SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AND HOLDING A POSITION OF A MOBILE DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING TIME-BASED OR TIME-DERIVED INFORMATION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a drive and positioning system for a display unit that shows time information or time-derived information. The invention also relates to a clockwork calendar system comprising such a drive and positioning system. The invention further relates to a movement comprising such a drive and positioning system or such a clockwork calendar system. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a movement, such a drive and positioning system, or such a clockwork calendar system. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a timepiece, such a movement, such a drive and positioning system, or such a clockwork calendar system.

[0002] Document CH525507 discloses a date drive mechanism that disengages a jumper from a date disc at the instantaneous triggering of the date change. The energy required for the date change is stored in a return spring arranged between a date drive wheel and a date finger. Before midnight, i.e., before the date change is triggered, the date finger is held by the date disc, which is itself held by the jumper, which is wound by a jumper cam. This jumper cam is kinematically linked to the date drive wheel, which completes one revolution every 24 hours. At midnight, a notch on the periphery of the jumper cam disengages the jumper. At this precise moment, the energy stored in the return spring becomes sufficient for the date finger to overcome the jumper, thus driving the date disc to the next date.

[0003] Because it is linked to the date drive wheel, the rotation of the jumper cam is sluggish, preventing the jumper from instantly resetting after the date change. This results in degraded calendar functionality and potentially perceptible angular play in the date disc while the jumper is being reset by the jumper cam. Such play is unacceptable for a luxury timepiece. Furthermore, even if a quick date setting were possible, this configuration of the jumper and jumper cam could cause malfunctions and / or fail to generate the expected torque, thus compromising the feel of the stem.

[0004] US patent 4240249 describes a calendar system for displaying the date and day of the week. It includes a date disc driven by a date finger attached to an energy storage wheel, and a day disc comprising a Maltese cross driven by a pin. The pin is also attached to the energy storage wheel. The energy storage wheel is coaxial with a calendar drive wheel that completes one revolution every 24 hours. A spring arranged between the calendar drive wheel and the energy storage wheel accumulates the energy required for the instantaneous switching between the date and day displays. Both the energy storage wheel and the calendar drive wheel are driven by the hour wheel at two separate levels with different gear ratios. The energy storage wheel rotates more slowly than the calendar drive wheel.The relative speed between the two wheels allows the return spring to be wound. A portion of the teeth is truncated around the circumference of the storage wheel. This allows the storage wheel to rotate at midnight, independently of the driving wheel, thus releasing the energy stored by the return spring and instantly driving the displays. More specifically, the date finger advances the date disc by one step, and simultaneously, the pin advances the Maltese cross, which is attached to the day disc, by one step as well. Furthermore, the Maltese cross also controls the winding of the jumper that indexes the date disc. Thus, during the date change, the jumper is disarmed to minimize the energy required for the date change. Using a Maltese cross to control the date jumper is not optimal for implementing such a solution in a movement.

[0005] Document CH591720 also discloses a calendar mechanism for displaying the date and day of the week. It includes a trailing calendar drive comprising two coaxial, superimposed jumper cams that wind (or lock) a jumper simultaneously indexing the date and day displays. The first jumper cam has a recess on its outer profile shaped to disarm (or unlock) an elastic portion of the jumper when the date is set. After the jump, the second cam winds (or locks) the jumper. This second cam has a finger on its outer profile that acts on another rigid portion of the jumper to lock it into the display teeth.The jumper is thus completely locked for several hours after the date change, until the elastic part of the jumper again engages with the outer profile of the first jumper cam and the other rigid part of the jumper is released by the second jumper cam. This mechanism has the disadvantage of requiring two cams, or at least two levels of cams, to control the winding and unwinding of the jumper. Furthermore, this mechanism is designed to lock the jumper, that is, to fix it completely in a given position, which inevitably results in areas of non-correction if such a calendar mechanism is equipped with a correction device including a quick corrector for the date and / or day display. Document EP 3 173 877 A1 shows a system for driving and holding in position a moving part for displaying time information.

[0006] The aim of the invention is to provide a drive and positioning system for a mobile display of time or time-derived information, thereby improving upon known prior art systems. In particular, the invention proposes a simple and reliable system that minimizes the energy required to perform the display jumps of the time or time-derived information.

[0007] A drive and positioning system according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

[0008] Different embodiments of the system are defined by claims 2 to 8.

[0009] A clockwork calendar system according to the invention is defined by claim 9.

[0010] A movement according to the invention is defined by claim 10.

[0011] A timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 11. A method of operation according to the invention is defined by claim 12.

[0012] Different modes of execution of the process are defined by claims 13 to 15.

[0013] The attached drawings represent, as examples, two methods of manufacturing a timepiece. There figure 1 This is a view of an early method of manufacturing a timepiece. figures 2 and 3 These are perspective views of a calendar system in the first embodiment. figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an intermediate driving mobile of the calendar system of the first embodiment. The figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the intermediate drive unit of the calendar system in the first embodiment. figure 6is a top view of the intermediate training mobile of the calendar system in the first embodiment. figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile drive unit of the calendar system of the first embodiment. figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drive unit of the calendar system in the first embodiment. figure 9 is a top view of the mobile trainer of the calendar system of the first embodiment. The figures 10 to 19 These are partial and illustrative views of the functioning of the calendar system in the first embodiment. Figure 20 This is a view of a second embodiment of a timepiece. Figures 21 and 22 These are perspective views of a second embodiment calendar system. figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile drive unit of the second embodiment's calendar system. figure 24is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drive unit of the calendar system in the second embodiment. figure 25 This is a top view of the mobile trainer of the calendar system in the second embodiment. Figures 26 and 27 These are partial and illustrative views of the functioning of the calendar system in the second embodiment. Figures 28 and 29 consist of chronograms illustrating the activations of the elements of a timepiece during the implementation of the operating method of a calendar system according to the invention. Figures 30 and 31 illustrate a variation of a calendar system according to the invention.

[0014] A first embodiment of a 120 timepiece is described below with reference to figures 1 to 19 .

[0015] The timepiece 120 is, for example, a watch, in particular a wristwatch.

