SWITCHABLE DISPLAY MECHANISM FOR CLOCK

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a clockwork mechanism comprising a first mechanism, in particular a first gear, with a first movable output wheel pivoting, and a second mechanism, in particular a second gear, with a second movable output wheel pivoting, which are arranged to control the movement of a third mechanism, in particular a display mechanism for the respective, and alternating display, on at least one display means, of a first and a second indication specific respectively to the first mechanism and the second mechanism.

[0002] The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such timekeeping mechanism.

[0003] The invention relates to the field of watchmaking complications, and more particularly to the field of watch displays. Technological background

[0004] Switching between different displays is a complication appreciated by watch enthusiasts, requiring a significant amount of space within a mechanical timepiece due to the additional gears and mechanisms added to those of a basic display. The best-known applications are switching between a time display and a countdown timer on a chronograph, or changing time zones, as seen in documents EP1959317A1 and US2014 / 321247A1, for example.

[0005] The complexity of these mechanisms is such that such switching mechanisms are generally dedicated to a single application, and it is difficult to modify them to design other display changes. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention aims to develop a switching mechanism, particularly for display switching, that is as universal as possible and allows its use in very different applications. This switching mechanism is designed simply, avoiding the use of expensive and fragile differentials, which are often used in switching mechanisms. The use of relative positioning elements, such as cores, is also avoided.

[0007] For this purpose, the invention relates to a clockwork mechanism according to claim 1.

[0008] The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such timekeeping mechanism. Brief description of the figures

