EP2363765B1 - Device for sequentially controlling at least two lifts of a timepiece mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a mechanical sequential control device of at least a first lift and a second lift of a watch mechanism, said first lift and second lift being arranged to respectively control the movement of a first mobile and a second one. movable to perform, against elastic return means, two movements close together in time and partially superimposed, said control device comprising first arming means of said first mobile and second arming means of said second mobile, said control device being arranged to trigger said first mobile and second mobile successively and not simultaneously.

The invention also relates to a striking mechanism comprising at least one striking wheel using a part of the energy supplied by a power source for actuating at least one hammer on at least one stamp, by action of a tooth or a cam, which comprises said ringing wheel, on said hammer, and comprising at least one such control device.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such control device.

The invention is placed in the field of mechanisms for timepieces, energy consumers for auditory or visual displays, such as ringing or date mechanisms.

Background of the invention

In particular, a recurring problem of striking mechanisms is the management of the energy source used for the ringing itself. In addition to a high energy consumption for the arming of the hammer or hammers, it is necessary in some types of ringtones to cope with peaks in instantaneous torque consumption, which often require oversizing the energy sources.

Timepieces with advanced striking mechanism have been known for a long time, especially in the field of so-called complicated watches such as repeater watches or big-bell watches. For a good understanding of the state of the art in the field of complicated watches, reference can be made to François Lecoultre entitled "Complicated watches" (ISBN 2-88175-000-1), which includes several chapters relating to watches equipped with a striking mechanism (pages 97 to 205 ).

The patent CH 604 237 in the name of Dubois & Dépraz describes a repeating watch, with a ringing device with two superimposed timbres of different tones, struck by two hammers actuated by two ratchets which act by teeth in wolf teeth on flip-flops to move them against their mainspring. respective strike. These ratchets are toothed on only part of their circumference, and their relative position determines the play of the different ringtones. It has a ringer regulator to adjust its unwinding speed, but it does not include special energy management to avoid peak energy consumption.

The document CH 633 376 D in the name of Dubois & Dépraz describes a repeating watch, the entire repetition mechanism is carried by an independent frame attaching to the platen of the movement. This frame carries, in its center, an additional roadway engaging the roadway of the movement, means projecting and hollow ensuring the connection, by simple engagement, between the roadway of the movement and the additional roadway, the latter carrying a wheel serving PTO member for driving at least one spiral of the striking mechanism.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to solve the problem of peak torque consumption by proposing a mechanical sequential control device of at least two lifts of a clock mechanism, arranged to avoid peak torque consumption provided by motor means by the sum of the torque consumptions of each of the lifts, which transmit energy received from the motor means via this device, in the form of a torque, to one or more mechanisms for using this energy, as a mechanism for ring, or date, or other.

To this end, the invention relates to a mechanical sequential control device of at least a first lift and a second lift of a watch mechanism, according to claim 1.

The invention further relates to a striking mechanism according to claim 13.

The invention further relates to a date mechanism according to claim 14.

The invention also relates to a timepiece according to claim 16.