[0016] The timepiece 120 includes a watch movement 110 intended to be mounted in a timepiece case in order to protect it from the external environment.

[0017] The 110 watch movement can be an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, including an automatic movement.

[0018] The 110 watch movement includes a 100 watch system, in particular a 100 watch calendar system. The calendar system is for example a simple calendar system or an annual calendar system or a semi-perpetual calendar system or a perpetual calendar system.

[0019] The 100 clock calendar system includes: a mobile 50 for displaying time information or information derived from time, and a system 90 for driving and holding the mobile 50 in position.

[0020] The mobile display for time or time-derived information can be any type of mobile display for time or time-derived information. In particular, the mobile display for time or time-derived information can be: a mobile displaying the date, or a mobile displaying the day, or a mobile displaying the month, or a mobile displaying the year, or a mobile displaying the hour, or a mobile displaying the minute.

[0021] In the embodiments shown, the mobile is a mobile for displaying the dates.

[0022] The 90 system for driving and holding in position the mobile 50 comprises: a drive device 80 of a movable part 50 comprising a drive cam 13 or instant jump cam 13 and a drive rocker 30 intended to drive a drive member 23, a position-holding device 40 of a movable part 50, an activation and deactivation device 70 of the position-holding device 40 comprising a deactivation cam 22 or jump cam 22, and a device 12, 21 for mechanical coupling or synchronizing the drive cam and the deactivation cam.

[0023] According to a more structural definition, the 90 system for driving and holding in position the mobile 50 comprises: an intermediate drive wheel 10 comprising a drive wheel 11, the drive cam 13 or instant jump cam 13, a unidirectional linkage device 14, and a first intermediate drive wheel 12, a drive wheel 20 comprising a second intermediate drive wheel 21, the deactivation cam 22 or jump cam 22 and the drive member 23, an energy accumulator comprising in particular a spring 30a integral with the drive rocker 30, and a roller 31 mounted on the drive rocker 30 and intended to cooperate with the instant jump cam 13, and the positioning device 40 of the wheel 50 consisting, for example, of a jumper 40 allowing indexing, by means of a beak 42, of a tooth 50a of the wheel 50.

[0024] Thus, in this first embodiment, the drive device 80 includes a drive wheel 11 and a unidirectional link 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 linking the drive wheel 11 and the drive cam 13.

[0025] The intermediate drive unit 10 pivots around an axis A1.

[0026] The drive mobile 20 pivots around an axis A2 parallel or substantially parallel to the axis A1.

[0027] The elastic return of the drive rocker 30 is provided by the spring 30a. The spring 30a is here part of the drive rocker 30. Alternatively, it can be two separate parts.

[0028] The mobile 50 may include a date display disc 50 pivoting around an axis A5 parallel or substantially parallel to the axis A1.

[0029] The 40-piece jumper can include: a jumper body 40b comprising an end on which is arranged the beak 42, a spring 40a, and a roller 41 pivoting on one end of the spring, which is intended to cooperate with the jumper cam 22.

[0030] The drive wheel 11 of the intermediate drive unit 10 is constantly driven by an hour wheel of the basic movement, not shown in the figures, so as to complete one revolution in 24 hours. This drive wheel 11 drives the first intermediate drive wheel 12 via the one-way linkage device 14. More specifically, as illustrated by the figures 4, 5 and 6This unidirectional linkage device 14 comprises a ratcheting member 15 pivoting about a pivot 17 fixed to the drive wheel 11. A spring 16 tends to hold one end of the ratcheting member 15 outwards from the drive wheel 11, so that it can drive, in a first direction of rotation, a stud 18 or a pin fixed to the first intermediate drive wheel 12. The ratcheting member 15 is also shaped so that, in a second direction of rotation, for example when setting the time counterclockwise, it can be retracted from the stud 18 so as not to drive the first intermediate drive wheel 12. This type of unidirectional linkage device 14 is notably disclosed in document EP2428855.

[0031] The first intermediate drive wheel 12 is integral with the instantaneous jump cam 13, which, together with the drive rocker 30 and its spring 30a, allows the daily accumulation of the energy required for the instantaneous date change. For example, the instantaneous jump cam 13 is fixed to, or fully connected to, the first intermediate drive wheel 12. In particular, the instantaneous jump cam 13 can be driven onto the first intermediate drive wheel 12. A roller 31 pivotally mounted on the drive rocker 30 ensures cooperation between the rocker and the instantaneous jump cam 13. The roller 31 reduces friction between the drive rocker 30 and the instantaneous jump cam 13, thereby reducing energy consumption and amplitude losses in the regulating element of the basic movement. The spring 30a tends to hold this roller 31 against the instantaneous jump cam 13.The drive rocker 30 comprises two ends, each intended to be connected by a pivot joint to a motion frame, and is shaped to store energy in the elastic portion of the spring 30a. This rocker configuration advantageously limits mechanical stress when the elastic portion of the spring is wound, while still allowing it to be housed within a given footprint. Such a spring arrangement 30a is notably disclosed in document WO2013102600.

[0032] The first intermediate drive wheel 12 drives, by its teeth, the second intermediate drive wheel 21 of the drive unit 20. The second intermediate drive wheel 21 is integral with the jumper cam 22 and supports the drive member 23.

[0033] As illustrated in figures 7, 8 and 9, the drive member 23 comprises a first member 24, such as a rigid finger, and a second elastic member 25, such as a finger mounted on an elastic support or elastic finger, intended to cooperate with the teeth 50a of the moving part 50.

[0034] The positioning device 40 allows the teeth 50a to be indexed via the beak 42. The spring 40a is arranged to return the beak 42 to the teeth 50a. The respective shapes of the beak 42 and the teeth 50a, as well as the winding level of the spring 40a, define a specific torque around the axis A5 of the moving part or disc 50. This torque is determined to hold the disc 50 in position, particularly during an impact of a predetermined intensity. Naturally, the higher the winding of the spring 40a, regardless of the respective shapes of the beak 42 and the teeth 50a, the greater this torque, which directly impacts the energy consumption of the movement and thus its chronometric performance.

