Timepiece driving device

By designing a clock driving device combining the main cam and the auxiliary cam, the problems of oscillator amplitude change and low energy accumulation efficiency caused by the compensation stage in the prior art are solved, and the stationary distribution of energy consumption and the efficiency of energy accumulation are achieved.

CN119556547APending Publication Date: 2025-03-04ROLEX SA
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411210706.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-09-01
Filing Date
2024-08-30
Publication Date
2025-03-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing clock driving device causes the oscillator amplitude to change in the compensation stage, and the auxiliary energy accumulation device cannot achieve significant accumulation comparable to that of the energy achieved by the spring.

Method used

A watch driving device is designed. Through the combination of the main cam and the auxiliary cam, the energy accumulator and the cam follower are used to achieve a smooth transmission and accumulation of energy between the main cam and the auxiliary cam, ensuring the optimal distribution of energy consumption during the rotation period.

Benefits of technology

The stationary distribution of energy consumption during the rotation period of the drive wheel is achieved, which reduces the amplitude change of the oscillator, improves the efficiency of energy accumulation, and reduces the consumption of mechanical lifting energy.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN119556547A_ABST
    Figure CN119556547A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A timepiece drive device, in particular a system for displaying time information or information derived from time, in particular for an instantaneous jump calendar system, comprising: an input mobile device; a primary cam having a primary cam profile, the primary cam being connected (i) with an angular gap or (ii) via a one-way coupling to the input mobile device; an auxiliary cam connected to the input mobile device, in particular fixed to or to the input mobile device, and having an auxiliary cam profile; a cam follower adapted to mate with the primary cam profile and / or the secondary cam profile; and an energy accumulator that resiliently biases the cam follower toward the primary cam profile and toward the secondary cam profile. Timepiece drives, in particular a main cam and an auxiliary cam, are arranged such that the cam follower contacts or substantially contacts the auxiliary cam profile immediately at the end of the driving of the main cam by the energy accumulator via the action of the cam follower on the main cam.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a watch drive device. The present invention also relates to a watch calendar comprising such a watch drive device. The present invention also relates to a watch movement comprising such a watch drive device or such a watch calendar. The present invention also relates to a watch comprising such a watch movement or such a watch drive device or such a watch calendar. The present invention also relates to a method for operating such a watch movement or such a watch or such a watch drive device or such a watch calendar. Background Art

[0002] The instantaneous timepiece calendar systems known from the prior art employ a drive movement provided with a cam cooperating with an energy accumulation device, for example a cam lever associated with a spring.

[0003] The cam driven by the drive wheel enables the energy accumulation device to be cocked during the cocking phase and to return energy during the successive calendar instantaneous drive phases. The cam is then in drive mode and rotates relative to the drive wheel. The returned energy is used to drive the cam and the mechanism downstream of the cam.

[0004] In the compensation phase following the instantaneous drive phase, the cam is stationary until it is caught up by the drive wheel and driven again by the drive wheel to cock the energy accumulator.

[0005] Depending on the design of the calendar, the compensation phase can last from about 4 to 11 hours. During this compensation phase, the drive wheel turns without load and consumes very little energy compared to the cocking phase. Since the load on the drive wheel differs between the compensation phase and the cocking phase, this causes the amplitude of the oscillator of the watch movement to vary.

[0006] Patent EP2407833B1 discloses a solution using an instantaneously driven date mobile device including an auxiliary energy accumulation device intended to compensate for the play in the gears of the time display train.

[0007] The instant drive movement device functions in a conventional manner and successively in the following stages:

[0008] - a cocking phase, in which the calendar cam is driven by the driving wheel to cock the spring by means of the cam lever,

[0009] - a transient drive phase, in which the spring is uncocked, the cam then being in drive mode and advancing relative to the drive wheel, and

[0010] - A compensation phase in which the driving wheel compensates for the advancement of the calendar cam which is stationary after the jump.

[0011] The detail of the disclosed solution is that the auxiliary energy accumulation device is located between the calendar cam and the drive wheel. The auxiliary energy accumulation device is tilted during the compensation phase and is intended to generate a resistive torque on the drive wheel. Therefore, during the compensation phase, the time display train is also under tension, thereby limiting the play in the gears of said train.