The invention has the advantage of allowing the most accurate sizing of energy sources such as barrels or the like, used for mechanisms such as striking mechanisms. It also makes it possible to ensure, as the case may be, the synchronization between certain events as in an instantaneous date mechanism, or the desired time shift as in a ding-dong ring, with the best possible energy management. The invention makes it possible to maintain the cumulative level of torque consumed by the complications at a reasonable level. The stresses exerted on the structure, especially on the plates, are therefore lower, and the good behavior over time of the timepiece is only better. Smoothing the accumulated torque consumption curve has a direct influence on the settings, which are greatly facilitated.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 est une représentation schématisée, partielle, en vue en plan, d'un mécanisme de sonnerie pour pièce d'horlogerie comportant une roue de sonnerie à deux pistes de dents pointues, pour actionner deux levées actionnant chacune un marteau pour percuter un timbre, et réaliser des sonneries de type ding-dong en séquence ;
• la figure 2 est une représentation similaire à la figure 1, d'un mécanisme de sonnerie incorporant un dispositif mécanique de commande séquentielle d'au moins deux levées selon l'invention, où l'une des pistes comporte des dents spéciales pour décaler dans le temps l'armage d'un des marteaux, et le garder armé jusqu'à son déclenchement;
• la figure 3 est un diagramme représentant, en ordonnée la consommation de couple par chacune des dents de la roue de sonnerie de la figure 1, et leur cumul instantané, en fonction de la position angulaire de la roue de sonnerie en abscisse, et montrant l'étendue de la variation de la courbe de cumul pendant l'exécution de la sonnerie;
• la figure 4 est un diagramme similaire à la figure 3, représentant les consommations de couple des dents de la roue de sonnerie de la figure 2 selon l'invention, et montrant le lissage, à un niveau moyen, de la courbe de cumul pendant l'exécution de la sonnerie ;
• la figure 5 est une représentation schématisée, partielle, en vue en plan, d'une dent d'une première piste de la roue de sonnerie de la figure 2 selon l'invention ;
• la figure 6 est une représentation analogue à la figure 5 d'une dent de la figure 1, ou d'une dent d'une autre piste de la roue de sonnerie de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 7 est une représentation analogue à la figure 5 d'une dent d'une autre piste de la roue de sonnerie de la figure 2, dans une variante de réalisation ;
• la figure 8 est un diagramme similaire à la figure 4, représentant les consommations de couple des dents de la roue de sonnerie de la figure 2 selon l'invention, avec un autre réglage optimisé ;
• la figure 9 représente, sous la forme d'un schéma-bloc, une pièce d'horlogerie, comportant un mécanisme de sonnerie et un mécanisme de quantième, chacun équipé d'un dispositif mécanique de commande séquentielle selon l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the correction mechanism according to the invention, this example being given for purely illustrative and nonlimiting purposes only in connection with the attached drawing in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic representation, partial, in plan view, of a striking mechanism for a timepiece comprising a ringing wheel with two pointed teeth tracks, for actuating two lifts each actuating a hammer to strike a stamp, and to realize ding-dong tones in sequence;
• the figure 2 is a representation similar to the figure 1 , a striking mechanism incorporating a mechanical sequential control device of at least two lifts according to the invention, wherein one of the tracks comprises special teeth for staggering in time the arming of one of the hammers, and keep it armed until it is triggered;
• the figure 3 is a diagram representing, on the ordinate, the consumption of torque by each of the teeth of the ringing wheel of the figure 1 , and their instantaneous accumulation, as a function of the angular position of the ringing wheel on the abscissa, and showing the extent of the variation of the accumulation curve during the execution of the ringing;
• the figure 4 is a diagram similar to the figure 3 , representing the torque consumptions of the teeth of the ringing wheel of the figure 2 according to the invention, and showing the smoothing, at a medium level, of the cumulative curve during the execution of the ring;
• the figure 5 is a schematic representation, partial, in plan view, of a tooth of a first track of the ringing wheel of the figure 2 according to the invention;
• the figure 6 is a representation similar to the figure 5 of a tooth of the figure 1 , or a tooth of another track of the ringing wheel of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 7 is a representation similar to the figure 5 of a tooth of another track the ringing wheel of the figure 2 in an alternative embodiment;
• the figure 8 is a diagram similar to the figure 4 , representing the torque consumptions of the teeth of the ringing wheel of the figure 2 according to the invention, with another optimized setting;
• the figure 9 represents, in the form of a block diagram, a timepiece, comprising a striking mechanism and a date mechanism, each equipped with a mechanical sequential control device according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The invention is placed in the field of mechanisms for timepieces, energy consumers for auditory or visual displays, such as ringing or date mechanisms.

The invention relates to a mechanical device 100 for sequential control of at least a first lift 1 and a second lift 2 of a watch mechanism.

This clock mechanism comprises motor means, such as a barrel or the like, and tripping means 3 for controlling the activation of at least a first lift 1 and a second lift 2, which are arranged to transmit energy , received from the motor means via the device 100, to a mechanism for using this energy.

These first lift 1 and second lift 2 are arranged to respectively control the movement of a first mobile 7 and a second mobile 8 to perform, preferably against elastic return means, two close movements in time and partially superimposed.

The present description is illustrated for the case of the actuation of two lifts, but it is understood that the invention applies exactly the same way for a number of lifts greater than two.

The control device 100 comprises first arming means of the first mobile 7 and the second arming means of the second mobile 8. This control device 100 is arranged to trigger these first mobile 7 and second mobile 8 successively and not simultaneously.

According to the invention, time delay means between the arming and the triggering of the movement of the first mobile 7 are arranged to maintain an energy potential accumulated in the operating mechanism of the first mobile 7 for a predetermined period of time. in order to keep the first mobile 7 armed during this determined period until it is triggered.

According to the invention, these delaying means are a delay surface 40.

