Display mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display platform (10) for displaying several different horometric information from several information supports (8), each of which bears one of said horometric information. According to the invention, said platform (10) comprises as many rings (112a, 112b) as there are horometric information pieces to be displayed on the platform (10), each of said rings (112a, 112b) being arranged to receive an associated information support (8) and being movable in rotation at a speed chosen according to the horometric information displayed on the associated information support (8).

Description

Domaine technique

[0001] The present invention relates to mechanical timepieces. It relates more particularly to a mechanism for displaying several different time information items comprising several information carriers on each of which one of said time information items appears. The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a display mechanism. Etat de la technique

[0002] Such a mechanism for displaying several different time information items comprising several information supports on each of which one of said time information items appears is traditionally used in mechanical timepieces in order to display, on the dial, different time information items, such as the date, the time according to different time zones, the phases of the moon, etc. For example, document EP 1 406 131 describes a plate carrying hour and minute discs distributed over the plate to form a display.

[0003] This information is displayed using various windows or indexes distributed across the dial of the timepiece. Once the timepiece is built, the position of the various pieces of information displayed on the dial is immutable, so it is not possible to change the appearance of the dial.

[0004] In addition, all time information appears systematically even though the user may not necessarily want it to be displayed.

[0005] Furthermore, each information carrier and its operating mechanism take up a significant amount of space under the dial, so that the dial and movement are very cluttered, which does not allow for other displays or other mechanisms due to lack of space.

[0006] A solution to this problem has been proposed in patent EP 1 922 591 which describes the use of one or two rotating indicators kinematically connected to cams in order to "update" the indicators when the associated cams are selected according to the chosen type of information to be displayed. The cam is selected by means of a finger which moves in translation to read the information on the cam and transmit it to the associated indicator to "update" it. However, in this display mechanism, the indicators are fixed behind a window so that the appearance of the dial cannot be changed. In addition, the indicators used are the same regardless of the type of information to be displayed. This means that the information to be displayed must be of the same nature. WO 2006 / 134171 presents a portable electronic device having different presentation assemblies, each with a given control functionality.

[0007] An aim of the present invention is therefore to overcome these drawbacks, by proposing a display mechanism making it possible to select the time information to be displayed.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a display mechanism for displaying different time information in the same place on the dial, leaving space available for other displays or mechanisms. Divulgation de l'invention

[0009] For this purpose, and in accordance with the present invention, a display platform is proposed for a mechanism for displaying several different time information items, comprising several information media on each of which one of said time information items appears.

[0010] According to the invention, the display platform is defined by independent claim 1 and also includes the preferred features as defined in the dependent claims.

[0011] Advantageously, the platform comprises as many crowns as there is time information to be displayed on the platform, each of said crowns being arranged to receive an associated information medium and being mobile in rotation at a speed chosen as a function of the time information displayed on the associated information medium.

[0012] Each crown comprises third positioning means arranged to cooperate with the first positioning means of the disc carrying the time information, the first and third positioning means being arranged so that the disc carrying the time information is positioned on the associated crown in order to accurately display the associated time information.

[0013] Preferably, the third positioning means provided on the crown are movable in translation between a low position allowing the selected information medium to be placed on the platform and a high position allowing cooperation between the selected information medium and its associated crown. Advantageously, the platform comprises second movement means arranged to move the third positioning means provided on the crown in translation between their low position and their high position. Brève description des dessins

[0014] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of an embodiment, given by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which: there figure 1 represents a perspective view of a watch movement comprising elements of a display mechanism according to the invention, the figure 2 represents a perspective view of the clock movement of the figure 1 , with elements of the upper part having been removed, the figures 3a, 3b et 3c respectively represent a top view, a sectional view along the AA axis and a perspective view of an information medium used in the invention, the figure 4a represents a sectional view of the magazine used in the invention, one of the information carriers having been extracted from said magazine, the figure 4b represents a sectional view of the magazine used in the invention, all the information carriers being in their inactive position, the figure 5 represents a partial perspective view of the first actuating means, the figure 6 represents a perspective view of the first means of moving the information medium and their control means, the figure 7 represents a sectional view of the platform on which an information support is positioned, the figure 8 represents a perspective view of the clutch means, the figure 9 represents a perspective view of the control block and a first safety device to ensure that the first means of movement are kept in position, the figures 10 And 11 respectively represent a top and bottom view of a first safety device to ensure that the first means of movement are kept in position, the figures 12 And 13respectively represent said first security device when the information medium is in the inactive position and when the information medium is in the active position, the figure 14 represents a perspective view of the triggering means of the display mechanism, the figure 15 represents a perspective view of a second safety device for starting the display mechanism, the figures 16 And 17 represent views of the second safety device for starting the display mechanism, said mechanism being respectively in the normal operating position and in the disengaged position, the figures 18 And 19 are respectively a perspective view and a bottom view of a third safety device to prevent the magazine from moving when the first moving means are no longer arranged in front of the magazine, the figures 20 And 21are respectively a perspective view and a view from below of the third safety device when the first means of movement are arranged in front of the store, and the figure 22 is a perspective view of the first safety device in connection with the lever of the third safety device. Mode(s) de réalisation de l'invention

[0015] In reference to the figures 1 And 2 , a clockwork movement 1 is shown, comprising a display mechanism according to the invention, as well as a display of the minutes by means of a retrograde hand 2 and an arc 4 bearing the minute graduations.

