EP2813902A1 - Calendar mechanism for a clockwork - Google Patents

Abstract

Counting device, for a watch movement calendar mechanism, comprising a coaxial fixed gear (250, 550) and a program gear (222, 522), the latter comprising a first rotary board (224, 524) having an external toothing (225, 525), a short month correction device comprising at least one movable tooth (228, 528) between a retracted position and an extracted position, in which it is added to the toothing (225, 525) of the first board, and a control mechanism (238, 248, 538, 548) arranged to define the position of the movable tooth (228, 528) and comprising at least one wheel (248). , 548) arranged in engagement with the stationary toothed member (250, 550). The control mechanism comprises a month moving member (238, 538), rotatably mounted on the first board (224, 524), comprising an additional toothing (245, 545) having a kinematic connection with the wheel (248, 548) and, carrying a cam (240, 540) arranged to cooperate with the movable tooth (228, 528) and define its position.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a counting device, for a watch movement calendar mechanism, comprising a coaxial fixed gear and a program gear, the latter comprising a first rotary board having an external toothing, a device for correcting short months, supported by the first board and having at least a first movable tooth with reference to the first board between a first retracted position and a second extracted position in which it is added to the toothing of the first board by juxtaposition or superimposition ,
and a control mechanism arranged to define the position of the first movable tooth and comprising at least a first wheel arranged in engagement with the fixed toothed member.

State of the art

Such devices have already been disclosed, as in particular in the patent EP 1351104 B1 , issued on November 26, 2008 in the name of Ulysse Nardin SA. This patent describes a perpetual calendar mechanism having the characteristics set forth above, wherein the first member carrying the movable tooth is in the form of a sliding element, mounted on the first board so as to be able to slide between active positions. and inactive. The associated control mechanism comprises a plurality of planet wheels arranged in kinematic connection with a fixed wheel and, of which at least one acts on the sliding element to move it between its active and inactive positions. When the sliding element is in its active position, its tooth meshes with the 24-hour wheel which controls the rotations of the program wheel, to allow the training of the latter to take an additional step at the end of February non-leap years.

Additional mobiles, carried by the first board, are arranged to ensure the training of the mobile program an additional step at the end of the months of 29 and 30 days.

Thus, this device is complex because it comprises a large number of wheels, some of which are stacked on top of each other, in addition to the sliding element, all these components being carried by the program mobile. As a result, the program mobile necessarily has a large diameter as well as a large thickness.

Disclosure of the invention

A main object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of counting devices known from the prior art, by proposing an alternative construction, less complex and less cumbersome but to obtain the same result, with total reliability.

For this purpose, the present invention relates more particularly to a counting device of the type indicated above, characterized in that the control mechanism comprises a moving month rotatably mounted on the first board, comprising an additional toothing having a kinematic connection with the first wheel and carrying a first cam of variable radius arranged to cooperate with the first movable tooth and to define the position thereof.

Thanks to these characteristics, the counting device according to the present invention has a limited space in the plane of the corresponding watch movement, as well as in the axial direction of the program mobile.

The displacement of the movable tooth between its two positions makes it possible to take into account the difference in duration between the months of 30 days and the months of 31 days.

It can be provided that the first wheel is a satellite wheel rotatably mounted along an axis integral with the first board, the additional toothing of the first board being an internal toothing.

According to a preferred embodiment, the counting device according to the invention can equip an annual calendar or perpetual calendar movement mechanism. In this case, it advantageously comprises a second movable tooth with reference to the first board between a first position, retracted, and a second position, extracted, in which it is added to the toothing of the first board, by juxtaposition or superposition. In addition, the first cam is arranged to cooperate with the second movable tooth so as to also define the position.

Thus, the counting device also makes it possible to take into account the reduced number of days in February, without taking into account leap years in the case of an annual calendar and, with their taking into account in the case of a perpetual calendar.

Advantageously, the device for correcting the short months comprises a first elastic member arranged to act on the movable tooth or teeth and define at least one of the first and second positions. In this case, it can be provided that the first elastic member comprises an elastically deformable arm movable tooth, each of which has an end portion associated with the corresponding movable tooth.

It is then possible to provide that the first cam has a periphery arranged so as to act, if necessary, on the first movable tooth or on the first and second movable teeth so as to exert pressure on them and push them back. direction of their extracted position.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first elastic member has a generally open ring shape comprising a lug arranged to cooperate with abutment surfaces formed in the first board to make the elastic member integral in rotation with the first board.

When the calendar mechanism is of the perpetual type, it may comprise a second elastic member, leap-correction, fixed in rotation with the first board and acting on a third movable tooth with reference to the first board between a first position, retracted, and a second position, extracted, in which it is added to the teeth of the first board, by juxtaposition or superposition, the control mechanism being also arranged to define the position of the third tooth.

Thanks to these characteristics, it is possible to take into account the difference in the duration of February between leap years and non-leap years.

In this case, the control mechanism preferably comprises
a second wheel, preferably a satellite wheel, having a kinematic link with the mobile of the months and rotatably mounted along an axis integral with the first board,
a leaking correction mobile mounted rotatably on the first board and comprising a toothing having a kinematic connection with the second wheel and carrying a second variable radius cam arranged to cooperate with the third movable tooth and define its position.