[0009] The aims, advantages, and features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the detailed description that follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which: there figure 1This figure schematically represents, in plan view, a conventional display mechanism such as a set of hands, which, in a particular and non-limiting application of the invention, is arranged to cooperate with one or the other of two mechanisms, in particular two gears. This figure illustrates a particular case where each of these gears is an output of an oscillator, the two oscillators possibly having completely different characteristics; the figure 2represents, schematically and in perspective, part of a commutating and clutching mechanism, this part constituting a commutating unit with two coaxial input shafts, each driving by friction a hub having a coupling relief, which hubs frame a sliding shaft which has, on each face, a complementary coupling relief arranged to cooperate, in a single angular position, with the coupling relief of the hub with which this sliding shaft is engaged at a given instant; this sliding shaft has a female square, allowing its axial sliding on a shaft to which it is rotationally fixed; the sliding shaft has an external groove allowing an external element such as a spring or lever to exert an axial force, downward or upward depending on the desired commutation with the upper or lower hub in the figure; the figure 3represents, schematically and in perspective, the same switching group, with the shaft carrying the sliding wheel, this shaft carries at its upper end an intermediate wheel here engaged with a minute track in the non-limiting example illustrated, and a drive wheel which is arranged to cooperate with a control mechanism, which comprises the switching and clutch mechanism according to the invention, to impose a rotation on the sliding wheel in order to find an angular coupling position with that of the hubs towards which the sliding wheel is pushed by the spring or lever mentioned above, which also belongs to this control mechanism; on this figure 3 The moving wheel is engaged with a second hub, in a lower position in the figure; the intermediate wheel then transmits the information from the second input wheel, in a lower position in the figure, to the minute track; the figure 4represents, schematically and in cross-section, the same switching group, in the same position as on the figure 3 ; the sliding wheel and the second lower hub are distinguished in a clutch position relative to each other, through the cooperation of their complementary reliefs; the Figure 5 represents, schematically, partially and in top view, the lower part of the same switching group, limited to the moving part and its shaft, the second lower hub, and the second lower input part, in the same position as on the figures 3 And 4; we distinguish the complementary cooperation reliefs: the second hub respectively includes a second clutch element, in the clutch position, with a second complementary clutch element that includes the sliding mobile; on this non-limiting embodiment, the sliding mobile includes a second complementary clutch element consisting of three female reliefs, which are oblongs not angularly equidistant, and placed on different radii with respect to the axis of the sliding mobile; the second hub includes a second clutch element consisting of three male reliefs, in the form of tenons with a sloped or radiused surface to facilitate meshing, these tenons are arranged geometrically identically to the three female reliefs of the sliding mobile; this arrangement makes it possible to guarantee a unique cooperation position per revolution, and precise indexing;Naturally, other compositions of male and female reliefs between the surfaces of the moving mobile and the antagonistic surfaces of the first hub and the second hub can be chosen without departing from the invention; the; figure 6 represents, schematically, partially and in top view, the same switching group in the same position as on the figures 3 And 4 ; there figure 7The figure schematically represents, in part and in perspective, the clockwork mechanism according to the invention, which comprises a plate and a control means, which includes in the foreground of the figure a spring control rocker, which is movable by pivoting between two stops, and whose support element, such as a support pin, exerts a force on a fork-shaped spring, mounted cantilevered from a rigid retaining element, such as a screw bearing, visible in the foreground on the left of the figure; each arm of this spring is engaged with a groove in the sliding part of a switching group; the switching group of the figures 2 to 6is visible in the left part of the figure, and relates, in this example, to the switching of a minute display, by meshing with a minute track visible in the rear part of the figure; another similar switching group is visible in the right part of the figure, and relates, in this example, to the switching of an hour display, by meshing with an hour track, here and not limited to coaxial with this minute track; the plate has a first cavity between the rigid retaining element of the spring and a support rim, and a second cavity beyond this support rim;It is understood that, depending on the angular position of the spring control rocker and therefore depending on the position of the support pin relative to the edge, the bending of the distal end of the spring, opposite the rigid retaining element of the spring and the support edge, is exerted in a first direction or in a second opposite direction, along a direction parallel to that of the axis of the sliding arm; the; figure 8 represents, in a very schematic, partial, and top-view manner, the angular travel of the spring control rocker, which allows the position of the support pin relative to the edge to be varied: a solid line is shown between the rigid spring retaining element and the support edge, and a dashed line is shown beyond this support edge; Figures 9 and 10 represent, in a very schematic, partial and cross-sectional way, the two positions of the figure 8 ; there figure 9with the support pin between the rigid retaining element of the spring and the support edge, which imparts an upward movement to the distal end of the spring, and drives the groove of the sliding mobile in an axial upward movement of the figure; the Figure 10 with the support pin beyond the support edge, which imparts a downward movement to the distal end of the spring, and drives the groove of the sliding mobile in an axial downward movement of the figure, in the opposite direction to that of the figure 9 ; there figure 11 represents, in a schematic, partial and perspective manner, the clockwork mechanism according to the invention, showing another part of the control means; while the part illustrated in figures 7 to 10fulfills a first function which consists of controlling an axial movement of the sliding mobile of a switching group, the spring control rocker is visible at the rear and in the center of the figure, and the spring support element is visible on the right of the figure; the new part of the control means illustrated here fulfills a second function which consists, once axial contact is established between the sliding mobile and the first or second hub, of imparting a rotational movement to the sliding mobile to seek the indexed position of synchronization with this respective first or second hub;To this end, the control means comprises a rake, visible in the foreground and on the right of the figure, which controls the rotation of a rake rocker, which carries moving parts visible in the central part of the figure, to impart a rotation to a drive wheel fixed in rotation to the sliding part, visible under the fixing screw at the end of the shaft of the sliding part; this series of moving parts includes at least one spring allowing the angular stroke of the rake to be completed in only one direction; this rake is disengaged after the drive wheel has been driven and the sliding part has been placed in the engagement position with the first or second respective hub, which allows this rake to return to the rest position; the; figure 12 represents, schematically and partially since some components are not shown, and in perspective, the main elements of the control system; the figure 13represents, schematically and partially, since some components, notably the spring, are not shown, and in perspective, the mechanism from a view where the rake's rocker is more clearly visible; the figure 14 represents, in a schematic, partial, and perspective way, the same mechanism; figure 15 represents, schematically, partially, and in perspective from another angle, the same mechanism, in which the minute switching group is distinguished in the front left part of the figure, and the hour switching group in the figure 7 in the rear and center of the figure; the figure 16 represents, schematically, partially, and in perspective from another angle close to a side view, the functional combination of the minute switching group and the hour switching group; the figure 17represents, schematically, partially, and in perspective from yet another angle, the functional combination of the minute switching group and the hour switching group; the two arms of the spring fork are clearly visible, inserted into the grooves of the respective sliding arms; their axial movement is therefore simultaneous; the figure 18 represents, schematically and in perspective, the rake's tilting mechanism and its angular travel limiting stops; the figure 19 represents, schematically and in cross-section, the spring control rocker and its guidance within the plate; Figure 20 represents, schematically and from a top view, a detail of the rake, the rake's rocker arm, and the moving parts it carries, in the position at the beginning of the rake's angular stroke; figure 21represents, schematically and from a top view, a detail of the rake, the rake's rocker arm, and the moving parts it carries, in the position of the rake's angular end of travel; the figure 22 represents, schematically and in perspective, a detail of the mechanism, in the starting position of the rake's angular stroke according to the Figure 20 ; there figure 23 represents, schematically and in perspective from another angle, a detail of the mechanism, in the starting position of the rake's angular stroke according to the Figure 20 ; one of the switching groups is removed to show the shape of the spring in its area of ​​interaction with a moving part; the figure 24 represents, schematically and in perspective from another angle, the insertion of part of the complete mechanism into two levels of the plate, with minimal bulk; the figure 25This is a block diagram representing a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising a mechanism according to the invention, including at least one such timekeeping mechanism, which includes a structure carrying the switching and clutching mechanism, as well as the control means, which includes a control element operable by the user. This timekeeping mechanism includes energy storage means, which are arranged to supply energy to the first and / or the second mechanism. The third mechanism is the display mechanism. Detailed description of the invention

[0010] The invention relates to the implementation of a switchable display for a timepiece, in particular but not limited to a watch.

