CLOCKWORK DRIVE DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a clockwork drive device. The invention also relates to a clockwork calendar comprising such a clockwork drive device. The invention further relates to a clockwork movement comprising such a clockwork drive device or such a clockwork calendar. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a clockwork movement, such a clockwork drive device, or such a clockwork calendar. The invention also relates to a method of operating such a clockwork movement, such a timepiece, such a clockwork drive device, or such a clockwork calendar.

[0002] Il is known from the state of the art of instantaneous clockwork calendar systems which have a drive unit with a cam which cooperates with an energy accumulation device, such as a cam rocker associated with a spring.

[0003] Driven by a drive wheel, the cam winds the energy storage device during a winding phase and then releases the energy during an instantaneous drive phase of the timer. The cam then acts as a drive and rotates relative to the drive wheel. The released energy powers the cam and a mechanism located downstream of it.

[0004] At the end of the instantaneous training phase, in a catch-up phase, the cam is immobilized until it is caught and driven again by the drive wheel in order to arm the energy accumulation device.

[0005] The catch-up phase can last approximately 4 to 11 hours, depending on the calendar design. During this catch-up phase, the drive wheel spins freely and consumes very little energy compared to the winding phase. This results in variations in the amplitude of the watch movement's oscillator due to the difference in load on the drive wheel between the catch-up and winding phases.

[0006] Patent EP2407833B1 discloses a solution utilizing an instantaneous date drive mechanism including an auxiliary energy accumulation means for compensating for gear backlash in a time display gear.

[0007] The instant training device operates conventionally, and successively presents: an arming phase in which a calendar cam is driven by a drive wheel so as to arm a spring by means of a cam rocker, an instantaneous drive phase in which the spring is disarmed, the cam then becomes driving and advances relative to the drive wheel, and a catch-up phase, in which the drive wheel catches up with the advance of the calendar cam immobilized after the jump.

[0008] The distinctive feature of the disclosed solution lies in the fact that the auxiliary energy storage device is positioned between the calendar cam and the drive wheel. This device is wound during the adjustment phase and is designed to generate a resistive torque on the drive wheel. Consequently, the time display gear is also under tension during the adjustment phase, thus minimizing backlash in the gear train.

[0009] However, the winding torque of the auxiliary energy storage device must be lower than the torque required to wind the cam rocker spring. Therefore, the auxiliary energy storage device cannot provide significant energy accumulation equivalent to that provided by winding the cam rocker spring.

[0010] The aim of the invention is to provide a clockwork drive device that improves upon known prior art devices. In particular, the invention proposes a clockwork drive device that optimizes energy consumption over time, especially over the rotation period of a drive wheel.

[0011] According to the invention, a drive device is defined by claim 1.

[0012] Embodiments of the drive device are defined by claims 2 to 9.

[0013] According to the invention, a clockwork calendar is defined by claim 10.

[0014] According to the invention, a watch movement is defined by claim 11.

[0015] According to the invention, a timepiece is defined by claim 12.

[0016] According to the invention, an operating method is defined by claim 13.

[0017] Execution methods of the operating process are defined by claims 14 and 15.

[0018] The attached drawings represent, by way of example, two embodiments of a timepiece according to the invention. There figure 1 This is a view of a first embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention, with a drive device seen from the dial side. figure 2is a view of the first embodiment of the timepiece according to the invention, the drive device being viewed from the movement side. figure 3 is a set of views of the training device comprising an exploded view and two perspective views. figures 4 to 10 These are views of operating sequences of the first embodiment of the drive device. figures 11 to 17 are views of operating sequences of a second embodiment of the drive device, the figures 11 to 17 illustrating the second embodiment being respectively equivalent to figures 4 to 10 illustrating the first method of implementation.

[0019] A first embodiment of a 500 timepiece is described below in detail with reference to figures 4 to 10 .

[0020] A timepiece 500 is, for example, a watch, specifically a wristwatch. A timepiece 500 includes a watch movement 400 intended to be mounted in a case or box to protect it from the external environment.

[0021] The 400 watch movement is a mechanical movement, specifically an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement or an electronic movement.

[0022] The 400 watch movement includes a 300-minute calendar.

[0023] The 300-day clockwork calendar includes: at least one display element 200, in particular a date display element, especially a date display disc, and a clockwork drive device 100, at least one display element 200 and the drive device 100 being arranged so that the drive device 100 is capable of driving at least one display element 200. The drive is of the instantaneous or instantaneous jump type.

