A timepiece movement comprising a countdown chronograph mechanism and a strike mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mechanical timepiece movement with a chronograph mechanism arranged to perform at least one countdown of a predetermined time interval, the mechanical timepiece movement comprising display means arranged to display at least the time remaining until the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval, at least one member for controlling the start of the countdown, and a strike mechanism arranged to initiate a strike at a specified time before the completion of the countdown and to stop striking upon the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical watch movement comprising a display means arranged to display at least the remaining time until the completion of a countdown at a predetermined time interval, at least one member for controlling the start of the countdown, and a strike mechanism, and configured to be able to execute at least one countdown at a predetermined time interval.

Background Art

[0002] Such a movement is described, for example, in Swiss Patent No. 704705. A strike-countdown mechanism is provided that enables counting down a predetermined time period that can be adjusted in 5-minute jumps up to a maximum of 11:55. A control device that can be actuated by a push-piece enables starting the countdown. The completion of the countdown is indicated by a mechanical strike mechanism. The remaining time is given by two indicating disks for hours and minutes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved mechanical watch movement with respect to known strike-countdown mechanisms.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a mechanical watch movement comprising a chronograph mechanism arranged and configured to be able to execute at least one countdown at a predetermined time interval, the mechanical watch movement being arranged and configured to display at least the remaining time until the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval, at least one member for controlling the start of the countdown, and a strike mechanism.

[0006] According to the present invention, the strike mechanism is arranged and configured to start a strike at a specified time before the completion of the countdown and to stop the strike at the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention enables triggering the strike mechanism before the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval in order to warn the user that the latest countdown of the predetermined time interval is about to be completed. Therefore, the present invention enables having a countdown of a predetermined time interval with a pre-alarm using a mechanical strike mechanism and synchronizing the completion of the strike with the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval.

[0008] Advantageously, the chronograph mechanism comprises at least one chronograph drive wheel and pinion arranged and configured to be able to carry out a countdown, specifically a countdown of a predetermined time interval, and the strike mechanism comprises at least one first cam kinematically connected to the chronograph drive wheel and pinion, the specified time before the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval being programmed into the first cam, the first cam being arranged and configured to make one revolution over a time longer than the specified time before the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval, at least one first cam, a strike gear train, and a first strike lever comprising a first strike filler lever arranged and configured to cooperate with the first cam and the strike gear train in order to trigger a strike at the start of the specified time before the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval, and an end of the strike mechanism arranged and configured to cooperate with the first strike lever in order to control the stopping of the strike at the completion of the specified time simultaneously with the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval.

[0009] The display means of the chronograph mechanism can preferably comprise a first display member associated with the first cam for displaying the countdown achieved via the chronograph drive wheel and pinion.

[0010] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the first display member is arranged and configured to display a countdown in minute units.

[0011] According to a second particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first display member is arranged and configured to display a second countdown.

[0012] According to the second embodiment, the display means of the chronograph mechanism can include a second tens-of-minutes display member arranged and configured to display a tens-of-minutes countdown of the predetermined time interval. The strike mechanism includes a third tens-of-minutes cam associated with the second tens-of-minutes display member and a fourth tens-of-minutes feeler lever arranged and configured to cooperate with the third tens-of-minutes cam. The third tens-of-minutes cam is programmed to indicate the completion of the tens-of-minutes countdown to the fourth tens-of-minutes feeler lever. The fourth tens-of-minutes feeler lever is arranged and configured to cooperate with the third minutes feeler lever. As a result, the third minutes feeler lever cooperates with the second minutes cam when the tens-of-minutes countdown is completed.

[0013] According to the second embodiment, the display means of the chronograph mechanism can include a third tens-of-minutes display member arranged and configured to display a tens-of-minutes countdown of the predetermined time interval. The strike mechanism includes a third tens-of-minutes cam associated with the third tens-of-minutes display member and a fourth tens-of-minutes feeler lever arranged and configured to cooperate with the third tens-of-minutes cam. The third tens-of-minutes cam is programmed to indicate the completion of the tens-of-minutes countdown to the fourth tens-of-minutes feeler lever. The fourth tens-of-minutes feeler lever is arranged and configured to cooperate with the third minutes feeler lever. As a result, the third minutes feeler lever cooperates with the second minutes cam when the tens-of-minutes countdown is completed.