Preferably, the second satellite wheel is arranged in engagement with an additional toothing of the months mobile.

It is possible to provide that the first and second planet wheels are arranged coaxially, which further reduces the number of components and the size of the counting device according to the invention.

Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the second elastic member comprises at least one elastically deformable arm and having an end portion associated with the third movable tooth.

The device may further comprise an additional board secured to the first board and having a housing for the second member so that the latter is secured to the additional board in rotation.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the program mobile has a kinematic connection with a date display member. In a complementary manner, it may also have a kinematic link with a display member of the day of the week and / or with a display member of the month and / or with a display member leap years.

The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising such a counting device and a timepiece comprising such a watch movement.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which:

- the figure 1 represents a simplified front view of a part of a watch movement comprising a counting device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

- the figure 2 represents an exploded perspective view of a portion of the construction presented on the figure 1 ;

- the figure 3 represents a simplified front view of certain elements illustrated on the figure 2 , when assembled;

- the figure 4 represents a simplified perspective view of the watch movement of the figure 1 ;

- the figure 5 represents an exploded perspective view of a construction detail of the watchmaking movement of the figure 1 ;

- the figure 6 represents a simplified front view of certain elements of the watchmaking movement of the figure 1 , isolated;

- the figure 7 represents an exploded perspective view similar to that of the figure 2 in connection with a second preferred embodiment of the invention, and

- the figure 8 represents a simplified front view of certain elements illustrated on the figure 7 , when assembled.

Mode (s) of realization of the invention

The figure 1 represents a simplified front view of a part of a watch movement, according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, comprising display members of information relating to a calendar, preferably annual or perpetual type.

More specifically, it is expected that this watch movement comprises three toothed discs 1, 2 and 3 each carrying a window 4 intended to cooperate with a ring (not illustrated) bearing indications, respectively, of the date, the month and the day of the week.

When the calendar is of the annual type, it is necessary to provide a specific counting device capable of taking into account the difference in duration between the months of 30 days and the months of 31 days. In addition, an annual calendar is usually scheduled considering that the month of February has 29 days. Thus, a correction of the date is necessary at the end of February of non-leap years which counts only 28 days.

When the calendar is of the perpetual type, it is programmed to take into account the difference in the number of days between leap years and non-leap years for the month of February.

The watch movement illustrated here as a nonlimiting indicative is of the perpetual type, although the object of the present invention is also applicable to an annual type calendar, with some adaptations of the present teaching, within the scope of the skilled person .

In particular, the watch movement comprises a counting device 200 which will be described in detail in relation to the figures 2 and 3 and, which is arranged to ensure proper training of a display gear of days of the week 400, described in connection with the figures 4 and 5 , a display gear of the date 500, visible on the figures 1 and 4 , and a display gear of 600 months, described in connection with the figure 6 .

The watch movement of the figure 1 also features a 700 leap years cog, driven from the 600 month display gear and, which will not be described in detail. Indeed, this cog in leap years simply comprises a plurality of mobile arranged to introduce the correct gearing to be applied to a display member leap years, from a wheel bearing information on the months.

In addition, mechanisms for correcting the information to be displayed by the calendar have been represented on the figures 1 and 4 , in the region of implantation of the winding stem 5.

The heart of the counting device 200 will now be described in relation to the figures 2 and 3 .

This comprises a 24-hour mobile 201 intended to be rotated from the hour wheel (not shown) of the watch movement, to make a complete turn on itself in 24 hours.

For this purpose, the 24-hour mobile comprises a first wheel 202 having three superimposed levels of teeth.

A first level of 204 teeth to 24 teeth is intended to mesh with the hour wheel.

Four teeth of the first toothing 204 have a greater thickness than the other teeth to extend into a second level of toothing 206, the function of which will be explained later.

The fourth of these four teeth has a thickness greater than that of the first three to extend in a third level of toothing 208, thus having only one tooth.

The 24-hour mobile further comprises an additional board 210 for driving the display gear of the days of the week 400. The board 210 has only one tooth 211, while the rest of its periphery has a greater radius to that which would have the bottom of a complete dentition that would correspond to tooth 211.

The first wheel 202 carries two fingers 212 and 214, intended to cooperate respectively with holes 216 and 218 of the additional board, to ensure the correct angular positioning of the latter on the first wheel. The additional board is here assembled to the first wheel by means of screws 220 by way of nonlimiting illustration.

The 24-hour mobile is intended to train a mobile program 222 so that the number of days of the different months is taken into account to control the display of the calendar. The motions of the program mobile 222 are transmitted to the display disc 1 of the date, in a conventional manner, by means of the date wheel 500.

The program mobile 222 comprises a first board 224 having a first toothing 225 of 31 teeth.

The first board has a first support surface 226 on which is arranged a first elastic member 227, correction of short months, carrying first and second movable teeth 228 and 229.

The first member 227 has the general shape of an open ring comprising a frame having two arms in the shape of a portion of a circle and each carrying at its end a movable tooth.

Of course, it is possible to provide, alternatively, that the first elastic member 227 comprises two portions that are distinct from one another and substantially symmetrical so as to define two independent arms, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The frame also has a lug 230, here substantially diametrically opposed to the teeth 228, 229 and intended to cooperate with the side walls of a slot 232 formed in the first board 224 to ensure the correct positioning and maintenance of the first member 227 on the first board.