[0011] More particularly, the invention relates to a clockwork mechanism 1000, which includes a first mechanism 100, in particular but not limited to a first gear, comprising a first output mobile 101 pivotally movable, and a second mechanism 200, in particular a second gear, comprising a second output mobile 102 pivotally movable.

[0012] The position of the first output mobile 101 is associated with a first input quantity, and the position of the second output mobile 102 is associated with a second input quantity.

[0013] This first mechanism 100 and this second mechanism 200 are arranged to control, each in turn, the movement of a third mechanism, and the drive of at least one third output component of this third mechanism. In the example illustrated in the figures, this third mechanism is a display mechanism capable of displaying the value of the first input quantity, or the second input quantity, according to a selection made by the user.

[0014] In particular, these output mobiles 101 and 102 are arranged to control the respective display, on at least one display means 800, 8, 28, alternately of a first and a second indication specific respectively to the first gear 100 and the second gear 200.

[0015] More specifically, this first mechanism 100 and this second mechanism 200 operate continuously, independently of each other, even though they can, for example, be powered by a single energy source.

[0016] According to the invention, the clock mechanism 1000 comprises a switching and clutching mechanism 500, which is arranged for alternating and exclusive clutching between, on the one hand, the first mechanism 100 or the second mechanism 200, which constitute two inputs operating more particularly each continuously, and on the other hand, the third mechanism constituting an output.

[0017] More particularly, this switching and clutching mechanism 500 comprises two input mobiles 1, 2, each consisting of an output mobile 101, 102, or driven directly by an output mobile 101, 102. This switching and clutching mechanism 500 comprises a sliding mobile 5, which is axially movable under permanent tension between the two input mobiles 1, 2, which sliding mobile 5 is arranged to cooperate alternately and exclusively with one or the other of the two input mobiles 1, 2, which mobile is selected under the action of a command printed by a user on a control means 300, which comprises the clockwork mechanism, to establish a drive link between the input mobile 1, 2, engaged with the sliding mobile 5 at the time considered, in particular in the application of a switchable display with a display means 800, 8, 28.

[0018] More specifically, the moving mobile 5 and the two input mobiles 1, 2, are coaxial around a moving mobile axis D1. The moving mobile 5 can be axially engaged with only one at a time of the two input mobiles 1, 2, by cooperation of complementary reliefs in a unique relative angular position for each input mobile 1, 2.

[0019] The sliding mobile 5 is held in its clutch position by at least one spring or lever, which is included in the control means 300, and which is arranged to control and then maintain the axial position of the sliding mobile 5.

[0020] This control means 300 is further arranged to impart a rotational stroke to the sliding mobile 5, in order to search for the first clutch position between the sliding mobile 5 and the mobile towards which it is pushed.

[0021] The user can command the control means 300 to disengage the one of the first mechanism 100 and second mechanism 200 that is engaged with the third mechanism, and then to engage the other of the first mechanism 100 and second mechanism 200 with this third mechanism.

[0022] More particularly, the switching and clutching mechanism 500 includes a structure 600, which includes a raised edge 10, with which a blade 9, which is part of the control means 300, cooperates in support to modify the position of a sliding mobile 5 which is part of this switching and clutching mechanism 500.

[0023] More particularly, the sliding mobile 5 is a coaxial clutch sliding sleeve with on the one hand a first hub 3 driven by friction by the first input mobile 1, in particular by means of elastic arms 13, and on the other hand a second hub 4 driven by friction by the second input mobile 2, in particular by means of elastic arms 24, and the first input mobile 1, respectively the second input mobile 2, is arranged to drive the first hub 3, respectively the second hub 4.

[0024] This moving part 5 is arranged to cooperate alternately and exclusively, by front snapping into a single position per revolution, with one or the other of the two input parts 1 or 2, which is selected by a command printed by the user on the control means 3000, to establish a drive connection between, on the one hand, the input part 1, 2, which is engaged with the moving part 5 at the given moment, and on the other hand, a third output part to rotate it through a characteristic stroke, as the case may be, of the first or second input quantity. In an advantageous application, the third output part belongs to the third mechanism, which is a display mechanism.

[0025] The invention is described for the specific, but not limiting, case of switching a minute display and switching an hour display, these terms being used herein to designate the various components. Naturally, the invention is also applicable to switching displays for other horological quantities, for example, GMT, calendar, or others, or to a switching mechanism for transmitting force, a command, or other signals, the display being a specific, but not limiting, application of the invention.

