Timepiece comprising a quantieme mechanism and a date or month correction mechanism

The integrated correction mechanism in mechanical timepieces simplifies date and month adjustments using a freely rotating cam and rod with the winding stem, addressing complexity and sealing issues in annual calendars.

EP4423576B1Active Publication Date: 2025-10-29DE LA MFG DHORLOGERIE AUDEMARS PIGUET & CIE
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2022797338
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-09-28
Publication Date
2025-10-29
Estimated Expiration
2042-09-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing calendar mechanisms in mechanical timepieces, particularly annual calendars, require complex and space-consuming correction mechanisms with additional components like return springs and external correctors, which complicate assembly, increase the risk of sealing issues, and necessitate tools for adjustments.

Method used

A date/month correction mechanism using a freely rotating correction cam and rod, integrated with the winding stem, allows independent date and month corrections without axial movement, eliminating the need for external correctors and reducing mechanical complexity.

Benefits of technology

Simplifies and secures date and month corrections by integrating them into the winding stem, improving water resistance and aesthetic appeal while reducing the number of components and operational complexity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising an at least annual calendar mechanism (1) which comprises a month-management cam (2), a large lever (4) arranged to engage with said month-management cam, a date-indicating mechanism, a month-indicating mechanism, and at least one mechanism for independent correction of the date or month comprising at least one date-correcting or month-correcting member arranged to engage with said date-indicating or month-indicating mechanism, respectively. The date-correcting or month-correcting mechanism comprises a date-correcting cam (50) or a month-correcting cam (22), respectively, mounted so at to be freely rotatable, a date-correcting or month-correcting rod which can be rotated in order to rotate the date-correcting cam (50) or the month-correcting cam (22), respectively, said date-correcting cam (50) or month-correcting cam (2) being arranged so as to, during rotation thereof, drive the large lever (4) in order to isolate said large lever (4) at least from the month-management cam (2) before the date or month is corrected, and to drive the actuation of the date-correcting or month-correcting member, respectively, in order to subsequently correct the date or month, respectively, the rotation of the date-correcting or month-correcting cam being controlled solely by rotation of the date-correcting or month-correcting rod, respectively.
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Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a calendar mechanism of at least an annual date which includes a month management cam, a large rocker arranged to cooperate with said month management cam, a date indicator mechanism, a month indicator mechanism, and at least one independent date or month correction mechanism comprising at least one date, or month, correcting organ arranged to cooperate with said date, or month, indicator mechanism. State of the art

[0002] Mechanical timepieces that include at least an annual calendar mechanism are complications that indicate the date, that is, the day number of a month, taking into account the difference between months with 30 and 31 days (except February). Therefore, a correction is only necessary at the end of February each year.

[0003] For this purpose, a monthly management cam is planned, at least annually, the outline of which is shaped to distinguish at least the 31-day months from the other months.

[0004] There are also semi-perpetual calendars that account for months of varying lengths using a month-handling cam programmed to distinguish between 31-day, 30-day, and 28-day months. Leap years are therefore not managed. Only when a 366-day leap year occurs, i.e., when there is a February 29th, do these calendars require manual readjustment.

[0005] Finally, there are perpetual calendars which take into account all months of different lengths as well as leap years thanks to a month management cam programmed to distinguish months of 31 days, 30 days, 28 days, and months of 29 days and leap years.

[0006] In this description, an annual calendar mechanism is to be taken in a broad sense and encompasses annual, semi-perpetual and perpetual calendars.

[0007] Traditionally, the month-determining cam includes, for example, solid sections and notches of varying depths depending on the length of the months. The large rocker arm has a feeler in contact with the month-determining cam, which determines the movement the large rocker arm must make to drive the 31-day star wheel, which is based on the number of days in the current month.

[0008] Even though these calendar mechanisms are designed to operate semi- or even fully automatically, there are month and date correctors to manually correct the month and date in case the watch stops, for example.

[0009] These correctors are traditionally located on the side of the watch case and move under pressure applied to make the correction, for example, using a correction stylus. These correctors are generally designed to lift the large lever, isolating it from the month-handling cam so that the correction can then be made without damaging the mechanism.

[0010] These corrections added to the case are an additional source of sealing problems. Furthermore, they generally require a tool, such as a correction stylus, to be activated by applying pressure. In addition, return springs are necessary to return the corrections to their neutral position after adjustment. These return springs take up considerable space in the already complex mechanism of an annual calendar, which already contains a large number of components.