[0035] Advantageously, the winding level of spring 40a is controlled here by the activation and deactivation device 70 of the positioning device 40. Specifically, the interaction of roller 41 with the profile of the jump cam 22 allows the winding of spring 40a to be modulated according to, in particular, the geometry and angular position of the outer profile of this jump cam 22. Advantageously, the angular position of the latter is linked to the angular position of the instantaneous jump cam 13, via the mechanical coupling device 12, 21. Thus, with such a drive and positioning system for the moving part 50, the winding level of spring 40a, and by extension the torque it produces, can be controlled or modulated in a synchronized manner with the drive of the moving part 50.

[0036] The instant jump cam 13 comprises a cocking profile 13a, an instant jump profile 13b, and a stopping profile 13c intended to cooperate successively with the roller 31 of the drive rocker 30, as illustrated in the figure 3 During an arming stage, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11The roller 31 is located on the winding profile 13a. This profile winds the spring 30a in such a way as to accumulate the energy necessary for an instantaneous drive of the moving part 50, for example during a date change. As a reminder, the instantaneous jump cam 13 is linked to the first intermediate drive wheel 12, which includes the pin 18. This assembly is driven, during the winding stage, by the drive wheel 11 via the one-way linkage 14. The energy required to wind the spring 30a is thus directly taken from the basic movement.Advantageously, the arrangement of such an energy storage device, combined with the shape of the winding profile 13a of the instantaneous jump cam 13, makes it possible to minimize and harmonize the energy consumption of the basic movement so as to generate the same or substantially the same amplitude loss at the regulating organ throughout this winding stage, or at least for most of this winding stage. In particular, the arrangement of the instantaneous jump cam 13 makes it possible to wind the spring 30a as soon as it is re-engaged after the date change. This allows the energy consumption to be distributed over a maximized time range and minimizes, as much as possible, the amplitude losses at the regulating organ.

[0037] As mentioned previously, the jump cam 22 is kinematically linked to the instant jump cam 13 via the first and second intermediate drive wheels 12, 21. This jump cam 22 comprises an outer profile 22a, a disarming profile 22b, an inner profile 22c, and a cocking profile 22d designed to cooperate successively with the roller 41 arranged at one end of the spring 40a of the jumper 40. As with the roller 31 cooperating with the instant jump cam 13, the roller 41 reduces friction at the contact point with the jump cam 22. Throughout the cocking stage, in which the instant jump cam 13 is driven by the drive wheel 11 and in which the roller 31 of the drive rocker 30 is positioned on the cocking profile 13a of the instant jump cam 13, the roller 41 of jumper 40 is found exclusively on the outer profile 22a.This external profile 22a is concentric with the axis A2 and is shaped to keep the spring 40a armed in order to provide a nominal indexing or holding torque for the mobile 50.

[0038] The cocking stage ends when the roller 31 reaches the end of the cocking profile 13a, which adjoins the instantaneous jump profile 13b. This end is called the "cam apex." Thus, the instant the roller reaches the "cam apex" marks the end of the cocking stage and the beginning of the instantaneous jump stage. It is therefore a transition moment between the cocking and instantaneous jump stages.

[0039] During this instantaneous jump stage, all the energy required for the date change, stored by the spring 30a of the energy storage device, is released for the instantaneous drive of the moving part 50. In other words, during the instantaneous jump stage, the instantaneous jump cam 13 becomes the driving element thanks to the release of the energy stored by the spring 30a. More specifically, during the instantaneous jump stage, the drive cam 13 is driven by the drive rocker 30 under the effect of the spring 30a. The drive cam 13 then drives the first and second intermediate drive wheels 12, 21, and then the drive member 23, which in turn drives the teeth 50a for the date change. During the instant jump stage, the unidirectional linkage device 14 allows the entire chain downstream of said device to be decoupled from the basic movement so that the instant jump cam 13 can be driven.The angular stroke then made by the drive member 23 has an angle defined by the geometry of the instantaneous jump cam 13 and corresponds to the drive necessary for the drive of the teeth 50a.

[0040] During this instant jump step, the jumper 40 is disarmed just before the drive of the mobile 50 and is immediately rearmed before the end of this step, which reduces the energy consumption required for the date change, without compromising the indexing of the mobile 50.

[0041] More specifically, the instant jump step comprises several substeps or successive steps which are detailed below.

[0042] The instantaneous jump stage first comprises an initial approach substage in which the roller 31 begins to trace the instantaneous jump profile 13b of the instantaneous jump cam 13 from the cam apex. During this initial approach substage, the drive member 23 is not yet in contact with the teeth 50a of the moving part 50. The moving part 50 is therefore not yet driven. During this initial approach substage, the jumper 40 is disengaged to reduce the torque it produces and, consequently, the energy required to drive the moving part 50 during a second drive substage, which will be described later. During this first sub-step of approach, the roller 41 thus travels along the disarming profile 22b to reach the level of the inner profile 22c of the jumper cam 22. This inner profile 22c corresponds to the minimum arming level of the jumper 40.This minimal level of arming allows for a reduced indexing or holding torque of the moving part, which is particularly advantageous for the second drive sub-step. The end of the first approach sub-step is illustrated in the following. Figures 14 and 15 , and coincides with the moment when the drive member 23 comes into contact with the teeth 50a of the moving part 50.

[0043] In a second drive substage, the drive element 23 drives the teeth 50a. The drive takes place under optimal energy conditions because the jumper 40 was previously disengaged during the first approach substage. Preferably, the jumper is disengaged until the beak 42 of the jumper 40 has reached, or is substantially reached, the top of the teeth 50a. This configuration is illustrated in Figures 16 and 17 . The roller 41 is here in contact with the inner profile 22c, a configuration in which the level of arming of the jumper 40 is the lowest.

[0044] A third stopping substage consists of completing the engagement of the teeth 50a and stopping the moving part 50. During this third stopping substage, the beak 42 descends along the teeth 50a, under the effect of the restored deformation energy of the spring 40a, thus contributing to driving the moving part 50 to its final position. This minimizes the energy required to drive the latter. In this third stopping substage, in which the energy required to drive the disc is less, the jumper 40 is re-cocked. To do this, the roller 41 travels along the winding profile 22d of the jumper cam 22 to reach the outer profile 22a, thus defining a configuration in which the spring 40a is fully cocked, as illustrated in the figures. Figures 18 and 19 .