[0014] According to the first embodiment, the display means of the chronograph mechanism can include a third 10-minute unit display member arranged and configured to display a countdown in 10-minute units of the predetermined time interval. The strike mechanism includes a third 10-minute unit cam associated with the third 10-minute unit display member, and a fourth 10-minute unit feeler lever arranged and configured to be able to cooperate with the third 10-minute unit cam. The third 10-minute unit cam is programmed to indicate the completion of the 10-minute unit countdown to the fourth 10-minute unit feeler lever. The fourth 10-minute unit feeler lever is arranged and configured to cooperate with the first strike feeler lever. As a result, the first strike feeler lever is configured to cooperate with the first cam when the 10-minute unit countdown is completed.

[0015] Regardless of the embodiment, the display means of the chronograph mechanism can include a fourth time unit display member arranged and configured to display a hour countdown of the predetermined time interval. The strike mechanism includes a fourth time unit cam associated with the fourth time unit display member, and a fifth time unit feeler lever arranged and configured to be able to cooperate with the fourth time unit cam. The fourth time unit cam is programmed to indicate the completion of the hour countdown to the fifth time unit feeler lever. The fifth time unit feeler lever is arranged and configured to cooperate with the fourth 10-minute unit feeler lever. As a result, the fourth 10-minute unit feeler lever is configured to cooperate with the third 10-minute unit cam when the hour countdown is completed.

[0016] Advantageously, the filler lever of the third minute unit, the filler lever of the fourth ten - minute unit, and the filler lever of the fifth time unit can form a single lever, and optionally, together with the first strike filler lever, can form a single lever.

[0017] The chronograph mechanism is preferably configured such that it can be kinematically connected to the base movement by a clutch device in the horizontal or vertical direction.

[0018] Advantageously, according to an embodiment, the end of the strike mechanism comprises the second end of a strike - filler lever arranged and configured to cooperate with a first cam so as to control the disengagement of the clutch device and the stopping of the strike at the end of the countdown of the said predetermined time interval.

[0019] According to this embodiment, the chronograph mechanism, and in particular the chronograph second hand, automatically stops at the end of the countdown of a predetermined time interval.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the end of the strike mechanism comprises the end of a strike lever arranged and configured to cooperate with a first strike lever and a stop device of a strike cam kinematically connected to the said chronograph drive wheel and pinion, arranged and configured to control the end of the strike lever so as to stop the strike at the end of the countdown of the said predetermined time interval without disengaging the clutch device.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the chronograph mechanism, and in particular its chronograph drive wheel and pinion, remain in the activated state after the end of the countdown of a predetermined time interval. Thus, the first display member, and in particular the chronograph second hand, continues to rotate without triggering a strike. Manual stopping by the user is required to stop the chronograph mechanism.

[0022] By reading the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention provided by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention relates to a mechanical watch movement comprising a chronograph mechanism arranged and configured to be capable of performing at least one countdown at a predetermined time interval. In this description, the term "chronograph mechanism" should be interpreted in its broad sense, i.e., as including all necessary elements or components arranged and configured to effect the counting down of time and fractions of time in order to perform at least one countdown.

[0025] Here, the chronograph mechanism is schematically shown by a chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1 and a drive wheel 2 corresponding to the chronograph second hand, which rotates once per minute here, and the drive wheel 2 is arranged and configured to cooperate with other components of the chronograph so as to be capable of performing a countdown, and in particular a countdown at a predetermined time interval. The chronograph mechanism, and in particular the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1, are arranged and configured to be kinematically connected to the second wheel 4 of the base watch movement indicating the current time by a vertical clutch device 6. The vertical clutch device 6 is provided with a clutch control clamp 8 and a clutch clamp 10 arranged to disengage when the chronograph is activated to start a countdown in order to engage the second wheel 4 and the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1, thereby enabling energy to be transmitted from the base movement to the chronograph for the operation of the chronograph mechanism.

[0026] The clutch device may be in the lateral direction, and it is obvious that those skilled in the art can adapt the movement structure to this type of clutch.

[0027] The chronograph mechanism is further provided with a member 11 for controlling the start of the countdown, which is arranged and configured to control at least triggering the chronograph mechanism, and in particular opening the clamps 8 and 10, via a control device 12 provided with a column wheel 14. This control member 11 is, for example, a push piece. The control member 11 can be further arranged and configured to control the stop device of the chronograph mechanism, and in particular closing the clamps 8 and 10, during the countdown if necessary.