[0024] The calendar system 300 allows the display, via at least one display element 200, of at least one calendar information such as day, date, month, year, leap year, and moon phase.

[0025] At least one calendar information can be carried by at least one display element 200 such as a pointer or a disc.

[0026] The 100 watchmaking training device includes: an input mobile 13; a main cam 11 having a main cam profile 11a, 11b, 11c, the main cam 11 being linked to the input mobile (i) with an angular clearance or (ii) via a unidirectional coupling; an auxiliary cam 12 linked to the input mobile, in particular fixed on the input mobile or integral with the input mobile, and having an auxiliary cam profile 12a, a cam follower 21 capable of cooperating with the profile 11a, 11b, 11c and / or with the profile 12a, and an energy accumulator 22 elastically returning the cam follower 21 towards the main cam profile 11a, 11b, 11c and towards the auxiliary cam profile 12a.

[0027] The watch drive device 100, in particular the main cam and the auxiliary cam, is arranged so that the cam follower 21 comes into contact, or substantially into contact, with the profile of the auxiliary cam as soon as the main cam 11 is driven, by an action of the energy accumulator 22 on said main cam 11 via the cam follower 21. Thus, the energy accumulator can be wound as soon as the main cam 11 is driven, this drive being effected by an action of the energy accumulator 22 on said main cam 11 via the cam follower 21.

[0028] Advantageously, the clockwork drive device 100, in particular the main cam and the auxiliary cam, is arranged to wind the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower 21 over substantially all or all of the rotation period of the input wheel 13, in particular over a 24-hour period, with the exception of one drive phase where the main cam is active. This minimizes and smooths over time the mechanical power required to wind the energy accumulator.To achieve this, the drive device, in particular the profiles of the main cam and the auxiliary cam, are arranged so that the mechanical power supplied to the energy accumulator 22 is constant or substantially constant for the entire duration during which the main cam 11 is not driving, or more particularly for the entire duration during which the main cam 11 is not driven by the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower 21.

[0029] The input mobile 13 and the auxiliary cam 12 are part of a first mobile.

[0030] The main cam 11 is part of a second moving part.

[0031] The first and second moving parts are pivoted within a frame of the 400 watch movement.

[0032] The second moving part includes a drive element 14 kinematically linked to or integral with the main cam 11. The drive element 14 can be fixed to the main cam 11. The drive element 14 is intended to drive the display member 200 directly and periodically.

[0033] The main cam 11 is intended to cooperate with an energy storage device 20 so as to periodically store and instantly and periodically release the energy required to drive the display organ 200.

[0034] The energy storage device 20 includes: a cam follower, such as a cam rocker 21 pivoted within the frame, and an energy accumulator 22, such as an elastic return means 22, which allows the energy necessary for the instantaneous drive of the display member 200 to be accumulated. In addition, the elastic energy accumulator 22 tends to return the rocker 21 against the main cam 11. The energy accumulator 22 may include a spring 22, in particular a leaf spring.

[0035] The input mobile 13 includes a driving wheel 13 attached to the auxiliary cam 12. The input mobile is constantly driven by a gear of the clock movement 400. It is intended to drive the second mobile, or more particularly the main cam 11, by means of a disengagement device.

[0036] The uncoupling device is designed to allow, in particular: a drive of the second mobile by the first mobile, or a joining of the first and second mobiles during an arming phase of the energy accumulation device 20, and a disengagement or disengagement of the first and second mobiles during an instantaneous drive phase.

[0037] The instantaneous drive phase corresponds to the phase where the energy stored by the energy storage device 20 is released, and where the display element 200 is driven instantaneously by the drive element 14.

[0038] The uncoupling device includes a portion 15, arranged on one of the first or second mobiles, intended to cooperate with an angular stop 16a, arranged on the other of the first or second mobiles, so that the rotation of the input mobile 13 can cause the main cam 11 to rotate, particularly during the arming phase.

[0039] During the instantaneous drive phase, the uncoupling device allows one degree of rotational freedom to the second moving part relative to the first moving part, or more particularly one degree of rotational freedom to the main cam 11 relative to the input moving part 13.

[0040] This degree of freedom can be achieved, in particular, by the shape of portion 15, which is capable of moving within a groove 16, in an orthoradial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the first and / or second moving part. In the first embodiment illustrated in the figures, the groove 16 includes the angular stop 16a. In particular, the groove 16 extends between two angular stops 16a and 16b. Alternatively, this degree of freedom could be achieved by a freewheel.