[0016] According to the invention, the display mechanism comprises a frame on which a magazine 6 is provided in which said information carriers 8 are stored in an inactive storage position, a platform 10 arranged to receive, in a movably manner depending on the time information to be displayed, the selected information carrier 8 in an active operating position, first means 12 for moving the selected information carrier 8 between said inactive storage position in the magazine 6 and said active operating position on the platform 10, said first moving means 12 being mounted between the magazine 6 and the platform 10, and control means 14 of said first moving means.

[0017] More specifically, in relation to the figures 3a, 3b, 3c , each information medium 8 comprises a disc 16 carrying time information. The time information can be represented in the form of graduations, numbers or any other suitable form and can correspond for example to a time according to a time zone, a date, a moon phase, etc. Indexes making it possible to locate the time information to be displayed are provided on the glass of the information medium. It is obvious that the reverse configuration is possible, the time information being represented in the form of an index shown on the disc 16, such as a hand, graduations being provided on the glass of the information medium. Furthermore, the disc 16 can be in the form of a solid disc or a disc having a central opening to form a coaxial ring with the other information media.Information carriers in the form of several concentric rings can be used, for example, to display a large date, with the units and tens digits positioned on two different rings. The platform is then arranged to rotate the rings simultaneously at their respective speeds. The rings can also bear any suitable pattern so that their respective drives by the platform form an animation.

[0018] The disc carrying the time information is secured to a base 17 comprising on its bottom, directed outwards, first means for positioning said disc 16 carrying the time information on the platform 10. Said first means for positioning said disc 16 carrying the time information on the platform 10 are advantageously constituted by an oblong opening and by a circular orifice allowing respectively to receive a driving pin and a timer pin provided on the platform 10 as will be seen below. The base 17 also comprises a circular groove 18 arranged to allow the free movement of the driving and timer pins corresponding to another information support.

[0019] The base 17 also includes an external peripheral toothing 20 whose function will be described below.

[0020] The information support 8 also comprises a ring 22 inside which the disc 16 carrying the time information and its base 17 are arranged. The assembly is closed by means of a glass 24 on which are represented indexes 26 making it possible to locate the time information to be displayed.

[0021] The disc 16 carrying the time information and its base 17 are mounted to rotate freely inside the ring 22 around a shaft 28 secured to the crystal 24 by means of a ball bearing 25.

[0022] The ring 22 comprises housings constituting second positioning means 30 of the information support 8 in the magazine 6.

[0023] The ring 22 further comprises housings 32 arranged to receive the first means 12 for moving the selected information medium 8.

[0024] Corresponding cutouts are provided in the ice 24.

[0025] The ring 22 also comprises a cutout 34 arranged to allow the passage of the clutch means of the disc 16 as will be described below.

[0026] In reference to the figures 4a And 4b , the magazine 6 comprises a tray 36 on which are superimposed different housings 38 arranged to receive respectively an information medium 8. Under the tray 36 are arranged first actuating means 40 arranged to move the magazine 6 so as to present the selected information medium 8 at the level of the first moving means. Said first actuating means 40 will be described below.

[0027] The movement comprises a fixed chassis 42 inside which said magazine 6 is mounted to move in translation perpendicular to the general plane of the movement, so as to be able to be moved and present the selected information medium 8 at the level of the first movement means. It is obvious that the magazine can be arranged so as to be movable along a plane inclined relative to the general plane of the movement.

[0028] More specifically, the fixed chassis 42 comprises a lower bridge 44, an intermediate bridge (not shown) and an upper bridge 46 secured to the frame.

[0029] The fixed chassis 42 also comprises a first set of pins 48 mounted between the lower bridge 44 and the intermediate bridge, along which the plate 36 of the magazine 6 slides perpendicular to the general plane of movement. The fixed chassis 42 also comprises a second set of pins 50 mounted between the lower bridge 44 and the upper bridge 46. The plate 36 of the magazine 6 as well as the information carriers 8 are arranged to slide perpendicular to the general plane of movement along said second set of pins 50, said pins 50 being in particular introduced into the housings 30 provided on the ring 22 of the information carrier 8. In addition, each pin 50 is interrupted to form a passage and allow the extraction of the selected information carrier 8 from the magazine 6, as shown more specifically in figure 4a .