Each of the teeth 228, 229 is arranged in an additional slot 234, formed in the first board, to contribute to the maintenance of the first elastic member on the first board and, to ensure radial guidance of the teeth when they are moved between a first position , retracted, and a second position, extracted.

The first board has first and second annular housing 236, 237 juxtaposed at different depth levels and intended to house a mobile of the months 238.

The mobile of the month 238 has the general shape of a two-level crown.

A first level intended to be housed in the first housing 236 fulfills the function of a cam 240 whose periphery has a variable external radius. More specifically, the periphery of the cam 240 has five inactive portions, of the same radius, separated from each other by four simple bosses 241, associated with the months of April, June, September and November, and a double boss 242 associated with the February. It will be noted that two inactive portions, associated respectively with the months of July-August and December-January, have a double length by compared to the other three. The function of the cam will be explained later, in relation to the figure 3 .

The inner periphery of the cam 240 has a tooth 244 directed towards its center and the function of which will also be explained later.

The second level of the mobile of the months 238 has an internal toothing 245 intended to be housed in the second housing 237.

The first board 224 also includes a finger 246 for supporting first and second planet wheels 248 and 249.

Furthermore, a toothed member 250, fixed, is arranged in the center of the first board 224, the latter being assembled to a frame member of the watch movement not shown. The toothed member carries a single tooth 251 arranged to cooperate with the first satellite wheel 248 and rotate it on itself as it passes in front of it.

The rotation of the first satellite wheel 248 causes rotation of the mobile of the months 238 with reference to the first plate 224, by cooperation with its internal toothing 245.

The rotation of the mobile of the months 238 causes that of the second satellite wheel 249 by cooperation of the latter with the tooth 244.

A second intermediate board 252 is secured to the first board 224 by means of screws 254, in particular to maintain assembled the assembly which has just been described.

In addition, the second board 252 has a support surface 256 on which is disposed a second elastic member 257, leap correction, carrying a third movable tooth 258.

The second member 257 comprises a frame having a generally annular shape and comprising first and second portions 259, 260, elastically deformable, each of which is connected to one side of the third movable tooth 258.

The frame also has a lug 261, here substantially diametrically opposed to the tooth 258 and intended to cooperate with a slot 262 formed in the second board 252 to ensure the correct positioning and maintenance of the second member 257 on the second board.

Of course, the skilled person can implement any other form adapted to the second elastic member, according to its own needs, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The third tooth 258 is arranged in an additional slot 264, formed in the second board, to contribute to maintaining the second elastic member on the second board and, to ensure radial guidance of the tooth when moved between a first position, retracted, and a second position, extracted.

A correction mobile comprising a third board 266 is assembled on the second board 252, so as to be free to rotate relative thereto, in particular to ensure axial retention of the second member 257.

The inner face of the third board carries a gear 268 coaxial with the board. This pinion 268 is intended to mesh with the second satellite wheel 249 to induce a rotation of the third board 266 relative to the first board 224.

The inner face of the third board also carries a second cam 270 (visible in transparency), similar to the first cam 240 and whose periphery has a variable external radius. More specifically, the periphery of the cam 270 has three bosses 271, with reference to a base radius, two of which are diametrically opposed and the third is situated between the two, at 90 degrees. An inactive portion 272 is diametrically opposed to the third boss.

A jumper 274 cooperates with the toothing 204 to ensure the angular positioning of the program mobile 222, in a conventional manner.

The figure 3 illustrates some details of operation of the program mobile 222 which has just been described.

More specifically, the figure 3 illustrates the configuration of certain components of the counting device according to the present invention as they are on February 28th.

The first of the teeth 206 of the 24-hour mobile 201 extending on the second level is located within range of the program mobile 222. The 24-hour moving clockwise on the illustration of the figure 3 .

In the case where the current year is non-leap year, the month of February has 28 days, which implies that the mobile program 222 must turn four steps to indicate then the first day of the following month.

In this case, the third movable tooth 258 (not visible on the figure 3 ) is in its extracted position, that is to say in the position to cooperate with the first tooth 206 of the mobile 24 hours.

Indeed, the bosses 271 of the second cam 270 are intended to exert pressure on the third movable tooth 258, the last day of February non-leap years, to place it in its extracted position. At the end of February leap years, the inactive portion 272 is disposed opposite the third movable tooth to allow it to position itself in its retracted position.

When the 24-hour mobile 201 is driven at a first step by the hour wheel (by means of a reduction gear for example, these elements being well known and not shown), the first tooth 206 drives the moving wheel. program 222 a step in the counterclockwise direction, through the third movable tooth 258. The date display is increased from 28 to 29.

The first cam 240 is arranged in such a way that its double boss 242 is located opposite the first two movable teeth 228 and 229 to place them both in their extracted position (although they are shown slightly recessed on the figure 3 to facilitate the understanding of the mechanism).

Thus, at the next step of the mobile 24 hours 201, one hour later, the second tooth 206 of the second level meets the first movable tooth 228 and causes an additional rotation of a step of the mobile program 222. The display of the The date then passes from the 29th to the 30th.