[0045] The third stopping sub-stage ends when the roller 31 comes into contact with the stopping profile 13c. Preferably, at this moment, the drive member 23 is still positioned within the path of the teeth 50a. The drive member 23 thus acts as an end-stop for the moving part 50 to prevent it from potentially jumping out of position due to its inertia and the considerable energy released during the instantaneous jump stage. Therefore, the positioning torque of the drive member 20 induced by the stopping profile 13c must be sufficiently large to hold the moving part 50 at the end of the date change.

[0046] Thus, at the end of the instantaneous jump stage, in particular at the end of the third stop substage, when the roller 31 is on the stop profile 13c, the drive member 23 is still arranged in the path of the teeth 50a.

[0047] In summary, each 24-hour period comprises an arming phase and an instant jump phase. The instant jump phase itself consists of a first approach sub-phase, followed by a second training sub-phase, which is itself followed by a third arrest sub-phase. In other words, the instant jump phase corresponds to the sequence of these first, second, and third sub-phases.

[0048] As described previously, the chain downstream of the one-way linkage device 14 is decoupled from the drive wheel 11 during the instantaneous jump stage. Consequently, after the date change, the drive wheel 11, with its one-way linkage device 14, catches up with the pin 18, which is integral with the first intermediate drive wheel 12 and the instantaneous jump cam 13, in order to begin resetting the energy storage device and thus initiate a new winding stage. This catch-up will last for the time it takes the one-way linkage device 14 to traverse the angular range defined by the geometry of the instantaneous jump cam 13, which is shaped to allow for proper guidance of the moving part 50.

[0049] The arming stage here extends over a significantly longer period than that corresponding to the instantaneous jump stage, the arming stage extending over a period of one or more hours while the instantaneous jump stage, in particular all the sub-stages that compose it, extends over a period on the order of a few fractions of a second.

[0050] As described previously, the position-holding device 40 can thus be actuated in different sub-steps by the activation and deactivation device 70. A fourth sub-step of deactivation of the position-holding device 40 by the activation and deactivation device 70 is carried out during the instantaneous jump step of the drive device 80, more particularly during the first sub-step of approach of the drive device 80. A fifth sub-step of activation of the position-holding device 40 by the activation and deactivation device 70 is also carried out during the instantaneous jump step of the drive device 80, more particularly during the third sub-step of stopping the drive device 80.

[0051] The 90 drive and positioning system thus enables the following operating steps: an arming stage of the training device 80; an instant jump stage of the training device 80, which is structured according to the following sub-stages: a first approach sub-stage; a second training sub-stage; a third stop sub-stage; a fourth deactivation sub-stage of the holding device in position 40 by the activation and deactivation device 70; a fifth activation sub-stage of the holding device in position 40 by the activation and deactivation device 70.

[0052] A second embodiment of a 120' timepiece is described below with reference to Figures 20 to 27 .

[0053] The 120' timepiece is, for example, a watch, in particular a wristwatch.

[0054] The 120' timepiece includes a 110' watch movement intended to be mounted in a timepiece case to protect it from the external environment.

[0055] The 110' watch movement can be an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, including an automatic movement.

[0056] The 110' watch movement includes a 100' watch system, in particular a 100' watch calendar system. The calendar system is for example a simple date system or an annual calendar system or a semi-perpetual calendar system or a perpetual calendar system.

[0057] The 100' clockwork calendar system includes: a 50' mobile display of time information or time-derived information, and a 90' system for driving and holding the 50' mobile in position.

[0058] The 50-second mobile display for time or time-related information can be any type of mobile display for time or time-related information. In particular, the mobile display for time or time-related information can be: a mobile displaying the date, or a mobile displaying the day, or a mobile displaying the month, or a mobile displaying the year, or a mobile displaying the hour, or a mobile displaying the minute.

[0059] In the embodiments shown, the mobile is a mobile for displaying the dates.

[0060] The 90' ​​system for training and holding the 50' mobile in position also includes: a drive device 80' of a movable 50' comprising a drive cam 13' or instant jump cam 13' and a drive rocker 30 intended to drive a drive member 23', a position-holding device 40' of a movable 50', an activation and deactivation device 70' of the position-holding device 40' comprising a deactivation cam 22' or jump cam 22', and a device 18' for mechanical coupling or synchronizing the drive cam and the deactivation cam.

[0061] This second embodiment differs principally or exclusively from the first embodiment in that: the 70' activation and deactivation device, in particular the 22' jump cam, and the 13' instant jump cam, are coaxial.

[0062] More particularly, compared to the first embodiment, the second embodiment does not include an intermediate drive wheel 10 but a single drive wheel 20' where the jump cam 22' and the instant jump cam 13' are directly joined, without being connected by first and second intermediate drive wheels 12, 21.

[0063] Preferably, apart from these few modifications, the rest of the system according to the second embodiment functions identically to the first embodiment, whether in terms of energy accumulation, mobile drive and indexing.

[0064] According to a more structural definition, the 90' ​​system for driving and holding the 50' mobile in position comprises: a drive wheel 20' comprising a drive wheel 11' having an oblong cut 11a', the instant jump cam 13', the jump cam 22' and the drive member 23', an energy accumulator comprising in particular a spring 30a' attached to the drive rocker 30', and a roller 31' mounted on the drive rocker 30' and intended to cooperate with the instant jump cam 13', the device for holding in position 40' the wheel 50' consisting, for example, of a jumper 40' allowing to index, by means of a beak 42', a tooth 50a' of the wheel 50'.

[0065] Thus, in this second embodiment, the drive device 80' can include a drive wheel 11' and a mechanical linkage 11a', 18' linking the drive wheel 11' and the drive cam 13'. Advantageously, the mechanical linkage 11a', 18' allows rotational play, according to an angular range corresponding to the angular extent of the oblong cutout 11a', around an axis A2' of rotation of the drive wheel 11' and / or the drive cam 13'.