[0012] However, the auxiliary energy accumulation device must have a lower cocking torque than the torque required by the spring that equips the cam lever. Therefore, the auxiliary energy accumulation device cannot achieve a significant accumulation of energy comparable to that achieved by the spring that cocks the cam lever. Summary of the invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a timepiece drive capable of improving the devices known in the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a timepiece drive capable of achieving the best possible temporal distribution of energy consumption, in particular during a rotation period of the drive wheel.

[0014] The drive device according to the invention is defined by claim 1 .

[0015] Embodiments of the drive device are defined by claims 2 to 9 .

[0016] The timepiece calendar according to the invention is defined by claim 10 .

[0017] The timepiece movement according to the invention is defined by claim 11 .

[0018] The timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 12 .

[0019] The operating method according to the invention is defined by claim 13 .

[0020] The manner in which the operating method is performed is defined by claims 14 and 15 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings show, by way of example, two embodiments of a timepiece according to the invention.

[0022] Figure 1 is a view of a first embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, the driving device being viewed from the dial side.

[0023] Figure 2 is a view of a first embodiment of a timepiece according to the present invention, the driving device being viewed from the movement side.

[0024] Figure 3 A set of views of the drive unit, including an exploded view and two perspective views.

[0025] Figures 4 to 10 is a view of the operating sequence of the first embodiment of the drive device.

[0026] Figures 11 to 17 is a view of the operating sequence of the second embodiment of the drive device, showing the second embodiment Figures 11 to 17 are respectively equivalent to those showing the first embodiment. Figures 4 to 10 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] A first embodiment of a timepiece 500 is hereinafter referred to as Figures 1 to 10 Detailed description.

[0028] The timepiece 500 is, for example, a watch, in particular a wristwatch. The timepiece 500 comprises a timepiece movement 400 intended to be mounted in a timepiece case so as to protect the timepiece movement 400 from the external environment.

[0029] The timepiece movement 400 is a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement or an electronic movement.

[0030] The timepiece movement 400 includes a timepiece calendar 300 .

[0031] The watch calendar 300 includes:

[0032] at least one display member 200 , in particular a date display member, in particular a date display disc, and

[0033] - a watch drive device 100,

[0034] The at least one display member 200 and the driving device 100 enable the driving device 100 to drive the at least one display member 200. The driving is an instantaneous driving or instantaneous jumping type.

[0035] Calendar system 300 enables at least one calendar indication to be displayed via at least one display member 200 , for example a day indication, a date indication, a month indication, a year indication, a leap year indication, a moon phase indication.

[0036] At least one calendar indication may be carried by at least one display member 200 such as a hand or a disc.

[0037] The watch driving device 100 comprises:

[0038] - Input mobile device 13;

[0039] a main cam 11 having a main cam profile 11a, 11b, 11c, which is connected to the input movement means (i) with an angular gap or (ii) via a one-way coupling;

[0040] an auxiliary cam 12 which is connected to the input movement means, in particular fixed thereto or thereto, and which has an auxiliary cam profile 12a,

[0041] a cam follower 21 adapted to cooperate with the profiles 11a, 11b, 11c and / or the profile 12a, and

[0042] An energy accumulator 22 which elastically biases the cam follower 21 towards the profiles 11 a , 11 b , 11 c of the main cam 11 and towards the profile 12 a of the auxiliary cam 12 .

[0043] The timepiece drive device 100, in particular the main cam and the auxiliary cam, is arranged so that the cam follower 21 is in contact or substantially in contact with the auxiliary cam profile immediately at the end of the driving of the main cam 11 by the action of the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower 21 on said main cam 11. Thus, the energy accumulator can be cocked immediately at the end of the driving of the main cam 11 by the action of the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower 21 on said main cam 11.

[0044] The timepiece drive 100, in particular the main cam and the auxiliary cam, is advantageously arranged to cock the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower 21 during all or substantially all of the rotation cycles of the input mobile 13, in particular a 24-hour cycle, except for the drive phases when the main cam is in the drive mode. This makes it possible to minimize and smooth the mechanical energy required to cock the energy accumulator. To this end, the drive means, in particular the profile of the main cam and the profile of the auxiliary cam, are such that the mechanical energy supplied to the energy accumulator 22 is constant or substantially constant throughout the time that the main cam 11 is not in the drive mode or, more particularly, throughout the time that the main cam 11 is not driven by the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower 21.

[0045] The input movement device 13 and the auxiliary cam 12 are part of the first movement device.

[0046] The main cam 11 is part of the second moving device.