[0028] In the first embodiment of the present invention according to FIGS. 1 to 9, the chronograph mechanism is arranged and configured to be automatically stopped simultaneously with the strike mechanism.

[0029] For this purpose, the control device 12 preferably comprises a main control device 13 that can be actuated by the control member 11, and a secondary control device 15 pivotally installed on the main control device 13. The main control device 13 is connected to the secondary control device 15 by an elastic member (not shown). The main control device 13 and the secondary control device 15 each terminate at hooks 13a, 15a. The column wheel 14 comprises a first drive wheel 14a firmly connected to a column 14b, which is arranged and configured to be actuated by the hook 15a of the secondary control device 15, and a second drive wheel 14c, which is arranged and configured to be actuated by the hook 13a of the main control device 13. The control device 12 further comprises a locking mechanism for the rotation of the secondary control device 15 on the main control device 13, and the locking mechanism can be manually controlled by the control member 11 and further automatically controlled internally by an internal control member, which is here the hook 56 at the end of the strike lever 50, which will be described later.

[0030] The locking mechanism and the sub-control device 15 are arranged and configured to occupy a locked state. In the locked state, the elastic member connecting the main control device 3 and the sub-control device 15 is wound, and the sub-control device 15 is constrained to rotate together with the main control device 13. Thereby, during the operation of the main control device 13 via the operating member 11, it is possible to simultaneously operate the column wheel 14 by the main control device 13 and the sub-control device 15. Furthermore, when the locking mechanism is actuated by the hook 56, it is possible to pass to the unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the sub-control device 15 is detached from the main control device 13, only the column wheel 14 is operated, the elastic member is released from the wound state, and furthermore, it is possible to pass through the locking position through the operation of the main control device 13. Here, only the main control device 13 operates the column wheel 14, and the main control device 13 is arranged and configured to wind the elastic member again and cooperate with the locking mechanism of the sub-control device 15 to return to the locked state.

[0031] The second drive wheel 14c is connected to the first drive wheel 14b by an elastic coupling element (not shown) arranged and configured to connect the second drive wheel 14c to the first drive wheel 14a in a constrained rotation manner when only the second drive wheel 14c is operated by the hook 13a of the main control device 13 (when only the main control device 13 is operated during the next manual operation via the control member 11 after the sub-control device 15 has passed to the unlocked state), and to detach the second drive wheel 14c from the first drive wheel 14a when only the first drive wheel 14a is operated by the energy supplied by the elastic member released from the wound state by the sub-control device 15 after being detached from the main control device 13.

[0032] More specifically, the lock mechanism includes a control lever 19 arranged and configured such that it is controlled by the hook 56 to pass to the unlocked state and can cooperate with a pin 21 provided on the main control device 13 to pass to the locked position and enter the locked state. The lock mechanism further includes a locking hook 22 carried by the main control device 15 arranged and configured such that it is controlled by the control lever 19 via a pin 23 to pass to the unlocked state and can cooperate with a hook 15b provided on the sub-control device 15 to pass to the locked position and enter the locked state.

[0033] This control device of the chronograph mechanism has an automatic control device in addition to the manual control device of the chronograph mechanism so as to stop the chronograph mechanism simultaneously with the strike mechanism, enabling the control device of the chronograph mechanism to be actuated by the user and also by an internal control device connected to the strike mechanism.

[0034] Such a control device is described in more detail in European patent application EP20171993.

[0035] Any other suitable control device known to those skilled in the art may also be used.

[0036] Specifically, as will be described later in connection with another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to use a standard control device including a column wheel controlled by a push-piece to manually control the start / stop of the chronograph mechanism in a conventional manner.

[0037] Notwithstanding the embodiments of the present invention, the chronograph mechanism further comprises display means arranged and configured to display at least the remaining time until completion of the countdown at a predetermined time interval. In the variant shown in FIG. 1, these display means include a first display member for displaying a countdown in seconds, and in particular a countdown in seconds at a predetermined time interval, a second display member for displaying a countdown in minutes at a predetermined time interval, a third display member for displaying a countdown in tens of minutes at a predetermined time interval, and a fourth display member for displaying a countdown in hours at a predetermined time interval.

[0038] These display means may be a disk, a hand, a roller, or any other suitable display member for displaying a countdown in hours, tens of minutes, minutes, and further seconds.

[0039] The first display member for seconds is preferably a hand (not shown) corresponding to the second hand.