[0066] The elastic return of the drive rocker 30' is provided by the spring 30a'. The spring 30a' is here part of the drive rocker 30'. Alternatively, it can be two separate parts.

[0067] The 50' mobile may include a 50' date display disc pivoting around an axis A5' parallel or substantially parallel to the axis A2'.

[0068] The 40' jump can include: a jumper body 40b' comprising one end on which is arranged the beak 42', a spring 40a', and a roller 41' pivoting on one end of the spring, which is intended to cooperate with the jumper cam 22'.

[0069] The drive wheel 11' of the drive unit 20' is constantly driven by an hour wheel of the basic movement, not shown in the figures, so as to complete one revolution every 24 hours. This drive wheel 11' does not, however, include a unidirectional linkage device like that of the intermediate drive unit 10 of the first embodiment. Nevertheless, the chain located downstream of the drive wheel 11' still has a degree of rotational freedom relative to said wheel 11' thanks to the arrangement of the oblong cutout 11a' designed to cooperate with a pin 18' integral with the jump cam 22', the instantaneous jump cam 13', and the drive member 23'. The oblong cutout 11a' follows a portion of a circle coaxial with the axis A2' and allows the pin 18', and the components attached to it, to travel at least an angular range defined by the geometry of the instant jump cam 13'.This angular range is defined to allow adequate control of the drive element 23' for the date transition. This degree of freedom therefore allows the drive element 23' to decouple from the drive wheel 11' and the basic movement during the instantaneous jump step.

[0070] Similar to the first embodiment, the drive rocker 30' and the jumper 40' therefore cooperate with the instant jump cam 13' and the jumper cam 22' respectively via their rollers, 31' and 41' respectively. As illustrated in detail on the figures 23, 24 and 25The instant jump cam 13' and the jump cam 22' respectively comprise the same profiles as those of the first embodiment, namely an outer profile 22a', a disengagement profile 22b', an inner profile 22c', and a cocking profile 22d' for the jump cam 22', and a cocking profile 13a', an instant jump profile 13b', and a stopping profile 13c' for the instant jump cam 13'. The drive member 23' operates in the same way and comprises the same components as that of the first embodiment. More specifically, it comprises a first member 24', such as a rigid finger, and a second elastic member 25' for driving the teeth 50a'.

[0071] During the cocking stage, the drive wheel 11' drives, via the interaction of the oblong cutout 11a' and the stud 18', the jump cam 22', the instant jump cam 13', and the drive member 23'. As in the first embodiment, the roller 31' of the drive rocker 30' is located during this cocking stage on the cocking profile 13a' of the instant jump cam 13', and the roller 41' of the jumper 40' is located on the outer profile 22a' of the jumper cam 22'. The jumper 40' is therefore optimally cocked throughout this cocking stage.

[0072] As in the first embodiment, the winding step ends when the roller 31' reaches the end of the winding profile 13a' which adjoins the instantaneous jump profile 13b'. This is the instant that marks the end of the winding step and the beginning of the instantaneous jump step. This position, at the "cam peak", is illustrated in Figures 26 and 27At this instant, the instantaneous jump cam 13' becomes active, and the roller 31' instantaneously travels along the instantaneous jump profile 13b' until it reaches the stopping profile 13c'. All the energy required for the date change, stored until then by the energy storage device during the winding stage, is then released for the instantaneous drive of the date display wheel 50'. During this instantaneous jump stage, the drive member 23', the jump cam 22', and the instantaneous jump cam 13' advance freely and instantaneously thanks to the degree of rotational freedom conferred on the pin 18' within the oblong cutout 11a'. The angular amplitude of this oblong cutout 11a' is here sufficiently large so that the drive member 23' can travel the angular extent defined by the geometry of the instant jump cam 13', more particularly defined by the geometry of the profile 13b' of the instant jump cam 13'.

[0073] Similar to the device in the first embodiment, the spring 40a' of the jumper 40' is disarmed during the first approach substep of the instant jump step of the drive device 80' to reduce energy consumption during the second drive substep of the instant jump step of the drive device 80'. The spring 40a' is then re-armed during the third stop substep of the drive device 80', so that the spring 40a' is re-armed at the end of the instant jump step of the drive device 80'.

[0074] After the date change, the pin 18' is caught by the oblong cutout 11a' of the drive wheel 11'. This catch-up will last until the oblong cutout 11a' catches up with the angular range traveled by the drive member 23' necessary to drive the moving part 50'. Once the oblong cutout 11a' is again in contact with the pin 18', the system will begin a new winding stage and thus start accumulating energy again by winding the spring 30a' of the drive rocker 30' thanks to the winding profile 13a' of the instantaneous jump cam 13'.

[0075] As described previously, and analogously to the position-holding device 40 of the first embodiment, the position-holding device 40' can be actuated in various substeps by the activation and deactivation device 70'. A fourth substep, deactivating the position-holding device 40' by the activation and deactivation device 70', occurs during the instantaneous jump step of the drive device 80', more specifically during the first approach substep of the drive device 80'. A fifth substep, activating the position-holding device 40' by the activation and deactivation device 70', also occurs during the instantaneous jump step of the drive device 80', more specifically during the third stop substep of the drive device 80'.

[0076] The 90' ​​drive and positioning system thus comprises the following operating steps: an arming stage of the training device 80'; an instant jump stage of the training device 80', which is structured according to the following sub-stages: a first approach sub-stage; a second training sub-stage; a third stop sub-stage; a fourth deactivation sub-stage of the holding device in position 40' by the activation and deactivation device 70'; a fifth activation sub-stage of the holding device in position 40' by the activation and deactivation device 70'.

[0077] Preferably, regardless of the embodiment, the drive cam 13; 13' and the drive rocker 30; 30' are arranged so as to drive, instantaneously, the mobile 50; 50' displaying time information or information derived from time.

[0078] Preferably, regardless of the embodiment, the coupling device includes a link securing, according to at least one degree of freedom, the drive cam 13; 13' to the deactivation cam 22; 22'.