[0047] The first mobile and the second mobile pivot within the frame of timepiece movement 400 .

[0048] The second movement means comprise a drive element 14, which is kinematically connected to the main cam 11 or fixed to the main cam 11. The drive element 14 may be fixed to the main cam 11. The drive element 14 is intended to drive the display member 200 directly and periodically.

[0049] The main cam 11 is intended to cooperate with the energy accumulation device 20 so as to periodically accumulate and periodically instantaneously return the energy required to drive the display member 200 .

[0050] The accumulation device 20 comprises:

[0051] - a cam follower, such as a cam lever 21 pivoted within the frame, and

[0052] - An energy accumulator 22, such as a return spring device 22, which makes it possible to accumulate the energy required for instantaneous actuation of the display member 200. Furthermore, the elastic energy accumulator 22 tends to bias the lever 21 against the main cam 11. The energy accumulator 22 may comprise a spring 22, in particular a leaf spring.

[0053] Input mobile 13 comprises a drive wheel 13 fixed to auxiliary cam 12. Input mobile is continuously driven by the train of the timepiece movement 400. It is intended to drive the second mobile or more specifically the main cam 11 via a decoupling device.

[0054] The decoupling device in particular achieves:

[0055] - the driving of the second mobile device by the first mobile device or the fixing of the first mobile device and the second mobile device together during the tilting phase of the energy accumulation device 20, and

[0056] - During the transient driving phase, separation or disconnection of the first and second moving means.

[0057] The instantaneous driving stage is a stage in which the energy accumulated by the energy accumulating device 20 is returned and the display member 200 is instantaneously driven by the driving element 14 .

[0058] The decoupling device comprises a portion 15 on one of the first and second mobile devices, which is intended to cooperate with an angular abutment 16a on the other of the first and second mobile devices, so that the rotation of the input mobile device 13 can drive the rotation of the cam 11, especially during the cocking phase.

[0059] During the transient driving phase, the decoupling means allow a degree of freedom in rotation of the second movement means relative to the first movement means, or more specifically of the main cam 11 relative to the input movement means 13 .

[0060] This degree of freedom can be achieved in particular by shaping the portion 15, which is suitable for moving in the groove 16 in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the first and / or second mobile means. In the first embodiment depicted in the figures, the groove 16 comprises an angular abutment 16a. In particular, the groove 16 extends between two angular abutments 16a and 16b. Alternatively, this degree of freedom can be achieved by a flywheel.

[0061] The input movement means 13 preferably rotates at a constant speed. Therefore, the decoupling means must enable the main cam 11 to travel instantaneously and substantially completely the angular travel required for the drive phase. Thus, during the drive phase, the portion 15 is disengaged relative to the angular abutment 16a and moves in the groove 16.

[0062] At the end of the transient driving phase, the drive element 14 and the main cam 11 are stationary for the time it takes for the input moving device 13 to catch up with the latter during the compensation phase. More specifically, the angle of travel that the main cam 11 has already performed during the transient driving phase must be compensated so that the portion 15 comes into contact with the angular abutment 16a again and drives the main cam 11 again. The compensation phase is therefore after the driving phase and before the cocking phase.

[0063] A particular feature of this solution is the fact that, immediately after the momentary drive phase of the display 200, the lever 21 comes into contact with the auxiliary cam 12 and is outside the range of action of the main cam 11, so that at the end of the momentary drive phase, the first cocking of the energy accumulator 20 begins immediately. This first cocking lasts at least throughout the compensation phase and until the cam lever 21 comes into contact with the main cam 11 again.

[0064] The lever 21 is preferably in contact with the auxiliary cam 12 only during the compensation phase.

[0065] The transition from one phase to another and vice versa of the contact of lever 21 of main cam 11 with auxiliary cam 12 is dimensioned to be as continuous as possible, without sudden interruptions and without significant disturbances as to the energy consumption of watch movement 400, and is therefore arranged to prevent amplitude variations.

[0066] In the embodiment depicted, the instantaneous drive device 100 is designed to allow instantaneous driving of a calendar date system 300 comprising a date disc 200 indexed by a jumper lever.

[0067] The first moving device and the second moving device are coaxial and pivot about the axis A1. Therefore, the main cam 11 and the auxiliary cam 12 pivot about the same axis A1.

[0068] The drive element 14 is a date finger 14 intended to cooperate with a tooth 201 of a date disc 200 during the instantaneous drive phase. Here, the date finger 14 is welded to a hub 17 driven into the main cam 11 and / or riveted to the main cam 11.