[0040] FIG. 11 shows a preferred embodiment of a display member for displaying countdowns in time units of a predetermined time interval, in 10 - minute units, and in minute units, which is used in the form of a disk in the present invention. The first display member for seconds is a hand (not shown) corresponding to the second hand. More specifically, the second display member for counting down in minute units of a predetermined time interval is a disk 16 that carries the numbers 0 to 9 evenly distributed on its peripheral portion, and the disk 16 is arranged and configured to rotate once every 10 minutes. The third display member for counting down in 10 - minute units of a predetermined time interval is a disk 18 disposed tangentially to the minute - unit disk 16. The 10 - minute - unit disk 18 carries two columns of consecutive numbers 0 to 5 evenly distributed on its peripheral portion, and the disk 18 is arranged and configured to rotate once every 2 hours. The fourth display member for counting down in time units of a predetermined time interval is a disk 20 coaxially disposed inside the 10 - minute - unit disk 18. The time - unit disk 20 carries one column of consecutive numbers 0 to 6 evenly distributed on its peripheral portion, and the disk 20 is arranged and configured to rotate once every 7 hours. The centers of the three disks 16, 18, and 20 are aligned, whereby it becomes possible to display the countdowns in time units, 10 - minute units, and minute units of a predetermined time interval within an aperture in parallel, thereby making it easier to read the countdown.

[0041] As will be explained later, it is clear that the display members for time units, 10 - minute units, and minute units of a predetermined time interval may be arranged and configured in different forms, and the strike mechanism can be adapted accordingly.

[0042] Different display members can be arranged and configured to be driven in sequence, for example, starting from the drive wheel 2, from seconds to hours. In another variant, a first display member for displaying a countdown in seconds can be kinematically connected to the drive wheel 2, and an auxiliary energy source can be provided to supply energy to the display member for counting down in minutes, thereby driving the display member for counting down in 10-minute increments, and thereby, for example, operating fingers and star wheels that cooperate to skip the display members to correspond to each change of 10-minute increments or time units, to drive the display member for counting down in time units.

[0043] Before triggering the countdown of a predetermined time interval, an adjustment mechanism (not shown) is provided to enable positioning of various display members (20) for counting down in time units, (18) for counting down in 10-minute increments, and (16) for counting down in minutes, so as to display a predetermined time interval to be counted down, for example, adjustable up to a maximum of 6:59.

[0044] Therefore, when the countdown of a predetermined time interval is triggered, the various display members are arranged and configured to display the remaining time that decreases from the value of the predetermined time interval to 0:00:00 very accurately down to the second unit as the countdown progresses.

[0045] Such a structure of a countdown chronograph mechanism that cooperates with a base movement via a clutch device is known to those skilled in the art and does not need to be described in more detail.

[0046] The mechanical movement according to the invention is composed of mechanical components, specifically, here, it further comprises a striking mechanism comprising a striking gear train represented by an element 30 of the striking gear train that carries a stopping star 32 of the striking gear train. These components of the striking mechanism are known to those skilled in the art and do not need to be described in more detail.

[0047] According to the present invention, the striking mechanism is arranged such that the striking mechanism starts to strike at a specified time before the completion of the countdown of a predetermined time interval and stops striking at the completion of the countdown, that is, simultaneously when the countdown of the predetermined time interval reaches 0:00:00.

[0048] For this purpose, the striking mechanism comprises at least one first cam 34 kinematically connected to the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1, the specified time before the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval being programmed into the first cam 34, and the first cam 34 being arranged to rotate once over a time longer than the specified time before the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval. The first cam 34 is associated with a first display member for displaying the countdown of the predetermined time interval obtained at least via the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1. In this example, the first cam 34 is a second cam associated with a first display member (i.e., the second hand) for displaying the countdown in seconds. Here, therefore, the first cam 34 rotates once per minute.

[0049] More specifically, the first cam 34 has a substantially circular profile and comprises a notch 36, the length of the circle of the notch 36 corresponding to the specified time of the strike before the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval, and as will be described later, the starting point 36a of the notch 36 corresponding to the trigger of the strike and the end 36b of the notch 36 corresponding to the stop of the strike which is simultaneous with the stop of the countdown of the predetermined time interval. For example, the length of the notch 36 between the starting point 36a and the end 36b of the notch 36 can correspond to a time of 20 seconds before the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval.

[0050] The first strike lever further includes a first strike feeler lever 38 configured to cooperate with the first cam 34 and the strike gear train so that the strike mechanism can trigger a strike at the start of a specified time before the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval.