[0030] At the top of the magazine 6 is an information medium 52 mounted to rotate about an axis 54 mounted in the upper housing of the magazine 6. Such an information medium 52 is for example a disk comprising graduations allowing the display of the local time by means of an index provided on the glass protecting said disk. Said information medium 52 moves in translation with the other information media 8 stored in the magazine 6, but remains in its housing.

[0031] Said information support 52 is secured to a crown 56 having external teeth 58. A shaft 59 is also provided on the fixed chassis 42 (visible on the figures 1 And 2) pivotally mounted and comprising at its upper end a pinion 60 meshing with the external teeth 58 of the crown 56, and at the lower end a first element of a set of references kinematically connected to an hour wheel allowing the information support 52 to rotate at the speed of the hours. The pinion 60 is sufficiently long so that the external teeth 58 of the crown 56 remains meshed with said pinion 60 when the information support 52 slides with the magazine 6.

[0032] In reference to the figure 5 , the first actuating means 40 arranged to move the magazine 6 comprise a selection arm 62, accessible to a user and secured to a plate 240 pivotally mounted on the fixed chassis 42, so that the angular displacement of the selection arm 62 causes the translational displacement of the plate 36 of the magazine 6. For this purpose, a reduction gear train is provided comprising a pinion 64 pivotally mounted on the plate 240. Said pinion 64 meshes with an internal toothing 66 of a fixed wheel 68 provided on the frame and is also secured to a toothed wheel 70 cooperating with a toothed wheel 72 secured to a nut 74 having an internal thread 75. Furthermore, there is provided, secured to the plate 36, a screw 76 having an external thread arranged to cooperate with the internal thread 75 of the nut 74.

[0033] Thus, an angular movement of the selection arm 62 causes an angular movement of the pinion 64 which, cooperating with the teeth 66, pivots on its axis, driving the toothed wheel 70 in rotation, itself driving the toothed wheel 72 and the nut 74 in rotation. The rotation of the nut 74 causes the translational movement of the screw 76, and therefore of the plate 36 and the magazine 6.

[0034] In reference to the figures 2 And 5, the first means 12 for moving the selected information medium 8 comprise an arm 80 pivotally mounted between the magazine 6 and the platform 10, said arm 80 having means for gripping the selected information medium 8 arranged to extract the selected information medium from its housing 38 in the magazine 6. More specifically, the arm 80 has the shape of a two-pronged fork, the ends of which have protrusions 81 arranged to be housed in the housings 32 provided on the ring 22 of the information medium 8. The branches of the arm 80 are sized to be positioned around the ring 22 of the selected information medium 8. Advantageously, one or two of the housings 30 used to position the information medium 8 in the magazine 6 by means of the pins 50 can also be used as housings 32 to house one or two of the protrusions 81 of the arm 80.

[0035] The arm 80 is motorized by means of an independent barrel 234 (cf. figure 14 ), and engaged by means of a push button 248 (cf. figures 1 And 14 ), or any other suitable means. In the center of the arm 80 is a cycle reserve 82 arranged to indicate the reserve of the barrel of the arm 80. A cycle corresponds to the exit of an information medium 8 and its return to the magazine 6. The display of the cycle reserve 82 is trailing.

[0036] The arm 80 is mounted integrally on a toothed actuating wheel 84, the assembly being mounted free to rotate about an axis 86 mounted on the frame, said axis 86 being the axis about which a centralized control block 88 pivots. This centralized control block 88 comprises, integrally connected, in particular a clockwise arm control wheel 90, a counterclockwise arm control wheel 92, and a feed wheel 94 kinematically connected to the independent motorization barrel of the arm 80 by means of a pinion 95 visible on the figure 1 .

[0037] The clockwise 90 and counterclockwise 92 arm control wheels respectively comprise a 60° toothed sector arranged such that movement of the arm 80 corresponds to a rotation of said control wheels of 60°.

[0038] A set of reversing gears is also provided for rotating the actuating wheel 84 of the arm 80 clockwise or counterclockwise. This set comprises a set of two integral gears mounted loosely on the frame, namely a gear 96 arranged to cooperate with the toothed sector of the clockwise arm control wheel 90 and a gear 98 arranged to cooperate with the actuating wheel 84 of the arm 80. A gear 100 is also provided mounted loosely on the frame and arranged to cooperate on the one hand with the toothed sector of the counterclockwise arm control wheel 92 and on the other hand with another gear 102 mounted loosely on the frame, itself being arranged to cooperate with the actuating wheel 84 of the arm 80.The toothed sectors of the clockwise 90 and counterclockwise 92 arm control wheels are arranged so that when one of the toothed sectors arrives in front of the corresponding pinion of the inverter assembly, the other toothed sector does not cooperate with the corresponding pinion of the inverter assembly.

[0039] There is provided, on the axis of the pinions 96-98 and on the axis of the pinion 100, a flat 97 arranged to cooperate respectively with a positioning lever 101 (visible on the figure 1 ) pivotally mounted on the frame. The positioning lever has a flat side edge arranged to cooperate with the flat 97 in order to pivot the pinions 96-98 and 100 to reposition them perfectly when the cycle is completed.

