Time zone correction mechanism for a timepiece

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a time zone correction mechanism (500), for a timepiece (1000), equipped with a manual control device (100) comprising two opposing manual corrector actuators (30, 50) moving an associated time zone corrector (20, 40) comprising a beak (29, 49) configured to bear against a relief (11) of a time zone correction mobile (10) and to move said time zone correction mobile (10), characterized in that said time zone correction mobile (10) is a toothed mobile comprising regular teeth having a first drive level in which several successive teeth are missing and replaced by a first clearance (19), and a second drive level parallel to said first drive level, and in which several successive teeth are missing and replaced by a second clearance (18),and in that said first clearance (19) and said second clearance (18) are not superimposed on each other, and in that each spindle corrector (20, 40) is configured to cooperate with a single drive level, among the first drive level and the second drive level, of the spindle correction mobile (10).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a time zone correction mechanism for a timepiece, equipped with a manual control device comprising manual corrector actuators arranged to be operated by a user and to control movements in opposite directions of the same correction wheel set.

[0002] The invention also relates to a timepiece, comprising at least one time zone mechanism with such a time zone correction mechanism.

[0003] The invention relates to the field of watch mechanisms, in particular complication mechanisms such as calendar mechanisms or time zone mechanisms, and the associated adjustment mechanisms, allowing adjustment of the time zone and / or date by the user of the timepiece. Technological background

[0004] In watchmaking, it is not uncommon to offer watches with complications, such as calendar mechanisms, or so-called GMT mechanisms displaying time zones, which the user can easily correct using manual corrector actuators, such as pushers.

[0005] In this particular example of a time zone mechanism, there are watches with two separate pushers for correcting the time zones in both directions (advance of the time zone and regression of the time zone). For example, one solution is to use two correction actuators that act on a single time zone correction wheel, in an antagonistic manner. Document CH 699 785 presents such a solution.

[0006] If this time zone correction mechanism is coupled with a date, the displayed date may become incorrect if the wearer makes a time zone correction by crossing the international date line (located above the Pacific Ocean). Summary of the invention

[0007] This is to prevent the wearer of a watch from making a haphazard correction to the time zone or date when crossing the international date line.

[0008] The invention aims to enable zone correction in any time zone configuration, particularly in the vicinity of the international date line.

[0009] The invention will be illustrated and described below in a non-limiting application to the case of a spindle correction mechanism comprising manual corrector actuators, for example two-push buttons.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a time zone correction mechanism for a timepiece, equipped with a manual control device comprising manual corrector actuators arranged to be operated by a user and to control movements in opposite directions of the same correction wheel set, according to claim 1.

[0011] In addition to the characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the time zone correction mechanism for a timepiece according to the invention may have one or more additional characteristics among the following, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations: said first clearance and said second clearance are, in planar projection, separated by several complete teeth of said time zone correction wheel set which extend over both said first drive level and said second drive level; a first time zone corrector, associated with a first manual corrector actuator, is configured to cooperate with said time zone correction wheel set at the first drive level and in that a second time zone corrector associated with a second manual corrector actuator is configured to cooperate with said time zone correction wheel set at the second drive level; the first drive level and the second drive level of the time zone correction wheel set each comprise at least one tooth less than the number of time zones managed by the timepiece which comprises said time zone correction mechanism;the first drive level and the second drive level of the time zone correction wheel set each comprise 23 teeth when the number of time zones managed by the timepiece which comprises said time zone correction mechanism is 24; said time zone correction wheel set is a single-piece part; the manual control device comprises an isolation mechanism arranged to prohibit an action of one of the two manual corrector actuators (on said time zone correction wheel set when the other of the two manual corrector actuators is engaged and interacting with said time zone correction wheel set; the isolation mechanism comprises an isolator configured to be rotated when one of the two manual corrector actuators is engaged, to limit the travel of the other of the two opposing manual corrector actuators and to prevent access of its associated time zone corrector to said time zone correction wheel set;the isolator constitutes a safety rocker, said isolator comprising a first end having a first stop finger and a second end, opposite the first end, which has a second stop finger, the first and second stop fingers being configured to cooperate in abutment, respectively with a manual corrector actuator among the two manual corrector actuators; the first stop finger and the second stop finger have an identical shape and / or perform an identical function; each of the two manual corrector actuators comprises: a first support profile configured to form a stop profile in cooperation with the first stop finger or the second stop finger and to prevent the rotation of said manual corrector actuator in question;a second support profile configured to form an escapement profile on which the first stop finger or the second stop fingers slide so as to allow a partial rotation of said manual corrector actuator in question; the first support profiles of the two manual corrector actuators are arranged with respect to each other in a substantially aligned manner, and in that the first stop fingers and the second stop finger bear respectively on said first support profile of each of said two manual corrector actuators during simultaneous actuation of each of said two manual corrector actuators by the user; the second support profiles of said two manual corrector actuators are arranged in opposition to each other so as to form an acute angle, the apex of the acute angle of which is directed towards the spindle correction mechanism. ;

[0012] The invention also relates to a timepiece, comprising at least one time zone mechanism with such a time zone correction mechanism.