At the next step of the 24-hour mobile 201, the third tooth 206 of the second level meets the second movable tooth 229 and causes a additional rotation of a step of the program mobile 222. The display of the date then changes from 30 to 31.

At the next step of the mobile 24 hours 201, the fourth tooth 208 extending at the third level meets a tooth of the first toothing 225 of the program mobile and causes an additional rotation of a pitch of the latter. The display of the date then changes from 31 to 1.

Then, the movable teeth 228, 229 and 258 are no longer in a position to mesh with the 24-hour mobile for at least 28 days.

Thus, when the 24-hour mobile 201 performs a complete turn on itself from this moment, only the fourth tooth 208 extending at the third level encounters a tooth of the first toothing 225 of the program mobile 222 to advance the latter of a step.

In the case where the current year is leap year, the month of February has 29 days, which implies that the mobile program 222 must turn three steps only to then indicate the first day of the following month.

In this case, the third movable tooth 258 is in its retracted position, that is to say out of reach of the first tooth 206 of the 24-hour mobile, the inactive portion 272 of the cam 270 being located opposite the third movable tooth 258.

Thus, the first three teeth 206 extending at the second level pass in front of the program wheel 222 without driving, while the fourth tooth 208 extending at the third level comes into contact with a tooth of the first toothing 225 to make turn the program mobile one step. The display of the date then changes from 28 to 29.

The 24-hour mobile 201 then continues to turn on itself for 20 hours without coming into contact with the program mobile 222.

At the next turn of the 24-hour mobile 201, the first tooth 206 extending at the second level meets the first movable tooth 228 and causes a rotation of a step of the program mobile 222. The display of the date then changes from 29 to 30.

At the next step of the mobile 24 hours 201, one hour later, the second tooth 206 of the second level meets the second movable tooth 229 and causes an additional rotation of a step of the program mobile 222. The display of the date then changes from 30 to 31.

At the next step of the mobile 24 hours, the third tooth 206 of the second level passes next to the mobile program 222 but does not lead to it since the first set of teeth 225 is located at the third level, out of reach of this tooth 206. The date display remains unchanged.

At the next step of the mobile 24 hours 201, the fourth tooth 208 extending at the third level meets a tooth of the first toothing 225 of the program mobile and causes an additional rotation of a pitch of the latter. The display of the date then changes from 31 to 1.

At the same time, the rotation of the mobile program 222 on itself causes a rotation of the two planet wheels 248 and 249 around the fixed toothed member 250, because the finger 246 is secured to the first board 224 of the mobile 222.

The toothing of the first satellite wheel 248 slides on the periphery of the toothed member 250, similarly to a transmission of the Maltese cross type, generally implemented in certain date mechanisms.

Thus, the first satellite wheel 248 rotates around the toothed member 250 without being able to turn on itself. This type of construction advantageously makes it possible to do without jumpers to ensure the angular positioning of certain wheels of the mechanism.

This connection between the first satellite wheel 248 and the toothed member 250 at the same time causes the locking of the mobile of the months 238, the toothing 245 of which is in mesh with that of the first satellite wheel 248, with reference to the first plate 224 .

The program mobile 222 taking a turn on itself in one month (or in a number of days between 28 and 31), the first satellite wheel 248 rotates two steps once a month, passing next to the tooth 251 of the fixed toothed member 250. The gear ratio between the first satellite wheel 248 and the mobile of the months 238 is such that this last advance of a twelfth of a turn, counter-clockwise on the figure 3 every time the first satellite wheel turns two steps.

The finger 246 and the tooth 251 of the stationary toothed member 250 are positioned relative to each other in such a way that the rotation of the mobile of the months 238 occurs each month before the movable teeth reach within range of the moving wheel. 24 hours 201.

Returning to the configuration illustrated on the figure 3 , in connection with the above description, once the program mobile has advanced until the display of the date indicates the ^1st of March, it continues to turn one step per day until March 30th. Meanwhile, the first satellite wheel 248 passes next to the tooth 251 and turns two steps, a quarter turn here, causing a rotation of the mobile of the month 238 of a twelfth of a turn in the counterclockwise direction.

After such a rotation of the mobile of the month 238, the inactive portion of the cam 240 located to the right of the double boss 242 is positioned opposite the first and second movable teeth 228 and 229. The latter then take their retracted position under the effect of elastic portions that connect them to the frame of the first member 227. In this position, they are both out of reach of the teeth of the 24-hour mobile 201.

The third tooth 258 is also retracted in this configuration, as will be apparent from subsequent explanations.

Thus, at the end of March, which has 31 days, only the fourth tooth 208 located at the third level can mesh with the mobile program 222 to move the latter one step. The date display will change from 31 (March) to ¹ (April).

On the next turn, the simple boss 241 located to the right of the inactive portion mentioned above is positioned opposite the second movable tooth 229 to push it towards its extracted position. The first movable tooth 228 remains in the retracted position since it is always located opposite a portion of the cam 240 of reduced radius. Of course, the respective roles of the first and second movable teeth can here be reversed depending on the arrangement of the various bosses on the cam 240, without departing from the scope of the invention.