[0011] To overcome these drawbacks, a date correction mechanism using the winding stem has been proposed for simple calendar mechanisms. For example, patent EP 2 751 623 describes a calendar mechanism in which the winding stem is moved axially in translation to the correction position. This axial movement controls an isolation lever to separate the calendar lever from the date star. The date star is then corrected by rotating the winding stem via an additional gear train.

[0012] However, the mechanism described in patent EP 2 751 623 uses an additional gear train to correct the date star by rotating the winding stem after isolating the date star by pulling on the winding stem. This isolation is achieved by means of a rocker arm, controlled by numerous connecting rods and other rocker arms, resulting in a complex mechanism and considerable play between the various connecting rods and rocker arms. The rocker arms pivot by a few degrees and must be fitted with return springs to return to their initial position. This mechanism is therefore not suitable for the complex mechanism of at least an annual calendar, which already comprises a large number of components in a limited space.

[0013] It is therefore necessary to propose a new correction mechanism for at least an annual calendar, allowing for simple, quick, and secure correction of the date and / or month without tools. Document EP 3 882 718 A1 describes a mechanism comprising a cam that releases the large rocker arm of the month cam to enable month correction.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to propose a correction mechanism for an at least annual calendar comprising a reduced number of elements, and allowing the different corrections of the date and months to be made independently, by means of a single correction rod, such as the winding rod. Disclosure of the invention

[0015] To this end, the invention relates to a timepiece comprising a calendar mechanism of at least an annual date which includes a month management cam, a large rocker arranged to cooperate with said month management cam, a date indicator mechanism, a month indicator mechanism, and at least one independent date or month correction mechanism comprising at least one date, or month, correcting organ arranged to cooperate with said date, or month, indicator mechanism.

[0016] According to the invention, the date / month correction mechanism comprises a date / month correction cam, mounted freely for rotation, and a date / month correction rod, movable for rotation to drive the date / month correction cam, said date / month correction cam being arranged to, during its rotation, drive the large rocker to isolate said large rocker at least from the month management cam before the date / month correction, and to drive the actuation of the date / month correction organ, to then perform the date / month correction, the large rocker being then isolated, the rotation of the date / month correction cam being controlled solely by rotation of the date / month correction rod.

[0017] Thus, the correction mechanism of the invention advantageously allows for independent corrections of the date and month in at least an annual calendar, using a correction rod, but without requiring prior axial movement of the correction rod to isolate the large rocker arm. The correction mechanism of the invention is therefore particularly useful when the axial movement of the correction rod is reserved for another function. The correction mechanism of the invention allows for the isolation of the large rocker arm and for the smooth correction of the date or month, with the isolation and correction occurring in a linked and continuous manner by means of elements belonging to a single kinematic chain. These elements are wholly or partially rotationally mobile and driven solely by continuous rotations of a correction rod.

[0018] According to a first embodiment relating to the correction of the months, the correcting element of the months consists of a correcting pinion of the months kinematically linked to the indicating mechanism of the months and disposed on the trajectory of the correcting cam of the months.

[0019] Thus, the correction of the months is carried out directly by the month correction cam driven in rotation by rotation of the month correction rod.

[0020] According to another embodiment relating to the date correction, the date correcting organ consists of a date correcting beak mounted movably in rotation on the large rocker and provided with a return spring, and arranged to be able to cooperate with the date indicator mechanism when the date correction cam drives the large rocker once isolated from the month management cam.

[0021] Thus, the date correction is achieved indirectly during the rotation of the date correction cam, which is driven in rotation by the rotation of the date correction rod.

[0022] Preferably, the date correction stem and / or the month correction stem are made up of the winding stem of the timepiece, said winding stem being arranged so that its rotation in one direction causes the date correction, its rotation in the other direction causes the month correction.

[0023] Thus, the correction mechanism according to the invention eliminates the need for date and month correctors on the sides of the case and replaces them with the winding stem alone, thereby reducing water resistance issues. This also advantageously improves the watch's aesthetic appearance by eliminating, for example, all the correction buttons typically found around the watch case, as the winding stem alone performs the date and month corrections. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: there figure 1is an isometric top view of a date correction mechanism and a month correction mechanism of a perpetual calendar according to the invention, in a neutral position; the figure 2 is a view from below of the mechanisms of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 is a top view, the figure 4 is a view from below, the figure 5 is a top view, the figures 6 And 7 are views from below, and the figures 8 And 9 are top views of the month correction mechanism of the figure 1 in different positions during a correction of the months; and the figures 10 to 13 are top views of the date correction mechanism of the figure 1 in different positions during a date correction. Embodiments of the invention

[0025] The present invention relates to a mechanical timepiece, comprising a date mechanism that is at least annual, i.e. annual, semi-perpetual or perpetual, and which includes a cam for managing the months over at least one year.