[0013] The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a date mechanism equipped with a date wheel and a mechanism for displaying time information cooperating with the date mechanism and the time zone mechanism. Brief description of the figures

[0014] The aims, advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where: there figure 1 represents, schematically and in plan view, and in a rest position, an example of an embodiment of a spindle correction mechanism, comprising a correction wheel which can be driven in two opposite directions by antagonistic correctors operated by separate manual corrector actuators; figure 2 represents, schematically and in plan view, a detail of the mechanism of the figure 1 , and illustrates a first step corresponding to a push applied by the user to a first manual corrector actuator, which drives a first corrector in a first direction (for example clockwise), to come to bear at the bottom of the teeth on the correction wheel; figure 3 illustrates, in a similar way to the figure 2 , a second step where the thrust is exerted on the first manual corrector actuator to a stop position, and during which the correction mobile pivots in the first direction (clockwise); the figure 4 illustrates, in a similar way to the figure 2, the release by the user of the first manual corrector actuator, which, under the action of a first elastic return means constituted by a spring, pivots, as well as the first corrector, in a second direction opposite to the first direction (for example anti-clockwise), to cause its beak to come out of the teeth of the correction wheel; Figure 5 illustrates, in a similar way to the figure 2 , the complete release by the first manual corrector actuator, which returns to the stop in the rest position of the figure 1 ; there figure 6 represents, in a schematic manner and in plan view, similar to the figure 1, a correction mechanism according to the invention, which comprises an isolator, which is a safety lever, making it possible to guarantee that the correctors do not drive the correction wheel at the same time. This safety lever is here, non-limitingly, an annular sector whose distal ends are arranged to cooperate with the manual corrector actuators; figures 7 to 9 represent, in a schematic, partial, and plan view, the correction mechanism of the figure 6 and explain how it works: the figure 7illustrates a first case where the correctors are actuated at the same time. When the manual corrector actuators are actuated at the same time, they come into contact with the safety lever. As each manual corrector actuator exerts an opposite action to the other on the safety lever, their rotation is blocked. The only way to make a correction is to release one of the manual corrector actuators. In this case, the two corrector jaws cannot interact with the correction wheel when they are actuated at the same time; figures 8 and 9 expose a second case, where the correctors are activated one after the other; the figure 8illustrates a first stage, where a first corrector in the left part of the figure, which acts in the direction of an increasing correction, is actuated by the first manual corrector actuator, until the corrector beak comes into contact with a tooth of the teeth of the correction wheel; in this position, the first corrector has driven the safety lever over its maximum travel: the distance between the safety lever and the second manual corrector actuator is very small, and prevents the rotation of the latter; the figure 9 illustrates the continuation of the movement, if the user continues to push the first manual corrector actuator until the correction wheel is driven. The safety lever remains in the same position and prevents the rotation of the second manual corrector actuator. The two corrector jaws cannot interact with the correction wheel at the same time; the figure 10represents, in a schematic manner and in plan view, similar to the figure 1 , a correction mechanism according to the invention in a rest position without the correctors so as to more precisely visualize the manual corrector actuators; the figure 11 represents, schematically and in plan view, an example of embodiment of a safety lever according to the invention with guidance by pins and oblong grooves; the figure 12 represents, schematically and in plan view, an example of an embodiment of a safety rocker according to the invention which is pivoting; the figure 13 is a block diagram which represents a timepiece comprising a mechanism, a correction wheel of which is arranged to be controlled by such a manual control device comprising two manual corrector actuators; the figure 14represents, in a schematic manner, a first partial and perspective view of a spindle correction mechanism according to the invention, comprising a correction wheel having two drive levels which can be driven in two opposite directions by antagonistic correctors operated by separate manual corrector actuators; figure 15 represents, in a schematic manner, a second partial and perspective view of a spindle correction mechanism according to the invention, comprising a correction wheel having two drive levels which can be driven in two opposite directions by antagonistic correctors operated by separate manual corrector actuators; figure 16is a schematic example of a planisphere on which a date line appears, which extends over several time zones and whose path does not follow the meridian located 180° opposite the Greenwich meridian but is guided by the geopolitical choices of countries.

[0015] In all figures, common elements bear the same reference numbers unless otherwise specified. Detailed description of the invention

[0016] As schematically illustrated in the figure 13 , the invention relates to a time zone correction mechanism 500 for a timepiece 1000 equipped with a manual control device 100 comprising manual corrector actuators 30, 50, which are arranged to be operated by a user, and to control the same correction wheel set 10 in movements in opposite directions.