In this case, on April 30, the first tooth 206 at the second level cooperates with the second movable tooth 229 to advance the program mobile 222 by one step. The display of the date then changes from 30 to 31. The two following teeth 206 pass in front of the program mobile without driving it, during the next two hours, since the latter no longer has a tooth located in this level. Finally, the fourth tooth 208, extending in the third level, encounters a tooth of the toothing 225, one hour later, to drive the program wheel by one additional step. The display of the pass then 31 (April) to ¹ (May).

It is understood that the mobile of the month 238 makes a complete turn compared to the first board 224 in one year. The two inactive portions of cam 240 correspond to the months of July-August and December-January, each month having 31 days.

At the same time, the mobile of the month 238 also makes a complete turn in one year compared to the second satellite wheel 249 which is pivoted on the rod 246, integral with the first board 224. Most of the time, during one year, the toothing of the second satellite wheel 249 slides on the inner periphery of the cam 240 to lock the satellite wheel by a Maltese cross type connection, as outlined above in relation to the first satellite wheel 248 and the fixed toothed member 250.

Once a year, the tooth 244 of the months mobile meshes with the second satellite wheel 249 and rotates two steps, a quarter turn here.

The gear ratio between the second planet wheel 249 and the pinion 268 of the third plate 266 is such that the latter is rotated by a quarter of a turn when the second planet wheel 249 rotates a quarter of a turn, ie a times a year.

Thus, three years in a row, a boss 271 of the cam 270 is located opposite the third movable tooth 258 to position it in its extracted position. One year (leap) out of four, the inactive portion 272 of the cam 270 is located opposite the third movable tooth 258 for let it take its retracted position, under the effect of the forces exerted by the elastic portions 259 and 260.

Now that the counting device according to the present invention has been described in detail, in particular how it makes it possible to take into account the duration of the different months of the year and the cycles of the leap years, the Figures 4 to 6 will allow to expose how the corresponding information is transmitted to the different organs of display of the perpetual calendar.

The figure 4 represents a perspective view of the elements already illustrated on the figure 1 . In particular, the components of the display gear of the days of the week 400 are more particularly visible in this figure.

The tooth 211 of the board 210 of the 24-hour mobile is arranged to drive an incoming mobile 401 of the wheel of the weekdays each complete turn of the mobile 24 hours on itself.

The input mobile 401 comprises a reference 402, arranged to cooperate with the tooth 211 and, integral with a pinion 404 meshing with a first wheel 406 of a friction wheel 407, an example of a preferred structure will be described later in relation to the figure 5 .

The link between the reference 402 and the board 210 of the 24-hour mobile 201 is again of the Maltese cross type, that is to say that the toothing of the reference 402 slides on the periphery of the board 210 except when the tooth He rotates it once a day.

The rotation of the first wheel 406 here causes that of a second wheel 408 of the friction wheel. The latter is engaged with a pinion 410 of a reduction gear wheel whose wheel 412 is arranged in engagement with the toothing of the display disc 3 days of the week.

Thus, each day, when the 24-hour mobile 201 performs a turn on itself, it causes the advancement of a step 4 of the display window 4 days of the week.

It will be noted that the training of the display gear of the days of the week is carried out directly from the mobile 24 hours, that is to say without going through the mobile program 222, to the extent that the duration of month does not intervene on the rhythm of their change.

A jumper 413 is arranged to ensure the correct positioning of the wheel 412 of the mobile gear.

A mechanism for correcting the display of the days of the week is provided so as to act directly on the gear train 400.

This correction mechanism comprises a control lever 414 intended to be pivotally mounted on a frame member of the corresponding watch movement by means of a shaft (not shown) cooperating with a hole 416 of the lever. A non-visible pusher is adapted to act on a receiving surface 418 to rotate the lever counterclockwise on the figure 4 .

The lever 414 carries a spring blade 420 backed against a spout 422 at the free end of the lever.

The lever is arranged in such a way that, when it pivots, it exerts a pressure on a star 423 with twelve branches carried by a day correction wheel 424, by means of the leaf spring 420, to rotate it one step in the direction of clockwise rotation.

The correction mobile days comprises a wheel 426 having a kinematic connection with the second wheel 408 of the friction wheel 407, through a reference 428. Therefore, each pressure exerted on the control lever 414 has for effect of advancing the display disk 3 days of the week by one step.

It should be noted that the input mobile 401 is held in a fixed angular position by the cooperation of the reference 402 with the periphery of the board 210. Thus, to allow a rotation of the second wheel 408 of the friction wheel 407 without causing systematically a rotation of the first wheel 406, a friction mechanism is provided between these two wheels.

Conversely, during the normal training of the display of the days of the week, the correction mobile of the days 424 is also driven in the clockwise rotation direction. figure 4 . However, in this case, the leaf spring 420 is arranged to elastically deform to allow the relevant branch of the star 423 to pass in front of it.

The figure 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment, without limitation, of such a friction mechanism, in an exploded perspective view of the friction wheel 407.

The first and second wheels 406, 408 of the friction wheel are coupled via a ring 430, substantially star-shaped and rotatably connected to the first wheel 406, and a spring 432, integral with the second wheel 408 and fulfilling a function similar to that of a jumper.

