Trigger mechanism for triggering spring mechanism and timepiece comprising such trigger mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a trigger mechanism (56) for triggering a spring mechanism arranged to perform a function. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a trigger mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a triggering mechanism for triggering a spring mechanism arranged to perform a function.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a timepiece including such a triggering mechanism. Background Technology

[0003] Published text CH 717672 describes a mechanism for triggering a dynamic display dial, such as displaying shooting stars. The control element is a ratchet in the mainspring barrel of the watch movement, which rotates at least by the balance wheel and possibly by a working component actuated by the user. Since the triggering mechanism is essentially managed by the ratchet in the mainspring barrel, which applies a substantially constant torque, the triggering mechanism is systematically activated to initiate the dynamic display.

[0004] Document CH 717672 does not provide any information regarding the triggering result of the dynamic display or the mechanism in cases where the user wishes to arbitrarily trigger the dynamic display by applying insufficient or excessive force to actuate the working component.

[0005] Document EP 2 068 210 is also known, which describes a triggering mechanism according to the preamble of appended claim 1. This triggering mechanism enables the conversion of continuous motion (e.g., continuous rotation of the wheels of an input wheel assembly) into periodic, instantaneous triggering motion of an output wheel assembly. No information is provided regarding whether the force applied to this triggering mechanism is insufficient or excessive.

[0006] Furthermore, spring-loaded triggering mechanisms based on other structures are known, which are configured to manage insufficient force applied to the control member by having a function known as "all-or-nothing". This means that the action associated with the triggering mechanism is triggered only when the user applies sufficient force to the control or working member. Such "all-or-nothing" mechanisms are described, for example, in documents EP1959317 and CH 3873. "All-or-nothing" mechanisms are typically based on ratchet systems, whose operation is not always optimal. Moreover, these mechanisms cannot manage excessive force applied to the control member.

[0007] The following spring-triggered mechanisms are also known, which are configured to manage very high forces applied by the user to the control member by means of a device that ensures a constant output torque of the triggering mechanism. Such mechanisms are described, for example, in documents EP1960844 and CH 717359. However, these mechanisms cannot manage excessively small forces applied to the control member.

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these shortcomings by proposing a triggering mechanism for triggering a spring mechanism that enables equally good management of insufficient or excessive force applied to the control member. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the present invention relates to a triggering mechanism for triggering a clockwork mechanism arranged to perform a function, the triggering mechanism comprising:

[0010] - A control device, comprising control components.

[0011] - A trigger wheel assembly, rotatably mounted and comprising: a trigger member intended to be rotated by the control member, a trigger operating wheel, and a trigger output wheel, the trigger operating wheel being kinematically connected to the trigger member and rotatably integrated with a first end of an elastic member, the trigger output wheel being rotatably integrated with a second end of the elastic member and kinematically connected to an element of the mainspring mechanism, the trigger member being a rotary trigger cam.

[0012] - An operating device, which is kinematically connected to the trigger operating wheel and arranged to lock or release the trigger output wheel according to the rotation of the trigger operating wheel.

[0013] The control element is arranged to apply a first rotational driving force to the trigger cam.

[0014] According to the present invention, the triggering mechanism includes: a trigger rod arranged to read the trigger cam, and the trigger cam and the trigger rod are arranged such that the trigger rod, upon reading that the trigger cam is rotated by the control member, can:

[0015] - Energy is stored by applying a second rotational driving force to the trigger cam, and the second rotational driving force is canceled out as long as the first rotational driving force is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0016] - When the predetermined threshold is exceeded, the energy is restored so that the second rotational driving force applied to the trigger cam can cause the trigger operating wheel to rotate, so that the operating device that previously locked the trigger output wheel releases the trigger output wheel to perform the function.

[0017] Therefore, the triggering mechanism according to the invention is of the "all or nothing" type, which enables the trigger output wheel to rotate, such that the spring mechanism can only perform its function when the force applied to the control member is sufficient to cause the trigger cam to rotate and thus cause the trigger operating wheel to rotate as necessary to actuate the operating device to release the trigger output wheel.

[0018] Furthermore, the triggering mechanism according to the invention advantageously constitutes an intermediate device that enables the management of the force applied to the control member by normalizing the torque to be transmitted to the associated mainspring mechanism to perform its function. Thus, the mainspring mechanism receives a constant torque from the trigger output wheel, associated with the elastic member, which is independent of the force applied to the control member, particularly a very high force.

[0019] Advantageously, the trigger lever is provided with a return spring, which is arranged to store and restore the energy when the trigger lever reads the rotation of the trigger cam, so that the trigger lever can apply a second rotational driving force on the trigger cam.

[0020] Preferably, the trigger cam has n branches, which define n tips and n valleys, each branch having a rising side and a falling side.

[0021] Advantageously, the return spring of the trigger lever is arranged such that it stores the energy when the trigger lever reads the rising side of the rotating trigger cam, and restores the energy when the trigger lever reads the falling side of the rotating trigger cam, thereby enabling the trigger lever to apply a second rotational driving force on the trigger cam.

[0022] In order to apply the first rotational driving force to the trigger cam, the control member is advantageously a control lever having a hook, which is arranged preferably to rotate the trigger cam by gripping the tip of one of the branches of the trigger cam.