[0026] In the following description, the illustrated example is that of a perpetual calendar with a 48-meter cam as its month-shifting cam. In the example shown, this cam has notches of varying depths, each corresponding to a month of four consecutive years. The deepest notch represents a 28-day February. It is clear that the 48-meter cam can be replaced by a 12- or 36-meter cam, the shape of which is determined by the type of calendar or the method used to handle leap years. In the case of a perpetual calendar, for example, a 12-meter cam might be combined with a leap year cam or a Maltese cross. These mechanisms are well-known to those skilled in the art.

[0027] In the following description, only the elements of the calendar necessary for understanding the invention are shown. These elements, as well as the other elements of at least an annual calendar, are well known to those skilled in the art in their overall operation, so a detailed description of these elements is not necessary when they do not differ from calendar mechanisms known to those skilled in the art.

[0028] With reference to figures 1 and 2The perpetual calendar mechanism 1 shown comprises at least, in addition to a 48 mm cam 2 for month selection, a large rocker 4 pivotally mounted at A on the frame, a 31 mm star wheel 6 carrying a month-driving finger 7 and equipped with its jumper 8, and a month-driving pinion 9 designed to cooperate with said 31 mm star wheel 6, here via a gearbox 10 driven by the month-driving finger 7 at the end of each month. The month-driving pinion 9 is also arranged to cooperate with the month-selecting cam 2, with which it meshes directly here. It is clear that it is possible to provide different gearboxes or not to allow for a direct or indirect kinematic link between the 31 mm star wheel 6, the month-selecting pinion 9, and the month-selecting cam 2.

[0029] Also planned is a date indicator mechanism comprising a date indicator organ 12 (such as a hand), kinematically linked to the star of 31 6, and a month indicator mechanism kinematically linked to the cam of 48 2.

[0030] In the example shown, the month indicator mechanism comprises a month indicator pinion 14 carrying a month indicator element 16, such as a pointer, and kinematically linked to the month control cam 2, here by direct meshing. The month indicator element 16 is equipped with a jumper 17. It is quite clear that the month indicator pinion could be replaced by a 48-month indicator wheel, fixed to the 48-month cam 2. However, the month indicator pinion has the particular advantage of being able to display the months over 12 months, instead of 48.

[0031] The large seesaw 4 includes a first beak 18 intended to drive the star of 31 6 by one step when said large seesaw 4 is lifted once a day, operated by an element of the movement intended for this purpose.

[0032] The large rocker 4 also includes a feeler 20 arranged to cooperate with the month 2 management cam by positioning itself in one or the other of the notches of said month 2 management cam, when the large rocker 4 is not lifted daily to actuate the star of 31 6.

[0033] Since these different elements of the calendar mechanism are known to those skilled in the art, their construction and operation do not require further details.

[0034] In order to be able to independently correct the date or month, for example in the event of the watch stopping, a date correction mechanism is provided comprising at least one date correcting organ arranged to cooperate with the date indicator mechanism, via the star of 31 6, and a month correction mechanism comprising at least one month correcting organ arranged to cooperate with the month indicator mechanism, via the cam of 48 2.

[0035] The mechanism for correcting the months is first described in relation to the figures 1 to 9 .

[0036] According to the invention, the month correction mechanism comprises a month correction cam 22, mounted to rotate freely, i.e., free to rotate through an angle greater than or equal to 360°. Unlike a rocker, it therefore does not require a return spring.

[0037] Preferably, the 22-month correction cam is mounted to rotate freely on the axis of the 48-2 cam, such that said 22-month correction cam is coaxial with the 2-month management cam. Advantageously, the 22-month correction cam is mounted below the 48-2 cam, as shown in the figure 2 (the correction cam of month 22 appears transparently on the figure 1 ).

[0038] The month correction mechanism also includes a month correction stem, arranged to be rotated to rotate the month correction cam 22. In a particularly preferred embodiment shown here, the month correction stem is the winding stem 24. It is arranged so that its rotation in one direction corrects the months and its rotation in the other direction corrects the date, as will be described below.

[0039] Advantageously, the winding stem is the control stem developed by the applicant, which is the subject of application CH 00357 / 21. This control stem allows two functions to be selected, such as the month correction and date correction functions here, by an axial translational movement of the control stem in one direction, the functions then being respectively activated by rotation of the control stem in one direction for one, and in the other direction for the other function, and to select two other functions by an axial translational movement of the control stem in the other direction, these functions then being activated by rotation of the control stem in one direction for one, and in the other direction for the other function.