[0026] This first hub 3 and this second hub 4 respectively comprise a first clutch element 301 and a second clutch element 401, which are arranged to cooperate alternately in the clutch position, one at a time, with a first complementary clutch element 5301 or with a second complementary clutch element 5401 which comprises the sliding mobile 5.

[0027] And the control means 300 is arranged to impart an axial stroke to the sliding mobile 5 towards a support on the first hub 3 or respectively on the second hub 4, and to impart a rotational stroke to the sliding mobile 5 to search for the first clutch position between the sliding mobile 5 and the first hub 3, or respectively the second hub 4, towards which it is pushed.

[0028] More particularly, the switching and clutching mechanism 500 includes at least one elastic return means 900, 9, which is arranged to axially push the sliding mobile 5 in support of the first hub 3, or respectively the second hub 4, towards which it is pushed.

[0029] More specifically, the first clutch element 301 and the second clutch element 401 are respectively a first dog clutch element and a second dog clutch element, which are arranged to cooperate alternately in the dog clutch position, one at a time, with the first complementary clutch element 5301 or with the second complementary clutch element 5401, which are respectively a first complementary dog ​​clutch element and a second complementary dog ​​clutch element.

[0030] More specifically, the control means 300 is arranged to impart a rotational stroke to an intermediate wheel 7 fixed in rotation to the sliding mobile 5 in order to seek a clutch position between the sliding mobile 5 and the first hub 3 or the second hub 4, towards which it is pushed.

[0031] More particularly, the sliding mobile 5 has, on a first face turned towards the first hub 3, and on a second face turned towards the second hub 4, at least one tenon, or respectively a groove, which is arranged or arranged to cooperate in a complementary way with a groove, respectively a tenon, which has the first hub 3, and respectively the second hub 4, on a unique cooperation position during a relative rotation less than or equal to 360°, during the rotational stroke of the sliding mobile 5.

[0032] More particularly, the moving mobile 5 is mounted sliding on a shaft 6 with which it is indexed in rotation, which shaft 6 is arranged to drive in rotation, directly or indirectly, a display means 800, 8, 28.

[0033] More specifically, this shaft 6 is arranged to drive in rotation a display means 800, 8, 28, through a gear incorporating the intermediate wheel 7, or through the intermediate wheel 7, which is indexed in rotation with the shaft 6.

[0034] More specifically, the switching and clutching mechanism 500 comprises a structure 600, on which is fixed, by a rigid retaining element 14, at least one elastic return means 900, 9. The latter comprises at least one main leaf spring 9, which bears against a rim 10 of the structure 600, and includes a spring control rocker 12, which is pivotally mounted by means of a guide block 1200 inserted in the plate 600, and which is actuated by the control means 300. This spring control rocker 12 carries a support pin 11, which is pushed on the elastic return means 900, 9, by a support spring 13 carried by the spring control rocker 12.This support pin 11 is arranged to exert its support in cantilever on one or the other side of the edge 10, according to the angular position of the spring control rocker 12, to control a movement of the sliding mobile 5 in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction, according to the direction of the axis of the sliding mobile D1, for example by support in a groove 59 of the sliding mobile 5.

[0035] More specifically, to impart a rotational stroke to the intermediate wheel 7, the control means 300 includes a control element which is arranged to control a rotation of the spring control rocker 12, then to control a rotation of a rake 15 meshing with a rake rocker 16. This rake rocker 16 carries a control wheel 20 which is arranged to mesh or not, depending on the angular position of the rake rocker 16, with a drive wheel 21 which is rotationally fixed to the sliding mobile 5.

[0036] More specifically, the first output mobile 101 and the second output mobile 102 are in permanent rotation.

[0037] The invention is usable for displaying all kinds of quantities.

[0038] More specifically, the first output mobile 101 and second output mobile 202 are arranged to control the respective display, on at least one display means 800, 8, 28, of a first and a second indication, which are time indications.

[0039] A non-limiting example of application of the invention is described below for the display of two separate time indications, on the same display support 800, in this case comprising an hour hand 28 and a minute hand 8.

[0040] More specifically, the first gear 100 is driven by a first regulating organ 1100, the second gear 200 is driven by a second regulating organ 1200, and this first regulating organ 1100 and this second regulating organ 1200 are arranged to operate continuously, independently of each other, and without user intervention, for the respective display of a first and a second time indication, and respectively comprise a first input mobile 1 and a second input mobile 2 which are in permanent rotation.

[0041] More specifically, this first regulating element 1100 and this second regulating element 1200 are regulated differently. In a particular case, the first regulating element 1100 is set to display a first time period, and the second regulating element 1200 is set to display a second time period. The control means 300 allows the user to display the time at will according to the first time period or according to the second time period, and the mechanism according to the invention allows the counting of whichever of the two time periods is not displayed at the current instant to continue.