[0023] Advantageously, the trigger cam and the trigger actuation wheel are coaxial and rotatably integrated. This allows for a reduction in the size of the mechanism.

[0024] The trigger lever preferably includes a slider arranged to read the trigger cam. Such a slider reduces friction and makes it easier to read the trigger cam.

[0025] Preferably, the elastic member is a helical coil spring.

[0026] Advantageously, the operating device includes: an operating pinion that is freely rotatable and kinematically connected to the trigger operating wheel; an operating cam integral with the operating pinion; an operating escapement fork that is rotatably mounted and arranged to cooperate with the operating cam; and an operating anchor rotatably integrated with the operating escapement fork, the operating anchor including two arms arranged to alternately lock a locking finger rotatably integrated with the locking pinion, the locking pinion being kinematically connected to the trigger output wheel.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the spring mechanism is a calibration mechanism for at least one display component, such as a calibration mechanism for a display component associated with GMT time.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising: a mainspring mechanism arranged to perform a function, and a triggering mechanism as described above for triggering the mainspring mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention provided as non-limiting examples, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] - Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a triggering mechanism according to the invention, which is used in a timepiece for calibrating a display element associated with GMT time.

[0031] - Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the differential gear;

[0032] - Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the differential gear;

[0033] - Figure 4 This is an isometric view of the phase shifter assembly;

[0034] - Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An isometric view of the lower phase shifter of the phase shifter pair;

[0035] - Figure 6 This is a view of a display device arranged to display the difference between the local time HT and GMT used in this invention;

[0036] - Figure 7 This is an isometric view of the trigger wheel assembly;

[0037] - Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An isometric view of the trigger operation wheel of the trigger wheel pair;

[0038] - Figure 9 This is an isometric view of the operating device;

[0039] - Figure 10 yes Figure 9 An isometric view of the operating pinion, operating cam, and operating escape fork of the operating device; and

[0040] - Figures 11 to 14 This is a top view of the triggering mechanism according to the present invention at different operating stages. Detailed Implementation

[0041] This invention relates to a triggering mechanism for triggering a mainspring mechanism. In the described exemplary embodiment, the mainspring mechanism is a calibration mechanism for a display element associated with the GMT time provided in a timepiece. Elements of the mainspring mechanism that contribute to understanding the invention are described below. Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0042] In a known manner, the timepiece includes a minute wheel tube 1 that integrally carries a minute display element (e.g., a hand, not shown), and the minute wheel tube 1 is kinematically connected to the timepiece's drive mechanism (e.g., a mainspring barrel, not shown). During normal operation of the timepiece, the minute wheel tube 1 is conventionally driven via the drive mechanism, and in turn via a drive wheel assembly 2 (corresponding to the minute wheel assembly) to drive the hour wheel (not shown), which is arranged to cooperate with the minute display element to drive a first local time HT display element (e.g., a hand, not shown).

[0043] The timepiece also includes a second display element, symbolically indicated by reference numeral 4 in the accompanying drawings. The second display element, for example, is a pointer, arranged to display GMT time in a time zone different from the local time HT.

[0044] Obviously, any other suitable component can be used to display local time HT and GMT.

[0045] The timepiece also includes a correction mechanism 6 for the second display element 4, which is arranged to correct the GMT time independently of the local time HT.

[0046] The calibration mechanism 6 will be described in more detail below.

[0047] The timepiece also includes a drive mechanism 8 for the second display component 4, which includes a differential gear 10 and a phase shifter pair 12.

[0048] For more specific reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The differential gear 10 includes at least one upper differential gear pair 14, a lower differential gear pair 16, and an input section 18. The at least one upper differential gear pair 14 is arranged to be kinematically connected to the second display mechanism 4. The lower differential gear pair 16 is arranged to be kinematically connected to the drive gear pair 2 (minute gear pair) of the first display component via the phase shifting gear pair 12 as described below. The input section 18 is arranged to be kinematically connected to the correction mechanism 6 of the second display mechanism 4.

[0049] More specifically, the differential gear 10 includes a differential block 20, which is mounted such that it can rotate freely, preferably on two half-shafts 22a and 22b, which are pivotally mounted on the watch frame and integral with the upper differential gear pair 14 and the lower differential gear pair 16, respectively. The differential block 20 carries at least one first intermediate gear 24a and a second intermediate gear 24b. The first intermediate gear 24a is arranged to mesh with a pinion 26a, which is integral with the half-shaft 22a of the upper differential gear pair 14. The second intermediate gear 24b is arranged to mesh with a pinion 26b, which is integral with the half-shaft 22b of the lower differential gear pair 16. The intermediate gears 24a and 24b are mounted such that they can rotate freely on the differential block 20.

[0050] The differential block 20 is also integrated with the wheel of the input section 18 that constitutes the differential gear 10, and is arranged as described below to be kinematically connected to the triggering mechanism.

[0051] For more specific reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The phase shifter assembly 12 includes a lower phase shifter 28, which is kinematically connected to the drive wheel assembly 2 of the first display component, and more specifically to the minute wheel 2a. The lower phase shifter 28 is also kinematically connected to the lower differential wheel assembly 16 of the differential gear 10, for example, via two integrally formed stepped intermediate wheels 30a and 30b. A pinion 30a is arranged to engage with the lower phase shifter 28, and a pinion 30b is arranged to engage with the lower differential wheel assembly 16, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown.