[0051] The strike mechanism further includes an end portion of the strike mechanism configured to cooperate with the first strike lever to control the stop of the strike at the completion of the specified time simultaneously with the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval.

[0052] In the first embodiment of the present invention according to FIGS. 1 to 9, where the chronograph mechanism is arranged to be automatically stopped simultaneously with the strike mechanism, the first second - unit cam 34 is carried by the drive wheel 2, and the drive wheel 2 meshes with the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1.

[0053] The first strike feeler lever 38 constitutes the first arm of the strike lever 41 pivotally installed at A. The first strike feeler lever 38 has a beak 38a configured to be able to contact the first second - unit cam 34 and thus be able to engage within its notch 36 at the strike time, as will be described in more detail later.

[0054] The above-mentioned strike lever 41 is arranged and configured to control the stop device of the strike lever 44 pivotally installed at D, and includes a second arm 42 and a pin 43 firmly connected to the second arm 42 and providing a connecting device to the lever 44 through an oval opening 45. The stop device of the strike lever 44 itself is arranged and configured to be able to cooperate with the stop pawl 32 of the strike gear train. The strike lever 41 includes a third arm 46 having a heel 46a arranged and configured to be able to cooperate with a pin 48 carried by the clutch clamp 10.

[0055] The operations of various elements of the strike lever 41 will be described later.

[0056] The end of the strike mechanism is equipped with a second end of a strike feeler lever 40 arranged and configured to be able to cooperate with a first cam 34 to control the stop of the strike at the completion of the specified time simultaneously with the completion of the countdown of the above-mentioned predetermined time interval. Thus, in this embodiment of the present invention, the first cam 34 equipped with a notch 36 is also part of the end of the strike mechanism, constituting both the starting point of the strike cam and the stop device of the strike cam.

[0057] The second end of the strike feeler lever 40 constitutes the first arm of the end of the strike lever 50.

[0058] More specifically, the second end of the strike lever 40 has a beak 40a arranged and configured to be able to contact the first second-unit cam 34 when the first strike feeler lever 38 drops into the notch 36 of the first cam 34 in order to trigger the strike and to be engaged in the notch 36 at the completion of the countdown and the strike, as will be described in more detail later.

[0059] A second arm 54 is provided which carries at its free end a hook 56 pivotally mounted at C, the end of the strike lever 50 being held in position by a pin 58 carried by the end of the second arm 54. The pivot hook 56 is arranged and configured to cooperate with a control device 12 as will be described later. Specifically, the second end of the strike filler lever 40 is arranged and configured to control the disconnection of the clutch device 6 and the stopping of the strike via the hook 56 when the second end of the strike filler lever 40 drops into the notch 36 at the completion of the countdown.

[0060] The end of the strike lever 50 further comprises a third arm 60 within an extension of the second end of the strike filler lever 40. The third arm 60 comprises a first peak 60a arranged and configured to be able to cooperate with the leg 46b of the third arm 46 of the strike lever 41, and a second peak 60b arranged and configured to be able to cooperate with the pin 48 of the clutch clamp 10.

[0061] The operation of the various elements at the end of the strike lever 50 will be described later.

[0062] In the variant shown here, the strike mechanism comprises a second-minute cam 62 associated with the second-minute display member 16 for rotating, for example, once every 10 minutes, and a third-minute filler lever 64 arranged and configured to be able to cooperate with the minute cam 62. The minute cam 62 is programmed to indicate the completion of the minute countdown to the third-minute filler lever 64. For this purpose, the minute cam 62 has a substantially circular profile and comprises a notch 66, and the third-minute filler lever 64 is arranged and configured to be positioned within the notch 66 when all of the display members for time units, for 10-minute units, and for minute units display 0, that is, at the moment when the time to be counted down is less than 1 minute.

[0063] Further, a third minute unit filler lever 64 is arranged and configured to cooperate with a first strike filler lever 38 such that when all of the display members for time units, for ten - minute units, and for minute units display 0, the first strike filler lever 38 is brought into contact with a first second unit cam 34 at the completion of the minute - unit countdown.