[0042] There figure 2This illustrates the commutation and clutching mechanism 500 for the example above: the first gear 100, dedicated to the first beat, drives a first input wheel 1, which is a lower first minute wheel; the second gear 200, dedicated to the second beat, drives a second input wheel 2, which is an upper second minute wheel. These notions of "lower" and "upper" do not imply any priority and serve only to distinguish the two mechanisms by name. The first input wheel 1 is friction-linked to a first hub 3, and the second input wheel 2 is friction-linked to a second hub 4. The first hub 3 and second hub 4 respectively comprise a first clutch element 301 and a second clutch element 401, here consisting of projections extending in a direction parallel to that of the sliding shaft axis D1 and distributed over different diameters, as can be seen in the Figure 5The distal part of these projections is sloped or radiating to facilitate engagement with grooves in the sliding element 5. These grooves, which are projected onto a plane perpendicular to axis D1 and complementary to the projections, constitute the first complementary clutch element 5301 and the second complementary clutch element 5401. Naturally, these grooves can coincide on both faces of the sliding element 5 to simplify manufacturing. The fixed engagement between the first hub 3, or respectively the second hub 4, with the sliding element 5 is only possible in a single position per 360° revolution, as shown in the diagram. Figure 5 .

[0043] The axial clutch along the direction of the sliding shaft axis D1 is easy to implement: the sliding shaft 5 is mobile on the shaft 6 according to a square profile 68 visible on the figure 3This shaft 6 carries an intermediate wheel 7, which is thus rotationally fixed to the sliding wheel 5. This intermediate wheel 7 meshes with a minute track 8, pivoting around a display axis D8. The sliding wheel 5 thus ensures the coupling between this minute track 8 and the hub 3 or 4, corresponding to the minute wheel 1 or 2, depending on the time information to be displayed. figures 3 And 4 corresponding to the display of the second time, it would be necessary to slide the moving mobile 5 towards the top of the figure for the display of the first time.

[0044] THE figures 8 to 10illustrate more particularly how a rotation imposed on the spring control rocker 12, relative to a rocker pivot axis D12, notably between two stroke limiting stops 121 and 122, makes it possible to modify the position of the support pin 11 cantilevered on one or the other side of the edge 10, depending on the angular position of the spring control rocker 12, to control a movement of the sliding element 5 in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the direction of the sliding element axis D1. On the figure 9 The fulcrum of the support pin 11 is located between, on the one hand, the rigid retaining element 14, for example a screw with a bearing surface, which secures the main spring blade 9 to the structure 600, and on the other hand, the protruding edge 10 of this structure 600; the sliding mobile 5 is then moved axially towards the top of the figure. On the Figure 10the fulcrum of the support pin 11 is located outside the area delimited by the rigid retaining element 14 and the border 10, and bears on the cantilevered part of the main spring blade 9; the sliding mobile 5 is then moved axially towards the bottom of the figure.

[0045] However, the axial clutch alone is not sufficient, since it is necessary to find the angular position of concordance between the sliding mobile 5 and the hub 3 or 4 corresponding to the display to be made.

[0046] To this end, the control means 300 includes means for rotating the moving part 5, arranged to impose a rotation on it relative to the first hub 3, or respectively to the second hub 4, towards which it is axially pushed, in order to find the unique position of agreement over a rotation less than or equal to 360°. figures 11 to 15illustrate an example of a design that is by no means limiting, which is distinguished by a low thickness, which is advantageous for allowing the accommodation of other complications in the timepiece.

[0047] As described above, the control means 300 comprises a control element, which is arranged to control the rotation of the spring-loaded control rocker 12, and then to control the rotation of a rake 15 meshing with a rocker wheel 17, which is integral with a rake rocker 16. This allows the rake rocker 16 to pivot around the axis of the rocker wheel 17. This rake 15 only operates in one direction of rotation; it is returned by a spring. The rocker wheel 17 meshes with a control pinion 18, which is also carried by the rake rocker 16. The control pinion 18 is coaxial along an axis D20 with a control wheel 20, to which it is connected by a spiral spring 19. This control wheel 20 is friction-mounted on its shaft. As can be seen in the figure 18The rake rocker 16 advantageously comprises an arm 160 which is movable between two angular stroke limiting stops 1601, 1602, preferably each adjustable in position by an eccentric. This figure 18 shows the housings 161 and 162 of the various moving parts carried by the rake rocker 16. The control wheel 20 is thus arranged to mesh or not, depending on the angular position of the rake rocker 16, with a drive wheel 21, also visible on the figures 3 , 4 , 6 and 7 , which is fixed in rotation to the moving wheel 5 around the axis of the moving wheel D1. It is thus possible to impart a rotational stroke to the intermediate wheel 7. The latter is held on the shaft 6 of the moving wheel 5 by a screw 67.

