EP3008523B1 - Calendar mechanism for a clock movement - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

• une première planche rotative présentant une denture externe,
• un dispositif de correction des mois courts, supporté par la première planche et présentant au moins une première dent mobile en référence à la première planche entre une première position, escamotée, et une seconde position, extraite, dans laquelle elle est ajoutée à la denture de la première planche, par juxtaposition ou superposition,
• ainsi qu'un mécanisme de commande agencé pour définir la position de la première dent mobile et comprenant au moins une première roue agencée en prise avec l'organe denté fixe.

The present invention relates to a counting device, for a clockwork movement calendar mechanism, comprising a fixed toothed member and a program mobile, coaxial, the latter comprising

• a first rotary plate having external teeth,
• a short month correction device, supported by the first board and having at least a first 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,
• 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 November 26, 2008 on behalf of Ulysse Nardin SA. This patent describes a perpetual calendar mechanism meeting the characteristics set out above, in which the first member carrying the movable tooth is produced 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 satellite wheels arranged in kinematic connection with a fixed wheel and, at least one of which 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 mobile, to enable the latter to be driven with 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 program mobile with 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 of these components being carried by the program mobile. Therefore, the program mobile necessarily has a substantial diameter as well as a large thickness.

The patent application CH 699 102 A2 , in the name of the present Applicant, describes an annual calendar mechanism, for a watch movement, comprising a construction program mobile similar to that of the program mobile of the preceding document, the latter also being coaxial with a fixed toothed member. This program mobile carries a first wheel arranged in engagement with the fixed toothed member and arranged in simultaneous engagement with two gear trains, of conventional type, to correct the display of the date at the end of the short month. This mechanism also allows a bidirectional manual correction of the date value. Each gear train drives a correction toothed wheel, most of the teeth of which are truncated. The two correction wheels are superimposed on each other, while having offset axes of rotation, which makes it difficult to assemble the program mobile.

Thus, although it does not allow the shorter duration of the month of February to be taken into account, this construction is relatively complex and also presents a significant bulk due to the high number of wheels carried by the program mobile. In addition, the assembly of this mechanism is also complex.

Other constructions of calendar mechanisms for a watch movement are known, in which no fixed toothed member is provided.

Such an approach is for example set out in the patent application EP 1868047 A1 , in the name of Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, which concerns an annual or perpetual calendar mechanism. The construction of this mechanism provides first and second date wheels superimposed on each other and indexed relative to each other by means of a spring. The two date wheels are driven by a 24-hour wheel, while a first one is intended to carry a date display unit. Furthermore, the two date wheels respectively mesh with first and second correction wheels of a correction mobile also comprising three correction crowns for short months and a differential gear interposed between the two correction wheels. The mechanism is arranged to introduce, as a first step, an offset between the two date wheels at the start of the short months, this offset corresponding to the difference between 31 and the number of days in the month concerned. This offset amounts to programming the second date wheel so that its angular orientation is representative of the actual number of days in the current month. In a second step, the mechanism is released, at the end of the month, to allow the first date wheel, carrying the display member, to catch up with the angular orientation of the second date wheel and directly ensure the display from the first day of the following month.

This mechanism is however very complex to produce and develop and has a relatively large size in terms of surface occupied in the plane of the watch movement.

Another approach is proposed in the patent application WO 2013/068519 A1 , on behalf of GFPI SA. This request relates to an annual or perpetual calendar mechanism for a watch movement, comprising a program mobile arranged in particular to drive a calendar display mobile. The program mobile has three tracks, the shape of which depends on the number of days in the months of the year, and each of which is associated with a retractable tooth. The program mobile is associated with a reduction mobile designed to provide differentiated rotation training for the different tracks. Each retractable tooth is housed in a radial groove and carries a stud engaged in the corresponding track, in such a way that the tooth is guided to move in a radial direction, in order to complete a drive toothing for the display mobile. the date when necessary.

Consequently, this mechanism has a space requirement, in terms of surface, similar to that described above, due to the need to have a mobile adjacent to the program mobile.