[0052] The phase shifter assembly 12 also includes an upper phase shifter 32, which is coaxial with the lower phase shifter 28 and is arranged to drive the second display member 4 and is kinematically connected to the upper differential gear assembly 14 of the differential gear 10.

[0053] The upper phase shifter 32 is also kinematically connected to the lower phase shifter 28 in a detachable manner, such that during the period when the GMT time is corrected by the correction mechanism 6 independently of the local time HT, the upper phase shifter 32 is separated from the lower phase shifter 28, while allowing the second display member 4 to be repositioned synchronously with the positioning of the first display member after correction.

[0054] The upper phase shifter 32 is kinematically connected to the lower phase shifter 28 in a detachable manner by means of a phase-fixing cam 34 and a hammer 36. The phase-fixing cam 34 is integral with the lower phase shifter 28 and coaxial with the lower phase shifter 28. The hammer 36 is equipped with a phase-shifting spring 38 carried by the upper phase shifter 32. The hammer 36 is arranged to cooperate with the phase-fixing cam 34.

[0055] More specifically, the hammer 36 is pivotally mounted on the upper phase shifter 32 by means of a pivot shaft integrally mounted on the upper phase shifter 32.

[0056] The hammer body 36 includes a first end 36a and a second end 36b. The first end 36a is provided with a slider 40, which cooperates with the phase-fixing cam 34 to facilitate reading from the phase-fixing cam. The second end 36b cooperates with the first end 38a of the phase-shifting spring 38. The second end of the phase-shifting spring 38 is pivotally mounted on the upper phase-shifting wheel 32 by means of a pivot shaft integrally mounted on the upper phase-shifting wheel 32.

[0057] The timepiece may also include Figure 6 The display device 42 shown is arranged to display the difference between local time HT and GMT time.

[0058] The display device 42 includes: a fixed dial 44, an indicator 46 fixedly mounted on the dial 44 and arranged to define the local time HT as a reference, and a third display member 48. The third display member 48 is mounted in a rotatable manner relative to the dial 44 so that the dial can be moved. The position of the third display member 48 on the dial 44 relative to the indicator 46 indicates the difference between the local time HT and GMT. In operating mode, the third display member 48 is fixed. The dial 44 includes graduations to indicate the time zone difference between the local time HT and GMT via the third display member 48. For example, the fixed dial 44 may be marked with graduations from 0 to -12 on one side indicated by the fixed indicator 46 and with graduations from 0 to +12 on the other side, so that the time zone difference from 0 to 12 hours can be directly indicated to the user in one or the opposite direction by means of the third display member 48. Figure 6 In the example, the third display unit 48 indicates a difference of -11 hours on the dial 44, informing the user that the local time HT is 11 hours ahead of GMT.

[0059] The display device 42 may further include a day / night dial 50, which includes two angular sectors 52 and 54 extending 180° on either side of the dial's axis of symmetry. The watch movement of the timepiece drives the dial 50 in the clockwise direction, rotating it once every 24 hours. The position of the indicator 46 and the third display element 48 above the day / night dial 50 allows for indication of day or night at a given time in local time HT and GMT, respectively.

[0060] Such a display device 42 is described in the applicant's application CH 2021 / 0070690.

[0061] In order to enable the difference between the displayed local time HT and GMT time to be corrected independently of the local time HT during the correction of the second GMT time display member 4 (i.e., the correction of the third display member 48), the display device 42 (more specifically, the third display member 48) is kinematically connected to the trigger mechanism so that it can be corrected by the correction mechanism 6 of the second display member 4, as will be described in detail below.

[0062] The correction mechanism 6 of the second display component 4 includes a trigger mechanism 56.

[0063] Reference Figure 1 and Figures 7 to 10 The triggering mechanism 56 includes a control device that includes a control member 58, which is designed to be accessible to a user, for example via a button, to perform the functions of an associated spring mechanism, here correcting the function of the second GMT time display member 4, and correcting the function of the third display member 48 (if present), which indicates the time zone difference between the local time HT and the GMT time, the correction being independent of the local time HT.

[0064] The control element 58 is advantageously a control lever, which is pivotally mounted on the frame and equipped with its return spring 60. The control lever is set to move by the user, for example, via a button (not shown).

[0065] Trigger mechanism 56 also includes special features Figure 7 The trigger wheel assembly 62, visible in the image, is arranged to be rotatably mounted on the watch frame. The trigger wheel assembly 62 includes: a trigger member 64 intended to be rotated directly or indirectly by a control member 58; a trigger operating wheel 66 kinematically connected to the trigger member 64 and rotatably integral with a first end of an elastic member 68; and a trigger output wheel 70 rotatably integral with a second end of the elastic member 68 and kinematically connected to an element of the mainspring mechanism to be triggered. Advantageously, the elastic member is a coiled spring.