[0040] The centralized control unit 88 is regulated by means of a regulating mechanism 104 of the exhaust regulator type (visible on the figure 1 ) comprising a train of references of which the first element meshes with the supply wheel 94, and the last element meshes with an escape wheel 106 cooperating with an anchor. Such a mechanism is known to those skilled in the art and does not require further details.

[0041] The centralized control unit 88 also includes a safety wheel 108 comprising two teeth acting as a cam to actuate a jumper (not shown) in order to release any pressure on the arm 80 during its movement and to reposition it in support on the arm 80 in order to guarantee the correct positioning of the arm 80 when the information support 8 is in the active or inactive position.

[0042] According to another embodiment variant shown in the figures 9 à 13 , a first safety device is provided to ensure that the first movement means 12, and more specifically the arm 80, are held in position when the information medium 8 is in the active or inactive position. For this purpose, the safety device comprises a safety lever 200 arranged to move between an armed position in which it exerts pressure on the arm 80 to hold it in position once said arm 80 has placed the information medium 8 in the active or inactive position and a disarmed position in which it leaves the arm 80 free to move to place the information medium 8 in the active or inactive position. The safety device also comprises means for arming said safety lever 200 arranged to position it in its armed position as well as means for disarming said safety lever arranged to position it in its disarmed position. More specifically with reference to the figure 10 , the safety device comprises a bridge 202 on one side of which the safety lever 200 is pivotally mounted. This comprises at each of its ends a nose 200a, 200b whose shape is chosen to allow the best possible contact with a pin 204, 206 respectively, provided on the arm 80 (cf. figures 9 , 12 And 13 ). In addition, the safety lever comprises an additional lateral branch 200c, in the form of a rake, the function of which will be described below. The safety lever 200 is also provided with a jumper 208.

[0043] The means for arming the safety lever 200 comprise a arming pinion 210 provided with a toothed sector pivotally mounted on the bridge 202 on the side opposite the safety lever 200, and two pinions 212, 214 pivotally mounted on the bridge on the same side as the safety lever, the first pinion 212 being integral with the arming pinion 210 and the second pinion 214 cooperating on the one hand with the first pinion 212 and on the other hand with the rack of the an additional branch 200c of the safety lever 200. As shown in figure 11 , the arming means also comprise an arming cam 216 pivotally mounted on the bridge 202 on the same side as the arming pinion 210, said arming cam 216 being integral with the second pinion 214.

[0044] In reference to the figure 11 , the disarming means comprise a disarming lever 218 pivotally mounted on the bridge 202 on the same side as the winding pinion 210. The disarming lever 218 comprises a disarming finger 220 whose function will be described below. The disarming lever 218 also comprises a beak 222 arranged to cooperate with the winding cam 216 and block it. The disarming lever 218 is provided with a jumper 224.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown by the figure 10 , the centralized control block 88 comprises a safety wheel 226 comprising toothed sectors 227, 228 arranged to cooperate with the toothed sector of the winding pinion 210 and two teeth 229, 230 arranged to cooperate with the disarming finger 220 of the disarming lever 218. The toothed sectors 227, 228 and the teeth 229, 230 are distributed on the safety wheel 226 so as to trigger the safety device at the appropriate times.

[0046] The operation of the safety device is as follows: with reference to the figure 12 , when the arm 80 is placed in front of the magazine 6, the information support being in the inactive position, the safety lever 200 is in the armed position, its nose 200a pressing on the pin 204 so as to hold the arm 80 in this position. The arming cam 216 is blocked by the beak 222, so that the entire arming mechanism is blocked, and therefore also the rake 200c. As a result, the safety lever 200 is immobilized against the arm 80. When the user has started a cycle, the safety wheel 226 rotates so that one of the teeth 229, 230 cooperates with the disarming pin 220 so as to lift the disarming rocker 218 and thereby release the arming cam 216. The arming mechanism is then no longer blocked so that the rake 200c, and therefore the safety lever 200, falls into its disarmed position. The arm 80 can then disengage and pivot.When the arm 80 is positioned in front of the platform 10 to place the information medium in the active position, the safety wheel 226 rotates so that one of the toothed sectors 227, 228 cooperates with the winding pinion 210 to pivot it. The rotation of the winding pinion 210 causes the rotation of the first pinion 212, and therefore of the second pinion 214, and thus of the winding cam 216 on the one hand and of the rake 200c of the safety lever 200 on the other hand. The safety lever 200 is raised so as to bring its nose 200b against the pin 206 and press on the safety lever 200 to hold it in its position, as shown in the . figure 13 At the same time, the arming cam 216 pivots until it engages with the beak 222 of the disarming lever 218 and locks it, so that the safety device is armed and locked. Then the same disarming and arming cycle resumes.