The spring 432 has a generally circular shape and comprises four S-shaped arms 434 carrying, in pairs and between them, nozzles 436 intended to cooperate with the crown 430 to define stable relative angular positions between the two wheels 406 and 408. .

Each of the nozzles 436 is carried by a frame 438 bearing a lug 440 intended to cooperate with a radial slot 442 formed in the second wheel 408, to ensure radial guidance of the nozzles 436 while maintaining the angular positioning of the spring relative to the second wheel 408.

Thanks to this structure, during normal operation, when the first wheel 406 is driven from the 24-hour mobile 201, the crown 430 exerts a force on the nozzles 436 of the spring 432 to drive the latter in rotation and drive the second wheel 408 at the same time. The day of the week display is changed.

In correction mode, it is the second wheel 408 that is driven as a result of user action on the control lever 414, which also causes rotation of the display disc of the days of the week. However, in this case, the first wheel 406 is locked in rotation by the Maltese cross type connection made between the board 210 and the input mobile 401. Also, when the second wheel 408 rotates, it causes a deformation of the arms 434 of the spring 432 to allow the nozzles 436 to cross the teeth of the crown 430. In this case, the second wheel 408 rotates on itself while the first wheel 406 remains stationary.

Of course, the presence of the friction wheel 407 is not absolutely necessary to implement the mechanism according to the present invention.

It can indeed be provided, alternatively, that the mobile input 401 is arranged in direct contact with the correction mobile days 424, the latter being engaged with the display disc 3 days of the week by the intermediate pinion 410 and the wheel 412 of the mobile gear. In this case, however, the Maltese cross link, as described above between the board 24 of the mobile 24 hours and the mobile 401 input, must be removed to allow correction of the day of the week, via the control lever 414, without affecting the operation of the calendar mechanism. In addition, it can advantageously be provided that the reduction mobile carries a star with 7 branches arranged to cooperate with a positioning jumper, to ensure the correct positioning of the display disc 3 days of the week.

Returning to figure 4 it should be noted that information other than the day of the week may be corrected preferably distinctly from what has just been described.

Indeed, according to the present preferred embodiment illustrated, it is expected that the date-related information can be corrected by action on the winding stem 5, via a suitable date correction mechanism.

More specifically, the latter comprises a sliding pinion 450 mounted on a latch 452 can be moved between first and second angular positions depending on the axial positions of the winding stem. When, starting from the configuration of the figure 4 , the winding stem 5 is pulled outwardly from the movement, the rocker 452 pivots clockwise to place the sliding pinion 450 in engagement with the toothing of the date display disc 1. At the same time, the sliding pinion is also placed in engagement with a correction wheel 454 having a kinematic connection with a sliding pinion 456, integral in rotation with the winding stem, in a conventional manner.

Thus, in this position drawn from the winding stem 5, a rotation of the latter causes a rotation of the display disk of the date 1 in one direction or the other, especially through the correction wheel 454 and of the sliding gear 450.

As will be apparent from the following description of the figure 6 , the rotation of the display disc of the date 1 will also cause that of the display disc months 2.

The figure 6 represents a simplified front view and partial transparency illustrating the transmission provided between the date display disc 1 and the month display disc 2.

The display disk of the date 1 carries a ring 601 driving months, visible in transparency under the disk 1 on the figure 6 . This ring 601 cooperates with the pinion 602 of a reduction mobile 604 in the form of a Maltese cross type connection as described above. It has indeed a periphery of constant radius such that the pinion can rotate most of the time, its teeth sliding on the periphery of the ring.

The latter also has two teeth 606 and 608 intended to drive the pinion 602 in the direction of rotation anti-clockwise two steps per month, by way of non-limiting illustration.

The reduction mobile further comprises a wheel 610 integral with the pinion 602 in rotation and arranged in engagement with the display disk of the months 2. Thus, the latter is driven two steps once a month, either every time the Display disc of the date 1 has performed a complete turn on itself.

The angular position of the reduction gear 604 is further enhanced here by an optional jumper 612.

With reference to the figure 4 it also appears that the wheel 610 is engaged with a return 701 constituting the entry point of the cog in the leap years 700 which will not be described in detail. Indeed, this wheel has a number of mobile adapted to allow the multiplication of information relating to the change of months to an indication of leap years that spanned a cycle of 48 months.

It will be noted that the construction which has just been described advantageously makes it possible to make a two-way adjustment of the value of the calendar that is displayed, or even that of the month and that of the leap year, by action on the rod of control 5 and via the program mobile 222.

The figures 7 and 8 illustrate partial views of a watch movement according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Components unchanged from the first embodiment which has just been described bear the same numerical references to facilitate understanding of the mechanism according to the second embodiment.

The 24-hour mobile 201 is unchanged with reference to the first embodiment. It is intended to train a program mobile 522 in such a way that the number of days of the different months is taken into account to control the display of the calendar, similarly to what has been described in relation with the first embodiment.

The program mobile 522 includes a first board 524 having a first toothing 525 of 31 teeth.

The first board has a first support surface 526 on which is arranged a first elastic member 527 associated with first and second movable teeth 528 and 529 correction of short months, so as to act on them and keep them in a retracted configuration.