[0048] If we return to the specific case of displaying the time according to the first beat or the second beat, the sequence for switching the display from a second-beat indication to a first-beat indication unfolds as follows: the spring control rocker 12 pivots clockwise and acts on the main spring blade 9 as on the figure 9, to disengage the sliding element 5 from the second hub 4, momentarily allowing it to rotate freely while axially pushing the sliding element 5 towards the first hub 3; the rake 15 is then driven to drive the rocker wheel 17, and to pivot the rake rocker 16, and to drive the shaft 6 with which the sliding element 5 is rotationally fixed, via the gear train comprising the drive pinion 18, the drive wheel 20, and the drive wheel 21; the sliding element 5 is always pushed against the first hub 3 by the action of the main spring blade 9; the sliding element 5 is rotated until its angular position for cooperation with the first hub 3 is reached; the clutch between the first hub 3 and the sliding element 5 allows the axial travel of the latter to end, reaching its upper stop in the case of the figure 4The presence of the spiral spring 19 allows the rake 15 to travel its entire stroke, even after the clutch between the first hub 3 and the sliding wheel 5. After the completion of the complete angular stroke of the rake 15, the latter returns in a counter-clockwise direction, towards its rest position, under the action of the rocker wheel 17 during the pivoting of the rake rocker 16, and the clearance between the control wheel 20 and the drive wheel 21; the spring control rocker 12 is held in position, in order to maintain the axial force on the sliding wheel 5 and press it against the first hub 3.

[0049] THE figures 15 to 17 illustrate the extension of the principle described above, to allow the display of several time quantities based on the display of the minute by a minute switching group 26, illustrated by the figures 3 to 14, a similar structure concerns a 27-hour switching group.

[0050] Similarly, the switching and clutching mechanism 500, which includes two secondary input mobiles 91, 92. A secondary sliding mobile 95 is axially mobile under permanent tension between the two secondary input mobiles 91, 92.

[0051] More specifically, the secondary sliding wheel 95, having a groove 959, and the two secondary input wheels 91 and 92, are coaxial around a secondary sliding wheel axis D2. More specifically, the secondary sliding wheel 95 is a coaxial clutch sliding sleeve with, on one side, a first secondary hub 93 driven by friction from the first secondary input wheel 91, and on the other side, a second secondary hub 94 driven by friction from the second secondary input wheel 92. The first secondary input wheel 91, and the second secondary input wheel 92 respectively, are arranged to drive the first secondary hub 93 and the second secondary hub 94 respectively. All the components of this assembly dedicated to switching the hour display are analogous to those of the minute display; the individual markers are the same, preceded by the number "9".The connection between the minute switching group 26 and the hour switching group 27 is achieved by adding, to the minute switching group 26, intermediate transfer wheels 22 and 23 fixed respectively to the first hub 3 and the second hub 4, and transition wheels 24 and 25, which respectively drive the first secondary hub 93 and the second secondary hub 94. A secondary shaft 96 carries a secondary intermediate wheel 97, held by a secondary screw 967, and which drives an hour wheel 28, here coaxial with the minute wheel 8. In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in . figure 17 , the main spring blade 9 is fork-shaped, each of whose branches acts on the corresponding sliding mobile 5, 95.

[0052] This first hub 3 and this second hub 4 respectively comprise a first clutch element 301 and a second clutch element 401, which are arranged to cooperate alternately in the clutch position, one at a time, with a first complementary clutch element 5301 or with a second complementary clutch element 5401 which comprises the sliding mobile.

[0053] And the control means 300 is arranged to impart an axial stroke to the sliding mobile 5 towards a support on the first hub 3 or respectively on the second hub 4, and to impart a rotational stroke to the sliding mobile 5 to search for the first clutch position between the sliding mobile 5 and the first hub 3, or respectively the second hub 4, towards which it is pushed.

[0054] More particularly, the switching and clutching mechanism 500 includes at least one elastic return means 900, 9, which is arranged to axially push the sliding mobile 5 in support of the first hub 3, or respectively the second hub 4, towards which it is pushed.

[0055] More specifically, the clockwork mechanism 1000 includes energy storage means 3000 which are arranged to supply energy to the first regulating organ 1100 and the second regulating organ 1200.

[0056] More specifically, the 3000 energy storage means include a common energy source arranged to simultaneously supply energy to the first regulating organ 1100 and the second regulating organ 1200.

[0057] More specifically, one of the first regulating organs (1100) and the second regulating organ (1200) comprises an oscillator arranged to oscillate at a maximum frequency, and the other comprises an oscillator arranged to oscillate at a minimum frequency. More specifically, the maximum frequency is less than or equal to ten times the minimum frequency.