Transmission means are arranged between motor means, which includes the clock mechanism or the control device 100, and a contact surface 10 having a first track 301, driving the first lift 1, and on which is provided at least a delay surface 40.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in the figures, the first track 301 is arranged at the periphery of a wheel 30 driven by these motor means, at least one retarding surface 40 has an angular amplitude, during which said first mobile 7 remains armed, which is between 15% and 25% of the angular amplitude corresponding to the complete cumulative arming and tripping cycle of the first mobile 7 and second mobile 8 together, or / and which is between 25% and 40% , and more particularly between 35% and 40%, of the angular amplitude corresponding to the arming cycle and holding in the armed position of the first mobile 7 alone.

In a variant, cumulative with the previous embodiment, the first track 301 is arranged at the periphery of such a wheel 30, and at least one retarding surface 40 i consists of a surface substantially tangential to the wheel 30, and of a length of arc between 6 and 10% of the largest radius of the wheel 30, with which greater radius cooperates the first lift 1.

The first arming means of the first mobile 7 are arranged to create a first growth phase 14, in which the first lift 1 stores energy between a first level 11 of torque consumption and a second level 12 of torque consumption. greater than the first level 11. The second arming means of the second mobile 8 are arranged to create a first growth phase 24 in which the second lift 2 stores energy between a first level 21 of torque consumption and a second level The delay means are arranged to create, during a second decay phase 15 of the first lift 1 consecutive to the first growth phase 14, at least one stabilization level. 16 at a third level 13 of intermediate torque consumption between the first level 11 of torque consumption and the second level 12 of torque consumption. At the end of the second decay phase 15, the first lift 1 transmits all the energy it has accumulated during the first growth phase 14 to a mechanism for using this energy, before or at the latest where the second lift 2 completely transmits the energy it has accumulated during the first growth phase 24 to a mechanism of use, so as to avoid a spike in torque consumption by accumulating the torque consumption of each of the first rising 1 and second lifting 2.

The second arming means comprise transmission means between motor means and a contact surface 10 comprising a second track 302 for controlling the second lift 2. The contact surface 10 is movable under the action of these motor means for transmitting energy at the levees 1 and 2 in the form of a pair, according to a sequence imposed by the tracks 301, 302, according to which each of the lifts 1; 2, passes successively from the first level 11, 21, torque consumption at the second level 12, 22, higher torque consumption at the first level 11, 21, during a first phase of growth 14, 24, where the lifting 1, 2, stores energy, then the second level 12, 22, at the first level 11, 21, during a second decay phase 15, 25, in which the lift transmits energy to a mechanism use of this energy.

If the invention is illustrated here with a contact surface 10 at the periphery of a wheel 30, in other embodiments the contact surface 10 is constituted by a rack or a set of contiguous racks, or else the surface contact 10 is constituted by a sector with an elliptical geometry, having cam tracks or teeth.

The invention is hereinafter more particularly described for the particular application to a ring, illustrated by the figures, and which is not at all restrictive. In this case of a ringing command, on this mechanical device 100 sequential control of at least a first ringing strike 1 and a second ringing of a watch mechanism 2, the first lift 1 and the second lift 2 are arranged to respectively control the movement of a first hammer 7 and a second hammer 8 to hit two close hits in time. This sequential control device 100 comprises first arming means of the first hammer 7 and the second arming means of the second hammer 8. The control device 100 is arranged to trigger the first hammer 7 and the second hammer 8 successively. and not simultaneously.

According to the invention, the first arming means comprise delay means in time between the arming and the release of the first hammer 7, which are arranged to maintain an energy potential accumulated in the first hammer operating mechanism. 7 for a determined period of time, so as to maintain the first hammer 7 armed during this determined period until it is triggered, thereby constituting means for shifting the first hammer 7 in time

These lifts 1 and 2 are arranged to cooperate each with a track, respectively 301 and 302, that comprises a contact surface 10, which comprises the device 100. This contact surface 10 defines, with these tracks on the basis of a track by lifting, the sequence of movements imposed on the different levies. The contact surface 10 is movable under the action of the motor means of the watch mechanism, or additional motor means that may comprise the device 100. Indeed, the device 100 may be designed as an additional set juxtaposed to an existing movement. The first lift 1 and the second lift 2 receive energy supplied by the contact surface 10, in the form of a torque, in a sequence imposed by the tracks 301 and 302 of the contact surface 10.

In this sequence, each of the lifts 1, respectively 2, passes successively from a first level of torque consumption 11, respectively 21, which is preferably low or zero, to a second level of torque consumption 12, respectively 22, which is greater than the first level 11, respectively 21, during a first growth phase 14, respectively 24, where it stores energy in the form of torque, then the second level 12, respectively 22, at the first level 11, respectively 21, during a second decay phase 15, respectively 25, wherein it transmits energy to a mechanism for using this energy. During this sequence, the first lift 1 completely transmits the energy it has accumulated to a mechanism for using this energy before or at the latest at the moment when the second lift 2 completely transmits the energy that it has accumulated. to a mechanism of use.