[0017] The invention is described here in a non-limiting application to the case of a spindle correction mechanism, illustrated by the figure 1 , comprising two antagonistic manual corrector actuators 30, 50, which are here more particularly control pushers, which tend to rotate the correction wheel 10, which is here a spindle correction wheel, in two opposite directions (clockwise and anti-clockwise).

[0018] A first manual corrector actuator 30 is directly operable by a user in a pushing action in a first direction A. The first manual corrector actuator 30 is pivotally mounted around a first articulation pin 31 driven into a plate 1 of the spindle correction mechanism 500, so that under the action of the user, the first manual corrector actuator 30 pivots around the first articulation pin 31.

[0019] The spindle correction mechanism 500 also comprises a first corrector 20 articulated relative to the first manual corrector actuator 30. For this purpose, the first corrector 20 comprises a first oblong guide groove 23 configured to cooperate with the first articulation pin 31 so as to allow the articulation of the first corrector 20 relative to the first manual corrector actuator 30.

[0020] The first oblong groove 23 is configured to guide the movement of the first corrector when the first manual corrector actuator 30 pivots, according to a rotational and translational movement.

[0021] The first manual corrector actuator 30 comprises a first actuating stud 32, for example driven into the body of the first manual corrector actuator 30. The first actuating stud 32 makes it possible to transmit to the first corrector 20 the pushing action exerted on the first manual corrector actuator 30 by the user.

[0022] The cooperation of the first oblong groove 23 and the first articulation pin 31 limits the relative travel between the first manual corrector actuator 30 and the first corrector 20.

[0023] The first manual corrector actuator 30 tends to be pushed back, directly or indirectly, in a second direction B opposite to the first direction A, towards an inactive rest position by a first elastic return means 22, here non-limitingly constituted by a spring.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the first elastic return means 22 bears on the first corrector 20, and more particularly on a first spring pin 21 driven into the body of the first corrector 20. Thus, thanks to this architecture, the first elastic return means 22 makes it possible to push, in a second direction B opposite to the first direction A, towards an inactive rest position, both the first corrector 20 and the first manual corrector actuator 30.

[0025] It is also envisaged according to an alternative embodiment that the first elastic return means 22 is formed by two independent return springs, a first spring acting on the first corrector 20 and a second spring acting on the first manual corrector actuator 30.

[0026] The first corrector 20 comprises a first corrector beak 29 which is arranged to cooperate with a relief of the correction wheel set 10, here formed by a spindle correction wheel. The relief of the correction wheel set 10 is for example a tooth 11 of the teeth of the correction wheel set 10. The first actuating stud 32 can also, advantageously, be arranged to constitute a stop limiting the angular travel of the first corrector 20.

[0027] According to an alternative embodiment, the correction wheel 10 could be constituted by a correction star, or other. In this case, the first beak 29 is then arranged to cooperate with a branch, an arm, a lug, or other, which the correction wheel 10 in question comprises. The correction wheel 10 is conventionally held in position by a correction wheel jumper 60 subjected to the action of a jumper spring 63 bearing on a jumper pin 62.

[0028] Similarly, the second manual corrector actuator 50 is directly operable by a user in a pushing action in a third direction C. The second manual corrector actuator 50 is pivotally mounted around a second hinge pin 51 driven into the plate 1 of the spindle correction mechanism 500, so that under the action of the user, the second manual corrector actuator 50 pivots around the second hinge pin 51.

[0029] The spindle correction mechanism 500 also comprises a second corrector 40 articulated relative to the second manual corrector actuator 50. For this purpose, the second corrector 40 comprises a second oblong guide groove 43 configured to cooperate with the second articulation pin 51, so as to allow the articulation of the second corrector 40 relative to the second manual corrector actuator 50.

[0030] The second oblong groove 43 is configured to guide the movement of the second corrector 40 during the pivoting of the second manual corrector actuator 50, according to a rotational and translational movement.

[0031] The second manual corrector actuator 50 comprises a second actuating stud 52, for example driven into the body of the second manual corrector actuator 50. The second actuating stud 52 makes it possible to transmit to the second corrector 40 the pushing action exerted on the second manual corrector actuator 50 by the user.

[0032] The cooperation of the second oblong groove 43 and the second articulation pin 51 limits the relative travel between the second manual corrector actuator 50 and the second corrector 40. The second manual corrector actuator 50 tends to be pushed back, directly or indirectly, in a fourth direction D opposite to the second direction C, towards an inactive rest position by a second elastic return means 42, here not limited to a spring.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the second elastic return means 42 bears on the second corrector 40, and more particularly on a second spring pin 41 driven into the body of the second corrector 40. Thus, thanks to this architecture, the second elastic return means 42 makes it possible to push, in a fourth direction D opposite to the third direction C, towards an inactive rest position, both the second corrector 40 and the second manual corrector actuator 50.