[0041] Preferably, the input shaft 13 rotates at a constant speed. Consequently, the disengagement device must allow the main cam 11 to travel instantaneously and substantially the entire angular stroke required for the drive phase. Therefore, during the drive phase, the portion 15 disengages and moves relative to the angular stop 16a, within the groove 16.

[0042] At the end of the instantaneous drive phase, the drive element 14 and the main cam 11 are stationary while the input slide 13 catches up with the latter in a catch-up phase. More specifically, the angular travel of the main cam 11 during the instantaneous drive phase must be made up so that the portion 15 is again in contact with the angular stop 16a and drives the main cam 11 again. The catch-up phase therefore follows the drive phase and precedes the cocking phase.

[0043] A distinctive feature of the solution is that, immediately after the instantaneous drive phase of the display element 200, the rocker 21 is in contact with the auxiliary cam 12 and is out of range of the main cam 11, thus initiating the initial winding of the energy storage device 20 as soon as the instantaneous drive phase ends. This initial winding lasts at least throughout the recovery phase and until the cam rocker 21 is again in contact with the main cam 11.

[0044] Preferably, the rocker 21 is in contact with the auxiliary cam 12 exclusively during the catch-up phase.

[0045] From one phase to the next, the contact transitions of the rocker 21 of the main cam 11 to the auxiliary cam 12, and vice versa, are dimensioned so as to be as continuous as possible, without sudden interruption or without significant disturbance with regard to the energy consumption of the watch movement 400 and thus avoid variations in amplitude.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiments, the instant drive device 100 is intended to allow instant drive of a calendar system with date 300 comprising a date disc 200 indexed by a jumper.

[0047] The first and second moving parts are arranged coaxially and pivot around an axis A1. Thus, the main cam 11 and the auxiliary cam 12 are pivoted around the same axis A1.

[0048] The drive element 14 is a date finger 14 designed to cooperate with a toothed section 201 of the date disc 200 during the instantaneous drive phase. The date finger 14 is welded to a core 17 which is itself pressed and / or riveted onto the main cam 11.

[0049] The core 17 is pivoted on the frame around the axis A1.

[0050] The profile of the main cam 11, which is capable of cooperating with the energy storage device 20, comprises successively a cocking portion 11a, a restitution portion 11b, and a stopping portion 11c. The functionalities of these portions are described in more detail below.

[0051] The rotation period of the drive wheel 13 is 24 hours, so as to allow the calendar system 300 to advance at least one step per day. In other words, for each rotation period of the drive wheel 13, the instantaneous drive device 100 is respectively and successively: in the recovery phase, then in the arming phase, then in the instant training phase.

[0052] The auxiliary cam 12 is secured to the drive wheel 13 by a press fit and / or riveting. Alternatively, the drive wheel 13 and the auxiliary cam 12 could be machined from a single piece of material, in which case they would form a single unit.

[0053] The drive wheel 13 and the auxiliary cam 12 are assembled so as to pivot on the core 17, around the axis A1. Alternatively, they could pivot directly on the frame.

[0054] The auxiliary cam 12 includes a pre-arming portion of the profile 12a capable of cooperating with the energy accumulation device 20, during the recovery phase.

[0055] The disengagement device is made concrete by a stud 15 assembled or made from material with the main cam 11, capable of cooperating with an angular stop 16a arranged at a first end of a groove 16 machined on a portion of the circumference of the auxiliary cam 12.

[0056] Alternatively, groove 16 could be machined on drive wheel 13.

[0057] The length of the groove 16 is dimensioned to allow the pin 15 to travel substantially the entire angular stroke required for the drive phase. In other words, the angle of rotation that the pin 15 can travel within the groove 16 must at least correspond to the angle of rotation of the date finger 14 and the main cam 11 during the drive phase.

[0058] Alternatively or complementarily, the angular stroke required for the drive phase, more particularly the angular stroke of the stud 15 can be limited by the second angular stop 16b arranged at a second end of the groove 16.

[0059] Advantageously, the cam rocker 21 includes a bearing, or more particularly a ruby ​​stone or roller 23. This bearing is capable of cooperating with the respective profiles of the main cam 11 and the auxiliary cam 12.

[0060] The roller 23 reduces the frictional torque induced by the support force of the rocker 21 against the main cam 11 and / or the auxiliary cam 12. Consequently, this roller 23 reduces the energy consumption and amplitude losses of the oscillator of the watch movement 400.