According to the invention, this control device 100 comprises delay means arranged to create, during the second decay phase 15 of the first lift 1, at least one stabilization bearing 16 at a third level 13 of torque consumption. intermediate between the first level 11 and the second level 12 of torque consumption of the first lift 1, to avoid a peak of torque consumption by accumulating the torque consumption of each of the lifts.

The invention thus differs from the known striking mechanisms, which make use of ratchet teeth of the "wolf-tooth" type, with which the phase of storing energy when climbing on the steepest slope of the tooth is followed instantly by a sudden release of energy corresponding to the abrupt slope of the tooth.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact surface 10 defines the sequence so as to perform the torque consumption stabilization bearing 16 of the first lift 1 during the first growth phase 24 of the second lift 2.

Preferably, the contact surface 10 defines the sequence so as to control, after the second phase of decreasing the torque consumption of the first lift 1, the start of a new first growth phase 14 for a new maneuver. the first lift 1, before the second torque consumption decay phase of the second lift 2 is completed.

Preferably, the contact surface 10 defines the sequence so as to control, after the completion of the first phase of growth 14 of torque consumption of the first lift 1, the start of the first growth phase 24 of consumption of couple of the second lift 2.

The nature of the delay means depends on the mechanisms used. The present description describes more particularly the case where the contact surface 10 is a set of cam tracks at the periphery of a wheel, which is the most common configuration in watchmaking. But the invention applies exactly in the same way if the geometrical support of the contact surface 10 is of another geometrical nature, for example a linear support, the contact surface 10 can then take the form of a rack or a set of contiguous racks, or a sector with a particular geometry, for example elliptical, having tracks of cams or teeth, or other.

In the same way, the invention is described for a contact surface 10 which comprises camming protrusions for actuating lifts, but it can equally well be implemented with re-entrant elements, the cams then being constituted by hollow or grooves along a profile.

The figures illustrate a particular example of use of the invention, relating to a striking mechanism 200. figures 1 and 3 illustrate a known state of the art, particularly achievements Breguet Watches. The contact surface 10 is at the periphery of a ring gear 30 driven by the motor means of the watch mechanism, and controls the sequence of the movements of the first and second liftings 2 which are pivotally mounted each around an axis parallel to that of the wheel 30 and external to the latter, by a first track 301 having at least a first control cam 31 for the operation of the first lift 1, and by a second track 302, distinct from the first track 301, and comprising at least one second control cam 32 for the operation of the second lift 2. These control cams 31 and 32 known in the prior art are made in the form of pointed teeth, as visible on the figure 6 .

For a sequential ring of the ding-dong type, here repeated three times in the example of figures 1 and 3 relating to past achievements, we can see on the diagram of the figure 3 on the dashed representation that, starting from a state of rest at a first level 11 low or no torque consumption of the first tooth 31 ding, the first lift 1 is armed from an angular position of 8 ° in the example of the figure 3 , the torque consumption of this lift 1 increases to the second torque level 12, which constitutes its maximum level, around 13 °. This torque drops towards 15 °, when the lift 1 is released and releases its energy transmitted to the first hammer 7, to hit the first stamp, or gong, 71. The consumption then drops to the first level 11, until rearming to 20 ° , where the sequence is repeated, then to 32 °, where the sequence is repeated again.

Similarly, starting from a state of rest at a first low or no torque consumption level of the second tooth 32 dong, the second lift 2 is armed from an angular position of 13 ° in the example of the figure 3 in the dashed representation, the torque consumption of this lift 2 increases to the second torque level 22, which constitutes its maximum level, around 18 °. This torque drops to 19 °, when the lift 2 is released and releases its energy transmitted to the second hammer 8, to hit the second stamp, or gong, 81. The consumption then drops to the first level 21, until rearming to 26 ° , where the sequence is repeated, then to 39 °, where the sequence is repeated again.

We see on the figure 3 that the representative dashed curve of the cumulative torque consumption varies considerably, with a high peak around 15 ° / 27 ° / 39 °, and a very low level around 20 ° / 32 ° / 44 °. In this example, the second maximum level 12 corresponding to the first lift 1 of the first hammer 7 ding "acute" is 200 gf.mm, and the second maximum level 22 corresponding to the second lift 2 of the second hammer 8 dong "serious" is 150 gf.mm. The maximum level of the resulting curve is 300 gf.mm, and thus is only slightly less than the sum of the maximum torque which is 350 gf.mm.