[0069] The hub 17 pivots on the frame about the axis A1 .

[0070] The profile of the main cam 11 adapted to cooperate with the energy accumulation device 20 comprises, in sequence, a cocking portion 11a, a return portion 11b and a stop portion 11c. The functions of these portions are described in more detail below.

[0071] The rotation period of the driving wheel 13 is 24 hours, so that the calendar system 300 can be driven by at least one step every day. In other words, for each rotation period of the driving wheel 13, the instantaneous driving device 100 is respectively and continuously in:

[0072] - Compensation phase, then

[0073] -Tilt phase, then

[0074] - Momentary drive stage.

[0075] The auxiliary cam 12 is fixed to the drive wheel 13 by driving the auxiliary cam 12 and / or riveting the auxiliary cam 12. Alternatively, the drive wheel 13 and the auxiliary cam 12 may be integral, ie then form an integral assembly.

[0076] The drive wheel 13 and the auxiliary cam 12 are assembled to pivot about the axis A1 on the hub 17. Alternatively, they may pivot directly on the frame.

[0077] The auxiliary cam 12 comprises a portion for pre-cocking profile 12a suitable for cooperating with the energy accumulation device 20 during the compensation phase.

[0078] The decoupling means consist of a stud 15 assembled to or integral with the main cam 11 , adapted to cooperate with an angular abutment 16 a at a first end of a groove 16 machined into a portion of the periphery of the auxiliary cam 12 .

[0079] Alternatively, the groove 16 can be machined into the drive wheel 13 .

[0080] The length of groove 16 enables column 15 to travel substantially all the angular travel required for the driving phase. In other words, the rotation angle that column 15 can travel in groove 16 must at least correspond to the rotation angle of date finger 14 and main cam 11 during the driving phase.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, the angular travel required for the drive stage, and more specifically the angular travel of the pedestal 15 , may be limited by a second angular abutment 16 b at the second end of the groove 16 .

[0082] The cam lever 21 advantageously comprises a bearing, or more particularly a jewel or ruby ​​roller 23. The latter is adapted to cooperate with the corresponding profiles of the main 11 and auxiliary 12 cams.

[0083] Roller 23 makes it possible to reduce the friction torque caused by the force of lever 21 against main cam 11 and / or auxiliary cam 12. This roller 23 thus makes it possible to reduce energy consumption and amplitude losses of the oscillator of timepiece movement 400.

[0084] A method for carrying out the method for operating the above-mentioned timepiece or the above-mentioned timepiece movement or the above-mentioned timepiece calendar or the above-mentioned drive device is described below.

[0085] Warping stage

[0086] During the tilting phase, if Figure 4 As shown, the roller 23 is located on the tilting portion 11a. This portion enables the energy accumulation device 20 to tilt in a manner that accumulates the energy required to drive the display member 200 instantaneously by at least one step. During the tilting phase, the main cam 11 is driven by the input movement device 13 through the column 15 resting on the angular abutment 16a of the groove 16.

[0087] During this phase, the energy accumulation device 20 and more particularly the roller 23 are preferably outside the range of action of the auxiliary cam 12 .

[0088] The tilting portion 11 a is preferably shaped so as to produce a constant or substantially constant energy consumption and balance amplitude loss. In other words, this portion makes it possible to obtain a constant or substantially constant tilting torque on the input movement device 13 .

[0089] In other words, during the cocking phase, the follower 21 follows the main cam profile 11a, while energy is accumulated in the spring 22 and the profile of the auxiliary cam 12 is not in contact with the follower 21. It is therefore the input wheel that drives the main cam, the follower 21 follows the profile 11a of this cam and the spring 22 is gradually cocked. Energy is therefore transmitted according to the following chain: barrel, gear train, input wheel 13, main cam 11, follower 21, spring 22.

[0090] Driving stage

[0091] When the roller 23 reaches the top of the main cam 11, Figure 5 As shown, at the end of the raised portion 11a of the profile of the main cam 11, at the moment of transition to the return portion 11b of the profile of the main cam 11, the roller 23 instantaneously moves the main cam 11 until it reaches the stop portion 11c of the profile of the main cam 11.