The elastic member 527 has the general shape of an open ring comprising a frame 530 intended to be assembled to the first board 524 and having two arms in the shape of a portion of a circle whose free end of each is associated with the one of the movable teeth, being housed in a suitable slot in the corresponding movable tooth.

The frame 530, here substantially diametrically opposed to the teeth 528, 529, has two holes intended to cooperate with the fingers 532, carried by the first board 524, to ensure the correct positioning and maintenance of the elastic member 527 on the first board .

As in the first embodiment, it is possible to provide, alternatively, that the elastic member is made in two substantially symmetrical parts, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Each of the teeth 528, 529 is arranged in a slot 534 formed in the first board to provide radial guidance of the teeth as they are moved between a first retracted position and a second retracted position.

The first board has an annular housing 536 for housing a mobile 538 months.

The mobile of the months 538 has the general shape of a crown with two levels.

A first level, intended to be placed in the housing 536, fulfills the function of a cam 540 whose periphery has a variable external radius. More specifically, the periphery of the cam 540 has five inactive portions, of the same radius, separated from each other by four simple bosses 541, associated with the months of April, June, September and November, and a double boss 542 associated with the February. It will be noted that two inactive portions, associated respectively with the months of July-August and December-January, have a double length compared to the three others. The function of the cam 540 is similar to that of the cam 240 described above, in connection with the first embodiment.

The periphery of the cam 540 has a tooth 544 arranged projecting and whose function will also be explained later.

The second level of the mobile 538 months has internal teeth 545.

The first board 524 also includes first and second fingers 546, 547 for supporting, respectively, first and second planet wheels 548 and 549.

Furthermore, a toothed member 550, fixed, is arranged in the center of the first board 524, the latter being assembled to a frame member of the watch movement not shown. The toothed organ carries a single tooth 551 arranged to cooperate with the first satellite wheel 548 and rotate it on itself as it passes in front of him.

The rotation of the first satellite wheel 548 causes rotation of the mobile of the months 538 with reference to the first board 524, by cooperation with its internal toothing 545.

The rotation of the mobile 538 months causes that of the second satellite wheel 549 by cooperation of the latter with the tooth 544. More specifically, the second satellite wheel 549 advantageously comprises a Maltese cross 553 (distinguishable in transparency) which cooperates with the bottom of the toothing 545 to lock the second wheel 549 as long as the tooth 544 does not engage the Maltese cross 553 to rotate it.

A second intermediate board 552 is secured to the first board 524 by means of screws 554, in particular to maintain assembled the assembly which has just been described.

In addition, the second board 552 has a support surface 556 on which is arranged a second elastic member 557, arranged to act on a third movable tooth 558 leap correction.

The second elastic member 557 comprises a frame 559 from which extends an elastic finger 560, substantially in the form of a portion of a circle and whose free end is housed in a slot adapted to the third movable tooth 558, to maintain this last in a retracted configuration.

The frame also has holes 561 intended to cooperate with fingers 562 formed on the second board 552 to ensure the correct positioning and maintenance of the second elastic member 557 on the second board.

The third tooth 558 is arranged in an additional slot 564 formed in the second board to provide radial guidance of the tooth when moved between a first retracted position and a second retracted position.

A correction mobile 566 is supported by the second board 552, so as to be free to rotate relative thereto.

A first level of the correction wheel 566 includes a toothing 568 for meshing with the second planet wheel 549 to induce a rotation of the correction wheel 566 relative to the first board 524.

A second level of the correction mobile 566 includes a second cam 570, similar to the first cam 540, and whose periphery has a variable external radius. More specifically, the periphery of the cam 570 has six bosses 571, with reference to a base radius, diametrically opposed in pairs and arranged in such a way that two inactive portions 572, diametrically opposite each other, are provided. to define two series of three successive bosses.

A closure cover 574 is provided to hold the assembly together, being secured to the first board 524 by means of the screws 554.

The figure 8 represents a view from above illustrating the nature of the cooperation intervening between some of the components which have just been described, in a manner similar to the view of the figure 3 for the first embodiment.

Overall, the operation of the program mobile 522 represented on the figures 7 and 8 will not be described in detail inasmuch as it is similar to that of the program mobile 222 of the first embodiment.

Note however that the second cam 570 here has cycles of 8 years with reference to the second plate 552, by way of nonlimiting illustration, while the mechanism according to the first embodiment is arranged in such a way that the cam 270 has 4-year cycles with reference to the second board 252.

The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration and the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular features which have just been described, for example the application of the counting device to the implementation of a perpetual calendar. Indeed, as mentioned above, this counting device is also adapted to the setting implementation of an annual calendar without departing from the scope of the present invention, or even a simple calendar taking into account only the months of 30 and 31 days.

Those skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the content of the present disclosure to their own needs and implement a counting device for a calendar mechanism comprising a control mechanism comprising a moving month, rotatably mounted on a first board of a mobile program and carrying a variable radius cam arranged to cooperate with a movable tooth to define the position, according to the number of days of the current month, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

By way of example, the forms illustrated and described for the cams 240, 270, 540 and 570 are only illustrative as well as their mode of cooperation with the corresponding moving teeth. Indeed, it is possible to consider as an alternative, for example, that at least one of the cams has the shape of an irregular ring but constant thickness and that this ring is engaged in a groove formed transversely in each tooth corresponding instead of being simply arranged at the rear of the movable tooth concerned to push it. Thus, when the cam rotates and its portion engaged in a tooth sees its radius vary, it causes a radial displacement of the movable tooth between its first and second positions, or in both directions. Alternatively, the cam could have alternating recesses and columns, in the manner of a column wheel, in the case of a simple or annual calendar, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Moreover, as already mentioned, the first elastic member 227, 527 can be made in one or more parts without affecting the implementation of the present invention, the movable teeth can in particular be made in one piece with him or not. .