Furthermore, it should be noted that not only is the practical production of the tracks, as such, delicate, but these tracks are carried by toothed wheels and their positioning with reference to the corresponding teeth is also delicate. In addition, the mode of cooperation between these tracks and the nipples carried by the teeth must give rise to wear of the tracks and / or the nipples over time, eventually leading to a malfunction of the mechanism. Similarly, the guide grooves of the retractable teeth may also exhibit long-term wear, which risks being accelerated as soon as the cooperation between the pins and the tracks becomes less precise. Finally, the assembly of the program mobile is complex from the point of view of the relative positioning between its different constituents.

In general, it appears from the foregoing presentation, from calendar mechanisms known from the state of the art, that several construction approaches are possible to achieve the same result, in terms of display. It also appears that the corresponding constructions are relatively complex and therefore necessarily have a large number of characteristics which are specific to them, in such a way that it is almost impossible to imagine even if only variant embodiments of these mechanisms without necessarily demonstrate inventive step.

Thus, it would be advantageous for manufacturers of watch movements to have a new construction for calendar mechanisms of the type mentioned above, which would be simpler than known constructions and, therefore, necessarily more reliable over time.

Disclosure of invention

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

To this end, the present invention relates more particularly to a counting device of the type indicated above, characterized in that the control mechanism comprises a month mobile, rotatably mounted on the first board, comprising a 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 define the position, retracted or extracted, according to the angular orientation of the first cam and with the implementation of a essentially radial guidance.

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 or perpetual calendar mechanism with a watch movement. 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 teeth 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 its position.

Thus, the counting system also takes into account the reduced number of days in the month of February, without taking leap years into account in the case of an annual calendar and, with their taking into account in the case of a perpetual calendar.

Advantageously, the short month correction device comprises a first elastic member arranged to act on the tooth or teeth mobile and define at least one of the first and second positions. In this case, provision may be made for the first elastic member to comprise an arm which is elastically deformable by 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 the general shape of an open ring 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 include a second elastic member, of leap correction, integral 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 also being arranged to define the position of the third tooth.

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

• une seconde roue, préférablement une roue satellite, présentant une liaison cinématique avec le mobile des mois et montée rotative suivant un axe solidaire de la première planche,
• un mobile de correction bissextile monté rotatif sur la première planche et comprenant une denture présentant une liaison cinématique avec la seconde roue et portant une seconde came de rayon variable agencée pour coopérer avec la troisième dent mobile et en définir la position.

In this case, the control mechanism preferably comprises

• a second wheel, preferably a satellite wheel, having a kinematic connection with the mobile for months and rotatably mounted along an axis integral with the first board,
• a leap correction mobile rotatably mounted on the first board and comprising a toothing having a kinematic connection with the second wheel and carrying a second cam of variable radius arranged to cooperate with the third mobile tooth and define its position.

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

It is possible to provide that the first and second satellite wheels are arranged coaxially, which makes it possible to further reduce 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 also include an additional board, integral with 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 addition, it can also have a kinematic link with a display device for the day of the week and / or with a display device for the month and / or with a display device for leap years.

The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising such a counting device as well as a timepiece comprising such a timepiece movement.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente une vue générale de face simplifiée d'une partie d'un mouvement horloger comportant un dispositif de comptage selon un premier mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention;
• la figure 2 représente une vue en perspective éclatée d'une partie de la construction présentée sur la figure 1;
• la figure 3 représente une vue de face simplifiée de certains éléments illustrés sur la figure 2, lorsqu'ils sont assemblés;
• la figure 4 représente une vue en perspective simplifiée du mouvement horloger de la figure 1;
• la figure 5 représente une vue en perspective éclatée d'un détail de construction du mouvement horloger de la figure 1;
• la figure 6 représente une vue de face simplifiée de certains éléments du mouvement horloger de la figure 1, isolés;
• la figure 7 représente une vue en perspective éclatée similaire à celle de la figure 2, en relation avec un second mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, et
• la figure 8 représente une vue de face simplifiée de certains éléments illustrés sur la figure 7, lorsqu'ils sont assemblés.