When a striking mechanism 200 thus sounds, with two hammers, two close shots, it is advantageous to arm the two hammers successively rather than simultaneously, precisely to avoid a spike in instantaneous torque consumption. The invention implements an offset of the arming of one of the hammers in time, and a holding of the hammer until the trigger. In the case illustrated in the figures where the control mechanism is constituted by a toothed wheel, the offset of the arming of one of the hammers in time is advantageously obtained by widening the corresponding tooth.

According to the invention, in a particular embodiment visible on the figures 2 , 4 and 5 , the contact surface 10 is at the periphery of a wheel 30 driven by the motor means of the watch mechanism, or by motor means that comprises the device 100. In the particular case of a striking mechanism 200 and the figures 2 and 4 the wheel 30 is a ringing wheel.

The contact surface 10 controls the sequence of movements of the first lift 1 and second lift 2 which are pivotally mounted each around an axis parallel to that of the wheel 30 and external to the latter. This control is done by a first track 301 comprising at least a first control cam 31 for the operation of the first lift 1, and by a second track 302 separate from the first track 301 having at least a second control cam 32 for the second-round maneuver 2. The example of figure 4 shows, on the first track 301, three cams 31 in the form of teeth, to control three ding sounds, and, on the second track 302, three cams 32 in the form of teeth, to control three dong sounds. The arrangement of the contact surface 10 defines the phase shift between the ding sounds and the dong sounds, as well as the time interval between two consecutive ding-dongs. In this example, each ring sequence rolls three ding-dong in succession, and the wheel 30 of the example of the figure 4 has six groups of cams each running these three ding-dongs. Stopping between a sequence of three ding-dong and the next is carried out for example by an anchor mechanism, not shown in the figure, controlled by the triggering means 3 of the watch mechanism, for example a timer or the like.

According to the invention, the first control cam 31 comprises a delay surface 40 which constitutes the delay means, or at least a part of the of them if they are multiple. In the exemplary embodiment of the figure 4 , the retarding surface 40 is constituted by a cylindrical sector whose axis is coincident with that of the wheel 30 and constitutes the largest diameter of the latter in the deflection zone of the first lift 1 and second lift 2 or by a flat surface substantially tangent to such a cylindrical sector. Other embodiments and in particular with other profiles are obviously possible without departing from the heart of the invention.

The contact surface 10 comprises at least a first control cam 31 for the operation of the first lift 1 and at least a second control cam 32 for the operation of the second lift 2. Each control cam 31, respectively 32, comprises a first ramp 310, respectively 311, for the first growth phase 14, respectively 24, and a second ramp 320, respectively 321, for at least the end of the second decay phase 15, respectively 25. According to the invention, less the first control cam 31 has, between the first ramp 310 and the second ramp 320, an intermediate surface 401, which forms the delay means.

In a particular version not shown in the figures, each control cam 31, respectively 32, comprises, between the first ramp 310, respectively 311 and the second ramp 320, respectively 321, an intermediate surface 401, respectively 402, which forms means of delay. This configuration may be useful for both benefiting from the accumulated torque savings achieved by arranging the first tooth 31 with the intermediate surface 401, and adjusting the time difference between the ding sounds to a predetermined value. and dong, by shifting this second ring thanks to the second intermediate surface 402 as visible on the figure 7 .

We see on the diagram of the figure 4 which corresponds to the embodiment according to the invention that, starting from a state of rest at a first level 11 low or zero torque consumption of the first tooth 31 ding, the first lift 1 is armed from an angular position 5 ° in this example, the torque consumption of this lift 1 increases to the second torque level 12, which is its maximum level, to 13 °.

This torque drops towards 14 °, towards the stabilization bearing 16 at the consumed torque level 13, when the lift 1 cooperates with the intermediate surface 401. Indeed, the lift 1, which cooperates with the first ramp 310 during the growth phase of torque 14, then comes on the intermediate surface 401, and the orientation of the force resultant changes, and so the moment of the couple also changes. The intermediate torque level 13 is a holding torque on the tooth, at this stage the lift 1 fully armed the hammer 7. In the version where the intermediate surface 401 is on a concentric radius at the center of rotation, the torque is regular . Naturally, it is possible to make teeth to profile to further reduce the oscillation of the cumulative torque, but we can check on the figure 4 , which corresponds to experimental results, that the cumulative torque is regular with the very simple solution that constitutes a widening of the first tooth, with a cylindrical outer surface.

Later, towards the angular value of 17 °, when the lifting 1 is released and releases its energy transmitted to the first hammer 7, to hit the first stamp, or gong, 71, the consumption then falls to the first level 11, until resetting almost immediately in this example where the sequence is repeated, then to 29 °, where the sequence is repeated again.