[0034] It is also envisaged according to an alternative embodiment that the second elastic return means 42 is formed by two independent return springs, a first spring acting on the second corrector 40 and a second spring acting on the second manual corrector actuator 50.

[0035] This second corrector 40 comprises a second corrector beak 49 which is arranged to cooperate with a relief of the correction wheel set 10, for example a tooth 11 of the teeth of the correction wheel set 10. The second actuating stud 52 can also, advantageously, be arranged to constitute a stop for limiting the angular travel of the second corrector 40.

[0036] There figure 2 illustrates more particularly a first step corresponding to a push applied by the user on the first manual corrector actuator 30 in the first direction A. This push drives the first corrector 20 in rotation, which pivots in the direction SH, and comes to bear at the bottom of the teeth on the correction wheel set 10. In the representation illustrated in figure 2 , the SH direction corresponds to the clockwise direction.

[0037] There figure 3illustrates more particularly a second step occurring when the first corrector 20 comes to bear at the bottom of the teeth on the correction wheel set 10. In this second step, the thrust is exerted so as to move, in a substantially rectilinear manner, the first corrector 20 to a stop position of the first manual corrector actuator 30, and during which the movement of the first corrector 20 initiates a pivoting of the correction wheel set 10 in the direction SH, which is the clockwise direction in our illustrated embodiment.

[0038] It will be noted that in our non-limiting example embodiment, the direction of rotation of the first corrector 20 corresponds to the direction of rotation of the correction wheel set 10, the first corrector 20 acting directly on the correction wheel set 10 and not via an intermediate element or gear train.

[0039] However, it is envisaged to be able to use an intermediate element between the corrector 20 and the correction wheel 10 so that the rotation of the first corrector 20 drives the correction wheel 10 in a direction opposite to the rotation of the first corrector 20.

[0040] There figure 4 illustrates a third step consisting of the release by the user of the first manual corrector actuator 30, which, under the action of the first elastic return means 22, pivots, as does the first corrector 20 in a second direction SAH, corresponding in our exemplary embodiment to the counterclockwise direction, to cause the first beak 29 to come out of the toothing of the correction wheel 10.

[0041] There Figure 5 illustrates a fourth step corresponding to the complete release of the first manual corrector actuator 30 and the repositioning of the first manual corrector actuator 30, which returns to a stop in a rest position.

[0042] The operation of the second manual corrector actuator 50 and its second corrector 40 is similar to the operation of the first manual corrector actuator 30 and the first corrector 20, as described with reference to figures 2 to 5 The embodiment variants proposed for the first manual corrector actuator 30 and its first corrector 20 are also applicable to the second manual corrector actuator 50 and its second corrector 40.

[0043] Advantageously, the two correctors 20, 50 are antagonistic correctors which operate in the same way and which act on the same correction mobile 10.

[0044] Advantageously, the two correctors 20, 50 act symmetrically on the same correction wheel 10.

[0045] When the 1000 timepiece is equipped with a date mechanism associated with the gear train for displaying time information, the date displayed may become incorrect if the wearer makes a time zone correction by crossing the international date line (located above the Pacific Ocean), which extends over several time zones, as seen on the figure 16 .

[0046] We remind you that the figure 16 is a schematic example of a planisphere on which a date line appears, which extends over several time zones and whose path does not follow the meridian located 180° opposite the Greenwich meridian but is guided by the geopolitical choices of countries.

[0047] To keep the date correct, the aim is to prevent the wearer from making an inaccurate correction to the time zone or date when crossing the international date line.

[0048] As visible to the figures 14 and 15, the present invention proposes a solution consisting of using a spindle correction mechanism 500 having a correction wheel 10 consisting of a toothing with two drive levels, a first part of the toothing of which is milled on a first upper drive level so as to create a first clearance 19, and a second part of the toothing of which is milled on a second lower drive level so as to create a second clearance 18, such that there remains, on each of the drive levels, only a number of teeth 11 less than the number of spindles managed, for example 23 teeth at each drive level, for 24 spindles, in the case of figures 14 and 15 .

[0049] More particularly, the correction wheel 10 is a toothed wheel which has regular teeth, and which has at least a first level in which several successive teeth are missing and replaced by a first clearance 19, and at least a second level parallel to the first level and in which several successive teeth are missing and replaced by a second clearance 18.

[0050] Preferably, the first clearance 19 and the second clearance 18 are not superimposed so that they are arranged with an angular offset on the peripheral periphery of the correction wheel set 10. Thus, the first clearance 19 and the second clearance 18 are, in planar projection, separated by several complete teeth (i.e. teeth extending both on the first level and on the second level) of the correction wheel set 10.