Other characteristics 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 appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples and in which:

• the figure 1 shows a simplified general front view of a part of a timepiece movement comprising a counting device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
• the figure 2 represents an exploded perspective view of part 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 watch movement of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 6 represents a simplified front view of certain elements of the watch movement of the figure 1 , isolated;
• the figure 7 shows 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 Carrying Out the Invention

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

More specifically, it is expected that this watch movement includes 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 generally programmed considering that the month of February has 29 days. Thus, a correction of the date is necessary at the end of February in non-leap years which only has 28 days.

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

The watch movement illustrated here by way of non-limiting indication is of the perpetual type, although the subject of the present invention is also applicable to an annual calendar, subject to some adaptations of the present teaching, within the reach of those skilled in the art. .

In particular, the watch movement includes a counting device 200 which will be described in detail in relation to the figures 2 and 3 and which is arranged to ensure correct training of a train for displaying the days of the week 400, described in relation to the figures 4 and 5 , a gear train for the date 500, visible on the figures 1 and 4 , and a cog of the month 600 display, described in relation to the figure 6 .

The watch movement of the figure 1 also includes a cog of the leap years 700, driven from the cog display of the months 600 and, which will not be described in detail. In fact, this cog in leap years simply comprises a plurality of mobiles arranged to introduce the correct reduction ratio to be applied to a display device for leap years, from a wheel carrying information relating to 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 driven in rotation from the hour wheel (not shown) of the watch movement, to make a complete revolution on itself in 24 hours.

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

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

Four teeth of the first teeth 204 have a thickness greater than the other teeth to extend into a second level of teeth 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 into a third level of toothing 208, therefore comprising only one tooth.

The 24-hour mobile also includes an additional board 210 for driving the cog displaying 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 toothing which 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 program mobile 222 in such a way that the number of days in the different months is taken into account to control the display of the calendar. The movements of the program mobile 222 are transmitted to the date display disc 1, in a conventional manner, via the date train 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, for correcting 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 form of a portion of a circle and carrying, each at its end, a movable tooth.

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

The frame also has a lug 230, here substantially diametrically opposite the teeth 228, 229 and, intended to cooperate with the side walls a slot 232 formed in the first board 224 to ensure 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 plate has first and second annular housings 236, 237 juxtaposed, at different levels of depth and, intended to accommodate a mobile of the months 238.

The mobile of months 238 has the general shape of a crown on two levels.

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 single 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 compared to the other three. The function of the cam will be explained later, in relation to the figure 3 .

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

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

The first board 224 also includes a finger 246 intended to serve as a support for first and second satellite wheels 248 and 249.

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

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

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

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

In addition, the second board 252 has a support surface 256 on which is arranged a second elastic member 257, of 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 opposite 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, a person skilled in the art can implement any other form suitable for the second elastic member, according to his 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 the maintenance of the second elastic member on the second board and, to ensure radial guidance of the tooth when it is 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 to the latter, in particular to ensure axial maintenance of the second member 257.

The internal face of the third board carries a pinion 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 internal face of the third board also carries a second cam 270 (visible in transparency), similar to the first cam 240 and, the periphery of which 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 opposite and the third is located in between, at 90 degrees. An inactive portion 272 is diametrically opposite 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 certain 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 found on February 28.

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

If the current year is not a leap year, the month of February has 28 days, which means that the program mobile 222 must turn four steps to indicate 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 position to cooperate with the first tooth 206 of the 24-hour mobile.

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 in non-leap years, to place the latter in its extracted position. At the end of February in leap years, the inactive portion 272 is arranged opposite the third movable tooth to allow the latter to be positioned in its retracted position.

When the 24-hour mobile 201 is driven by a first step by the hour wheel (by means of a reducing mobile for example, these elements being well known and not shown), the first tooth 206 drives the mobile program 222 by one step anti-clockwise, via the third movable tooth 258. The date display changes 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 understanding of the mechanism).

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

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

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

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

Thus, when the 24-hour mobile 201 makes a full 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 by one step.

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

In this case, the third mobile tooth 258 is in its retracted position, that is to say beyond the 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 mobile 222 without driving it, 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 by one step. The date display then changes from 28 to 29.

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

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

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

At the next step of the 24-hour mobile, the third tooth 206 of the second level passes opposite the program mobile 222 but does not drive it since the first toothing 225 is located on the third level, ie out of reach of this tooth 206. The date display then remains unchanged.