[0040] The winding stem 24 includes a winding pinion 26 and a sliding pinion 28 arranged to mesh with a gear train 30, as shown in the figure 4, after the winding stem 24 has been moved axially to select the month or date correction functions.

[0041] The month correction mechanism also includes a first gear train kinematically linking the winding stem 24 to the month correction cam 22, advantageously positioned below the month correction cam 22.

[0042] The first gear train comprises a first wheel 32 meshing with the gearbox 30 to cooperate with the sliding pinion 28 carried by the winding stem 24, an intermediate wheel 33 fixed to the first wheel 32, another intermediate wheel 34 arranged to mesh with the intermediate wheel 33 which comes into contact when the winding stem is turned in the direction of month correction after the month or date correction functions have been selected, and a final wheel 35 fixed at least in rotation to the month correction cam 22 and arranged to mesh with the intermediate wheel 34 when the month correction function is selected. The final wheel 35 is preferably coaxial with the month correction cam 22 to which it is fixed, and with the cam 48 2.

[0043] Wheels 32, 33 and 34 are wheels carried by the actuation rocker (not shown) described in application CH 00357 / 21, said wheels 32, 33, 34 being positioned to kinematically connect the winding stem 24 to the month correction cam 22 in order to drive said month correction cam 22 in rotation (via wheel 35) only by rotation of the month correction stem, i.e. the winding stem 24, after selecting the month or date correction functions by axial displacement of said winding stem 24.

[0044] The month correction mechanism also includes a month correction element preferably consisting of a month correction pinion 36, provided with its jumper 38, said month correction pinion being kinematically linked to the month indicator mechanism.

[0045] More specifically, the correction gear for month 36 is arranged to be kinematically linked to the management cam for month 2, for example via the drive gear for month 9. Preferably, the correction gear for month 36 is mounted coaxially below the drive gear for month 9 in a rigid manner. It is also positioned to be in the path of the correction cam for month 22.

[0046] According to the invention, the month correction cam 22 is arranged so that, during its rotation controlled solely by rotation of the month correction rod, i.e. here the winding rod 24, it first drives the large rocker 4 in order to move said large rocker 4 away to isolate it at least from the month management cam 2 before the month correction, and to drive the actuation of the month correction pinion 36, by a direct drive of said month correction pinion 36, to then carry out the month correction, in the continuity of its rotation.

[0047] For this purpose, the month correction cam 22 comprises at least two arms 22a, 22b extending generally radially, the large rocker 4 and the month correcting pinion 36 being arranged to be positioned on the path of said arms 22a, 22b, one of the arms 22a being arranged to disengage the large rocker 4 from the month management cam 2, and the other arm 22b being arranged to then actuate the month correcting pinion 36, and therefore the cam of 48 2 via the month driving pinion 9, the large rocker 4 then being isolated, during the continuous rotation of the month correction cam 22 controlled by the rotation of the month correction rod, i.e. here the winding rod 24.

[0048] Advantageously, the large rocker arm 4 includes a feeler positioned on the path of the arms 22a, 22b of the month correction cam 22 and arranged to cooperate with one of said arms 22a, 22b. Preferably, said feeler is here the feeler 20 which also cooperates with the cam 48 2. But it is of course possible to provide on the large rocker arm 4 another feeler positioned at another location and intended solely to cooperate with the month correction cam 22.

[0049] Preferably, each arm 22a, 22b of the month correction cam 22 includes, on the side which will come into contact with the feeler of the large rocker 4 during the rotation of the month correction cam 22, a contour 40 of rounded shape going out from the center outwards, shaped to make said feeler 20 rise progressively on said arm 22a, 22b, causing the large rocker to rock to A until said large rocker 4, and more particularly here the feeler 20, is moved away from the month management cam 2.

[0050] In order to be able to completely isolate the large rocker 4 from the cam of 48 2, the maximum radius of the arms 22a, 22b is greater than the radius of the cam of 48 2.

[0051] Advantageously, the probe 20 has, at least at the end 20a of its lower face, a thickness configured to come out of the plane of the month correction cam 22 in order to cooperate with the contour 40 of one of the arms 22a, 22b of the month correction cam 22.

[0052] Furthermore, the contour 40 of the arm 22a, 22b advantageously terminates at the maximum radius of the arm 22a, 22b, forming a beak 42 with the other contour 44 of the arm 22a, 22b, which extends radially towards the center. The beak 42 is arranged to cooperate with the corrector pinion of the months 36 when the trajectory of the arm 22a, 22b intersects the teeth of the corrector pinion of the months 36.

[0053] Preferably the arms 22a, 22b are identical so as to be able to isolate the large rocker 4 as well as drive the corrector pinion of months 36.