[0061] A method of carrying out a process for operating the timepiece or the clock movement or the clock calendar or the drive device is described below. Arming phase

[0062] During the arming phase, illustrated in the figure 4The roller 23 is located on a winding portion 11a. This portion winds the energy storage device 20 to accumulate the energy necessary for the instantaneous drive of the display element 200 by at least one step. During the winding phase, the main cam 11 is driven by the input shaft 13 via the stop 15 against the angular stop 16a of the groove 16.

[0063] The energy storage device 20, and more particularly the roller 23, is preferably out of reach of the auxiliary cam 12 during this phase.

[0064] Preferably, the winding portion 11a is shaped to generate constant or substantially constant current consumption and amplitude loss at the balance wheel. In other words, this portion makes it possible to obtain a constant or substantially constant winding torque at the input moving part 13.

[0065] In other words, during the winding phase, the follower 21 follows the profile 11a of the main cam 11, while energy is stored in the spring 22 and the profile of the auxiliary cam 12 is not in contact with the follower 21. Therefore, it is the input wheel that drives the main cam, the follower 21 follows the profile 11a of this cam, and the spring 22 is progressively wound. The energy is thus transferred according to the following sequence: barrel, gear train, input wheel 13, main cam 11, follower 21, spring 22. Training phase

[0066] When the roller 23 reaches the top of the main cam 11, as illustrated in the figure 5 , at the end of the winding portion 11a of the main cam profile 11, at the exact moment of the transition with a restitution portion 11b of the main cam profile 11, the roller 23 travels instantaneously through the latter until it reaches a stop portion 11c of the main cam profile 11.

[0067] During this training phase, as illustrated in the figure 6 The energy stored by the energy storage device 20 is released for the instantaneous drive of the display element 200 by the date finger 14. In other words, at midnight, the main cam 11 and the date finger 14 become driven thanks to the release of the previously stored energy, and move relative to the input wheel 13. From then on, the pin 15 disengages from the angular stop 16a and instantly travels the angular stroke necessary for the drive phase, within the groove 16.

[0068] The auxiliary cam 12 is always out of reach of the energy storage device 20, and more particularly of the roller 23, during the drive phase.

[0069] At the end of the training phase, it is advantageous for the date finger 14 to be stopped and remain positioned in an interference position with the teeth 201 of the date disc 200 in order to obstruct it and avoid an additional untimely jump due to its inertia and the considerable energy which is released during this phase.

[0070] To do this, pebble 23 is located, as illustrated on the figure 7 , on the stopping portion 11c which is dimensioned so as to dissipate the residual kinetic energy after the drive of the display element 200.

[0071] In a complementary or alternative manner, the second stop 16b can be used for the partial or total dissipation of said residual kinetic energy.

[0072] The display unit 200 also stops instantly. In other words, the instantaneous drive phase includes the stopping of the display unit 200.

[0073] In other words, during the drive phase, the main cam 11 is driven, the follower 21 descends abruptly along the profile 11b of the main cam 11 and causes it to disengage from the wheel 13 as well as the jump drive of the display member 200. In this phase, it also appears that the profile of the auxiliary cam 12 is not in contact with the follower 21. The energy is therefore transferred according to the following chain: spring 22, follower 21, main cam 11, display member 200. Catch-up phase

[0074] As described previously, the main cam 11 disengaged from the input shaft 13 during the instantaneous drive phase. Therefore, the angular stop 16a must catch up with the pin 15 to drive the main cam 11 again.

[0075] Advantageously, during this catch-up phase, as illustrated in the figure 8, a pre-arming portion of the profile 12a of the auxiliary cam 12 comes into contact with the energy accumulation device 20, and more particularly with the roller 23. This pre-arming portion is shaped so as to start the arming of the energy accumulation device 20 successively to the instantaneous drive phase, until the energy accumulation device 20 cooperates again with the arming portion 11a of the profile of the main cam 11 and initiates the arming phase.

[0076] Preferably, as with the winding portion 11a, the pre-winding portion of the profile 12a is shaped so as to generate a constant winding torque at the moving input level 13, and consequently a constant consumption and amplitude loss at the rocker arm.