[0079] According to the first embodiment, the coupling device advantageously includes a gear 12, 21 linking the drive cam 13 and the deactivation cam 22.

[0080] According to the second embodiment, the coupling device advantageously includes a stud or pin 18' linking the drive cam 13' and the deactivation cam 22'. This is then a fixed or complete connection between the drive cam 13' and the deactivation cam 22'.

[0081] Preferably, regardless of the embodiment, the system, in particular the drive rocker 30; 30', includes a return spring 30a; 30a' for the drive rocker.

[0082] Preferably, regardless of the embodiment, the device for holding the mobile in position 40; 40' comprises a jumper 40; 40' including: a jumper body 40b; 40b', and a jumper spring 40a; 40a', and The activation and deactivation device 70; 70' comprises an actuating element acting on the jumper body 40b; 40b' or on the jumper spring 40a; 40a'. In the described embodiments, the action is exerted on the jumper spring 40a; 40a'. The actuating element may be the roller 41; 41'. More generally, it may be any element or configuration of the spring 40a; 40a' that comes into contact with the jumper cam 22; 22'. The actuating element may alternatively be an intermediate means arranged between the jumper cam 22; 22' and the jumper 40; 40'.

[0083] When the activation and deactivation device 70; 70' acts upon or drives the body of the jumper 40b; 40b' rather than the spring 40a; 40a', the position of the jumper 40; 40' can be modulated. Furthermore, the jumper 40; 40' could also be simply a rigid lever, without a return spring, which would lock and unlock the mobile 50; 50' depending on the position of the deactivation cam 22; 22'.

[0084] As illustrated previously, the jump cam 22; 22' and the instant jump cam 13; 13' can be directly joined to each other (in particular by a full connection or a fixed connection) as in the second embodiment, or kinematically linked by an intermediate gear as in the first embodiment. Other connecting means could be arranged, such as a chain of links or a driving finger.

[0085] Regardless of the embodiment, the jumper cam 22; 22' could simultaneously drive several jumpers for, for example, multiple moving parts or displays. In particular, it could include several distinct levels for driving these multiple jumpers. Complementarily or alternatively, the jumper cam 22; 22' can be kinematically linked to other jumper cam(s).

[0086] In the embodiments described above, a one-way linkage device 14 and an oblong cutout 11a' cooperating with a stud 18' have been arranged to decouple the basic movement of the instantaneous jump cam when it is driven during the instantaneous jump stage. Any other decoupling device that provides the system with a degree of freedom necessary for the instantaneous jump of a moving part could be arranged here, such as, for example, a missing toothed portion on the drive wheel or another freewheeling system.

[0087] In the embodiments described above, a roller 41; 41' is arranged at the end of the spring 40a; 40a' of the jumper 40; 40'. The roller helps to limit friction with the jumper cam 22; 22'. However, this arrangement is not essential. The system could function perfectly well without this roller, with one end of the spring 40a; 40a' directly bearing against the jumper cam 22; 22'.

[0088] Like the jumper 40; 40', the drive rocker 30; 30' could also be without a roller 31; 31' at its end.

[0089] The drive element 23; 23' could also be simplified by having only one rigid finger or only one elastic finger to drive the mobile 50; 50' and stop it.

[0090] The 90; 90' drive and hold system could also be used in any other calendar system and / or any other system requiring instantaneous switching between a function or display with indexing and / or holding of that function or display. For example, this drive and hold system could be judiciously adapted for driving a mobile display showing the current time.

[0091] The described 90; 90' drive and positioning system could also be adapted to a display system that includes another date display element, such as a pointer display. Furthermore, the date display system could include several date display elements, as is the case, for example, in a large date display system.

[0092] An execution method of operating the 90; 90' drive and position-holding system as described above and / or the 100; 100' clock calendar system as described above and / or the 110; 110' movement as described above and / or a 120; 120' clock part as described above is described below.

[0093] The operating process includes an instantaneous jump step of the drive device 80; 80' comprising the following sub-steps: a first sub-step of approach of the drive device 80; 80'; a fourth sub-step of deactivation of the holding device in position 40; 40' by the activation and deactivation device 70; 70' simultaneous with the first sub-step of approach of the drive device 80; 80'; a second sub-step of drive of the drive device 80; 80'; a third sub-step of stopping of the drive device 80; 80'; a fifth sub-step of activation of the holding device in position 40; 40' by the activation and deactivation device 70; 70' simultaneous with the third sub-step of stopping of the drive device 80; 80'.

[0094] More specifically, the instantaneous jump stage of the 80;80' training device comprises the following sub-stages: a first sub-step of approach of the drive device 80; 80', and a fourth sub-step of deactivation of the holding device in position 40; 40' by the activation and deactivation device 70; 70' simultaneous with the first sub-step of approach of the drive device 80; 80', and a second sub-step of drive of the drive device 80; 80', the deactivated state of the holding device in position 40; 40' being maintained during the second sub-step of drive of the drive device 80; 80', and a third sub-step of stopping of the drive device 80; 80', and a fifth sub-step of activation of the holding device in position 40; 40' by the activation and deactivation device 70; 70' simultaneous with the third sub-step of stopping, the activated state of the holding device in position 40; 40' being maintained until the next first sub-step of approach of the training device 80;80' (from the next instant jump stage). ;

[0095] In other words, the process allows the mobile 50; 50' to be moved while the position-holding device 40; 40' is deactivated. It also allows the position-holding device 40; 40' to be reactivated during the very instantaneous jump of the mobile 50; 50'.

[0096] There figure 28 allows us to illustrate a preferred execution mode of a system operating process 90; 90'. More specifically, the figure 28This illustrates a chronogram comprising an x-axis representing time t, and a y-axis representing the respective states of the position-holding device 40; 40' and the mobile drive device 50; 50'. In particular, the y-coordinates 0 and 1 correspond respectively to the deactivated and activated states of the position-holding device 40; 40', and to the stopped and driven states of the mobile device 50; 50', respectively. The time interval over which the process extends is represented by ti, which lies between the x-coordinates t1 and t6, corresponding respectively to the beginning and end of the instantaneous jump step of the drive device 80, 80'.