[0066] In the described example, the trigger output wheel 70 is kinematically connected to the wheel kinematics of the input section 18 constituting the differential gear 10, so that the second GMT time display member 4 can be calibrated independently of the local time HT. If a third display member 48 is present, the trigger output wheel 70 is also kinematically connected to the third display member 48, so that the third display member 48 can be calibrated simultaneously with the second display member 4.

[0067] The triggering mechanism 56 also includes an operating device 72, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the operating device is kinematically connected to the trigger operating wheel 66 and is arranged to lock or release the trigger output wheel 70 according to the rotation of the trigger operating wheel 66.

[0068] The operating device 72 advantageously includes an operating pinion 74, which is mounted to allow it to rotate freely on the frame and is arranged to be kinematically connected to the trigger operating wheel 66.

[0069] The operating device 72 also includes an operating cam 76, which is integral with the operating pinion 74 and forms an eccentric member relative to the operating pinion 74, more specifically, relative to the axis of rotation of the operating pinion 74. The operating device 72 also includes an operating escape fork 78, which is mounted on the frame in a manner rotatable about axis 80 and arranged to cooperate with the operating cam 76 for alternating pivoting in one or opposite directions.

[0070] The operating device 72 also includes an operating anchor 82, which is rotatably mounted on the shaft 80 and arranged, for example, by means of a post 84 integral with the operating anchor 82 and the operating escapement 78. The operating anchor 82 includes two arms 82a and 82b, which are arranged to alternately lock a locking finger 86 rotatably integrated with a locking pinion 88. The locking pinion 88 is mounted such that it rotates freely on the frame and is kinematically connected to the trigger output wheel 70. When the locking finger 86 is locked by one of the arms 82a or 82b, the locking pinion 88 is locked, preventing rotation of the trigger output wheel 70. When the operating anchor 82 rotates, the locking finger 86 is released, the locking pinion 88 rotates freely, and the trigger output wheel 70 is released, allowing the trigger output wheel to rotate under the energy released by the elastic member 68.

[0071] Advantageously, the operating pinion 74, locking finger 86, and locking pinion 88 are aligned along the same axis.

[0072] Advantageously, the triggering member 64 is a rotary triggering cam. The triggering cam 64 preferably has n branches 64a, which define n tips and n valleys. For this purpose, each branch 64a includes a rising side and a falling side. In the example shown, the triggering cam includes four branches 64a.

[0073] Advantageously, the trigger cam 64 and the trigger operating wheel 66 are coaxially and rotatably integrated. The trigger cam 64 can be integrated with the trigger operating wheel 66, for example, by means of a cylindrical inverted portion 90, which is integrated with and coaxial with both the trigger cam 64 and the trigger operating wheel 66. Figure 8As shown, the reverse-shaped part 90 includes four snap fasteners 90a, which are arranged to fit into corresponding openings 64b, which are located at the center of the trigger cam 64, and the snap fasteners 90a are supported against the inner wall of the openings 64b.

[0074] The trigger output wheel 70 is mounted such that it can rotate freely coaxially with the trigger cam 64 and the trigger operating wheel 66 on the inverted portion 90 between the trigger cam 64 and the trigger operating wheel 66. A helical coil spring 68 is located between the trigger output wheel 70 and the trigger operating wheel 66, with one end of the helical coil spring integrally formed with the trigger output wheel 70 and the other end integrally formed with the trigger operating wheel 66.

[0075] Advantageously, the control member 58 (here, a control lever) is arranged to apply a first rotational driving force directly or indirectly to the trigger cam 64, thereby enabling the rotation of the trigger cam 64. For this purpose, the control lever advantageously has an arm 92 on its end side that mates with the trigger cam 64, particularly as... Figure 1 and Figure 11 As shown, arm 92 is pivotally mounted on the control lever 58 and terminates at its free end by hook 92a (see Figure 1). Figure 11 The hook 92a is arranged to rotate the trigger cam 64, for example, by gripping the tip of one of the branches 64a of the trigger cam 64. As will be seen below, the hook 92a specifically enables the application of a first driving force to the trigger cam 64, thereby initiating the rotation of the trigger cam 64.

[0076] The triggering mechanism 56 advantageously further includes a trigger lever 94, which is pivotally mounted on the frame and arranged to read the trigger cam 64 via a reading member. The trigger cam 64 and trigger lever 94 are arranged such that when the trigger lever 94 reads the trigger cam 64 (rotation of the trigger cam is initiated by a control member 58, which is a control lever in this case), it can:

[0077] - Energy is stored by applying a second rotational driving force to the trigger cam 64, and the second rotational driving force is canceled out as long as the first rotational driving force is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0078] When the predetermined threshold is exceeded, the energy is restored so that the second rotational driving force applied to the trigger cam 64 can terminate the rotation of the trigger cam 64 by causing the trigger operating wheel 66 to rotate, thereby releasing the trigger output wheel 70 previously locked by the operating device 72 to perform the function. For this purpose, the trigger lever is advantageously provided with a return spring 96, which is arranged to store and restore the energy when the trigger lever 94 detects rotation of the trigger cam 64, so that the trigger lever 94 can apply the second rotational driving force to the trigger cam 64.

[0079] More specifically, the return spring 96 is arranged to store the energy when the trigger lever 94 reads the rising side of the branch 64a' of the rotating trigger cam, and to release the energy when the trigger lever 94 reads the falling side of the branch 64a' of the rotating trigger cam 64, thereby enabling the trigger lever 94 to apply a second rotational driving force on the trigger cam 64.