[0047] The other elements of the centralized control block 88 will be described later.

[0048] In reference to the figures 2 And 7, the platform 10 comprises as many concentric crowns 112 as there are time information items to be displayed on the platform 10, each of said crowns 112 being arranged to receive an associated information medium 8. In addition, each crown 112 is always mobile in rotation at a speed chosen as a function of the time information item displayed on the associated information medium 8. For this, each crown 112 is secured to an annular plate 114 itself secured to a drive wheel kinematically connected to the mechanism corresponding to the selected information item and making it possible to drive the annular plate 114 and therefore the crown 112 at the appropriate speed. For example, the crown 112a is the crown used to carry the information medium displaying the date, and is secured to the annular plate 114a itself secured to a drive crown 116 kinematically connected to the date wheel of the movement.The crown 112b is the crown used to carry the information medium displaying the time according to a time zone different from the local time, and is secured to the annular plate 114b itself secured to a drive crown 118 kinematically connected to the hour wheel according to the time zones. A mechanism for correcting this time can be provided and notably comprises a correcting crown 120.

[0049] In addition, each crown 112 comprises third positioning means arranged to cooperate with the first positioning means of the disc carrying the time information, the first and third positioning means being arranged so that the disc 16 carrying the time information is positioned on the associated crown 112 in order to accurately display the associated time information.

[0050] As seen above, said third positioning means provided on the crowns 112a, 112b are advantageously constituted by a drive pin 115a, 115b arranged to cooperate with the oblong opening provided on the base 17 of the disc 16 and by a pointing pin 117a, 117b arranged to cooperate with the circular orifice provided on the base 17 of the disc 16.

[0051] The third positioning means provided on the rings 112a, 112b are movable in translation between a low position allowing the selected information medium 8 to be placed on the platform 10 and a high position allowing cooperation between the selected information medium 8 and its associated ring 112a, 112b.

[0052] More specifically, there is provided between each crown 112a, 112b and its associated annular plate 114a, 114b, an intermediate ring 119a, 119b integral in rotation with the crown 112a, 112b and the associated annular plate 114a, 114b, but free to move in translation perpendicular to the general plane of movement between said crown 112a, 112b and said associated annular plate 114a, 114b.

[0053] Likewise, the drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b are free to move in translation perpendicular to the general plane of movement between said crown 112a, 112b and said associated annular plate 114a, 114b between said low position and said high position.

[0054] The drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b are mounted through their respective intermediate ring 119a, 119b and comprise an annular rim making it possible to make them integral with the associated intermediate ring 119a, 119b.

[0055] These different crowns as well as the annular plates and the associated intermediate rings are mounted to move in rotation around a shaft 122 secured to the frame and a coaxial shaft 124, itself movable in translation perpendicular to the general plane of movement.

[0056] The shaft 124 integrally carries a central plate 138 which has an upper shoulder 139 on which the shaft 28 of the disc 16 is positioned, its ball bearing 25 being positioned around said upper shoulder 139. The drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b engage either in the oblong opening and the circular orifice provided on the base 17 of the associated disc 16, or in the circular groove 18 of the disc which is not associated, in which said drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b can circulate freely.

[0057] The central plate 138 extends above the inner periphery of the intermediate ring 119b. The outer periphery of the intermediate ring 119b extends above a shoulder provided on the inner periphery of the intermediate ring 119a. The plates 119a, 119b and 138 are free relative to each other. Thus when the shaft 124 moves in translation downwards, the central plate 138 presses on the intermediate ring 119b which presses on the ring 119a so that the drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b descend to the low position.

[0058] A leaf spring 121 is provided respectively to raise each of the intermediate rings 119a, 119b when the central plate 138 no longer exerts pressure, so that the drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b rise to the high position.

[0059] The translational movement, perpendicular to the general plane of movement, of the drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b between their low position and their high position is carried out by means of the second movement means provided on the platform 10.

[0060] Said second displacement means 126 comprise the intermediate rings 119a, 119b, the shaft 124 and its central plate 138, as well as a toothed crown 128 arranged to cooperate, by means of the necessary references, with a control wheel 130 of the platform 10 secured to the other control wheels of the centralized control block 88. The control wheel 130 of the platform 10 comprises four toothed sectors of 30° distributed around said control wheel 130 of the platform 10 so that a rotation of 30° of the control wheel 130 of the platform 10 causes the drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b to rise to the high position or lower to the low position when the toothed crown 128 is kinematically connected to the toothed sectors of the control wheel 130 of the platform 10.

[0061] The toothed crown 128 is integral with a tube 132 mounted to rotate about a shaft 134 fixed to the frame and coaxial with the shaft 122 and the shaft 124 around which it is mounted. The tube 132 comprises on its inner periphery a helical cam 136 arranged to cooperate with a helical cam provided on the outer periphery of the shaft 124. Thus, a rotation of the toothed crown 128 causes a translational movement, perpendicular to the general plane of movement both upwards and downwards, of the shaft 124 which is slidably mounted on the shaft 134, and therefore a translational movement, perpendicular to the general plane of movement, of the central plate 138.