Similarly, starting from a state of rest at a first low or no torque consumption level of the second tooth 32 dong, the second lift 2 is armed from an angular position of 13 ° in the example of the figure 4 , the torque consumption of this lift 2 increases to the second torque level 22, which is its maximum level, around 18 °. This torque drops to 19 °, when the lift 2 is released and releases its energy transmitted to the second hammer 8, to hit the second stamp, or gong, 81. The consumption then drops to the first level 21, until rearming to 26 ° , where the sequence is repeated, then to 37 °, where the sequence is repeated again.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the delay means comprise at least one retarding surface 40 which is of fairly large amplitude, in fact, the angular amplitude during which the first hammer 7 remains armed is preferably comprised between 15% and 25% of the angular amplitude corresponding to the complete combined cycle of arming and tripping of the two hammers 7 and 8, and / or between 25% and 40%, preferably between 35% and 40%, of angular amplitude corresponding to the arming cycle and holding in the armed position of the first hammer 7.

We see on the figure 4 that the representative curve of cumulated torque consumption varies slightly, ranging between 130 and 250 gf.mm, throughout the ringing sequence. In this example, the second maximum level 12 corresponding to the first lift 1 of the first hammer 7 ding "acute" is 215 gf.mm, and the second maximum level 22 corresponding to the second lift 2 of the second hammer 8 dong "serious" is 155 gf.mm. The maximum level of the resulting curve is 250 gf.mm, and is therefore significantly less than the sum of the maximum torque that is 370 gf.mm. It is understood that the maximum level of torque 22 corresponding to the second lift could be much higher than it is, without much altering the resultant, since the torque consumption of the two lifts are somehow in phase opposition thanks to the bearing self-timer on the first tooth.

The figure 8 illustrates another setting, corresponding to an angular amplitude of the delay zone which is adjusted to about 36% of the angular amplitude corresponding to the arming and holding cycle of the first hammer 7, while the difference in radius between the minimum value and the maximum value traveled by the first lift 1 during a ringing cycle, is of the order of 7% of the maximum radius on which the delay surface 40 is located. The ratio between the arc length retarder on the delay surface 40 on the one hand, and the increase in radius during the ringing cycle on the other hand, is close to 50%.

The release of the first hammer (in broken lines) is, after the retardation steps, at the angles of 53 °, 110 °, 167 °, while the release of the second hammer (in phantom) is at values of 68 ° , 125 °, 182 °, a deviation of 15 ° between the percussion of the first hammer and that of the second hammer, and 42 ° difference between each cycle.

The torque is here equivalent on both hammers, with a maximum of 200 gf.mm approximately.

The torque drop is significant, when the first gear reaches the flat, which corresponds to a torque of about 50 gf.mm, which makes it possible to have a cumulative torque (solid line) that does not exceed the value of each couple separated, 200 gf.mm, which avoids unnecessary energy consumption. The lowest value of the cumulative torque is here about 25 gf.mm, when releasing the second hammer and shortly before the torque recovery at the first toothing.

Of course, it is still possible to limit this cumulative torque to a still lower value, for example between 120 and 200 gf.mm. Indeed, the lower the cumulative torque is, and the closer it gets to a constant value of torque, which is easier to regulate.

Thus, the torque taken by the ring does not include significant peaks due to the addition of the pairs of the two hammers.

We reach the goal, which is to have a smoothed couple with a delta as low as possible, which allows to have less problems to properly regulate the ring in this case.

In sum, in the version specific to a striking mechanism 200, the contact surface 10 is located at the periphery of a ringing wheel 30, and the first lifting 1 and second lifting 2 are arranged to operate each at least one hammer 7 , respectively 8, on at least one stamp or gong 71, respectively 81, by the action of as many teeth 31, respectively 32 that includes the ringing wheel 30 and which constitute, supplemented by intermediate areas without contact with the first lift 1 and second lift 2, the contact surface 10. The hammers can also strike a keyboard or the like.

The invention also relates to a striking mechanism 200 comprising at least one ringing wheel using a portion of the energy provided by a power source for actuating at least one hammer on at least one stamp, by action of a tooth or a cam which comprises said ringing wheel on said hammer, and comprising at least one such control device 100. This control device 100 is a sequential ringing device, the first lifting 1 is a first ringing, the second lift 2 is a second raising ring of a clock mechanism. The first mobile 7 is a first hammer and the second mobile 8 is a second hammer 8, the first lift 1 and second lift 2 are arranged to respectively control the movement of the first hammer 7 and the hammer 8 to hit two close hits in time and the contact surface 10 is located at the periphery of a ringing wheel 30. The first lift 1 and second lift 2 are arranged to operate each at least one hammer 7; 8 on at least one stamp 71; 81, by the action of as many teeth 31; 32 that comprises the ringing wheel 30 and which constitute, supplemented by intermediate areas without contact with the first lift 1 and second lift 2, the contact surface 10.