[0092] During this driving phase, if Figure 6 As shown, the energy stored by the energy accumulation device 20 is returned for the instantaneous driving of the display member 200 by the date finger 14. In other words, at midnight, due to the return of the previously accumulated energy, the main cam 11 and the date finger 14 are in the driving mode relative to the input movement device 13. Then, the column 15 is separated from the angular abutment 16a and travels in the groove 16 instantaneously for the angular travel required for the driving phase.

[0093] The auxiliary cam 12 is always outside the range of action of the energy accumulation device 20 and more specifically outside the range of action of the roller 23 during the driving phase.

[0094] At the end of the driving phase, date finger 14 advantageously stops and remains positioned in a position interfering with toothing 201 of date disc 200 so as to constitute an obstacle thereto and prevent an untimely additional jump due to its inertia and the considerable energy returned during this phase.

[0095] For this reason, Figure 7 As shown, the roller 23 is located on a stop portion 11 c which is dimensioned to dissipate residual kinetic energy after the display member 200 is driven.

[0096] In a complementary or alternative manner, the second abutment 16b may be used for partial or complete dissipation of said residual kinetic energy.

[0097] The display member 200 is also stopped momentarily. In other words, the momentary driving phase includes stopping the display member 200.

[0098] In other words, during the driving phase, main cam 11 is driven, follower 21 travels suddenly along profile 11b of main cam 11 and causes its release from wheel 13 and a jumping drive of display member 200. At this stage, it also turns out that the profile of auxiliary cam 12 is not in contact with follower 21. Energy is therefore transmitted according to the following chain: spring 22, follower 21, main cam 11, display member 200.

[0099] Compensation Phase

[0100] As described above, the main cam 11 is separated from the input movement device 13 at the beginning of the transient driving phase. Then, the angular abutment 16a must catch up with the column 15 to drive the main cam 11 again.

[0101] During this compensation phase, if Figure 8 As shown, the pre-cocking portion of the profile 12a of the auxiliary cam 12 is advantageously in contact with the energy accumulator 20, and more specifically with the roller 23. This pre-cocking portion is shaped so that the cocking of the energy accumulator 20 begins after the transient driving phase and until the energy accumulator 20 again cooperates with the cocking portion 11a of the profile of the main cam 11 and starts the cocking phase.

[0102] As for the tilting portion 11 a , the pre-tilting portion of the profile 12 a is preferably shaped so as to produce a constant tilting torque at the level of the input movement 13 , and therefore a constant energy consumption and a constant balance amplitude loss.

[0103] In addition, if Fig. 9 and Fig.10As shown, the dimensions of the pre-tilt portion of the profile 12a are preferably arranged to support the tilted portion 11a at the end of the compensation phase so that the transition of the roller 23 from the pre-tilt portion of the profile 12a to the tilted portion 11a is as continuous as possible, without sudden interruptions or significant disturbances involving a tilting torque observed at the level of the input movement device 13 and therefore involving energy consumption.

[0104] The return portion 11b of the profile of the main cam 11 extends over a first angular portion corresponding to the stroke required for the second mobile to drive the calendar system 300. The angular portion 11b is complementary to the sum of the angular portions of the cocking portion 11a and the stop portion 11c.

[0105] The pre-cocking portion of the profile 12a of the auxiliary cam 12 enables a first cocking of the energy accumulating device 20 to extend over a second angular portion at least equal to or at least substantially equal to the first angular portion of the return portion 11b.

[0106] Thus, the tilted portion 11a of the profile of the main cam 11 that realizes the second tilting of the energy accumulating device 20 extends over a third angular portion complementary to the second angular portion. Alternatively, in the case where the pre-tilted portion of the profile 12a is suitable for realizing a complete tilting of the energy accumulating device 20, the length of the third angular portion may be zero or substantially zero.

[0107] The sum of the second angular portion and the third angular portion is advantageously equal to the angle travelled by the input movement means 13 over the entire or substantially the entire rotation cycle.

[0108] In other words, during the compensation phase, the follower 21 leaves the main cam profile 11 and starts to follow the auxiliary cam profile 12, thereby pre-cocking the spring 22. This has the effect of leveling the load on the input movement device. During the compensation phase, the main cam is not driven. The main cam does not drive another element.

[0109] Thus, a method for executing a method for operating a timepiece 500 or a timepiece movement 400 or a timepiece calendar 300 or a timepiece drive 100 comprises at least one iteration of the following steps, and preferably a plurality of iterations of the following steps:

[0110] - driving the main cam 11 by the action of the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower 21 on the main cam, then

[0111] Energy is accumulated in the energy accumulator 22 by the action of the auxiliary cam 12 on the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower 21 .