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

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

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

Thus, the first satellite wheel 248 rotates around the toothed member 250 without being able to rotate 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 causes at the same time the locking of the mobile of the months 238, the toothing of which 245 is engaged with that of the first satellite wheel 248, with reference to the first board 224 .

The mobile program 222 making a turn on itself in a month (that is to say in a number of days varying 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 the latter advances by a twelfth of a turn, counterclockwise on the figure 3 , each time the first satellite wheel turns two steps.

The finger 246 and the tooth 251 of the fixed toothed member 250 are positioned relative to one another in such a way that the rotation of the month mobile 238 occurs each month before the mobile teeth reach the range of the mobile. 24 hours 201.

Returning to the configuration illustrated on the figure 3 , in relation to the above description, once the program mobile has advanced until the date display indicates the ^1st of March, it continues to rotate one step a day until March 30. Meanwhile, the first satellite wheel 248 passes opposite tooth 251 and turns two steps, ie a quarter turn here, causing the mobile of months 238 to rotate by a twelfth of a turn counterclockwise.

After such a rotation of the mobile for months 238, the inactive portion of the cam 240 situated to the right of the double boss 242 is positioned opposite the first and second mobile teeth 228 and 229. The latter take then their retracted position under the effect of the elastic portions which 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 emerge from subsequent explanations.

Thus, at the end of March, this one counting 31 days, only the fourth tooth 208 located at the third level can mesh with the program mobile 222 to advance the latter by one step. The date display then changes from 31 (March) to 1 ^st (April).

In the next round, the single boss 241 located to the right of the above-mentioned inactive portion comes to be positioned opposite the second movable tooth 229 to push it back to its extracted position. The first movable tooth 228 itself 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 different bosses on the cam 240, without departing from the scope of the invention.

In this case, on April 30, the first tooth 206 located at the second level cooperates with the second movable tooth 229 to advance the program movable 222 by one step. The date display then changes from 30 to 31. The next two teeth 206 pass in front of the program mobile without driving it, during the following 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, an hour later, to drive the program mobile with an additional step. The date display then changes from 31 (April) to 1 ^st (May).

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

At the same time, the month mobile 238 also makes a full revolution 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 a year, the toothing of the second satellite wheel 249 slides on the internal periphery of the cam 240 to lock the satellite wheel by a type of connection Maltese cross, as underlined 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 engages with the second satellite wheel 249 and rotates it by two steps, i.e. a quarter turn here.

The gear ratio between the second satellite wheel 249 and the pinion 268 of the third board 266 is such that the latter performs a quarter-turn rotation when the second satellite wheel 249 rotates a quarter of a turn, i.e. times a year.

Thus, for three years in succession, a boss 271 of the cam 270 is located opposite the third movable tooth 258 to position it in its extracted position. One out of four (leap year) years, the inactive portion 272 of the cam 270 is located opposite the third movable tooth 258 to let it assume 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 leap years, the figures 4 to 6 will show how the corresponding information is transmitted to the various display bodies 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 gear train for displaying 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 input mobile 401 of the train of the days of the week to each complete revolution of the 24-hour mobile on itself.

The input mobile 401 has 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 mobile 407, an example of preferred structure of which will be described below. in relation to the figure 5 .

The connection between the reference 402 and the plate 210 of the 24-hour mobile 201 is here again of the Maltese cross type, that is to say that the teeth of the reference 402 slide on the periphery of the plate 210 except when the tooth 211 rotates it once a day.

The rotation of the first wheel 406 here causes that of a second wheel 408 of the friction mobile. The latter is engaged with a pinion 410 of a reduction gear, the wheel 412 of which is arranged in engagement with the teeth of the disc 3 for displaying the days of the week.

Thus, each day, when the 24-hour mobile 201 makes a turn on itself, it causes the counter 4 to display the days of the week to advance one step.

It will be noted that the driving of the cog displaying the days of the week is carried out directly from the 24-hour mobile, that is to say without going through the program mobile 222, insofar as the duration of the months does not affect the pace of their change.