Claims (18)

Counting device, for a watch movement calendar mechanism, comprising a coaxial fixed gear (250, 550) and a program gear (222, 522), the latter comprising
a first rotary board (224, 524) having external toothing (225, 525),
a short month correction device, supported by said first board (224, 524) and comprising at least a first movable tooth (228, 528) with reference to said first board between a first retracted position and a second position, extracted , in which it is added to the toothing (225, 525) of said first board, by juxtaposition or superposition, and
a control mechanism (238, 248, 538, 548) arranged to define the position of said first movable tooth (228, 528) and comprising at least a first wheel (248, 548) arranged in engagement with said stationary gear (250 , 550),
characterized in that said control mechanism comprises a month wheel (238, 538), rotatably mounted on said first board (224, 524), comprising an additional toothing (245, 545) having a kinematic linkage with said first wheel (248). , 548) and carrying a first cam (240, 540) of variable radius arranged to cooperate with said first movable tooth (228, 528) and define its position. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first wheel (248, 548) is a satellite wheel rotatably mounted along an axis (246, 546) integral with said first board (224, 524), and in that the additional toothing (245, 545) of said first board (224, 524) is an internal toothing. Device according to claim 1 or 2, in particular for annual or perpetual calendar movement mechanism, characterized
in that it comprises a second movable tooth (229, 529) with reference to said first board (224, 524) between a first position, retracted, and a second position, extracted, in which it is added to the toothing (225 , 525) of said first board, by juxtaposition or superposition, and
in that said first cam (240, 540) is arranged to cooperate with said second movable tooth (229, 529) so as to also define its position. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said device for correcting short months comprises a first elastic member (227, 527) arranged to act on said one or more movable teeth (228, 229, 528, 529 ) and define at least one of said first and second positions. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said first elastic member (227, 527) comprises an elastically deformable movable tooth arm (228, 229, 528, 529), each of which has an end portion associated with said movable tooth (228). , 229, 528, 529). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first cam (240, 540) has a periphery arranged to act, if necessary, on said first movable tooth (228, 528) or on said first and second movable teeth (228, 229, 528, 529) so as to exert pressure on them and push them towards their extracted position. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said first elastic member (227) has a generally open ring shape comprising a lug (230) arranged to cooperate with abutment surfaces (232) formed in said first board (224) for rendering said resilient member (227) integral in rotation with said first board (224). Device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a second resilient member (257, 557), a leap-correction device, integral in rotation with said first board (224, 524) and acting on a third movable tooth (258, 558) with reference to said first board between a first retracted position and a second extracted position in which it is added to the toothing (225, 525) of said first board (224, 524), by juxtaposition or superposition, said control mechanism being also arranged to define the position of said third movable tooth (258, 558). Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said control mechanism comprises
a second wheel (249, 549) having a kinematic connection with said month wheel (238, 538),
a leap-correction mobile (266, 566) rotatably mounted on said first board (224, 524) and including a toothing (268, 568) having a kinematic connection to said second wheel (249, 549) and carrying a second cam (270 , 570) of variable radius arranged to cooperate with said third movable tooth (258, 558) and define its position. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the second wheel (249, 549) is a satellite wheel rotatably mounted along an axis (246, 547) integral with said first board (224, 524). Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said second wheel (249, 549) is arranged in engagement with an additional toothing (244, 544) of said month wheel (238, 538). Device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that said second elastic member (257, 557) comprises at least one elastically deformable arm and having an end portion secured to said third movable tooth (258, 558). Device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises an additional board (252, 552) integral with said first board (224, 524) and, having a housing (256, 262, 556) for said second elastic member (257, 557) such that the latter is secured to said additional plank in rotation. Device according to one of Claims 8 to 13, characterized
in that it comprises a driving wheel (201) of said program wheel (222, 522) having a first toothing (204), defining a first level and, intended to allow its driving from a mobile of a watch movement, at least first, second and third teeth (206) located in at least a second level and at least one fourth tooth (208) defining a third level, in the axial direction of said driving wheel (201), and
in that , on the one hand, said first (228, 528), second (229, 529) and third (258, 558) movable teeth and, on the other hand, the toothing (225, 525) of said first board (224, 524) are respectively arranged opposite said second level and said third level,
said first, second and third teeth (206) of said drive wheel (201) being located out of range of the toothing (225, 525) of said first board (224, 524). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said program mobile (222, 522) has a kinematic connection with a date display member (1). Device according to claim 15, characterized in that said program mobile (222, 522) also has a kinematic link with a day of the week display (3) and / or with a display member of the month ( 2) and / or with a leap year display. Watchmaking movement comprising a counting device according to any one of the preceding claims. Timepiece comprising a watch movement according to claim 17.

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