[0112] The operating method as a whole or at least one iteration thereof may include accumulating energy in the energy accumulator 22 by the action of the main cam 11 on the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower 21 .

[0113] therefore:

[0114] - the main cam 11 is in driving mode over a first angular portion due to the action of the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower 21 , and

[0115] the auxiliary cam 12 supplies energy to the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower over a second angular portion at least equal to or at least substantially equal to the first angular portion, and

[0116] The main cam 11 supplies energy to the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower over a third angular portion which is i) complementary to the second angular portion and / or ii) has zero or substantially zero length.

[0117] The actuation of the main cam 11 during the actuation phase is preferably instantaneous.

[0118] Of course, the solution is not limited to a single calendar date system, but is also particularly suitable for calendar systems that require more energy than, for example, an annual date calendar or a perpetual date calendar. Furthermore, the watch drive according to the invention can be used for systems that display time information or information derived from the time (and therefore from an oscillator), in particular information different from calendar information. The watch drive can be used in particular in systems for displaying the time (with a jumping display) or the phases of the moon.

[0119] The first and second moving means of the drive device do not need to be coaxial, but can pivot around two preferably separate and parallel axes. They will then be connected by, for example, gears. Thus, the main cam 11 and the auxiliary cam 12 can pivot around separate axes, in particular around parallel axes.

[0120] Therefore, the following reference Figures 11 to 17 (Similar to the first embodiment Figures 4 to 10 ) A second embodiment of the timepiece 500 is described in detail.

[0121] The timepiece 500 is, for example, a watch, in particular a wristwatch. The timepiece 500 comprises a timepiece movement 400 intended to be mounted in a timepiece case so as to protect the timepiece movement 400 from the external environment.

[0122] The timepiece movement 400 is a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement or an electronic movement.

[0123] The timepiece movement 400 includes a timepiece calendar 300 .

[0124] The watch calendar 300 includes:

[0125] at least one display member 200 , in particular a date display member, in particular a date display disc, and

[0126] - a watch drive device 100,

[0127] The at least one display member 200 and the driving device 100 enable the driving device 100 to drive the at least one display member 200. The driving is an instantaneous driving or instantaneous jumping type.

[0128] Calendar system 300 enables at least one calendar indication to be displayed via at least one display member 200 , for example a day indication, a date indication, a month indication, a year indication, a leap year indication, a moon phase indication.

[0129] At least one calendar indication may be carried by at least one display member 200 such as a hand or a disc.

[0130] The watch driving device 100 comprises:

[0131] - Input mobile device 13;

[0132] a main cam 11 having a main cam profile 11a, 11b, 11c, which is connected to the input movement means (i) with an angular gap or (ii) via a one-way coupling;

[0133] an auxiliary cam 12 which is connected to the input movement means, in particular fixed thereto or thereto, and which has an auxiliary cam profile 12a,

[0134] a cam follower 21 adapted to cooperate with the profiles 11a, 11b, 11c and / or the profile 12a, and

[0135] An energy accumulator 22 which elastically biases the cam follower 21 towards the profiles 11 a , 11 b , 11 c of the main cam 11 and towards the profile 12 a of the auxiliary cam 12 .

[0136] The first wheel and the second wheel of the drive device are not coaxial, but rotate on two separate axes, which are preferably parallel. They are then connected, for example, by gears. This allows the main cam 11 and the auxiliary cam 12 to rotate around separate axes, especially around parallel axes.

[0137] The auxiliary cam 12 rotates along an axis A2 parallel to the axis A1 and is attached to a wheel 18 which is kinematically linked or kinematically attached to the drive wheel 13 by means of gears.

[0138] The pillar 15 of the disconnecting device can cooperate with angular stoppers 16 a and 16 b provided at the ends of a groove 16 machined on the driving wheel 13 .

[0139] The auxiliary cam 12 has a profile 12a including a pre-cocking portion capable of cooperating with the energy accumulating means 20 during the compensation phase. Of course, the size of the angular extent of the pre-cocking portion of the profile 12a must take into account the transmission ratio between the main cam 11 and the auxiliary cam 12, more specifically the transmission ratio between the drive wheel 13 and the wheel 18. For example, in the case of a gear ratio of 2, the angular extent of the pre-cocking portion of the profile 12a should be twice the angular portion corresponding to the travel required by the second mobile device to drive the calendar system 300. In other words, for the second embodiment shown, the pre-cocking portion of the auxiliary cam profile 12a that allows the first cocking of the energy accumulating means 20 can extend along a second angular portion that is at least twice or at least substantially twice the first angular portion of the return portion 11b.