[0054] Advantageously, the arms 22a,22b are distributed regularly around the center of the month correction cam 22. Preferably, the number of arms 22a, 22b and the arrangement of the feeler 20 and the month correcting pinion 36 around the month correction cam 22 are chosen so as to achieve a correction with the smallest possible number of winding stem turns 24.

[0055] Thus the correction cam for months 22 is propeller-shaped, and can include for example four arms (including arms 22a, 22b, 22c) distributed at 90°, forming blades.

[0056] The mechanism for correcting the months works as follows: With reference to figures 1 and 2When the correction mechanisms are in the neutral position, the winding stem 24 is in the neutral position, for example, the winding position, so that the sliding pinion 28 does not engage with the gear train 30. The perpetual calendar mechanism operates in the standard manner, driven by the movement of the timepiece. The month correction mechanism is not operational.

[0057] In the event that the date mechanism stops, for example on February 28th of a non-leap year, the feeler 20 of the large rocker 4 is positioned in the deepest notch of the cam 48 2. This position is the one in which the large rocker 4 has the greatest angular displacement to make during the month correction in order to fully disengage the feeler 20 from the notch of the cam 48 2. The feeler 20 is positioned in the notch of the cam 48 2 so that its end 20a is located near the base of the rounded contour 40 of one of the arms 22a of the month correction cam 22. The arm 22b preceding the arm 22a (viewed from above) is away from the month correction pinion 36.

[0058] To make a correction of the months, and with reference to the figures 3 and 4The winding stem 24 is moved axially so that the sliding pinion 28 meshes with the gear 30, and the first gear train is formed by the movement of wheels 32, 33, and 34 in order to kinematically connect the winding stem 24 to the wheel 35, which is integral with the month correction cam 22 (as shown in the figure 4 ).

[0059] The winding stem 24 is then turned in one direction, so that the month correction cam 22 is driven to rotate counterclockwise, the month correction cam 22 being viewed from above on the figure 3During this rotation, the base of the rounded contour 40 of the arm 22a comes into contact with the end 20a of the feeler 20 which protrudes from the plane of the month correction cam 22 so that said feeler 20 begins to rise on the contour 40 of the arm 22a to come out of its notch, the push of the arm 22a on the feeler 20 causing the pivoting at A of the large rocker 4. In parallel, the arm 22b of the month correction cam 22 begins to approach the month correction pinion 36.

[0060] Next, with reference to figures 5 and 6The rotation of the winding stem 24 continues, causing the month correction cam 22 to rotate continuously so that the end 20a of the feeler 20 follows the rounded contour 40, the large rocker 4 pivoting around its axis A clockwise, as seen from above. Thus, the end 20a of the feeler 20 gradually rises up the arm 22a until it reaches the top of the rounded contour 40 of the arm 22a, near the beak 42 of the arm 22a, so that the feeler 20 is completely out of the notch of the cam 48. The large rocker 4 is therefore moved away from the cam 48 and is isolated from it. Simultaneously, the beak 42 of the arm 22b has rotated to move closer to the month correction pinion 36.

[0061] With reference to the figure 7The rotation of the winding stem 24 continues, causing the month correction cam 22 to rotate continuously, so that the beak 42 of the arm 22b meets a tooth of the month corrector pinion 36 which is on the path of the arm 22b. The continued rotation of the month correction cam 22 then causes the month corrector pinion 36 to rotate by one step, which in turn causes the month 9 drive pinion to rotate by one step, and therefore the cam 48 to rotate, causing the month 14 indicator pinion to rotate by one step, and correcting the month 16 hand by one step. In parallel, the feeler 20 reached the top of the beak 42 of the arm 22a, so that the large rocker 4 was still well isolated from the cam of 48 2 at the time of the correction of the months as such by the correcting pinion of the months 36.

[0062] With reference to the figure 8Once a one-step correction has been made, the rotation of the winding stem 24 continues, causing the month correction cam 22 to rotate continuously, so that the beak 42 of the arm 22a passes the feeler 20. The large rocker 4 is then returned by its return spring to rest against the cam 482, its feeler 20 falling beyond the straight contour 44 of the arm 22a, into the next notch of the cam 482 corresponding to the month of March. Simultaneously, the arm 22b has moved away from the month correction pinion 36.

[0063] If another month correction is needed, the rotation of the winding stem 24 continues to drive the rotation of the month correction cam 22 so that the arm 22b rotates to approach the feeler 20 of the large rocker arm, and the arm 22c preceding the arm 22b (viewed from above) rotates to approach the month corrector pinion 36, as shown in the figure 9The mechanism is then ready to perform a further correction as described above.