[0058] The switching between a first and second display indication on the same display medium, such as a conventional turnout illustrated by the figure 1 This requires three phases: disengaging the first gear corresponding to the first display indication, synchronizing the second gear corresponding to the second display indication, and then engaging the second gear. These three phases are accomplished using two functional mechanisms: the axial clutch, which allows the engagement and disengagement of each gear relative to the sliding mobile; the rotation drive mechanism, which allows the capture of the new information to be displayed;

[0059] The invention also relates to a 2000 timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such 1000 timepiece mechanism.

Claims

1. Horological mechanism (1000) comprising a first mechanism (100) comprising a first output wheel set (101) capable of pivoting, and a second mechanism (200) comprising a second output wheel set (102) capable of pivoting, the position of said first output wheel set (101) being associated with a first input variable, and the position of said second output wheel set (102) being associated with a second input variable, and whereby said first mechanism (100) and said second mechanism (200) are arranged to control, each in turn, the motion of a third mechanism, and the driving of at least a third output wheel set comprised in said third mechanism, characterised in that said horological mechanism (1000) comprises a switching and coupling mechanism (500) arranged for the alternating and exclusive coupling between, on the one hand, said first mechanism (100) or said second mechanism (200), which constitute two inputs each operating continuously, and on the other hand, said third mechanism constituting an output, in that said horological mechanism (1000) comprises a control means (300) that can be operated by a user to uncouple the mechanism from among said first mechanism (100) and second mechanism (200) that is engaged with said third mechanism, and to engage the other from among said first mechanism (100) and second mechanism (200) with said third mechanism, said switching and coupling mechanism (500) comprising mechanical means for coupling, in a single angular position per revolution, on the one hand said first mechanism (100) or said second mechanism (200), and on the other hand said third mechanism, said mechanical coupling means allowing for coupling solely in said single angular position, and characterised in that said switching and coupling mechanism (500) comprises a structure (600), which comprises a raised edge (10), with which a strip (9) comprised in said control means (300) cooperates via abutment in order to modify the position of a sliding wheel set (5) comprised in said switching and coupling mechanism (500).

2. Horological mechanism (1000) according to claim 1, characterised in that said mechanism (1000) comprises a said switching and coupling mechanism (500) to produce a switchable display, in that said third mechanism is a display mechanism for the respective display, on demand, on said at least one third output wheel set, which is a display means (800, 8, 28), of a first indication or a second indication characteristic of said first input variable or of said second input variable.

3. Horological mechanism (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said first mechanism is a first train (100) comprising said first output wheel set (101), and in that said second mechanism is a second train (200) comprising said second wheel set (102), which are arranged to control the respective, alternating display, on at least one display means (800, 8, 28), of a first and of a second indication specific to the first train (100) and to the second train (200) respectively, in that said switching and coupling mechanism (500) comprises two input wheel sets (1; 2), each constituted by a said output wheel set (101; 102), or driven directly by a said output wheel set (101; 102), and in that said sliding wheel set (5) is capable of moving axially under constant strain between said two input wheel sets (1; 2), which sliding wheel set (5) is arranged to cooperate alternately and exclusively with either one of said two input wheel sets (1; 2), selected under the action of a command imparted by a user to said control means (300), to establish a driving connection between said input wheel set (1; 2) engaged with said sliding wheel set (5) at the given moment in time, with a said display means (800, 8, 28), to produce a switchable display.

4. Horological mechanism (1000) according to claim 3, characterised in that said sliding wheel set (5) and said two input wheel sets (1; 2) are coaxial around a slide axis (D1), and in that said sliding wheel set (5) can be axially coupled with only one of said two input wheel sets (1; 2) at a time, by the cooperation of complementary reliefs in a single relative angular position for each said input wheel set (1; 2), and is held in the coupling position thereof by at least one spring or lever comprised in said control means (300), and which is arranged to control and then hold the axial position of said sliding wheel set (5), and in that said control means (300) is further arranged to impart rotational travel to said sliding wheel set (5), to find the first coupling position between said sliding wheel set (5) and the wheel set towards which it is pushed.

5. Horological mechanism (1000) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that said sliding wheel set (5) is a sliding coupling sleeve coaxial with, on the one hand, a first hub (3) frictionally driven by said first input wheel set (1), and on the other hand, a second hub (4) frictionally driven by said second input wheel set (2), and in that said first input wheel set (1), or respectively said second input wheel set (2), is arranged to drive said first hub (3), or respectively said second hub (4), which first hub (3) and second hub (4) respectively comprise a first coupling element (301) and a second coupling element (401), which are arranged to cooperate alternately in the coupling position, one at a time, with a first complementary coupling element (5301) or with a second complementary coupling element (5401) comprised in said sliding wheel set (5), and in that said control means (300) is arranged to impart axial travel to said sliding wheel set (5) as far as abutment against said first hub (3) or respectively against said second hub (4), and to impart rotational travel to said sliding wheel set (5) to find the first coupling position between said sliding wheel set (5) and said first hub (3), or respectively said second hub (4), towards which it is pushed.