[0140] The cam follower 21 comprises a second portion or more specifically a second bearing, for example a second jewel or ruby ​​roller 24 , which can cooperate with the auxiliary cam profile 12 .

[0141] Whatever the embodiment or variant, the decoupling means may be a one-way connection means, such as a freewheel, wherein the portion 15 would for example be part of a ratchet intended to cooperate with the angular abutment 16a.

[0142] Whatever the embodiment or variant, the pillar 15 may be on a first movement means, for example on the auxiliary cam 12 or on the input movement means 13 , and the groove 16 may therefore be on a second movement means, for example on the main cam 11 .

[0143] In the above-described embodiment, the roller 23 constitutes a unique bearing element, which cooperates (sequentially) by contact with the main cam 11 and the auxiliary cam 12. However, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the cam follower may include:

[0144] - a first element supported on the main cam 11, and

[0145] A second element supported on the auxiliary cam 12 .

[0146] Thus, the first bearing element may be intended to cooperate exclusively with the main cam 11 and the second bearing element may be intended to cooperate exclusively with the auxiliary cam 12 .

[0147] In the above description, the calendar system 300 is driven by at least one step for each rotation period of the input mobile 13. However, whatever the embodiment or variant, the instantaneous drive device may be adapted to drive the calendar system at each multiple or each sub-multiple of the rotation period of the input mobile 13. Of course, the geometry of the main cam and the auxiliary cam may be designed accordingly.

[0148] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the auxiliary cam 12 enables at least partial tilting of the energy accumulator 22. The auxiliary cam 12 can be used to perform a first tilting of the energy accumulator 22, and the main cam 11 can be used to perform a second tilting of the energy accumulator 22 complementary to the first tilting. Alternatively, the auxiliary cam 12 can be used to perform a full tilting of the energy accumulator 22 by adjusting the pre-tilting portion of the profile 12a. In this assumption, the tilting portion 11a is superfluous, and the only function of the main cam 11 is to cooperate with the follower 21 to transmit the energy returned by the energy accumulator due to the return portion 11b, and potentially dissipate the residual kinetic energy after the display member 200 is driven by the stop portion 11c.

[0149] Whatever the embodiment or variant, the auxiliary cam 12 can actuate the energy accumulation device 20 via a portion of the lever 21 other than the portion suitable for cooperating with the main cam 11 .

[0150] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the term "cam" has a broad meaning and includes any geometric shape that cooperates with a cam follower. In particular, a pin that cooperates with a cam follower is a cam.

[0151] For example, the auxiliary cam 12 may take the form of a portion or pin eccentric to the axis of rotation adapted to cooperate with a portion of the lever 21. The shape of the profile of the portion of the lever 21 with the pin will preferably be designed to enable tilting at a constant torque at the input movement 13.

[0152] More generally, the primary and secondary cams may have simple geometric shapes, such as pins, that cooperate with one or more appropriate profiles on the lever 21 of the energy accumulating device.

[0153] The above solution makes use of two calendar cams, in particular superimposed calendar cams, which advantageously achieve a smooth and limited variation of energy consumption over 24 hours. More generally, the proposed solution advantageously makes it possible to smooth the mechanical tilting energy throughout the rotation cycle of the input mobile device 13, except for the instantaneous driving phase. Thus, compared with the solutions known from the prior art, the consumed energy can be constant, and therefore the balance amplitude loss can be constant.

[0154] Furthermore, given that the energy required for the instantaneous drive of the display member can be accumulated over a rotation period that is greater than the rotation period of the known solution, the mechanical tilting power can also be minimized for the same total amount of accumulated energy. By increasing the tilting time from 13 hours to 24 hours, for example, the tilting energy can be reduced by 46%. By increasing the tilting time from 20 hours to 24 hours, for example, the tilting energy can be reduced by 17%.

[0155] The momentary drive device 100 advantageously enables the direct drive of the display member 200 using a single and unique drive element 14. In fact, this solution does not require levers at the interface of the members.

