (50) arranged for disconnectably cooperating with a support surface (45) of each of said memory wheels (30), and, between two actions by the user, connectably cooperating with said support surface (45) of one of said memory wheels (30) and being then disconnected from said support surface (45) of the other of said memory wheels (30),

   - a differential gear (12) with two inputs and one output, a first input being formed by a motion work wheel set arranged to be driven by said movement, a second input being formed by a crown (12A) of said differential gear (12), and said output consisting of a cannon-pinion (18) or an arbour carrying an hour hand (25), each of said memory wheels (30) meshing via said drive means (36), directly or indirectly, with said differential crown (12A).
2. Mechanism (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said heart-piece (40) is pivotally movable relative to said wheel (31) about said axis of rotation (33), between indexing positions (34) of said wheel (31), with which indexing positions (34) said heart-piece (40) is arranged to be able to cooperate via indexing means or a fingerpiece (41) comprised therein, and which is radially returned by resilient return means (43) to said indexing positions (34).
3. Mechanism (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support means (50) are formed by a hammer (4) arranged to pivot between at least two positions, one abutting on said support surface (45) of said heart-piece (40) of one of said memory wheels (30), and the other abutting on said support surface (45) of said heart-piece (40) of the other said memory wheel (30).
4. Mechanism (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes 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 includes a push button (28) arranged for actuating a lever (1) under an application of pressure by the user, the lever (1) being permanently returned to an initial idle position by a lever spring (6) and carrying a pivoting navette (2), which is returned to an original position under the action of a compensator spring (3), and which is arranged for cooperating with said hammer (4) by abutting on one or other of two pins (4A; 4B) of said hammer (4) to pivot the latter towards one of said memory wheels (30), said mechanism (100) including a jumper spring (5) arranged for locking said hammer (4) into position after pivoting until another action of said push button (28), which triggers the cooperation between said navette (2) and the other (4B; 4A) of said pins, to cause said hammer (4) to pivot towards the other of said memory wheels (30).
6. Mechanism (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said memory wheels (30) meshes via the external toothing (32) thereof with the same intermediate time zone wheel set (9) which in turn meshes with said differential crown (12A).
7. Mechanism (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said indexing positions (34) are formed by notches (35) distributed over a sector centred on said axis of rotation (33).
8. Mechanism (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said notches (35) are equidistant and there are 24 thereof.
9. Mechanism (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes city display means linked to each time zone, in the form of a city disc (60) driven, when there is a time zone change, from the memory wheels, by a gear train (61) meshing with a toothed sector of said city disc (60).
10. Mechanism (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes display means (64) for the date linked to a particular time zone and towns linked to each time zone, consisting of a date disc, which is driven by a gear train meshed with said differential gear (12).
11. Mechanism (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it includes a day-night display (65) relating to a particular time zone, stored by the user, wherein the information for this day-night display is taken from said gear train that connects said differential gear (12) to said date disc (64).
12. Mechanism (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes display means including an indication for the user regarding the direction of adjustment to be applied.
13. Timepiece including a mechanism (100) according to any of the preceding claims.
14. Timepiece according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the movement thereof includes a going train arranged for driving said motion work wheel set forming said first input of said differential gear (12).

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