6. Horological mechanism (1000) according to claim 5, characterised in that said switching and coupling mechanism (500) comprises at least one resilient return means (900, 9), which is arranged to axially push said sliding wheel set (5) to abut against said first hub (3), or respectively said second hub (4), towards which it is pushed.

7. Horological mechanism (1000) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that said first coupling element (301) and said second coupling element (401) are respectively a first claw element and a second claw element, which are arranged to alternately cooperate in a clawing position, one at a time, with said first complementary coupling element (5301) or with said second complementary coupling element (5401), which are respectively a first complementary claw element and a second complementary claw element.

8. Horological mechanism (1000) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that said control means (300) is arranged to impart rotational travel to an intermediate wheel (7) integral with said sliding wheel set (5) for rotation therewith, to find a coupling position between said sliding wheel set (5) and said first hub (3) or said second hub (4) towards which it is pushed.

9. Horological mechanism (1000) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that said sliding wheel set (5) comprises, on a first face facing said first hub (3), and on a second face facing said second hub (4), at least one post, or respectively one groove, which is arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner with a groove, or respectively a post, comprised in said first hub (3), and respectively said second hub (4), in a single cooperation position during a relative rotation of less than or equal to 360°, during said rotational travel of said sliding wheel set (5).

10. Horological mechanism (1000) according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterised in that said sliding wheel set (5) is mounted such that it slides on an arbor (6) with which it is rotationally indexed, which arbor (6) is arranged to cause, either directly or indirectly, a said display means (800, 8, 28) to rotate.

11. Horological mechanism (1000) according to claims 8 and 10, characterised in that said arbor (6) is arranged to cause a said display means (800, 8, 28) to rotate, through a train incorporating said intermediate wheel (7), or through said intermediate wheel (7), which is rotationally indexed with said arbor (6).

12. Horological mechanism (1000) according to claim 6 and one of claims 3 to 11, characterised in that said at least one resilient return means (900, 9) is fixed to said structure (600) via a rigid holding element (14), which at least one resilient return means (900, 9) comprises at least one main spring strip (9), which is supported on said edge (10) comprised in said structure (600), and comprises a spring control lever (12), mounted such that it pivots and which can be operated by said control means (300), and which carries a support pin (11) pushed onto said resilient return means (900, 9) by a support spring (13) carried by said spring control lever (12), said support pin (11) being arranged to be supported in a cantilevered manner on one or the other side of said edge (10), depending on the angular position of said spring control lever (12), in order to control a motion of said sliding wheel set (5) in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to said first direction, in the direction of said slide axis (D1).

13. Horological mechanism (1000) according to claims 8 and 12, characterised in that, in order to impart said rotational travel to said intermediate wheel (7), said control means (300) comprises a control element arranged to control a rotation of said spring control lever (12), and then to control a rotation of a rack (15) meshing with a rack lever (16) carrying a control wheel (20) arranged to mesh or not to mesh, depending on the angular position of said rack lever (16), with a drive wheel (21) integral with said sliding wheel set (5) for rotation therewith.

14. Horological mechanism (1000) according to one of claims 3 to 13, characterised in that said first output wheel set (101) and said second output wheel set (102) are in constant rotation.

15. Horological mechanism (1000) according to one of claims 3 to 14, characterised in that said first output wheel set (101) and second output wheel set (202) are arranged to control the respective display, on at least one said display means (800, 8, 28), of at least a first and a second said indications, which are time indications.

16. Horological mechanism (1000) according to one of claims 3 to 15, characterised in that said first train (100) is driven by a first regulating member (1100), in that said second train (200) is driven by a second regulating member (1200), and in that said first regulating member (1100) and second regulating member (1200) are arranged to operate continuously, independently of one another, and without user intervention, for the respective display of at least a first and a second time indication, and respectively comprise a first input wheel set (1) and a second input wheel set (2) which are in constant rotation.

17. Horological mechanism (1000) according to claim 16, characterised in that said first regulating member (1100) and said second regulating member (1200) are regulated in a different way.

18. Horological mechanism (1000) according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that said horological mechanism (1000) comprises energy storage means (3000) arranged to supply energy to said first regulating member (1100) and second regulating member (1200).

19. Horological mechanism (1000) according to claim 18, characterised in that said energy storage means (3000) comprise a common energy source arranged to supply energy simultaneously to each of said first regulating member (1100) and second regulating member (1200).

20. Horological mechanism (1000) according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterised in that one of said first regulating member (1100) and second regulating member (1200) comprises an oscillator arranged to oscillate at a maximum frequency, and the other thereof comprises an oscillator arranged to oscillate at a minimum frequency, and said maximum frequency is less than or equal to ten times said minimum frequency.

21. Timepiece (2000) comprising at least one horological mechanism (1000) according to one of claims 3 to 20.