A jumper 413 is arranged to ensure the correct positioning of the wheel 412 of the reduction 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 element of the corresponding watch movement by means of a shaft (not shown) cooperating with a hole 416 in the lever. A non-visible push button is intended to act on a receiving surface 418 to rotate the lever counterclockwise on the figure 4 .

The lever 414 carries a leaf spring 420 leaning 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 pressure on a twelve-pointed star 423 carried by a day correction mobile 424, by means of the spring blade 420, to rotate it d 'one step clockwise.

The day correction mobile comprises a wheel 426 having a kinematic connection with the second wheel 408 of the friction mobile 407, by through a reference 428. Therefore, each pressure exerted on the control lever 414 has the effect of advancing the disc 3 for displaying the 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 rotation of the second wheel 408 of the friction mobile 407 without causing systematically rotating the first wheel 406, a friction mechanism is provided between these two wheels.

Conversely, during normal training of the display of the days of the week, the day correction mobile 424 is also driven in the clockwise direction on the figure 4 . However, in this case, the leaf spring 420 is arranged to deform elastically to allow the branch concerned with 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 mobile 407.

The first and second wheels 406, 408 of the friction mobile are coupled by means of a crown 430, substantially in the shape of a star and integral in rotation with the first wheel 406, and with 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 arms 434 in the shape of an S carrying, in pairs and between them, spouts 436 intended to cooperate with the crown 430 to define stable relative angular positions between the two wheels 406 and 408 .

Each of the spouts 436 is carried by a frame 438 carrying a lug 440 intended to cooperate with a radial slot 442 formed in the second wheel 408, to ensure radial guidance of the spouts 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 spouts 436 of the spring 432 to drive this last in rotation and drive the second wheel 408 at the same time. The day of the week display is then changed.

In correction mode, it is the second wheel 408 which is driven, as a consequence of an action of a user on the control lever 414, which also causes a rotation of the display disc for 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 turns, it causes deformation of the arms 434 of the spring 432 to allow the spouts 436 to pass through the teeth of the crown 430. In this case, the second wheel 408 turns on itself while the first wheel 406 remains stationary.

Of course, the presence of the friction mobile 407 is not absolutely necessary for implementing the mechanism according to the present invention.

One can indeed provide, as an alternative, that the input mobile 401 is arranged in direct engagement with the day correction mobile 424, the latter being engaged with the disc 3 for displaying the days of the week by the intermediate of the pinion 410 and the wheel 412 of the reduction gear. In this case, however, the Maltese cross type connection, as described above between the plate 210 of the 24-hour mobile and the input mobile 401, 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 is advantageously possible to provide that the reduction gear carries a 7-pointed star arranged to cooperate with a positioning jumper, to ensure the correct positioning of the disc 3 for displaying the days of the week.

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

In fact, according to the present preferred embodiment illustrated, it is intended that the information relating to the date can be corrected by action on the winding stem 5, via an adapted date correction mechanism.

More specifically, the latter comprises a sliding pinion 450 mounted on a rocker 452 capable of being moved between first and second angular positions as a function of the axial positions of the winding stem. When, starting from the configuration of the figure 4 , the winding stem 5 is pulled towards the outside of the movement, the rocker 452 pivots clockwise to place the sliding pinion 450 in engagement with the teeth 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 date display disc 1 in one direction or the other, in particular by means of the correction wheel 454 and of the sliding pinion 450.

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

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

The date display disc 1 carries a month drive ring 601, visible in transparency under the disc 1 on the figure 6 . This ring 601 cooperates with the pinion 602 of a reduction gear 604 in the form of a Maltese cross type connection as described above. It indeed has a periphery of constant radius such that the pinion cannot 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 counterclockwise rotation direction of two steps per month, by way of nonlimiting illustration.

The reduction gear further comprises a wheel 610 secured to the pinion 602 in rotation and arranged in engagement with the month display disc 2. Thus, the latter is driven two steps once a month, or each time the date display disk 1 has made a full revolution on itself.

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

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

It will be noted that the construction which has just been described advantageously makes it possible to carry out an adjustment in both directions of the value of the date which is displayed, even of that of the month and that of the leap year, by action on the stem of command 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.