[0080] For this purpose, the trigger lever 94 advantageously has an arm 98 on its end side that mates with the trigger cam 64, particularly as Figure 1 and Figure 11 As shown, arm 98 has a slider 100 at its free end that forms a reading member (see Figure 100). Figure 11 The reading component is arranged to read the trigger cam 64 by following the rising and falling sides of each branch 64a.

[0081] The dimensions and construction of the various elements of the trigger mechanism 56 are such that the function connected to the spring mechanism is performed only when the control lever 58 applies a first necessary and sufficient rotational driving force, which is at least equal to a predetermined threshold fixed by the construction of the elements of the trigger mechanism 56 on the trigger cam 64, and particularly depends on the force of the return spring 96. Rotation of the trigger cam 64 causes the return spring 96 of the trigger lever 94 to wind up and store energy when the trigger lever 94 reads the rising side of one of the branches 64a of the rotating trigger cam 64. This energy is then recovered when the trigger lever 94 reads the falling side of the branch 64a of the rotating trigger cam 64, thereby enabling the trigger lever 94 to apply a second rotational driving force on the trigger cam 64 to drive the trigger cam 64 via its associated trigger operating wheel 66 during the complementary rotation phase. In this way, the operating device 72 locking the trigger output wheel 70 is actuated to release the trigger output wheel 70 and allow it to rotate under the drive of energy released by the elastic member 68 to perform the function.

[0082] More specifically, regarding the correction mechanism 6 of the second GMT time display component 4 and the correction mechanism 6 of the third display component 48 (if present), as described above, this correction mechanism 6 indicates the time zone difference between the local time HT and GMT time independently of the local time HT, as referred to below. Figures 11 to 14 Describe the operation of the calibration mechanism 6 and its triggering mechanism 56.

[0083] During normal operation of the timepiece, the trigger mechanism 56 is in a stationary state, such as... Figure 11 As shown. In this initial static state, the triggering mechanism 56 positions the slider 100 of the trigger lever 98 in a stable static position, which is located in the valley at the bottom of the rising side facing the tip of one of the branches 64a' of the trigger cam 64. The hook 92a of the control lever is preferably positioned at the tip of one of the branches 64a of the trigger cam 64. The locking finger 86 is locked by the arm 82a of the operating anchor 82 of the operating device 72, such that the trigger output wheel 70 is locked and does not rotate, and is held by the locking pinion 88.

[0084] The timepiece's drive mechanism drives the minute wheel tube 1, which in turn drives the minute display component and the hour wheel via the minute wheel assembly 2. The hour wheel drives the first local time (HT) display component in a standard manner. The minute wheel 2a also drives the lower phase shifter 28 and the upper phase shifter 32 of the phase shifter assembly 8, and is then connected to the lower phase shifter 28 via the phase cam 34 / hammer 36 assembly. The second GMT time display component 4 is then driven synchronously with the first local time (HT) display component. In this state, the lower phase shifter 28 continuously drives the lower differential gear assembly 16 of the differential gear 10 via two stepped intermediate wheels 30a and 30b, and the upper phase shifter 32 continuously drives the upper differential gear assembly 14 of the differential gear 10. Since the input wheel 18 of the differential gear 10 is locked by the trigger mechanism 56, the differential block 20 does not rotate. The intermediate wheels 24a and 24b are also continuously driven via pinions 26a and 26b integrated with their respective half-shafts 22a and 22b. Because the trigger output wheel 70 is locked, the third display component 48 remains fixed.

[0085] During the calibration of the second display component 4 and the third display component 48 (if present) independently of the local time HT, the user, according to Figure 12The force F indicated by the middle arrow actuates the control member 58 (here, the control lever) via, for example, a button on the control device. When the control lever pivots, its hook 92a engages the tip of branch 64a of the trigger cam 64, activating and rotating the trigger cam 64. During this rotation of the trigger cam 64, the slider 100 of the trigger lever 94 reads the trigger cam 64 by following the rising side of another branch 64a' of the trigger cam 64, which has the effect of winding the return spring 96 of the trigger lever 94. Simultaneously, the rotation of the trigger cam 64 causes the integral trigger actuation wheel 66 to rotate, which has the effect of winding the trigger spring 68, which can potentially be pre-wound, while the trigger output wheel 70 remains locked by the actuation device 72. In practice, during this winding phase, the dimensions of the elements of the trigger mechanism 56 are determined such that rotation of the trigger actuating wheel 66 causes rotation of the actuating pinion 74 and its actuating cam 76, and thus causes rotation of the actuating escape fork 78 and the actuating anchor 82, but not enough to cause arm 82a to release the locking finger 86, as... Figure 12 As shown.

[0086] exist Figure 13 During the next triggering phase, as shown, the slider 100 of the trigger lever 94 continues to read the trigger cam 64, which continues to rotate, passing the tip of branch 64a' and following the descending side of said branch 64a', causing the return spring 96 of the trigger lever 94 to redistribute the stored energy to the trigger lever 94, which then becomes the motor of the trigger cam 64. As the trigger cam 64 continues to rotate, the trigger spring 68 continues to wind itself.