[0051] More particularly, at least one corrector 20, 40 acts only on a single drive level of the teeth of the correction wheel 10, upper or lower.

[0052] More particularly, each of the correctors 20, 40 is arranged to cooperate with the correction wheel 10 at only one of the levels, different from that with which the other of the correctors 20, 40 cooperates.

[0053] According to the example of realization represented in figures 14 and 15 , the first corrector 20 cooperates only with the upper drive level of the correction wheel set 10, while the second corrector 40 cooperates only with the lower drive level of the correction wheel set 10. Thus, each of the correctors 20, 40 acts only on one stage of the correction wheel set 10 without being able to engage the second stage of the correction wheel set 10. Of course, another arrangement is possible.

[0054] In the specific non-limiting case illustrated in figures 14 and 15 , the 23 teeth of each stage are indexed in such a way that when the time zone preceding the date change line is displayed (upstream or downstream of this line), the corrector 20, 40, allowing the positive or negative change of the time zone, cannot interact with the correction wheel 10 so that it is not possible to cross the date change line. The only possibility of correction is therefore to correct the time zones in the opposite direction to the crossing of this date change line. This thus makes it possible to keep the date information of the correct calendar.

[0055] THE figures 14 and 15thus illustrate a configuration where the time zones have previously been corrected in the negative direction, with the second corrector 40 and its beak 49, until reaching the date change line. The correction in the negative direction is no longer possible because there are no longer any teeth opposite the beak 49 of the corrector 40 on the lower level of the correction wheel 10. On the other hand, the first corrector 20, which acts for a positive correction, can push the first tooth 11 of the upper drive level, as visible on the right of the figure 15 .

[0056] More particularly, the first level and the second level each comprise at least one tooth less than the number of time zones managed by the timepiece 1000 which comprises the time zone correction mechanism 500.

[0057] More particularly, the first level and the second level each have 23 teeth when the number of spindles managed by the timepiece 1000 which includes the spindle correction mechanism 500 is 24.

[0058] Preferably, the spindle correction wheel 10 is a single-piece part.

[0059] However, the spindle correction wheel 10 can be produced by assembling two separate elements, each forming a drive level, and by securing the two elements.

[0060] The two antagonistic correctors 20 and 40 operate in the same way, and act on the same correction mobile 10.

[0061] It will be noted that the indexing of the teeth of the correction wheel set 10, the positioning of the first clearance 19 and the second clearance 18 on the peripheral periphery of the correction wheel set 10, as well as the angular offset between the two clearances 19, 18, mentioned in the present application are given by way of example and are linked to the non-limiting architecture of the spindle correction mechanism 500 illustrated in the figures. Indeed, the indexing of the teeth of the correction wheel set, the positioning of the clearances 19, 18 on the peripheral periphery of the correction wheel set 10 as well as the angular offset between the two clearances 19, 18 can be modified as a function of the position of the correctors 40, 20 with respect to the correction wheel set 10 as well as as a function of their shape.

[0062] Advantageously, according to the invention the two correctors 20, 50 act symmetrically on the same correction wheel 10.

[0063] The spindle correction mechanism 500 may also include an isolation mechanism interacting with the manual control device 100 configured to neutralize two simultaneous opposing corrections.

[0064] Thus, the isolation mechanism is arranged to prohibit an action of one of the manual corrector actuators 30, 50, on the correction mobile 10 when the other of the manual corrector actuators 30, 50, is in interaction with the correction mobile 10.

[0065] For this purpose, the isolation mechanism comprises an isolator 70 which is arranged to be driven during a movement of one of the manual corrector actuators 30, 50, and to limit the travel of the other of the manual corrector actuators 50, 30, and thus prevent access of its associated corrector 40, 20 to the correction wheel set 10.

[0066] Advantageously, the isolator 70 is driven in rotation during a movement of one of the manual corrector actuators 30, 50.

[0067] Such an insulator 70 is mounted to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the plate 1, and forms a safety lever making it possible to guarantee that the correctors 20, 40 do not drive the correction wheel 10 at the same time, for example the spindle correction wheel in our non-limiting application example.

[0068] Such an isolator 70 is configured not to prioritize a manual corrector actuator 30, 50 in particular as is the case with the correction mechanisms of the state of the art. Thus, the spindle correction mechanism 500 according to the invention makes it possible to prioritize the manual corrector actuator actuated first by the user and not to prioritize a manual corrector actuator predefined during the design. The manual control device according to the invention therefore makes it possible not to prioritize the advance or recoil corrector during the design.

[0069] The insulator 70 is shown in its entirety more particularly at figure 6 .