Another advantageous application of the invention relates to a date mechanism 300 comprising such a control device 100, comprising delay means which comprise at least one retarding surface 40 at a contact surface 10 which arms successively at least a first lift 1 and a second lift 2 that include flip-flops of this date mechanism 300, or which control the movement of such flip-flops.

According to a particular characteristic, this date mechanism 300 is an instantaneous date mechanism which comprises several latches armed successively by different lifts, and where all the flip-flops jump simultaneously.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 400 comprising at least one such control device 100, and comprising a clock mechanism, which comprises motor means and tripping means 3 for controlling the activation of at least a first lift 1 and a second lift 2. This part comprises at least one such control device 100, for the regulation of the torque consumed by a control mechanism. ring 200 or a minute repeater ringing mechanism that includes this part, and / or for the regulation of the torque consumed by a date mechanism 300 that includes this piece.

Claims (16)

1. Mechanical device (100) for the sequential control of at least a first lever (1) and a second lever (2) of a timepiece mechanism, said first lever (1) and said second lever (2) being arranged for respectively controlling the movement of a first wheel set (7) and a second wheel set (8), against elastic return means, to make two movements that are close together in time and partially superposed, said control device (100) including first means for winding said first wheel set (7) and second means for winding said second wheel set (8), said control device (100) being arranged to release said first wheel set (7) and said second wheel set (8) in succession and not simultaneously, characterised in that said control device (100) further includes a contact surface (10) including a first path (301), for controlling said first lever (1), and on which contact surface (10) is arranged at least one delay surface (40) for creating a delay in time between the winding and release of the movement of said first wheel set (7), said delay surface (40) being arranged so as to maintain an energy potential accumulated in the control mechanism of said first wheel set (7), so as to maintain said first wheel set (7) wound during said time until the release thereof, and also characterised in that said first path (301) is arranged at the periphery of a wheel (30) driven by motor means comprised in said timepiece mechanism or comprised in said device (100), said delay surface (40) having an angular amplitude, during which said first wheel set (7) remains wound, which is comprised between 15% and 25% of the angular amplitude corresponding to the complete cumulated winding and release cycle of said first wheel set (7) and second wheel set (8), and/or which is comprised between 25% and 40% of the angular amplitude corresponding to the cycle of winding and holding said first wheel set (7) in a wound position.
2. Control device (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that said delay surface (40), is a substantially tangential surface to said wheel (30), and has an arc length comprised between 6% and 10% of the largest radius of said wheel (30) with which said largest radius said first lever (1) cooperates.
3. Control device (100) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that said first winding means for said first wheel set (7) is arranged to create a first increasing phase (14) in which said first lever (1) stores energy between a first torque consumption level (11) and a second torque consumption level (12) which is higher than said first level (11), and in that said second winding means for said second wheel set (8) is arranged to create a first increasing phase (24) in which said second lever (2) stores energy between a first torque consumption level (21) and a second torque consumption level (22), which is higher than said first level (21), and in that said delaying means is arranged to create, during a second decreasing phase (15) of said first lever (1) consecutive to said first increasing phase (14), at least one stabilising stage (16) at a third intermediate torque consumption level (13) between said first torque consumption level (11) and said second torque consumption level (12), and in that, at the end of said second decreasing phase (15), said first lever (1) transmits all of the energy that it has accumulated during said first increasing phase (14) to a mechanism that uses said energy, before or at the latest at the moment at which said second lever (2) transmits all of the energy that it has accumulated during said first increasing phase (24) to a user mechanism, so as to prevent a peak in torque consumption by cumulating the torque consumptions of each of said first (1) and second (2) levers.
4. Control device (100) according to claim 3, characterised in that said second winding means includes means for transmitting torque between said motor means and a contact surface (10) including a second path (302) for controlling said second lever (2), in a sequence imposed by said paths (301; 302) in which each of the levers (1; 2) changes in succession from said first torque consumption level (11; 21) to said second torque consumption level (12; 22), which is higher than said first level (11; 21) during a first increasing phase (14; 24) in which said lever (1; 2) stores energy, then from said second level (12; 22) to said first level (11; 21) during a second decreasing phase (15; 25) in which said lever (1; 2) transmits energy to a mechanism that uses said energy.
5. Control device (100) according to claim 4, characterised in that said contact surface (10) defines said sequence such that said torque consumption stabilising stage (16) of said first lever (1) occurs during the first increasing phase (24) of said second lever (2).