[0064] The date correction mechanism is now described in relation to the figures 1, 2 And 10 à 13 .

[0065] According to the invention, the date correction mechanism comprises a date correction cam 50, mounted freely for rotation on the frame, i.e., free to rotate through an angle greater than or equal to 360°. Unlike a rocker, it therefore does not require a return spring.

[0066] The date correction mechanism also includes a date correction stem, arranged to be rotated in order to rotate the date correction cam 50. In a particularly preferred embodiment shown here, the date correction stem is the same stem as the month correction stem, i.e., the winding stem 24. As already seen above, the winding stem 24 is arranged so that its rotation in one direction corrects the months and its rotation in the other direction corrects the date, via the sliding pinion 28 and the linkage 30.

[0067] To this end, the date correction mechanism includes a second gear train kinematically connecting the sliding pinion 28 carried by the winding stem 24 to the date correction cam 50. More specifically, the second gear train comprises a first wheel 32 which meshes with the linkage 30 to cooperate with the sliding pinion 28, and a final wheel 52 fixed at least in rotation to the date correction cam 50 and arranged to mesh with the first wheel 32 when the date correction function is selected. The final wheel 52 is preferably mounted coaxially with the date correction cam 50.

[0068] As already described above, the wheel 32 is carried by the actuation rocker (not shown) described in application CH 00357 / 21, said wheel 32 being positioned to kinematically connect the winding stem 24 to the date correction cam 50 in order to drive said date correction cam 50 (via the wheel 52) in rotation only by rotation of the date correction stem, i.e. the winding stem 24, after selecting the month or date correction functions by axial displacement of said winding stem 24.

[0069] The date correction mechanism also includes a date correcting element, preferably consisting of a date correcting beak 54 mounted for rotation on the large rocker 4 and equipped with a return spring. The date correcting beak 54 is positioned on the large rocker 4 relative to the star 31 6 so as to be close to said star 31 6 in order to cooperate with the date indicator mechanism, via the star 31 6, when the date correction cam 50 drives the large rocker 4 once it is isolated from the cam 48 2.

[0070] According to the invention, the date correction cam 50 is arranged so that, during its rotation controlled solely by rotation of the date correction stem, i.e. here the winding stem 24, it first drives the large rocker 4 in order to move said large rocker 4 away to isolate it at least from the month management cam 2 and to isolate it also from the star of 31 6 before the date correction when the correction involves a change of month, and then drives the actuation of the date correcting beak 54, indirectly via the drive of the large rocker 4, to carry out the date correction, in the continuity of its rotation.

[0071] To this end, the date correction cam 50 carries at least one driving pin 56, preferably equipped with a roller. The driving pin 56 is arranged to cause a pivoting of the large rocker 4 at A in the direction that moves the large rocker 4 away from the month-managing cam 2, here clockwise, viewed from above, the date correction cam 50 rotating counterclockwise, so that said large rocker 4 is completely disengaged from the month-managing cam 2 and the star of 31 6, and then so that the date correcting beak 54, carried by the large rocker 4 which continues to pivot, actuates the star of 31 6, the large rocker 4 being thus isolated, during the continuous rotation of the date correction cam 50 controlled by the rotation of the date correction stem, i.e. here the winding stem 24.

[0072] Advantageously, the large rocker 4 comprises an arm 57 having, at the height of the driving pin 56, a contour 58 shaped to be in the path of the driving pin 56, which is driven by the rotating date correction cam 50, such that the driving pin 56 remains in contact with the contour 58, while the date correction cam 50 and the large rocker 4 pivot in their respective directions. The rocker presses on said contour 58 as it moves along said contour 58, causing the large rocker 4 to pivot at position A to sufficiently separate said large rocker 4, and more specifically here the feeler 20, from the month control cam 2 and to sufficiently separate the beak 18 from the star 31 6, and also to continue driving the pivoting of the large rocker 4 at position A, the large rocker 4 then being isolated, until the month correction beak 54 actuates the star 6. 31 6.

[0073] The date correction cam 50 and the large rocker 4 are therefore arranged so that the pin 56 takes the large rocker 4 so that it pivots at A by an angle sufficient to be isolated from the month management cam 2 and the star of 31 6 and then to actuate the star of 31 6 by its date corrector beak 54.

[0074] Note that the pivot angle at A (here clockwise in top view) of the large rocker 4 driven by the month correction cam 22 for month correction is less than the pivot angle at A of the large rocker 4 driven by the date correction cam 50 for date correction in order not to correct the date during a month correction when the date correction involves a change of month.