[0070] There figure 6 particularly illustrates the manual control device 100 and the isolation mechanism in the rest position, in the absence of user action, as well as the figure 1

[0071] More particularly the insulator 70, in the form of a rocker, comprising, at its opposite ends, stop fingers 71, 72, each of the stop fingers 71, 72 being arranged to cooperate in support with a portion of the manual corrector actuators 30, 50.

[0072] The two opposite ends of the insulator 70 have an identical shape and perform the same function.

[0073] Each manual corrector actuator 30, 50 further comprises several support profiles making it possible to interact with the isolator 70, and more particularly with the stop fingers 71, 72, depending on the actions of the user.

[0074] As illustrated in figures 7 to 9, each manual corrector actuator 30, 50 comprises a first support profile 37, 57 configured to form a stop profile of the manual corrector actuator 30, 50, the first support profile 37, 57 being configured to cooperate respectively with a stop finger 71, 72 of the isolator 70.

[0075] Each manual corrector actuator 30, 50 comprises a second support profile 36, 56 configured to form an escape profile, or a sliding profile, on which the stop finger 71, 72 of the isolator 70 slides, so as to allow at least partial rotation of a manual corrector actuator 30, 50 when the opposing manual corrector actuator 30, 50 is not actuated simultaneously, as shown more particularly in figures 8 to 9 .

[0076] When the user performs maneuvers on the manual corrector actuators 30, 50, two cases may arise.

[0077] In the first case, illustrated by the figure 7 , the manual corrector actuators 30, 50 are actuated simultaneously by the user. When the manual corrector actuators 30 and 50 are actuated simultaneously, they simultaneously come into contact with the stop fingers 71, 72 of the insulator 70, at the first support profile 37, 57. Thus, the first support profiles 37, 57 are simultaneously pressed against a stop finger 71, 72 of the insulator 70. As each manual corrector actuator 30, 50 exerts an opposite and identical action to the other on the insulator 70, which can rotate, rotation of the insulator 70 is not possible.

[0078] Following this simultaneous action on the two manual corrector actuators 30, 50, the only way to make a correction is to release one of the manual corrector actuators 30, 50 to allow the isolator 70 to switch.

[0079] Thus, the isolation mechanism makes it possible to prevent the two corrector nozzles 29 and 49 from interacting with the correction wheel 10 when they are activated at the same time by the user, via the manual corrector actuators 30, 50.

[0080] Advantageously, the stop fingers 71, 72 have a first identical shape and the first support profiles 37, 57 have a second identical shape so that the forces exerted on the insulator 70 via the manual corrector actuators 30, 50 are substantially equivalent.

[0081] In the second case, as seen on the figure 8 , the user operates only one of the 30, 50 manual corrector actuators at a time.

[0082] In the example embodiment illustrated in the figure 8, it is the first manual corrector actuator 30 which is actuated. As seen previously, this first manual corrector actuator 30 actuates the corrector 20, which acts in the direction of a clockwise correction, until the corrector beak 29 comes into contact with a tooth 11 of the teeth of the correction wheel 10.

[0083] The rotation of the manual corrector actuator 30 causes the first support profile 37 to come into contact with the first finger 71 of the insulator, then the rotation of the insulator 70 over its maximum travel.

[0084] Advantageously, the support profiles 37, 36 of the manual corrector actuator 30 are configured so that the maximum stroke of the isolator 70 is reached before the corrector beak 29 comes into contact with the teeth of the correction wheel 10.

[0085] Once tilted, the insulator 70 is held in the tilted position via the second support profile 36. In the tilted position, the distance between the rocker 70 and the second manual corrector actuator 50 is very small, which prevents rotation of the latter and of the second correction 40 and therefore actuation of the second manual corrector actuator 50 once the first manual corrector actuator 30 is engaged. A slight play may be possible.

[0086] If the user continues to push the first manual corrector actuator 30 to the stop, as seen in the figure 9, this action drives the correction wheel clockwise. The safety lever 70 remains in the same tilted position by sliding along the second support profile 36 and prevents the rotation of the second manual corrector actuator 50. Thus, via the isolator 70 acting as a safety lever, the two corrector jaws 29 and 49 cannot interact with the correction wheel 10 at the same time, and no corrector is prioritized during the design.

[0087] Depending on the geometry and complexity of the mechanism, the manual corrector actuators 30, 50 may have a clearance 38, 58 to free up space opposite the fingers 71, 72 of the insulator 70, thus allowing the insulator 70 to be able to tilt and reach its maximum travel.

[0088] In the case of the spindle correction mechanism 500 by pushers presented previously and illustrated by the figures, such an insulator 70 is added which is a safety lever making it possible to guarantee that the correctors do not come to drive at the same time the mobile 10, which is here the spindle correction wheel.

[0089] In an alternative embodiment, the insulator 70 is monolithic.