[0062] In order to assist the selected information medium 8 to position itself on the platform 10, the mechanism according to the invention further comprises clutch means arranged to pivot the selected information medium 8 positioned on the platform 10 until said selected information medium 8 cooperates with the associated crown 112a, 112b.

[0063] In reference to the figure 8 , said clutch means comprise a clutch frame 150 secured to the movement frame and a lever 152 pivotally mounted on the clutch frame 150 around an axis 154. On the lever 152 are pivotally mounted a clutch pinion 156 as well as a first element of a gear train connected to the clutch pinion 156 by means of a friction system 158. The clutch pinion 156 is arranged to engage in the cutout 34 provided on the ring 22 of the information carrier 8 and to mesh with the external peripheral toothing 20 provided on the base of the disc 16. The lever 152 allows the clutch pinion 156 to tilt slightly and move apart to allow the positioning of the selected information carrier 8 on the platform 10.

[0064] A jumper 160 provided on the clutch frame 150 cooperates with a pin 162 provided on the rocker 152 in order to ensure the positioning of the clutch pinion 156.

[0065] The return train also comprises the wheel 164, mounted on the clutch frame 150 and kinematically connected to the second means for actuating the clutch means. Said second means for actuating the clutch means are advantageously constituted by a clutch control wheel 166 secured to the other control wheels of the centralized control block 88. The clutch control wheel 166 comprises a toothed sector of 120° so that a rotation of 120° of the clutch control wheel 166 causes a rotation of the disc 16 of 400° at most, until the drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b are correctly positioned in the associated disc so that the latter cooperates with its associated crown 112a, 112b.

[0066] According to a variant not shown, the disc may comprise on its lower face pins representing a melody and the platform may carry a comb arranged to cooperate with the pins in order to constitute a melody, in a manner similar to a music box. Different discs may be provided to offer different melodies. In this case, the platform is adapted so that the disc is driven by the clutch means only.

[0067] The individual toothed sectors of the control wheels are arranged relative to each other according to the progress of the output and return cycle of the selected information medium 8 from the magazine.

[0068] The sequence of such a cycle is as follows: the user actuates the selection arm 62 in order to move the magazine 6 in translation and to bring the selected information medium 8 to the level of the arm 80 so that its protrusions 81 engage in the housings 32 provided on the ring 22 of the information medium. If the cycle reserve is sufficient, the cycle starts when the user activates triggering means of the mechanism such as the pusher 248 which triggers the unwinding of the barrel 234 and therefore the power supply of the centralized control unit 88 by the supply wheel 94.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment of the display mechanism triggering means shown in the figure 14 , said triggering means of the display mechanism of the invention comprise the pusher 248 secured to a lever 260, one arm of which comprises a first beak 262, a locking lever 264 comprising a nose 266 arranged to cooperate with the beak 262, and a locking cam 268 of the barrel 234 arranged to cooperate with the locking lever 264. When the user presses the pusher 248, the beak 262 cooperates with the nose 266 of the locking lever 264 which lifts so that the locking cam 268 is released and allows rotation of the barrel 234.

[0070] The triggering means of the display mechanism are also arranged to cooperate with a power reserve 269. For this purpose, the arm of the lever 260 comprises a second beak 270 arranged to cooperate with a pin 271 provided at the end of an arm of a power reserve lever 272. Another arm 274 of said power reserve lever 272 cooperates with a power reserve cam 276. When the power reserve is exhausted, the power reserve cam 276 is positioned so that the power reserve lever 272 pivots to position its pin 271 on the travel of the second beak 270. Thus, when the user presses the pusher 248, the second beak 270 comes into contact with the pin 271, which makes it possible to prevent the movement of the first beak 262 to the locking lever 264 and thus to disengage the triggering means of the mechanism.

[0071] In addition, the power reserve lever 272 is secured to a second pin 254 whose function will be described below.