The components unchanged from the first embodiment which has just been described bear the same reference numerals 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 522 program mobile in such a way that the number of days in different months is taken into account to control the display of the calendar, in a similar way to what has been described in relation to the first embodiment.

The program mobile 522 has 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 for correcting 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 form 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 formed in the corresponding movable tooth.

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

As in the first embodiment, it is possible, as an alternative, to provide that the elastic member is produced 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 ensure radial guidance of the teeth when they are moved between a first position, retracted, and a second position, extracted.

The first board has an annular housing 536 intended to accommodate a mobile 538 months.

The 538 months mobile presents the general shape of a crown on 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 single 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 other three. The function of the cam 540 is similar to that of the cam 240 described above, in relation to 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 month mobile 538 has an internal toothing 545.

The first board 524 also includes first and second fingers 546, 547 intended to serve as support, respectively, for first and second satellite wheels 548 and 549.

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

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

The rotation of the month 538 mobile 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 the toothing 545 to lock the second wheel 549 as long as the tooth 544 does not engage in the Maltese cross 553 to rotate it.

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

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 of 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, the free end of which is housed in a suitable slot of 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, made in the second board, to ensure radial guidance of the tooth when it is moved between a first position, retracted, and a second position, extracted.

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

A first level of the correction mobile 566 comprises a toothing 568 intended to mesh with the second satellite wheel 549 to induce a rotation of the correction mobile 566 relative to the first board 524.

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

A closing cover 574 is provided to hold the assembled assembly, being made integral with the first board 524 by means of the screws 554.

The figure 8 shows a top view illustrating the nature of the cooperation between some of the components which have just been described, in a similar manner 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 since 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 non-limiting illustration, while the mechanism according to the first embodiment is arranged to such that the cam 270 has cycles of 4 years with reference to the second plate 252.

The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of nonlimiting illustration and, the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular characteristics which have just been described, such as for example the application of the counting device to the implementation of a perpetual calendar. Indeed, as mentioned above, this counting device is also suitable for implementing an annual calendar without departing from the scope of the present invention, 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 implementing a counting device for calendar mechanism comprising a control mechanism comprising a month mobile, rotatably mounted on a first board of a mobile program and carrying a cam of variable radius arranged to cooperate with a mobile tooth to define the position, according to the number of days in the current month, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

By way of example, the shapes illustrated and described for the cams 240, 270, 540 and 570 are only illustrative, as is their mode of cooperation with the corresponding movable 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 of constant thickness and that this ring is engaged in a groove formed transversely in each tooth instead of simply being disposed at the rear of the movable tooth concerned to push it. Thus, when the cam turns 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, that is to say in both directions. Alternatively, the cam could have alternating hollows and columns, like a column wheel, in the case of a simple or annual calendar, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, as already mentioned, the first elastic member 227, 527 can be produced in one or in several parts without affecting the implementation of the present invention, the movable teeth being able in particular to be produced in one piece with it or not. .

Claims (18)

1. Counting device for a calendar mechanism for a timepiece movement, comprising a fixed toothed unit (250, 550) and a program wheel (222, 522) which are coaxial, the latter comprising

   a first rotary platform (224, 524) with external toothing (225, 525);

   a device for correction of the short months, which is supported by said first platform (224, 524) and comprises at least a first tooth (228, 528) which is mobile with reference to said first platform between a first, retracted position and a second, extracted position, in which it is added to the toothing (225, 525) of said first platform, by juxtaposition or superimposition; and

   a control mechanism (238, 248, 538, 548), which is designed to define the position of said first mobile tooth (228, 528) and comprises at least a first wheel (248, 548) which is designed to be engaged with said fixed toothed unit (250, 550),

   said control mechanism comprising a wheel (238, 538) for the months, which is fitted such as to rotate on said first platform (224, 524), which comprises toothing (245, 545) with a kinematic connection to said first wheel (248, 548), and which supports a first cam (240, 540) with a variable radius which is designed to co-operate with said first mobile tooth (228, 528) and define its retracted or extracted position, as a function of the angular orientation of said first cam (240, 540) and with the implementation of essentially radial guiding.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first wheel (248, 548) is a planetary wheel which is fitted such as to rotate according to a shaft (246, 546) integral with said first platform (224, 524), and in that the toothing (245, 545) of said wheel (238, 538) for the months is inner toothing.
3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, in particular for an annual or perpetual calendar mechanism for a timepiece movement, characterized