[0090] In one variant, the insulator 70 is in several parts hinged relative to each other.

[0091] In yet another variant, the isolator 70 is in several parts, which are arranged to bear against each other during an action by a user on one of the manual corrector actuators 30, 50.

[0092] In a variant illustrated in the figure 11, the insulator 70 comprises rocker guide grooves 73 cooperating with rocker guide pins 173 carried by the plate 1 carrying the manual control device 100.

[0093] According to another variant, the insulator comprises rocker pins cooperating with rocker pin guide grooves formed in the plate 1 carrying the manual control device 100.

[0094] According to another variant illustrated in the figure 12 , the insulator 70 is pivotally mounted around an axis 174 mounted on the plate 1 carrying the manual control device 100.

[0095] The isolator 70 may also be used to initiate one or more additional functions upon switching of the isolator 70. In particular, as illustrated in figures 1 And 6, the insulator 70 may comprise a clutch pin 74 integral with the movements of the insulator 70. This clutch pin 74 is notably arranged to, during the movement of the insulator 70 initiated during a correction, move an additional mobile, for example a clutch mobile, move a lever provided with an idler pinion, engage the correction mechanism with the hand of the timepiece, or even disengage it.

[0096] Each manual corrector actuator 30, 50 comprises a limiting member for limiting the angular travel. The manual control device 100 according to the invention has been shown with reference to the figure 10without the correctors 20, 40 described previously for better visibility. More particularly, the limiting member for limiting the angular travel is formed by a limiting groove 39, 59 provided in the body of the manual corrector actuator 30, 40 and by a limiting pin 208, 408 carried by the plate 1 carrying the manual control device 100. The limiting groove 39, 59 cooperates with the limiting pin 208, 408 in the following manner: in the rest position, under the influence of the first elastic return means 22 or the second elastic return means 42, the limiting groove 39, 59 bears on the limiting pin 208, 408 at a first end of the limiting groove 39, 59.The maximum rotational travel of the manual corrector actuator 30, 50 is defined by the second end of the limiting groove 39, 59 abutting against the limiting pin 208, 408 under the thrust initiated by the user.

[0097] The inactive rest position of each of the manual corrector actuators 30, 50 is outside the timepiece 1000. These manual corrector actuators 30, 50 thus remain within reach of the user.

[0098] More particularly, the manual corrector actuators 30, 50 are actuated by means of pushers provided in the caseband (not shown) of the timepiece 1000.

[0099] The invention has been described for a time zone correction mechanism; however, the invention is also applicable to many other watch mechanisms, for which adjustment by the user is necessary or advantageous, for example and not limited to adjustment of the phase or age of the moon, tidal state, leap year, day / night position, morning / evening position, manual counter, selection of a striking mode, adjustment of an alarm time, or other.

[0100] In the advantageous variant where the time zone correction mechanism 500 is associated with a date mechanism in the timepiece 1000, it is obvious that the time zone correction mechanism, modifying the position of the time zone gear train, also acts on the positioning of the date mechanism, thus causing a date change if necessary depending on the time zone setting without however allowing the date change line to be crossed to prevent the date setting from being distorted.

[0101] Furthermore, to carry out a date adjustment independently of the time zone gear train or the time gear train, in particular when the watch is stopped, it is necessary to implement an independent date adjustment mechanism, well known to those skilled in the art. The implementation of such a date adjustment mechanism is within the scope of the general knowledge of those skilled in the art and does not need to be described in more detail here.

[0102] The solution presented is particularly suitable for 24 time zones. However, the invention is not limited to this particular application because the international date line is not a straight line, so the time zones +13 (Tonga / Samoa), +14 (Christmas Island of Kiribati) and -12 (Baker Island) can also be considered.

[0103] A variant of the invention may also take into account the States concerned by half-time zones, such as India, Pakistan, Nepal, with for example a mechanism with 48 half-time zones; naturally the display on the watch must be adapted accordingly, for example with the display of 30 minutes over 360°, and the display of 24 half-hours over 360°. Such an implementation, on reading the present application, is within the scope of the general knowledge of the person skilled in the art without demonstrating inventive activity.

[0104] When the spindle correction pushers are operated at the same time, there is no risk of mechanism breakage thanks to the use of the isolation mechanism.

[0105] Thanks to the invention, if a date is associated with the time zone correction mechanism, the accuracy of the date is guaranteed regardless of the actions carried out by the wearer on the correctors.