[0087] The dimensions of the elements of the trigger mechanism 56 are determined such that when the slider 100 falls along the side of the trigger cam 64, the rotation of the trigger cam 64 and the trigger operating wheel 66 causes sufficient rotation of the operating pinion 74, its operating cam 76, the operating escape fork 78, and the operating anchor 82, such that the arm 82a has sufficiently pivoted to disengage from and release the locking finger 86, as... Figure 13 As shown.

[0088] With the locking finger 86 released, the locking pinion 88 pivots freely, thus no longer locking the released trigger output wheel 70. The trigger output wheel 70 then rotates under the influence of energy stored in the trigger spring 68.

[0089] When a third display component 48 indicating the time zone difference between local time HT and GMT is present, the rotation of the released trigger output wheel 70 directly drives the third display component 48, which is kinematically connected to the trigger output wheel 70, to correct the third display component, so as to gradually move the third display component 48 until the desired time zone difference is displayed on the dial 44.

[0090] Simultaneously, the rotation of the released trigger output wheel 70 causes the input wheel 18 of the differential gear 10 to rotate, thereby performing correction on the second display component 4.

[0091] Therefore, the rotation of the input wheel 18 of the differential gear 10 causes the differential block 20 to rotate, which in turn causes the intermediate wheel 24a (24b) to rotate the half shaft 22a (22b) via the pinion 26a (26b), thereby rotating the upper differential gear pair 14 (and the lower differential gear pair 16). At this time, the lower differential gear pair 16 constitutes the first output of the differential gear 10, which is kinematically connected to the lower phase shifter 28 of the phase shifter pair 12 and to the minute wheel pair 2. The rotation of the lower differential gear pair 16 allows the gear gap between the differential gear 10 and the minute wheel tube 1 to be occupied so that it can be subsequently locked. This locking forces the upper differential gear pair 14 to drive the upper phase shifter 32 via the second output of the differential gear 10, which is kinematically connected to the upper phase shifter 32 of the phase shifter pair 12. Due to the phase cam 34 / hammer 36 assembly, the rotation of the upper differential wheel pair causes the upper phase shifter 32 to disengage from the lower phase shifter 28, and the rotation of the upper phase shifter 32 causes the second display member 4 to rotate in order to correct the second display member.

[0092] The differential block 20 rotates gradually by an angle defined by the trigger cam 64 and the gear ratio between the trigger cam and the trigger output wheel 70. These steps define the offset of the third display member 48, which indicates the time zone difference between the local time HT and GMT, and the phase shift angle of the phase shifter pair 12, in order to correct the second GMT time display member 4. In the phase shifter pair 12, the correction angle of the upper phase shifter 32 corresponds to a step portion of the phase cam 34.

[0093] Therefore, the calibration mechanism 6 enables simultaneous calibration of the second GMT time display component 4 and the third display component 48 (if present) independently of the local time HT, i.e., independently of the first local time HT display component and the minute display component.

[0094] The phase-fixing cam 34 / hammer 36 assembly of the phase-shifting wheel assembly 12 enables precise repositioning of the second GMT time display member 4 relative to the position of the first display member after each correction of the second display member 4. In fact, by moving away from one valley of the phase-fixing cam 34 to precisely reposition itself in the next valley, the sliding block 40 of the hammer 36 mounted on the upper phase-shifting wheel 32 of the phase-shifting wheel assembly 12 is positioned such that the position of the second GMT time display member 4 remains perfectly synchronized with the position of the minute display member relative to the position of the first local time (HT) display member.

[0095] The phase shifter assembly 12 also advantageously allows for the occupation of the clearance of the differential gear 10, thereby avoiding excessive clearance between the minute wheel assembly 2 and the indicator (here, the second GMT time display member 4) operated by the upper phase shifter 32. Furthermore, since the indicator is operated by the upper phase shifter 32 of the phase shifter assembly 12, the latter also makes it possible to avoid continuously transmitting torque to the differential gear 10 to drive the indicator.

[0096] After the locking finger 86 is unlocked, the trigger lever 94 continues to be repositioned in the valley of the trigger cam 64. In order to increase the energy supplied for unlocking the phase shift of the phase shifter pair 12, it is possible to provide a rigid connection (e.g., with eyelets and pins) between the trigger operating wheel 66 and the trigger output wheel 70 during this triggering phase.

[0097] In parallel, during this triggering phase, the control lever completes its movement (still under the user's action) until it abuts against a stop (not shown) to stop supplying energy to the trigger cam 64.

[0098] exist Figure 14 During the next locking phase, once the phase shift is achieved, the locking finger 86, which has pivoted with the locking pinion 88 during the correction phase, abuts against the other arm 82b of the operating anchor 82. The trigger output wheel 70 is locked again. Whenever the control member 58 is fully actuated to perform the relevant function, the locking of the locking finger 86 via the operating anchor 82 is performed alternately by arms 82a and 82b.

[0099] When the user releases the button on control member 58 (here, control lever), the hook 92a of the control lever repositions itself in the valley behind (i.e., downstream of) branch 64a of trigger cam 64, in preparation to engage the tip of subsequent branch 64a', as... Figure 14 As shown. The slider 100 of the trigger lever 94 returns to its stable resting position in the valley behind branch 64a'.