[0097] These different states follow one another as follows: t1: start of the first approach substep with the position-holding device 40; 40' in the activated state and the moving part 50; 50' in the stopped state, then t2: start of the fourth deactivation substep of the position-holding device 40; 40', then t3: while the position-holding device 40; 40' is in the deactivated state, the second drive substep of the moving part 50; 50' begins, then t4: start of the third stop substep, after the drive device 80; 80', more particularly the skipping beak 42; 42' has passed the top of the teeth 50a; 50a', and start of the fifth activation substep of the position-holding device 40; 40', then t5: while the position-holding device 40; 40' is in the activated state, the mobile 50; 50' is stopped, then t6: end of the instantaneous jump step, the position-holding device 40; 40' remains in the activated state.

[0098] As an alternative, the figure 29 illustrious, in the same way as the figure 28The different states of the position-holding device 40;40' during two successive second sub-steps of the drive mechanism 80;80' of a display unit 50;50'. This scenario could, for example, illustrate a date transition at the end of a short month in an annual, semi-perpetual, or perpetual calendar system, between the 30th and the 1st of the following month. This figure also highlights the fact that the position-holding device 40;40' would advantageously be deactivated and activated only once during the entire time interval corresponding to the two instantaneous jumps, specifically the two second sub-steps of the drive mechanism. By extension, it would also be possible to multiply the training sub-steps, for example to allow three, or even four successive date jumps, in particular for the transition from the 28th to the 1st of the following month of a semi-perpetual or perpetual calendar.In this case as well, the position-holding device 40; 40' would advantageously be deactivated and activated only once during the entire time interval corresponding to the multiple instantaneous jumps. Such an operating method is thus particularly advantageous in the context of a semi-perpetual or perpetual calendar. The multiple second sub-steps of the drive can be considered as a single second sub-step of the drive of several steps of the mobile 50; 50' displaying the time or time-derived information.

[0099] For example, the Figures 30 and 31illustrate a variation of a clockwork calendar system 100. In this particular variation, the calendar system is an annual calendar system whose operating principle is known from document EP1596261. More specifically, in this variation, the display wheel 50 carries a satellite 51 meshing with a planetary wheel 60. The satellite 51 is equipped with a satellite pinion 51a with four teeth corresponding to the four 30-day months of the year, which meshes with the fixed teeth of the planetary wheel 60. The tooth ratios of the satellite 51 and the planetary wheel 60 are chosen so that at the end of each 30-day month, one of the teeth of the satellite pinion 51a is located in the path of an additional finger 24a attached to the jumper cam 22 and the instantaneous jump cam 13 by means of the coupling device 12, 21.

[0100] The additional finger 24a is angularly offset relative to the first member 24 of the drive member 23. During the instantaneous jump step, due to the angular offset between the first member 24 and the additional finger 24a, it is the additional finger 24a that first encounters one of the teeth of the satellite pinion 51a and moves the display mobile 50 by one step, moving it from 30 to 31 then, during the same instantaneous jump step, the first member 24 takes over and drives a tooth of the teeth 50a of the display mobile 50 by a second step moving it from 31 to 1. Thus, during the same instantaneous jump step, the display mobile 50 moves from 30 to 1, therefore undergoing two second drive substeps.

[0101] As in the mechanism described in EP 1 596 261, the first component 24 and the additional finger 24a are both fixed to the instantaneous jump cam 13 by means of the coupling device 12, 21. Although arranged here on the same drive carriage 20, the first component 24 and the additional finger 24a could be arranged on two separate drive carriages. More broadly, there could be as many drive carriages fixed to the instantaneous jump cam 13 as there are drive components on the display carriage 50.

[0102] THE Figures 28 and 29 illustrate unit-step transitions between different states. Of course, these transitions may, for example, have a certain slope and not change state so abruptly.

[0103] Preferably, the activation of the holding device in position 40; 40', more particularly, the transition of the holding device in position 40; 40' to the activated state, is executed after an equilibrium point of the holding device has been crossed, in particular after a tooth crest of the indexing teeth 50a; 50a' has been crossed by the skipping beak 42; 42'.

[0104] As alternatives: the position-holding device 40; 40' could be kept in the deactivated state for at least the entire duration of the mobile drive 50; 50', or the position-holding device 40; 40' could switch to the deactivated state after the start of the mobile drive 50; 50'.

[0105] Thanks to the solutions described, it is possible to control the winding of a jumper indexing a moving part. This is made possible by the arrangement of a jumper cam kinematically linked to an instantaneous jump cam. The instantaneous jump cam, with its elastic rocker arm, allows the energy necessary for the jump to be accumulated. The jumper cam is configured to disarm the jumper only during certain sub-steps that make up the instantaneous jump of the moving part, or jumps of the moving part, when the energy accumulated by the elastic rocker arm cooperating with the instantaneous jump cam is released. Before and after the instantaneous jump, the jumper thus operates conventionally, with optimal winding for positioning and holding the moving part in position. The arrangement of such a system is therefore irrelevant to the user, for example, during rapid date correction.

[0106] Furthermore, thanks to its design, the instantaneous jump cam advantageously induces constant and evenly distributed energy consumption throughout the winding phase, or at least for most of it. This combines the benefit of reduced energy consumption through the use of a jump cam with the advantage of optimally distributing this energy consumption throughout the winding phase. The result is optimized energy consumption, reducing amplitude variations in the regulating organ and thus minimizing the negative impact on chronometry.

[0107] Furthermore, the one-way linkage device is arranged upstream of the cams. Advantageously, this device prevents the user from placing the system in a configuration where the jumper is disarmed. Therefore, it is not possible to place this system in a disarmed jumper configuration except during the instantaneous jump(s) corresponding to the date change.