[0064] More specifically, the third minute unit filler lever 64 is a first arm of a sensing lever 68 pivotally installed at A, similar to the strike lever 41. The sensing lever 68 and the strike lever 41 are arranged and configured to be able to cooperate with each other. For this purpose, the sensing lever 68 is provided with a pin 70 arranged and configured to contact the strike lever 41 and, for example, its third arm 46, on the third minute unit filler lever 64. As a result, when one of the sensing lever 68 and the strike lever 41 pivots at A, the other of the sensing lever 68 and the strike lever 41 will pivot at A. Specifically, when the sensing lever 68 pivots counter - clockwise at A, it moves the pin 70 away from the strike lever 41, so that the released strike lever 41 can pivot partially in the counter - clockwise direction.

[0065] The striking mechanism further includes a third ten-minute unit cam 72 associated with the third ten-minute unit display member 18, and a fourth ten-minute unit feeler lever 74 arranged and configured to cooperate with the third ten-minute unit cam 72. The third ten-minute unit cam 72 is programmed to indicate the completion of a ten-minute unit countdown to the fourth ten-minute unit feeler lever 74. For this purpose, the ten-minute unit cam 72 has a substantially circular profile. For example, when the third ten-minute unit display member 18 is arranged and configured to rotate once every two hours together with the ten-minute unit cam 72, it can have notches 76 on two opposite sides. When the third ten-minute unit display member is arranged and configured to rotate once every hour, the ten-minute unit cam 72 can have only one notch 76. The fourth ten-minute unit feeler lever 74 is arranged and configured to be positioned within one of the notches 76 when both the time unit display member 20 and the ten-minute unit display member 18 display 0, that is, at the moment when the time to be counted down is less than ten minutes.

[0066] Furthermore, the fourth ten-minute unit feeler lever 74 is arranged and configured to cooperate with the third minute unit feeler lever 64 such that when both the time unit display member 20 and the ten-minute unit display member 18 display 0, at the completion of the ten-minute unit countdown, the third minute unit feeler lever 64 will cooperate with the second minute unit cam 62.

[0067] More specifically, the fourth ten-minute unit feeler lever 74 is the second arm of the sensing lever 68 on the opposite side of the third minute unit feeler lever 64 with respect to A. As a result, when the fourth ten-minute unit feeler lever 74 pivots counterclockwise at A and drops into one of the notches 76 of the ten-minute unit cam 72, the third minute unit feeler lever 64 pivots counterclockwise at A and contacts the minute unit cam 62.

[0068] The striking mechanism is associated with a fourth time unit display member 20 that is superimposed on a cam 72 in 10-minute units, and a fourth time unit cam 78 that is arranged and configured to cooperate with the fourth time unit cam 78, and a fifth time unit filler lever 80 that is superimposed on a fourth 10-minute unit filler lever 74. The fourth time unit cam 78 is programmed to indicate the completion of the time unit countdown with respect to the fifth time unit filler lever 80. For this purpose, the fourth time unit cam 78 has a substantially circular profile and has a notch 82 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), and the fifth time unit filler lever 80 is arranged and configured to be positioned within the notch 82 when 0 is displayed by the time unit display member 20, that is, at the moment when the time to be counted down is less than 1 hour.

[0069] The fourth time unit display member 20 can be arranged and configured to rotate together with the fourth time unit cam 78 so as to be able to perform a 6-hour countdown in one rotation. The numbers of the time units to be counted down may vary depending on the arrangement and configuration of the time unit display member 20.

[0070] Furthermore, the fifth time unit filler lever 80 is arranged and configured to cooperate with the fourth 10-minute unit filler lever 74 such that when the time unit display member 20 displays 0 and at the completion of the time unit countdown, the fourth 10-minute unit filler lever 74 will cooperate with the third 10-minute unit cam 72.

[0071] More specifically, the fifth time unit filler lever 80 is the third arm of the sensing lever 68. As a result, when the fifth time unit filler lever 80 pivots counterclockwise at A and drops into the notch 82 of the time unit cam 78, the fourth 10-minute unit filler lever 74 pivots counterclockwise at A and contacts the 10-minute unit cam 72.

[0072] In this particularly preferred variant of the invention, this means that the filler lever 64 of the third minute unit, the filler lever 74 of the fourth ten - minute unit, and the filler lever 80 of the fifth time unit form a single lever, namely the sensing lever 68. It is obvious that other arrangements of these levers can be selected to pivot the levers in the same direction. Specifically, different filler levers can be arranged such that one filler lever pivots in one direction and the other filler levers pivot in the same direction while being separable.