[0100] It is readily understood that if the user does not apply sufficient force to the control member 58, no correction will occur because the correction mechanism will not be triggered. In fact, as described above, the dimensions and construction of the various elements of the triggering mechanism 56 cause the first rotational driving force applied by the control lever 58 to the trigger cam 64 to generate a second rotational driving force applied by the trigger lever 94, the first rotational driving force being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. This second driving force enables the necessary and sufficient rotation of the trigger cam 64 (and thus the associated trigger operating wheel 66, operating pinion 74, operating pinion operating cam 76, operating escape fork 78, and operating anchor 82) to release the locking finger 86 and thus the trigger output wheel 70 to execute a function, here a progressive correction of the second GMT time display member 4 and the third display member 48 (if present), independent of the local time HT.

[0101] If the force applied by the user is too weak, the first rotational driving force applied by the control lever will be less than a predetermined threshold of driving force (which drives the trigger cam 64 to rotate sufficiently to release the locking finger 86), making the rotation of the operating anchor 82 insufficient to release the locking finger 86. Therefore, the trigger output wheel 70 will remain locked, and it will be impossible to perform the function.

[0102] If the force applied by the user is sufficient to make the first rotational driving force applied by the control lever greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold of necessary and sufficient rotational driving force, then the rotation of the trigger cam 64 will be sufficient to fully pivot the operating anchor 82 to release the locking finger 86 and thus release the trigger output wheel 70 to perform the function.

[0103] Therefore, the triggering mechanism of the present invention is of the "all or nothing" type, which allows the trigger output wheel 70 to rotate, so that the spring mechanism can perform its function only when the force applied to the control member 58 is sufficient to cause the trigger cam 64 to rotate and thus cause the trigger operating wheel 66 to rotate (which is used to actuate the operating device 72 to release the trigger output wheel 70).

[0104] Furthermore, the trigger mechanism 56 according to the invention advantageously constitutes an intermediate device that enables the management of the force applied to the control member 58 by normalizing the torque to be transmitted to the mainspring mechanism to perform its function. Thus, the mainspring mechanism receives a constant torque from the trigger output wheel 70 associated with the characteristics of the elastic member 68, regardless of the force applied to the control member 58 by the user. In particular, even if the user applies a very high force to the button, he cannot provide momentum to the mainspring mechanism.

[0105] Therefore, the triggering mechanism according to the invention enables equally good management of the following two situations: insufficient force applied to the control member 58 due to being of the "all or nothing" type, and excessive force applied to the control member 58 due to being able to perform the function "with constant force".

[0106] The advantage of the triggering mechanism according to the invention is that the user provides the necessary force to trigger the mechanism, and the mechanism itself performs the function. Therefore, even if the user presses the button forcefully, the user cannot provide momentum to the correction mechanism.

[0107] Furthermore, the use of a rotation locking finger 86 between two stops formed by the arms 82a and 82b of the operating anchor 82, and a locking pinion 88 integrated with the locking finger 86, allows for precise control of the rotation angle of the calibration gear train when calibrating the second GMT time display member 4 and the third display member 48 (if present) independently of the local time HT. This enhances the accuracy of repositioning the second GMT time display member 4 and the third display member 48 (if present) after calibration.

[0108] The above examples relate to a calibration mechanism for a display component associated with GMT time. Clearly, the triggering mechanism according to the invention can be used in a spring mechanism arranged to perform another function, such as a mechanical dynamic display arranged to be triggered on demand by a user and operated by the upper phase shifter 32 of the phase shifter assembly 12.

Claims

1. A triggering mechanism (56) for triggering a clockwork mechanism arranged to perform a function, the triggering mechanism (56) comprising: - Control device, including control component (58), - A trigger wheel assembly (62), which is rotatably mounted and includes: a trigger member intended to be rotated by the control member (58), a trigger operating wheel (66), and a trigger output wheel (70), the trigger operating wheel being kinematically connected to the trigger member and rotatably integrated with a first end of the elastic member (68), the trigger output wheel being rotatably integrated with a second end of the elastic member (68) and kinematically connected to the elements of the spring mechanism, the trigger member being a rotary trigger cam (64). - An operating device (72), kinematically connected to the trigger operating wheel (66) and arranged to lock or release the trigger output wheel (70) according to the rotation of the trigger operating wheel (66). The control member is arranged to apply a first rotational driving force to the trigger cam (64). The triggering mechanism (56) is characterized in that it includes a trigger rod (94) arranged to read the trigger cam (64), and the trigger cam (64) and the trigger rod (94) are arranged such that the trigger rod (94) can, when reading that the trigger cam (64) is rotated by the control member: - Energy is stored by applying a second rotational driving force to the trigger cam (64), and the second rotational driving force is canceled out as long as the first rotational driving force is less than a predetermined threshold. - When the predetermined threshold is exceeded, the energy is restored so that the second rotational driving force applied to the trigger cam (64) can cause the trigger operation wheel (66) to rotate, so that the operation device (72) that previously locked the trigger output wheel (70) releases the trigger output wheel (70) to perform the function.