[0156] This shaping advantageously enables bidirectional actuation of display member 200. In fact, thanks to the decoupling means in the form of portion 15 cooperating with groove 16, the described embodiment also makes it possible to actuate display member 200 by actuating input mobile 13 in the opposite operating direction, for example when setting the time on timepiece movement 400.

[0157] Throughout this application, "instantaneous" preferably refers to a duration of about a fraction of a second.

Claims

1. A timepiece drive device (100), in particular for a system (300) for displaying time information or information derived from time, in particular for an instantaneous jump calendar system, the timepiece drive device (100) comprising: - Input mobile device (13); - a main cam (11) having a main cam profile (11a, 11b, 11c), said main cam (11) being connected to said input movement means (i) with an angular gap or (ii) via a one-way coupling; an auxiliary cam (12) connected to the input movement device, in particular fixed to or to the input movement device, and having an auxiliary cam profile (12a), - a cam follower (21) adapted to cooperate with said main cam profile (11a, 11b, 11c) and / or said auxiliary cam profile (12a), and - an energy accumulator (22) which elastically biases the cam follower towards the profile (11a, 11b, 11c) of the main cam (11) and towards the profile (12a) of the auxiliary cam (12), The timepiece drive device (100), in particular the main cam and the auxiliary cam, are arranged so that the cam follower (21) is in contact or substantially in contact with the auxiliary cam profile immediately at the end of the driving of the main cam (11) by the action of the energy accumulator (22) via the cam follower (21) on the main cam (11).

2. The watch driving device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The timepiece drive device (100), in particular the main cam and the auxiliary cam, are suitable for tilting the energy accumulator (22) via the cam follower (21) during substantially the entire rotation cycle of the input mobile device (13), except for the driving phase when the main cam is in the driving mode, in particular within a 24-hour cycle.

3. The watch driving device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The main cam (11) and the auxiliary cam (12) pivot about the same axis (A1).

4. The watch driving device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The main cam (11) and the auxiliary cam (12) pivot about different axes, in particular about parallel axes.

5. A timepiece drive device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The drive device enables: - the main cam (11) is in a driving mode over a first angular portion by means of the energy accumulator (22) via the cam follower (21), and - the auxiliary cam (12) supplies energy to the energy accumulator (22) via the cam follower over a second angular portion which is at least equal to or at least substantially equal to the first angular portion, and The main cam (11) supplies energy to the energy accumulator (22) via the cam follower over a third angular portion, the third angular portion (i) being complementary to the second angular portion and / or (ii) being zero or substantially zero.

6. A timepiece drive device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The drive means, in particular the profile of the main cam and the profile of the auxiliary cam, are such that the mechanical energy supplied to the energy accumulator (22) is constant or substantially constant throughout the time that the main cam (11) is not driven by the energy accumulator (22) via the cam follower (21).

7. A timepiece drive device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The cam follower (21) comprises a lever (21).

8. A timepiece drive device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The energy accumulator (22) comprises a spring (22), in particular a leaf spring.

9. A timepiece drive device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The main cam (11) is kinematically connected to a drive element (14) of an element (200) for displaying time information, in particular fixed to a drive element (14) of an element (200) for displaying time information, the drive element (14) being, for example, a finger (14) cooperating with a tooth (201) of the element (200) for displaying time information.

10. A timepiece calendar (300), in particular a single date calendar or an annual date calendar or a perpetual date calendar, comprising a timepiece drive device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, the calendar comprising an element (200) for displaying time information, such as a disc carrying numbers, the element (200) comprising teeth (201).

11. A watch movement (400), comprising: - a timepiece drive device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and / or - A timepiece calendar (300) according to claim 10.

12. A timepiece (500), in particular a watch, comprising: - a timepiece movement (400) according to claim 11, and / or - a timepiece calendar (300) according to claim 10, and / or - A timepiece drive device (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9.

13. A method of operating a timepiece (500) according to claim 12, a timepiece movement (400) according to claim 11, a timepiece calendar (300) according to claim 10, or a timepiece drive device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising at least one iteration of the following steps: - driving the main cam (11) by the energy accumulator (22) via the action of the cam follower on the main cam, and then - Energy is accumulated in the energy accumulator (22) by the action of the auxiliary cam (12) on the energy accumulator (22) via the cam follower.

14. The operating method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The method comprises accumulating energy in the energy accumulator (22) by the action of the main cam (11) on the energy accumulator (22) via the cam follower (21).

15. The operating method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: The main cam (11) is driven instantaneously.