[0077] Furthermore, as illustrated on the figures 9 And 10, the pre-arming portion of the profile 12a is preferably dimensioned so as to fit the arming portion 11a at the end of the recovery phase so that the transition of the roller 23 from the pre-arming portion of the profile 12a to the arming portion 11a is as continuous as possible, without sudden interruption or significant disturbance, with regard to the arming torque observed at the level of the input moving part 13, and therefore with regard to energy consumption.

[0078] The return portion 11b of the main cam profile 11 extends along a first angular portion corresponding to the stroke required for the second moving part to drive the calendar system 300. The angular portion 11b is complementary to the sum of the angular portions of the winding portion 11a and the stopping portion 11c.

[0079] The pre-arming portion of the profile 12a of the auxiliary cam 12 allowing the first arming of the energy accumulation device 20 can extend along a second angular portion at least equal to or at least substantially equal to the first angular portion of the restitution portion 11b.

[0080] Therefore, the winding portion 11a of the main cam profile 11, which allows for a second winding of the energy storage device 20, extends along a third angular portion complementary to the second angular portion. Alternatively, the third angular portion may be zero or substantially zero if the pre-winding portion of the profile 12a is adapted to allow for the complete winding of the energy storage device 20.

[0081] The sum of the second and third angular portions is advantageously equal to the angle that the input mobile 13 travels over substantially the whole or the whole of its period of rotation.

[0082] In other words, during the catch-up phase, the follower 21 leaves the profile of the main cam 11 and instead follows the profile of the auxiliary cam 12, thereby pre-winding the spring 22. This has the effect of smoothing the load on the input shaft. During the catch-up phase, the main cam 11 is not driven. Nor does it drive any other component.

[0083] Thus, an execution method of the operating process of the timepiece 500 or the time movement 400 or the time calendar 300 or the time drive device 100 comprises at least one iteration, and preferably several iterations, of the following steps: drive of the main cam 11 by an action of the energy accumulator 22 on the main cam via the cam follower 21, then accumulation of energy in the energy accumulator 22 by an action of the auxiliary cam 12 on the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower 21.

[0084] The operating process or at least one iteration may include an accumulation of energy in the energy accumulator 22 by an action of the main cam 11 on the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower 21.

[0085] So : The main cam 11 is driven by an action of the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower 21 on a first angular portion, and the auxiliary cam 12 supplies energy to the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower on a second angular portion at least equal to or at least substantially equal to the first angular portion, and the main cam 11 supplies energy to the energy accumulator 22 via the cam follower on a third angular portion which is i) complementary to the second angular portion and / or ii) zero or substantially zero.

[0086] Preferably, the drive of the main cam 11 during the drive phase is an instantaneous drive.

[0087] Of course, the present solution is not limited to a simple calendar system, but is also particularly well-suited to calendar systems requiring, for example, more energy, such as an annual calendar or a perpetual calendar. Furthermore, a clockwork drive device according to the invention can be used for a display system of any time-related information or information derived from the time (i.e., derived from the oscillator), including information separate from calendar information. The clockwork drive device can, in particular, be used in a system for displaying the time (with a jumping display) or the phases of the moon.

[0088] The first and second moving parts of the drive mechanism may not be coaxial, but pivoted about two separate, preferably parallel, axes. They would then be connected, for example, by a gear. The main cam 11 and the auxiliary cam 12 can thus be pivoted about separate axes, particularly about parallel axes.

[0089] Thus, a second embodiment of a 500 timepiece is described below in detail with reference to figures 11 to 17 (equivalent to figures 4 to 10 relating to the first embodiment).

[0090] A timepiece 500 is, for example, a watch, specifically a wristwatch. A timepiece 500 includes a watch movement 400 intended to be mounted in a case or box to protect it from the external environment.

[0091] The 400 watch movement is a mechanical movement, specifically an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement or an electronic movement.

[0092] The 400 watch movement includes a 300-minute calendar.

[0093] The 300-day clockwork calendar includes: at least one display element 200, in particular a date display element, especially a date display disc, and a clockwork drive device 100, at least one display element 200 and the drive device 100 being arranged so that the drive device 100 is capable of driving at least one display element 200. The drive is of the instantaneous or instantaneous jump type.

[0094] The calendar system 300 allows the display, via at least one display element 200, of at least one calendar information such as day, date, month, year, leap year, and moon phase.

[0095] At least one calendar information can be carried by at least one display element 200 such as a pointer or a disc.