2. The triggering mechanism (56) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger rod (94) is provided with a return spring (96) which is arranged to store and restore the energy when the trigger rod (94) reads the rotation of the trigger cam (64), so that the trigger rod (94) can apply the second rotational driving force on the trigger cam (64).

3. The triggering mechanism (56) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trigger cam (64) has n branches (64a, 64a'), which define n tips and n valleys, and each branch (64a, 64a') has a rising side and a falling side.

4. The triggering mechanism (56) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The return spring (96) of the trigger rod (94) is arranged such that the energy is stored when the trigger rod (94) reads the rising side of the rotating trigger cam (64), and the energy is restored when the trigger rod (94) reads the falling side of the rotating trigger cam (64), thereby enabling the trigger rod (94) to apply the second rotational driving force on the trigger cam (64).

5. The triggering mechanism (56) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, In order to apply the first rotational driving force to the trigger cam (64), the control member is a control lever (58) having a hook (92a) which is preferably arranged to rotate the trigger cam (64) by gripping the tip of one of the branches (64a) of the trigger cam.

6. The triggering mechanism (56) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trigger cam (64) is coaxial with the trigger operation wheel (66) and rotates as one unit.

7. The triggering mechanism (56) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The trigger lever (94) includes a slider (100) arranged to read the trigger cam (64).

8. The triggering mechanism (56) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The elastic member (68) is a helical coil spring.

9. The triggering mechanism (56) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating device (72) includes: a freely rotatable operating pinion (74) kinematically connected to the trigger operating wheel (66), an operating cam (76) integral with the operating pinion (74), an operating escapement fork (78) mounted in a rotatable manner and arranged to cooperate with the operating cam (76), and an operating anchor (82) rotatably integral with the operating escapement fork (78). The operating anchor (82) includes two arms (82a, 82b) arranged to alternately lock a locking finger (86), which is rotatably integral with the locking pinion (88) and is kinematically connected to the trigger output wheel (70).

10. The triggering mechanism (56) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The spring mechanism is a correction mechanism (6) for at least one display component (4).

11. A timepiece comprising: A clockwork mechanism arranged to perform a function, and a triggering mechanism (56) for triggering the clockwork mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The timepiece according to claim 11, wherein the timepiece comprises: The system comprises at least one first display component arranged to display local time HT, a drive wheel assembly (2) of the first display component, a second display component (4) arranged to display GMT time in a different time zone than the local time HT, a drive mechanism (8) of the second display component (4), and a correction mechanism (6) of the second display component (4), wherein the correction mechanism of the second display component is arranged to correct the GMT time independently of the local time HT, characterized in that the correction mechanism (6) includes the trigger mechanism (56).

13. The timepiece according to claim 12, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (8) of the second display member (4) includes a differential gear (10), which includes: at least one upper differential gear pair (14) arranged to be kinematically connected to the second display member (4), a lower differential gear pair (16) arranged to be kinematically connected to the drive gear pair (2) of the first display member, and an input part (18) arranged to be kinematically connected to the correction mechanism (6) of the second display member (4).

14. The timepiece according to claim 13, characterized in that, The differential gear (10) includes a differential block (20) mounted such that it can rotate freely on two half-shafts (22a, 22b), the two half-shafts being integrally formed with the upper differential gear pair (14) and the lower differential gear pair (16), respectively. The differential block (20) carries at least one first intermediate gear (24a) and a second intermediate gear (24b), the at least one first intermediate gear being arranged to mesh with a pinion (26a). 26a) is integral with the half shaft (22a) of the upper differential gear pair (14), the second intermediate gear (24b) is arranged to mesh with the pinion (26b), which is integral with the half shaft (22b) of the lower differential gear pair (16), and the differential block (20) is also integral with the following wheel, which constitutes the input part (18) of the differential gear (10) and is arranged to be kinematically connected to the trigger output wheel (70) of the trigger mechanism (56).

15. The clock according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (8) of the second display component (4) includes a phase shifter pair (12), which includes a lower phase shifter (28) and an upper phase shifter (32). The lower phase shifter is kinematically connected to the drive wheel pair (2) of the first display component and to the lower differential wheel pair (16). The upper phase shifter is kinematically connected to drive the second display component (4) and to the upper differential wheel pair (14). The upper phase shifter (32) is kinematically connected to the lower phase shifter (28) in a detachable manner, such that when the correction mechanism (6) corrects the GMT time independently of the local time HT, the upper phase shifter (32) is separated from the lower phase shifter (28), while allowing the second display component (4) to be repositioned synchronously with the positioning of the first display component after correction.

16. The timepiece according to claim 15, characterized in that, The phase shifter pair (12) includes a directional cam (34) and a hammer (36). The directional cam is integral with the lower phase shifter (28). The hammer (36) is equipped with a phase shifter spring (38) carried by the upper phase shifter (32). The hammer (36) is arranged to cooperate with the directional cam (34).

17. The timepiece according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that, The timepiece includes a display device (42) arranged to display the difference between the local time HT and the GMT time. The display device (42) is kinematically connected to the trigger output wheel (70) of the trigger mechanism (56) so that it can be calibrated independently of the local time HT by the calibration mechanism (6) of the second display member (4) during calibration of the second GMT time display member (4).

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