[0075] The contour 58 includes, for example, two straight edges joined to form a point 60. The contour 58 is of sufficient length to sufficiently separate the large rocker 4 in order to isolate it and to continue the drive of the large rocker 4 to perform the correction of the date as such by the correcting beak 54.

[0076] Advantageously the date correction cam 50 has two studs 56 arranged at 180° in order to make two corrections per turn of the cam.

[0077] The date correction mechanism works as follows: With reference to figures 1 and 2When the correction mechanisms are in the neutral position, the winding stem 24 is in the neutral position, for example, the winding position, so that the sliding pinion 28 does not engage with the gear train 30. The perpetual calendar mechanism operates in the standard manner, driven by the movement of the timepiece. The date correction mechanism is not operational.

[0078] In the event that the date mechanism stops, for example on a February day of a non-leap year other than the 28th, the feeler 20 of the large rocker 4 is positioned in the deepest notch of the cam 48 2. This position is the one in which the large rocker 4 has the greatest angular displacement to make during the date correction. This is necessary to fully disengage the feeler 20 from the notch of the cam 48 2, thus preventing damage to the mechanism during the date correction, which results in a change of month. The date correction cam 50 is positioned so that the driving pin 56 is in contact with the starting point of the contour 58 of the large rocker 4.

[0079] To correct the date, and with reference to the Figure 10, the winding stem 24 is moved axially so that the sliding pinion 28 meshes with the link 30 and the second gear train is formed by the movement of the wheel 32 in order to kinematically connect the winding stem 24 to the wheel 52 attached to the date correction cam 50.

[0080] The winding stem 24 is then turned in one direction, so that the date correction cam 50 is driven to rotate counterclockwise, the date correction cam 50 being viewed from above on the Figure 10 During this rotation, the driving pin 56 presses against the contour 58 of the large rocker 4, causing it to pivot clockwise at point A. During this pivot, the feeler 20 of the large rocker 4 moves away and completely disengages from the notch of the month-control cam 2, and the beak 18 of the large rocker 4 is completely disengaged from the star 31 6, as shown in the diagram. figure 11, so that the large rocker arm 4 is isolated. In parallel, the date corrector beak 54 moves closer to the star of 31 6.

[0081] Next, with reference to the figure 12 The rotation of the winding stem 24 continues, causing the date correction cam 50 to rotate continuously, so that the large rocker arm 4 continues to pivot clockwise around its axis A until its date corrector beak 54 engages a tooth of the star wheel 316, causing the star wheel 316 to rotate one step. This, in turn, rotates the date indicator 12 and corrects it by one day in February. Simultaneously, the date correction cam 50 continues its counterclockwise rotation so that the driving pin 56 is positioned at the tip 60 of the contour 58 of the large rocker arm 4, ready to disengage from the rocker arm 4.

[0082] With reference to the figure 13Once a one-step correction has been made, the rotation of the winding stem 24 continues, causing the date correction cam 50 to rotate continuously, so that the leading pin 56 passes the corner 60 of the large rocker 4, which is then no longer driven by the date correction cam 50. The large rocker 4 is then returned by its return spring to rest on the cam 48 2, its feeler 20 falling back into the February notch of the cam 48 2, and the beak 18 returning to contact with the star 31 6. Simultaneously, the correcting beak 54 has moved away from the star 31 6, and the starting point of the contour 58 of the arm 57 of the large rocker returns to contact with the other pin 56. The mechanism is then ready to perform a new correction.

[0083] If another date correction is required, the rotation of the winding stem 24 is continued to drive the date correction cam 50 in rotation so that the other pin 56 drives the large rocker 4 again, as described above.

[0084] Thus, the mechanisms of the invention allow independent correction of the month or date, with a complete lifting of the large rocker, only by a limited number of rotations of a single winding stem, and can be implemented in a calendar mechanism in which axial displacement of the winding stem is not possible or not available for the isolation of the large rocker.

[0085] The mechanisms of the invention thus eliminate the need for month and date correctors. This reduces water resistance issues and improves the watch's aesthetic appeal, as the correctors typically located on the side of the watch case are no longer required. It also allows for safe and secure date and month correction, since it is no longer possible to operate two correctors simultaneously, as all corrections are now integrated into the winding stem. The mechanisms of the invention therefore enable simple, tool-free, and safe correction of the month or date through simple rotations of the winding stem.

[0086] It is quite clear that, in the case of a perpetual calendar, the 48-hour cam can be replaced, for example, by a 12-hour cam and a leap year cam, the large rocker arm being isolated from these two cams in the same way as described above. Similarly, in the case of an annual or semi-perpetual calendar, the 48-hour cam is replaced by a 12- or 36-hour cam, the large rocker arm being isolated from these month-handling cams in the same way as described above.