Claims

1. Time zone correction mechanism (500), for a timepiece (1000), equipped with a manual control device (100) comprising two counteracting manual corrector actuators (30, 50), arranged to be operated by a user and to control movements of one and the same time zone correction wheel assembly (10) in opposite directions, each of the two manual corrector actuators (30, 50) setting in motion a time zone corrector (20, 40) associated therewith comprising a beak (29, 49) which is configured to bear against a relief (11) of said time zone correction wheel assembly (10) and to cause said time zone correction wheel assembly (10) to move over a full path of travel of said manual corrector actuator (30, 50) under the action of the user, said time zone correction mechanism (500) being characterised in that said time zone correction wheel assembly (10) is a toothed wheel assembly comprising a regularly spaced toothing having a first drive level from which a plurality of successive teeth are missing and replaced by a first clearance (19), and a second drive level parallel to said first drive level, and from which a plurality of successive teeth are missing and replaced by a second clearance (18), and in that said first clearance (19) and said second clearance (18) are not superimposed with one another, and in that each time zone corrector (20, 40) is configured to cooperate with a single drive level, from among the first drive level and the second drive level, of the time zone correction wheel assembly (10).

2. Time zone correction mechanism (500) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said first clearance (19) and said second clearance (18) are, when projected onto a plane, separated by a plurality of complete teeth of said time zone correction wheel assembly (10) which extend over both said first drive level and said second drive level.

3. Time zone correction mechanism (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a first time zone corrector (20, 40), associated with a first manual corrector actuator (30, 50), is configured to cooperate with said time zone correction wheel assembly (10) at the first drive level and in that a second time zone corrector (20, 40) associated with a second manual corrector actuator (30, 50) is configured to cooperate with said time zone correction wheel assembly (10) at the second drive level.

4. Time zone correction mechanism (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first drive level and said second drive level of the time zone correction wheel assembly (10) each comprise at least one less tooth than the number of time zones managed by the timepiece (1000) that comprises said time zone correction mechanism (500).

5. Time zone correction mechanism (500) according to claim 4, characterised in that said first drive level and said second drive level of the time zone correction wheel assembly (10) each comprise 23 teeth when the number of time zones managed by the timepiece (1000) that comprises said time zone correction mechanism (500) is 24.

6. Time zone correction mechanism (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said time zone correction wheel assembly (10) is made in one piece.

7. Time zone correction mechanism (500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said manual control device (100) comprises a locking lever mechanism arranged to prohibit an action by one of the two manual corrector actuators (30, 50) on said time zone correction wheel assembly (10) when the other one of the two manual corrector actuators (30, 50) is engaged and interacting with said time zone correction wheel assembly (10).

8. Time zone correction mechanism (500) according to claim 7, characterised in that said locking lever mechanism comprises a locking lever (70) configured to be driven in rotation during the engagement of one of the two manual corrector actuators (30, 50), to limit the travel of the other one of the two manual corrector actuators (50, 30), and to prevent the time zone corrector (40, 20) associated therewith from accessing said time zone correction wheel assembly (10).

9. Time zone correction mechanism (500) according to claim 8, characterised in that said locking lever (70) constitutes a safety lever, said locking lever (70) comprising a first end having a first stop finger (71) and a second end, opposite the first end, which has a second stop finger (72), the first and the second stop fingers (71, 72) being configured to cooperate in abutment, respectively with a manual corrector actuator (30, 50) from among the two manual corrector actuators (30, 50).

10. Time zone correction mechanism (500) according to claim 9, characterised in that the first stop finger (71) and the second stop finger (72) have an identical shape and / or carry out an identical function.

11. Time zone correction mechanism (500) according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterised in that each of the two manual corrector actuators (30, 50) comprises: - a first bearing profile (37, 57) configured to form a stop profile in cooperation with the first stop finger (71) or the second stop finger (72) and to prevent said manual corrector actuator (30, 50) considered from rotating; - a second bearing profile (36, 56) configured to form an escapement profile on which the first stop finger (71) or the second stop finger (72) slides so as to allow said manual corrector actuator (30, 50) considered to partially rotate.

12. Time zone correction mechanism (500) according to claim 11, characterised in that said first bearing profiles (37, 57) of the two manual corrector actuators (30, 50) are arranged relative to one another in a substantially aligned manner, and in that the first stop finger (71) and the second stop finger (72) respectively bear against said first bearing profile (37, 57) of each of said two manual corrector actuators (30, 50) when each of said two manual corrector actuators (30, 50) are actuated simultaneously by the user.

13. Time zone correction mechanism (500) according to one of claims 11 to 12, characterised in that said second bearing profiles (36, 56) of said two manual corrector actuators (30, 50) are arranged with one another opposing so as in that the extensions of bearing profile (36, 56) constitutes an acute angle with the vertex of the acute angle pointing towards the time zone correction mechanism (500).

14. Timepiece (1000) comprising at least one time zone mechanism with a time zone correction mechanism (500) according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Timepiece (1000) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said timepiece comprises a date mechanism comprising a date wheel assembly and a mechanism for displaying time information.

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