[0096] The 100 watchmaking training device includes: an input mobile 13; a main cam 11 having a main cam profile 11a, 11b, 11c, the main cam 11 being linked to the input mobile (i) with an angular clearance or (ii) via a unidirectional coupling; an auxiliary cam 12 linked to the input mobile, in particular fixed on the input mobile or integral with the input mobile, and having an auxiliary cam profile 12a, a cam follower 21 capable of cooperating with the profile 11a, 11b, 11c and / or with the profile 12a, and an energy accumulator 22 elastically returning the cam follower 21 towards the main cam profile 11a, 11b, 11c and towards the auxiliary cam profile 12a.

[0097] The first and second moving parts of the drive mechanism are not coaxial, but pivoted on two separate, preferably parallel, axes. They are then connected, for example, by a gear. The main cam 11 and the auxiliary cam 12 can thus be pivoted around separate axes, particularly parallel axes.

[0098] The auxiliary cam 12 pivots about an axis A2 parallel to the axis A1 and is fixed to a wheel 18 kinematically linked or kinematically fixed to the driving wheel 13 by in particular a gear.

[0099] The lug 15 of the uncoupling device is capable of cooperating with the angular stops 16a and 16b arranged at the ends of the groove 16 machined on the drive wheel 13.

[0100] The auxiliary cam 12 has the profile 12a, which includes a pre-cocking portion capable of cooperating with the energy storage device 20 during the catch-up phase. Naturally, the dimensioning of the angular range of the pre-cocking portion of profile 12a must take into account the transmission ratio between the main cam 11 and the auxiliary cam 12, more specifically between the drive wheel 13 and a wheel 18. For example, with a transmission ratio of 2, the angular range of the pre-cocking portion of profile 12a must be twice as large as the angular range corresponding to the stroke required for the second moving part to drive the timing system 300.In other words, with the second embodiment shown, the pre-arming portion of the profile 12a of the auxiliary cam 12 allowing the first arming of the energy accumulation device 20 can extend along a second angular portion at least 2 times greater or at least substantially 2 times greater than the first angular portion of the restitution portion 11b.

[0101] The cam rocker 21 includes a second portion or more particularly a second bearing, such as a second ruby ​​stone or roller 24, capable of cooperating with the profile of the auxiliary cam 12.

[0102] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the uncoupling device could be a unidirectional linking device such as a free wheel in which portion 15 would be, for example, a portion of a ratchet intended to cooperate with the angular stop 16a.

[0103] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the stud 15 could be arranged on the first moving part, for example on the auxiliary cam 12 or on the input moving part 13, and the groove 16 could therefore be arranged on the second moving part, for example on the main cam 11.

[0104] In the embodiment described above, a roller 23 constitutes a single support element enabling it to cooperate (sequentially) by contact with the main cam 11 and with the auxiliary cam 12. However, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the cam follower may comprise: a first support element on the main cam 11, and a second support element on the auxiliary cam 12.

[0105] Thus, the first support element can be intended to cooperate exclusively with the main cam 11 and the second support element can be intended to cooperate exclusively with the auxiliary cam 12.

[0106] In what is described above, it is intended that the calendar system 300 is driven by at least one step for each rotation period of the input wheel 13. However, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the instantaneous drive device could be adapted so as to drive the calendar system for each multiple or submultiple of the rotation period of the input wheel 13. Of course, the geometries of the main and auxiliary cams should be provided accordingly.

[0107] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the auxiliary cam 12 allows for at least partial arming of the energy accumulator 22. The auxiliary cam 12 can be used to perform an initial arming of the energy accumulator 22, and the main cam 11 can be used to perform a second arming of the energy accumulator 22, supplementing the initial arming. Alternatively, the auxiliary cam 12 can be used to fully arm the energy accumulator 22 by adapting the pre-arming portion of the profile 12a. In this hypothesis, the winding portion 11a is superfluous and the main cam 11 has only functions to cooperate with the follower 21 to transmit the energy returned by the energy accumulator through the return portion 11b and potentially to dissipate the residual kinetic energy after the drive of the display member 200 through the stop portion 11c.

[0108] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the auxiliary cam 12 could actuate the energy storage device 20 by means of a different portion of the rocker 21 than that which is capable of cooperating with the main cam 11.

[0109] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the term "cam" has a broad meaning and includes any geometry cooperating with a cam follower. In particular, a pin cooperating with a cam follower is a cam.