   in that it comprises a second tooth (229, 529) which is mobile with reference to said first platform (224, 524) between a first, retracted position and a second, extracted position, in which it is added to the toothing (225, 525) of said first platform, by juxtaposition or superimposition, and

   in that said first cam (240, 540) is designed to co-operate with said second mobile tooth (229, 529), such as also to define its position.
4. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said device for correction of the short months comprises a first resilient unit (227, 527) which is designed to act on said mobile tooth or teeth (228, 229, 528, 529) and define at least one of said first and second positions.
5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that said first resilient unit (227, 527) comprises a resiliently deformable arm per mobile tooth (228, 229, 528, 529), each of which has an end portion associated with said corresponding mobile tooth (228, 229, 528, 529).
6. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first cam (240, 540) has a periphery which is designed such as to act if necessary on said first mobile tooth (228, 528) or on said first and second mobile teeth (228, 229, 528, 529) such as to exert pressure on them and thrust them in the direction of their extracted position.
7. Device according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said first resilient unit (227) has a form generally of an open ring comprising a lug (230) which is designed to co-operate with stop surfaces (232) provided in said first platform (224), in order to make said resilient unit (227) integral in rotation with said first platform (224).
8. Device according to any one of Claims 4 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a second resilient unit (257, 557) for leap year correction, which is integral in rotation with said first platform (224, 524) and acts on a third tooth (258, 558) which is mobile with reference to said first platform between a first, retracted position and a second, extracted position, in which it is added to the toothing (225, 525) of said first platform (224, 524), by juxtaposition or superimposition, said control mechanism also being designed to define the position of said third mobile tooth (258, 558).
9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that said control mechanism comprises

   a second wheel (249, 549) with a kinematic connection to said wheel (238, 538) for the months;

   a wheel (266, 566) for leap year correction, which is fitted such as to rotate on said first platform (224, 524) and comprises toothing (268, 568) with a kinematic connection to said second wheel (249, 549) and supports a second cam (270, 570) with a variable radius which is designed to co-operate with said third mobile tooth (258, 558) and define its position.
10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the second wheel (249, 549) is a planetary wheel which is fitted such as to rotate according to a shaft (246, 547) which is integral with said first platform (224, 524).
11. Device according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said second wheel (249, 549) is designed to be engaged with additional toothing (244, 544) of said wheel (238, 538) for the months.
12. Device according to any one of Claims 8 to 11, characterized in that said second resilient unit (257, 557) comprises at least one resiliently deformable arm with an end portion which is integral with said third mobile tooth (258, 558).
13. Device according to any one of Claims 8 to 12, characterized in that it also comprises an additional platform (252, 552), which is integral with said first platform (224, 524) and has a receptacle (256, 262, 556) for said second resilient unit (257, 557) such that the latter is integral in rotation with said additional platform.
14. Device according to any one of Claims 8 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a wheel (201) for driving of said program wheel (222, 522) with first toothing (204) which defines a first level and is designed to allow it to be driven by a wheel of a timepiece movement, at least first, second and third teeth (206) situated in at least a second level, and at least a fourth tooth (208) which defines a third level according to the axial direction of said drive wheel (201); and

    in that, firstly, said first (228, 528), second (229, 529) and third (258, 558) mobile teeth and, secondly, the toothing (225, 525) of said first platform (224, 524) are arranged respectively opposite said second level and said third level,

    said first, second and third teeth (206) of said drive wheel (201) being situated out of reach of the toothing (225, 525) of said first platform (224, 524).
15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said program wheel (222, 522) has a kinematic connection to a unit (1) for display of the date.
16. Device according to Claim 15, characterized in that said program wheel (222, 522) also has a kinematic connection to a unit (3) for display of the day of the week and/or to a unit (2) for display of the month and/or to a unit for display of the leap years.
17. Timepiece movement comprising a counting device according to any one of the preceding claims.
18. Timepiece comprising a timepiece movement according to Claim 17.

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