6. Control device (100) according to either claim 4 or claim 5, characterised in that said contact surface (10) defines said sequence such that, after said second torque consumption decreasing phase (15) of said first lever (1), a new first increasing phase (14) for a new manoeuvre of said first lever (1) is started before said second torque consumption decreasing phase (25) of said second lever (2) has finished.
7. Control device (100) according to any of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that said contact surface (10) defines said sequence such that it controls the starting of the first torque consumption increasing phase (24) of said second lever (2) after said first torque consumption increasing phase (14) of said first lever (1) has finished.
8. Control device (100) according to any of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that said contact surface (10) is at the periphery of said wheel (30), and in that it is arranged such that it drives said sequence of movements of the first lever (1) and the second lever (2), which are pivotally mounted each about a parallel axis to the axis of said wheel (30) and external thereto, via a first path (301) including at least a first control cam (31) for manoeuvring said first lever (1), and via a second path (302) distinct from said first path (301) and including at least a second control cam (32) for manoeuvring said second lever (2), said first control cam (31) including a delay surface (40).
9. Control device (100) according to claim 8, characterised in that said delay surface (40) is formed by a cylindrical sector, whose axis merges with that of said wheel (30) and which constitutes the largest diameter of said wheel in the area of travel of the first lever (1) and second lever (2), or by a flat surface substantially tangential to such a cylindrical sector.
10. Control device (100) according to any of claims 4 to 9, characterised in that said contact surface (10) includes at least a first control cam (31) for manoeuvring said first lever (1) and at least a second control cam (32) for manoeuvring said second lever (2), each said control cam (31; 32) including a first ramp (310; 311) for said first increasing phase (14; 24) and a second ramp (320; 321) for at least the end of said second decreasing phase (15; 25), and at least said first control cam (31) including, between said first ramp (310) and said second ramp (320), an intermediate surface (401) that is said delay surface (40).
11. Control device (100) according to any of claims 4 to 10, characterised in that said contact surface (10) includes at least a first control cam (31) for manoeuvring said first lever (1) and at least a second control cam (32) for manoeuvring said second lever (2), each said control cam (31; 32) including a first ramp (310; 311) for said first increasing phase (14; 24) and a second ramp (320; 321) for at least the end of said second decreasing phase (15; 25), and, between said first ramp (310; 311) and said second ramp (320; 321), an intermediate surface (401; 402) that is said delay surface (40).
12. Control device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that said contact surface (10) is formed by a rack or set of attached racks, or in that said contact surface (10) is formed by a sector with an elliptical geometry, including cam paths or teeth.
13. Striking mechanism (200) including at least one strike wheel using part of the energy supplied by an energy source to actuate at least one hammer on at least one gong, via the action of a tooth or cam comprised in said strike wheel on said hammer, and including at least one control device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that said control device (100) is a sequential strike control device, in that said first lever (1) is a first strike lever, said second lever (2) is a second strike lever of a timepiece mechanism, said first wheel set (7) is a first hammer and said second wheel set (8) is a second hammer (8), said first lever (1) and second lever (2) being arranged for respectively controlling the movement of said first hammer (7) and said second hammer (8), for striking two blows close together in time, and further characterised in that said contact surface (10) is located at the periphery of said wheel (30), which is a strike wheel, and in that said first lever (1) and said second lever (2) are each arranged to actuate at least one hammer (7; 8) on at least one gong (71; 81), via the action of as many teeth (31; 32) as said strike wheel possesses, and which, completed by intermediate pads having no contact with said first lever (1) and said second lever (2), form said contact surface (10).
14. Date mechanism (300) including a control device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the delay surface (40) at the level of said contact surface (10) is arranged such that it winds, in succession, at least said first lever (1) and a second lever (2) which are comprised in pivoting elements of said date mechanism (300), or which control the movement of such pivoting elements.
15. Date mechanism (300) according to claim 14, characterised in that said date mechanism (300) is an instantaneous date mechanism wherein said pivoting elements are wound in succession by different levers, and in that all of the pivoting elements jump simultaneously.
16. Timepiece (400) including a timepiece mechanism, which includes motor means and release means (3) for controlling actuation of at least a first lever (1) and a second lever (2), characterised in that said timepiece (400) includes at least one control device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 12 for regulating the torque consumed by a strike mechanism (200) or a minute repeater strike mechanism comprised in said timepiece (400), and/or for regulating the torque consumed by a date mechanism (300) comprised in said timepiece (400).

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