[0073] All elements such as the return bar, lever, control device, clamp, hook, etc. of the different mechanisms described above are under the influence of their respective return springs (not shown).

[0074] The movement operation is as follows: The initial STOP position where the control device 12 is ready to operate is shown in FIG. 1. The sub - control device 15 and the locking mechanism are in the locked state, and the locking hook 22 is coupled to the hook 15b of the sub - control device 15. Thus, the sub - control device 15 is locked so as not to rotate relative to the main control device 13, and the elastic member connecting the sub - control device 15 and the main control device 13 is wound. In this STOP position, the countdown chronograph mechanism and the strike mechanism are in the non - operating state. Various display members for the time unit (20), ten - minute unit (18), minute unit (16), and second unit are considered to be positioned to display a predetermined time interval for the countdown. Only the second hand 4 of the base clock movement rotates.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 2, the control member 11 of the control device 12 is pushed by the user to trigger START, and as a result, the column wheel 14 rotates to open the clutch control clamp 8 and the clutch clamp 10 to engage the second hand 4 and the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1. When the clutch clamp 10 is opened, the ends of the strike lever 41 and the strike lever 50 are released, where their respective arms 46 and 60 are not held by the pin 48 of the clutch clamp 10. The strike lever 41 pivots counterclockwise about A, whereby the sensing lever 68 can pivot counterclockwise, and as a result, the first strike filler lever 38, the third minute unit filler lever 64, and the fourth ten-minute unit filler lever 74, which were at a certain distance from their respective cams 34, 62, 72, pivot counterclockwise and approach their respective cams 34, 62, 72 slightly to enable adjustment of the display members 16, 18 for countdown. The fifth time unit filler lever 80, which was also at a certain distance from the time unit cam 78 to enable adjustment of the display member 20 for the time unit of countdown, pivots counterclockwise until it contacts the time unit cam 78.

[0076] Similarly, the released end of the strike lever 50 pivots counterclockwise about B, and as a result, the second end of the strike filler lever 40 also approaches the second hand unit cam 34 slightly. The end of the strike lever 50 is held in place by the leg 46b of the third arm 46 of the strike lever 41 placed on the first peak 60a of the third arm 60 of the strike lever 50.