[0110] For example, the auxiliary cam 12 could be in the form of a portion or pin, eccentric relative to the axis of rotation, capable of cooperating with a portion of the rocker 21. Preferably, the profile conformation of said portion of the rocker 21 with said pin would be designed so as to allow cocking with a constant torque to the input mobile 13.

[0111] More generally, the main and auxiliary cams could have simple geometries, such as pins, cooperating with one or more suitable profiles provided on the rocker 21 of the energy storage device.

[0112] The solutions described above utilize two calendar cams, often superimposed, which advantageously smooth and limit variations in energy consumption over 24 hours. More generally, the proposed solutions advantageously smooth the mechanical winding power over the entire rotation period of the input wheel 13, with the exception of the instantaneous drive phase. Consequently, the energy consumed, and therefore the amplitude losses of the balance wheel, can be constant, unlike known prior art solutions.

[0113] Furthermore, since the energy required for the instantaneous drive of the display can be accumulated over a longer rotation period than with known solutions, it is also possible to minimize the mechanical power required for winding while maintaining the same total energy stored. For example, increasing the winding time from 13 hours to 24 hours reduces the winding power by 46%. Increasing it from 20 hours to 24 hours reduces it by 17%.

[0114] Advantageously, the instant drive device 100 also allows direct drive of the display element 200, with the implementation of a single drive element 14. Indeed, the solution does not require a rocker arranged at the interface of said elements.

[0115] This configuration advantageously allows bidirectional drive of the display element 200. Indeed, thanks to the uncoupling device materialized by a portion 15 cooperating with a groove 16, the embodiments presented also allow drive of the display element 200 by actuating the input mobile 13 in the opposite direction of operation, for example during a time setting of the watch movement 400.

[0116] Preferably, throughout this request, "instantaneous" means a duration on the order of one or more fractions of a second.

Claims

1. A timepiece driving device (100), in particular for a system (300) for displaying time information or information derived from the time, in particular for an instantaneous jump calendar system, including: - an input mobile (13); - a main cam (11) having a main cam profile (11a, 11b, 11c), the main cam (11) being connected to the input mobile (i) with angular backlash or (ii) via a unidirectional coupling; - an auxiliary cam (12) connected to the input mobile, in particular fixed onto the input mobile or secured to the input mobile, and having an auxiliary cam profile (12a), - a cam follower (21) adapted to cooperate with the main cam profile (11a, 11b, 11c) and / or with the auxiliary cam profile (12a), and - an energy accumulator (22) elastically biasing the cam follower toward the profile (11a, 11b, 11c) of the main cam (11) and toward the profile (12a) of the auxiliary cam (12), the timepiece driving device (100), in particular the main cam and auxiliary cam, being arranged so that the cam follower (21) comes into contact or substantially into contact with the auxiliary cam profile immediately at the end of the driving of the main cam (11) by action of the energy accumulator (22) on said main cam (11) via the cam follower (21).

2. The timepiece driving device (100) as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the timepiece driving device (100), in particular the main cam and the auxiliary cam, is adapted so as to cock the energy accumulator (22) via the cam follower (21) over substantially the whole of the period of rotation of the input mobile (13), in particular over a period of 24 hours, with the exception of the driving phase in which the main cam is in driving mode.

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

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

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

6. The timepiece driving device (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving device, in particular the profiles of the main cam and the auxiliary claim, are such that the mechanical power supplied to the energy accumulator (22) is constant or substantially constant throughout the time for which the main cam (11) is not driven by the energy accumulator (22) via the cam follower (21).

7. The timepiece driving device (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cam follower (21) comprises a lever (21).

8. The timepiece driving device (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy accumulator (22) comprises a spring (22), in particular a leaf spring.

9. The timepiece driving device (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main cam (11) is kinematically connected to a driving element (14) of an element (200) for displaying time information, in particular fixed to a driving element (14) of an element (200) for displaying time information, such as a finger (14), cooperating with teeth (201) of an element (200) for displaying time information.

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

11. A timepiece movement (400) including: - a timepiece driving device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, and / or - a timepiece calendar (300) as claimed in the preceding claim.

12. A timepiece (500), in particular a wristwatch, including: - a timepiece movement (400) as claimed in the preceding claim, and / or - a timepiece calendar (300) as claimed in claim 10, and / or - a timepiece driving device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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

14. The operating method as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the method includes accumulation of energy in the energy accumulator (22) by action of the main cam (11) on the energy accumulator (22) via the cam follower (21).

15. The operating method as claimed in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the driving of the main cam (11) is instantaneous driving.