[0108] Throughout this document, "indexing a moving object" refers to the definition of different stable positions of the object. These stable positions are defined by the object's position-holding device. These stable positions are separated by a continuum of unstable intermediate positions. The drive system moves the object from one stable position to another via this continuum of unstable intermediate positions. Between two stable positions, two indexed positions, or two indexing positions, the object transiently passes through a continuum of unstable intermediate positions. The device for activating and deactivating the positioning device enables the object's position-holding mechanism to be activated or deactivated.Preferably, throughout this document, it is assumed that, most of the time (except for certain substeps during the instantaneous jump(s) of the mobile), the holding device is activated or active, meaning that it generates a nominal indexing or holding torque for the mobile. The activation and deactivation mechanism then activates the holding device. Preferably, throughout this document, it is assumed that, in certain situations (during certain substeps of the instantaneous jump(s) of the mobile), the holding device is deactivated or inactive, meaning that it does not generate an indexing or holding torque for the mobile, or preferably that it generates a reduced indexing or holding torque for the mobile. The reduced torque is less than the nominal torque.

[0109] InThroughout this document, the term "synchronization of the drive cam and the deactivation cam" means that, during each action of the drive device (drive phase), the holding device is moved to the deactivated position; in particular, all holding devices are moved to the deactivated position if multiple holding devices are provided. In other words, as follows from the described embodiments, the connection securing the drive cam 13; 13' and the deactivation cam 22; 22', with at least one degree of freedom, is permanent.

[0110] Preferably, throughout this request, "instantaneous" means a duration on the order of one or more fractions of a second.

[0111] Regarding the operating process of the 90; 90' drive and positioning system as described above and / or the 100; 100' clockwork calendar system as described above and / or the 110; 110' movement as described above and / or a 120; 120' clockwork component as described above, sub-steps which do not necessarily start and / or end at the same times but which overlap at least partially in time are preferably described as "simultaneous".

[0112] In other words, the operating process preferably includes: a substep of deactivating the holding device 40; 40', and a substep of driving the mobile 50; 50', the deactivation and training sub-steps taking place simultaneously.

[0113] For example, the operating process may include the following sequence of sub-steps: transition of the holding device (40; 40') to the deactivated state, then drive of the mobile (50; 50'), then transition of the holding device (40; 40') to the activated state.

Claims

1. A system (90; 90') for driving and holding in position a mobile unit (50; 50') for displaying time or time derivative information, notably for displaying dates, comprising: - a driving device (80; 80') for driving a mobile unit (50; 50') comprising a driving cam (13; 13') and a driving lever (30; 30') provided to drive a driving member (23; 23'), - a device (40; 40') for holding a mobile unit (50; 50') in position, and - a device (70; 70') for activating and deactivating the position-holding device (40; 40') comprising a deactivation cam (22; 22'), the system being characterized in that it comprises a device (12, 21; 18') for mechanically coupling or synchronizing the driving cam (13; 13') and the deactivation cam (22; 22') such that, upon each action of the driving device, the position-holding device is moved into the deactivated position.

2. The system as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the driving cam (13; 13') and the driving lever (30; 30') are arranged so as to drive, instantaneously, the display mobile unit (50; 50') for displaying time or time derivative information.

3. The system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device comprises a gear (12, 21) linking the driving cam (13) and the deactivation cam (22).

4. The system as claimed in one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the coupling device comprises a link securing, according to at least one degree of freedom, the driving cam (13') to the deactivation cam (22'), in particular an embedding connection or a rigid joint between the driving cam (13') and the deactivation cam (22') implemented by a stud (18').

5. The system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the system, in particular the driving lever (30; 30'), comprises a driving lever return spring (30a; 30a').

6. The system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving device (80) comprises a driving wheel (11) and a one-way connection device (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) linking the driving wheel (11) and the driving cam (13).

7. The system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving device (80') comprises a driving wheel (11') and a mechanical connection (11a', 18') linking the driving wheel (11') and the driving cam (13'), the mechanical connection having an angular play in rotation about an axis (A2') of rotation of the driving wheel (11') and / or of the driving cam (13').

8. The system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (40; 40') for holding the mobile unit in position comprises a jumper (40; 40') comprising: - a jumper body (40b; 40b'), and - a jumper spring (40a; 40a'), and the activation and deactivation device (70; 70') comprises an action element on the jumper body (40b; 40b'), and / or the device (40; 40') for holding the mobile unit in position comprises a jumper (40; 40') comprising: - a jumper body (40b; 40b'), and - a jumper spring (40a; 40a'), and the activation and deactivation device (70; 70') comprises an action element on the jumper spring (40a; 40a').

9. A horological calendar system (100; 100') comprising: - a mobile unit (50; 50') for displaying time or time derivative information, and - a driving and position-holding system (90; 90') as claimed in one of the preceding claims.

10. A horological movement (110; 110') comprising a driving and position-holding system (90; 90') as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a horological calendar system (100; 100') as claimed in the preceding claim.

11. A timepiece (120; 120') in particular a wristwatch, comprising a driving and position-holding system (90; 90') as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a horological calendar system (100; 100') as claimed in claim 9 and / or a movement (110; 110') as claimed in the preceding claim.

12. A method for operating a driving and position-holding system (90; 90') as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a horological calendar system (100; 100') as claimed in claim 9 and / or a movement as claimed in claim 10 and / or a timepiece as claimed in claim 11, the method comprising a step of instantaneous jump of the driving device (80; 80') comprising the following substeps: - a first substep of approach of the driving device (80; 80'); - a fourth substep of deactivation of the position-holding device (40; 40') by the activation and deactivation device (70; 70'), simultaneous with the first substep of approach of the driving device (80; 80'); - a second substep of driving of the driving device (80; 80'); - a third substep of stopping of the driving device (80; 80'); - a fifth substep of activation of the position-holding device (40; 40') by the activation and deactivation device (70; 70') simultaneous with the third substep of stopping of the driving device (80; 80').

13. The operating method as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that: - the deactivated state of the position-holding device (40; 40') is maintained during the second substep of driving of the driving device (80; 80'), and - the activated state of the position-holding device (40; 40') is maintained until a next first substep of approach of the driving device (80; 80').

14. The operating method as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the second substep of driving of the driving device (80; 80') is a substep of driving of at least two pitches of the mobile unit (50; 50') for displaying time or time derivative information.

15. The operating method as claimed in one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the substeps are implemented exclusively when the driving lever (30; 30') drives the driving cam (13; 13') and / or wherein the substeps are implemented instantaneously.