[0072] In reference to the figures 15 à 17 , a second safety device is also provided for starting the display mechanism of the invention, arranged to allow, on the one hand, said mechanism to occupy a normal operating position when the magazine 6 is repositioned correctly after its movement and to allow, on the other hand, said triggering means to occupy their disengaged position preventing any movement of the first movement means 12, and therefore of the arm 80, when the magazine 6 is not positioned correctly, and more specifically when it does not reposition correctly after its movement. With reference to figures 15 And 16, this second safety device for starting the display mechanism comprises as many positioners as there are information supports 8, namely here three positioners 242 mounted on the plate 240. Each positioner 242 has the shape of a circular sector, the outer peripheral edge comprising a notch 243 whose function will be described below. Each positioner 242 comprises in its center an oblong opening 244 through which the fixing screws 245 of the positioner 242 are introduced. This makes it possible to precisely adjust the position of each positioner 242. The safety device for starting the display mechanism also comprises a first lever 246 pivotally mounted on the frame and comprising a positioning beak 247 corresponding to the notches 243.The lever 246 is arranged on the one hand so that its positioning beak 247 is engaged in one of the notches 243 when the magazine 6 occupies its normal operating position after its movement and on the other hand to cooperate with the triggering means of the display mechanism, and more specifically to disengage the pusher 248, when the magazine 6 does not reposition itself correctly after its movement and the positioning beak 247 is no longer engaged in one of the notches 243, as shown in the . figure 17 . For this purpose, the safety device for starting the display mechanism also comprises a second lever 250 pivotally mounted on the frame and comprising a first arm 251 carrying a first pin 252 arranged to cooperate with the first lever 246 and a second arm 253 arranged to press on the second pin 254 secured to the power reserve lever 272 when the positioning beak 247 is not engaged in one of the notches 243. Thus, when the positioning beak 247 is not engaged in one of the notches 243, the first lever 246 tilts the second lever 250 by pushing the first pin 252, so that its second arm 253 moves the second pin 254 and therefore the power reserve lever 272. The latter pivots and is then in the same position as when the power reserve is exhausted, as described above.Thus, when the positioning beak 247 is not engaged in one of the notches 243, the barrel 234 remains blocked and therefore the arm 80 cannot move. The cycle is stopped until the user actuates the selection arm 62 so as to correctly position the magazine 6 so that the positioning beak 247 engages in one of the notches 243. The second pin 254 and therefore the power reserve lever 272 return to position to allow the release of the barrel 234 by actuation of the pusher 248.

[0073] The arrangement of the different toothed sectors of the control wheels of the centralized control block 88 is such that the second displacement means 126, and in particular the toothed crown 128, are firstly actuated so as to lower the shaft 124 and therefore the drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b into the low position.

[0074] The arrangement of the various toothed sectors of the control wheels of the centralized control block 88 is such that the arm 80 is then actuated, by means of the control wheel of the clockwise arm 90 cooperating with the pinion 96, in the clockwise direction, in order to bring the selected information medium 8 above the platform 10, the drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b being retracted into the low position.

[0075] In another alternative embodiment of the invention, a third safety device may be provided, arranged to prevent the magazine 6 from moving in the event of actuation of the selection arm when the arm 80 is no longer positioned in front of the magazine 6. In this alternative, with reference to figures 18 à 22 , the selection arm corresponding to the selection arm 62 shown in the figure 5 is now referenced 277 and is here secured to a ring 278, the assembly being pivotally mounted on the frame, under the plate 240. The actuating means 40 comprising the pinion 64, the internal teeth 66, the toothed wheel 70 and the toothed wheel 72 secured to the nut 74 remain identical to what was described above.

[0076] Said third safety device comprises a lever 280 pivotally mounted on the frame and having two integral branches 280a, 280b, and a cam 281 pivotally mounted on the plate 240. The lever 280 is positioned so that its branch 280b can cooperate with a pin 207 (cf. figures 9 , 12 , 13 , And 22) provided on the arm 80 when the latter is positioned in front of the magazine 6. The cam 281 comprises a generally circular part 282, eccentric with respect to the axis of the nut 74, and having a rim 283 arranged to cooperate with a pin 284 provided at the end of the branch 280a of the lever 280. The cam 281 also comprises an arm 286 substantially concentric with the circular part 282 and having an oblong opening 288 whose function will be described below. The third safety device also comprises two clamps 290 and 292, the clamp 292 being integral with a shaft 294 (cf. figure 20 ) pivotally mounted through the plate 240 and the clamp 290 being connected to the clamp 292 by a finger 293 provided on the clamp 292 and engaged in a notch 295 of the clamp 290. The shaft 294 carries an arm 296 on which is provided a pin 298, arranged to circulate in the oblong opening 288 of the cam 281. The third safety device also comprises the ring 278 whose periphery has two notches 302 arranged to receive respectively a clamp 290, 292. Thus, when the arm 80 moves between the magazine 6 and the platform 10, its pin 207 moves apart and releases the branch 280b of the lever 280. The lever 280 pivots under the action of its return spring 304 so that its pin 284 presses the edge 283 of the cam 281 to pivot it. The pivoting of the cam 281 causes the pin 298 to move in the oblong opening 288 so as to pivot the shaft 294 and therefore the clamp 292. The clamp 292 opens and disengages from its notch 302.The other clamp 290 follows the same movement and disengages from its notch so that the ring 278 is detached from the plate 240 and disengaged, as shown in the . figures 18 And 19 . As a result, if the selection arm 277 is moved angularly, the ring 278 rotates in front of the clamps 290 and 292 without being able to cooperate with them. Since the plate 240 is not driven in rotation, the first actuating means for moving the magazine 6 are then not actuated. The magazine 6 cannot therefore be moved, and this until the arm 80 is repositioned in front of the magazine 6. When the arm 80 returns in front of the magazine 6, its pin 207 presses again on the branch 280b of the lever 280 so as to move the cam 281, and therefore the pin 298, which causes the rotation of the shaft 294 and the closing of the clamps 290 and 292 in their notches 302 provided on the ring 278, as shown in figures 20 And 21The ring 278 is therefore again securely connected to the plate 240 so that the actuation of the selection arm 277 causes the magazine 6 to move as described above.