Claims

1. A timepiece comprising an at least annual date mechanism (1) which comprises a month-management cam (2), a large lever (4) arranged to cooperate with said month-management cam, a date-indicating mechanism, a month-indicating mechanism, and at least one mechanism for independent correction of the date or month comprising at least one date-correcting or month-correcting member, respectively, arranged to cooperate with said date-indicating or month-indicating mechanism, respectively, the date-correcting or month-correcting mechanism, respectively, comprising a date-correcting cam (50) or a month-correcting cam (22) respectively, mounted so as to be freely rotatable, a date-correcting or month-correcting stem, respectively, which can be rotated in order to rotate the date-correcting cam (50) or the month-correcting cam (22), respectively, said date-correcting cam (50) or month-correcting cam (22), respectively, being arranged so as to, during rotation thereof, drive the large lever (4) in order to isolate said large lever (4) at least from the month-management cam (2) before the date or month is corrected, respectively, and to drive the actuation of the date-correcting or month-correcting mechanism, respectively, in order to subsequently correct the date or month, respectively, the rotation of the date-correcting or month-correcting cam, respectively, being controlled solely by rotation of the date-correcting or month-correcting stem, respectively.

2. The timepiece according to Claim 1, characterized in that the month-correcting member is a month-correcting pinion (36) kinematically linked to the month-indicating mechanism and placed on the path of the month-correcting cam (22).

3. The timepiece according to Claim 2, characterized in that the month-correcting cam (22) comprises at least two arms (22a, 22b), one of the arms (22a) being arranged to remove the large lever (4) from the month-management cam (2), and the other arm (22b) being arranged to subsequently actuate the month-correcting pinion (36), the large lever (4) being isolated, during the rotation of the month-correcting cam (22) controlled by the rotation of the month-correcting stem.

4. The timepiece according to Claim 3, characterized in that the large lever (4) comprises a feeler spindle (20) arranged to be capable of cooperating with one of the arms (22a, 22b) of the month-correcting cam (22).

5. The timepiece according to Claim 4, characterized in that each arm (22a, 22b) of the month-correcting cam (22) comprises an outline (40) shaped in order to make the feeler spindle (20) of the large lever (4) rise progressively on the arm (22a, 22b) until said large lever (4) is moved away from the month-management cam (2), said outline (40) ending by forming a beak (42) arranged to be capable of cooperating with the month-correcting pinion (36).

6. The timepiece according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the month-correcting cam (22) is coaxial with the month-management cam (2).

7. The timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the date mechanism (1) comprises at least a 31-days star (6) and a month drive pinion (9) intended to cooperate, on the one hand, with said 31-days star (6) at the end of each month and, on the other hand, with the month-management cam (2), and in that the month-correcting pinion (36) is arranged to be kinematically linked to the month-management cam (2) by way of said month drive pinion (9).

8. The timepiece according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the month-correcting pinion (36) is rigidly connected to the month drive pinion (9).

9. The timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the month-indicating mechanism comprises a month-indicating pinion (14) carrying a month-indicating member (16) and engaging with the month-management cam (2).

10. The timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the date-correcting member is a date-correcting beak (54) mounted movably in rotation on the large lever (4) and provided with a return spring, and arranged to be capable of cooperating with the date-indicating mechanism when the date-correcting cam (50) drives the large lever (4) once it is isolated from the month-management cam (2).

11. The timepiece according to the preceding claim and according to claim 7, characterized in that the date-correcting cam (50) carries at least one stud (56) arranged to drive the large lever (4) such that said large lever (4) removes itself at least from the month-management cam (2) and subsequently such that the date-correcting beak (54) actuates said 31-days star (6), the large lever (4) being isolated, during the rotation of the date-correcting cam (50) which is controlled by the rotation of the date-correcting stem.

12. The timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the date-correcting stem and / or the month-correcting stem are constituted by the winding stem (24) of the timepiece, said winding stem (24) being arranged so that its rotation in one direction corrects the month, its rotation in the other direction correcting the date.

13. The timepiece according to Claim 12, characterized in that the month-correcting mechanism comprises a first geartrain kinematically linking the winding stem (24) to the month-correcting cam (22), said first geartrain comprising a first wheel (32) cooperating with a sliding pinion (28) carried by the winding stem (24), and a last wheel (35) rigidly connected to the month-correcting cam (22).

14. The timepiece according to Claim 13, characterized in that the date-correcting mechanism comprises a second geartrain kinematically linking the sliding pinion (28) carried by the winding stem (24) to the date-correcting cam (50).

Citation Information

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