[0077] The arrangement of the different toothed sectors of the control wheels of the centralized control block 88 is such that the second displacement means 126, and in particular the toothed crown 128, are then actuated again so as to raise the shaft 124 and therefore the drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b to the high position.

[0078] The arrangement of the various toothed sectors of the control wheels of the centralized control unit 88 is such that the clutch pinion 156 meshing with the disc 16 is then actuated until the associated drive pin 115a, 115b and the associated pointing pin 117a, 117b are correctly positioned in the base 17 of the disc 16, which causes the clutch pinion 156 to be disengaged. The cycle is then stopped by stopping the rotation of the centralized control unit 88.

[0079] The disc 16 is now secured to its associated crown 112a, 112b, and rotates on the platform at the appropriate speed depending on the information displayed. The ring 22 held by the arm 80 positioned in front of the platform 10 remains fixed, as does the crystal 24, which makes it possible to read the information by means of the indexes 26 provided on the crystal 24. Because the crowns 112a, 112b rotate continuously, even when their associated disc 16 is not positioned on the platform 10, the memory of the information is retained and the associated disc 16 is automatically updated when it is placed on the platform 10.

[0080] When the user wishes to modify the information medium in place on the platform 10 again, he actuates the pusher to restart the barrel and the rotation of the centralized control block 88.

[0081] The arrangement of the different toothed sectors of the control wheels of the centralized control block 88 is such that the second displacement means 126, and in particular the toothed crown 128, are again actuated so as to lower the shaft 124 and therefore the drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b into the low position.

[0082] The arrangement of the various toothed sectors of the control wheels of the centralized control unit 88 is such that the arm 80 is then actuated in the counterclockwise direction by means of the control wheel of the counterclockwise arm 92 cooperating with the pinion 100, in order to return the selected information medium 8 to the magazine 6.

[0083] The arrangement of the different toothed sectors of the control wheels of the centralized control block 88 is such that the second displacement means 126, and in particular the toothed crown 128, are then actuated again so as to raise the shaft 124 and therefore the drive pins 115a, 115b and the pointing pins 117a, 117b to the high position. Then the cycle stops. As shown in figure 4b , the arm 80 remains in front of the magazine 6 and serves as a stop to prevent the information support 8 placed at its level from coming out of the magazine 6 in an untimely manner.

[0084] Thus, the user can modify as he wishes, the information support 8 positioned on the platform so as to be able to display, in the same place, different time information.

[0085] It is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described. In particular, the number of crowns can vary.

[0086] Furthermore, the various safety devices as well as other devices such as the platform or the control block can be used independently in mechanisms other than the display mechanism of the invention. For example, the first safety device can be used to secure the position of a chronograph arm. The second safety device can be used in a striking mechanism to prevent the striking mechanism from starting if the mechanism is in its time-setting position. The third safety device can be used in a striking mechanism to prevent the time from being set if the user has already started the striking mechanism.

Claims

1. Platform (10) for displaying a plurality of mutually different items of horometric information from a plurality of information supports (8) on each of which appears one of said items of horometric information, said platform (10) comprising as many crowns (112a, 112b) as there are items of horometric information to be displayed on the platform (10), each of said crowns (112a, 112b) being arranged to receive an associated information support (8) and being rotatable at a speed selected as a function of the item of horometric information displayed on the associated information support (8), the information support (8) comprising a disc (16) carrying the item of horometric information, each crown (112a, 112b) comprising third positioning means arranged to cooperate with first positioning means of the disc (16) carrying the item of horometric information, the first and third positioning means being arranged so that the disc (16) carrying the item of horometric information is positioned on the associated crown (112a, 112b) in order to display the associated item of horometric information accurately.

2. Platform (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the third positioning means provided on the crown (112a, 112b) are translatable between a lower position enabling the selected information support (8) to be placed on the platform and an upper position enabling the selected information support (8) and its associated crown (112a, 112b) to cooperate.

3. Platform (10) according to claim 2, characterised in that the platform (10) comprises second displacement means (126) arranged to translate the third positioning means provided on the crown (112a, 112b) between their lower position and their upper position.

4. Display mechanism comprising a platform (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, and coupling means arranged to pivot the selected information support (8) positioned on the platform (10) until said selected information medium (8) cooperates with the associated crown (112a, 112b).

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