[0077] With the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1 engaged with the second hand 4, the drive wheel 2 and the first second unit cam 34 are driven counterclockwise. Further, each time the second hand carried by the drive wheel 2 moves to 0, the display member 20 for the hour unit, the display member 18 for the 10-minute unit, and the display member 16 for the minute unit are driven together with the hour unit cam 78, the 10-minute unit cam 72, and the minute unit cam 62, respectively.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 3, as a result of the control member 11 returning to its initial position due to the action of its return spring (not shown), the START phase ends. The countdown proceeds. The drive wheel 2 and the second unit cam 34 rotate counterclockwise, and as a result, each time the second hand moves to 0, similar to a standard countdown, the display member 20 for the hour unit, the display member 18 for the 10-minute unit, and the display member 16 for the minute unit are released together with their respective cams 62, 72, 78 and can rotate according to the countdown to be displayed. The fifth hour unit feeler lever 80 contacts its hour unit cam 78, and the other feeler levers 38, 40, 64, and 74 remain at a certain distance from their respective cams 34, 62, 72.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, when the time being counted down is less than one hour, the display member 20 for the time unit is positioned to display 0, and as a result, the filler lever 80 for the time unit pivots counterclockwise at A in a state of contacting the cam 78 for the time unit, and is engaged within the notch 82 of the cam 78 for the time unit. The fact that the filler lever 80 for the time unit pivots in this way means that the sensing lever 68 and thus the filler lever 74 for the 10-minute unit and the filler lever 64 for the minute unit pivot counterclockwise at A, the filler lever 74 for the 10-minute unit contacts the cam 72 for the 10-minute unit, the filler lever 64 for the minute unit approaches the cam 62 for the minute unit, and further, the strike lever 41 and thus the strike filler lever 38 pivot counterclockwise at A, and the strike filler lever 38 approaches the cam 34 for the second unit. The countdown continues via the drive wheel 2 driven by the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, when the time being counted down is less than 10 minutes, the display member 20 for the time unit still displays 0, and the display member 18 for the 10-minute unit is positioned to display 0. As a result, the 10-minute unit feeler lever 74 pivots counterclockwise at A in a state of contacting the 10-minute unit cam 72, and is engaged in the notch 76 of the 10-minute unit cam 72. The pivoting of the 10-minute unit feeler lever 74 in this way means that the sensing lever 68 and thus the minute unit feeler lever 64 pivot counterclockwise at A, the minute unit feeler lever 64 contacts the minute unit cam 62, and further, the strike lever 41 and thus the strike feeler lever 38 pivot counterclockwise at A, and the strike feeler lever 38 approaches the second unit cam 34. The display member 20 for the time unit remains at the position where it displays 0, and the time unit feeler lever 80 remains engaged in the notch 82 of the time unit cam 78. The countdown continues via the drive wheel 2 driven by the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, when the time being counted down is less than 1 minute, the display member 20 for the time unit and the display member 18 for the 10-minute unit still display 0, and the display member 16 for the minute unit is positioned to display 0. As a result, the minute-unit filler lever 64 pivots counterclockwise at A in contact with the minute-unit cam 62 and is engaged within the notch 66 of the minute-unit cam 62. The pivoting of the minute-unit filler lever 64 in this way means that the sensing lever 68 pivots counterclockwise at A, and thus the strike lever 41 and consequently the strike filler lever 38 pivot counterclockwise at A, and the strike filler lever 38 contacts the second-unit cam 34 connected to the drive wheel 2. The display member 20 for the time unit and the display member 18 for the 10-minute unit remain at the positions where they display 0, maintaining the state where the time-unit filler lever 80 is engaged within the notch 82 of the time-unit cam 78 and the 10-minute-unit filler lever 74 is engaged within the notch 76 of the 10-minute-unit cam 72. In the state where the strike lever 41 and its arm 42 pivot, the stop device of the strike lever 44 is arranged and configured to start becoming free from the stop star wheel 32 by pivoting clockwise about its pivot point D, and the leg portion 46b of the third arm 46 of the strike lever 41 actually becomes free from the first peak 60a of the third arm 60 at the end of the strike lever 50. The countdown continues via the drive wheel 2 driven by the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1, and as a result, the display member for the second unit continues to rotate counterclockwise together with the second-unit cam 34.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 7, the display member 20 for time units, the display member 18 for 10-minute units, and the display member 16 for minute units still display 0, and when the display member for second units displays a specified time, for example 20 seconds before the completion of the countdown, the second cam 34 is positioned by pivoting counterclockwise at A so that the peak 38a of the strike-feeler lever 38 in contact with the second cam 34 is engaged within the starting point 36a of the notch 36 of the second cam 34. The pivoting of the strike-feeler lever 38 in this way means that the strike lever 41 and specifically its arm 42 pivot counterclockwise at A, and as a result, the stop device of the strike lever 44 pivots clockwise about its pivot point D to become free from the stop star wheel 32, releasing the stop star wheel 32. The elements 30 of the strike gear train are released, and the strike mechanism starts the strike at a specified time before the completion of the countdown.

[0083] Therefore, when engaged within the notches of their respective cams, the time-unit feeler lever 80, then the 10-minute-unit feeler lever 74, and then the minute-unit feeler lever 64 pivot counterclockwise, which means that the assembly of the sensing lever 68 and the strike lever 41 pivots counterclockwise at A, and as a result, the feeler levers gradually approach their respective cams until they contact the respective cams so that they can be engaged within the notches associated when their respective display members display zero, and further, the strike-feeler lever 38 gradually approaches the second cam 34 until it contacts the second cam 34 so that it can fall into the notch 36 when the countdown reaches a specified time before the completion of the countdown to trigger the strike.

[0084] In parallel, further, a third arm 46 of the strike lever 41 is provided at A, so that its leg portion 46b is completely free from the first peak 60a of the third arm 60 at the end of the strike lever 50. Then, the end of the strike lever 50 is released and pivots counterclockwise about B, so that the peak 40a at the end of the strike filler lever 40 comes into contact with the cam 34 in seconds.

[0085] The display members 20 for time units, 18 for 10-minute units, and 16 for minute units remain at the positions indicating 0, the filler lever 80 for time units maintains the state of being engaged in the notch 82 of the cam 78 for time units, the filler lever 74 for 10-minute units maintains the state of being engaged in the notch 76 of the cam 72 for 10-minute units, and the filler lever 64 for minute units maintains the state of being engaged in the notch 66 of the cam 62 for minute units. The countdown continues via the drive wheel 2 driven by the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1, so that the display member in seconds rotates continuously counterclockwise together with the cam 34 in seconds.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 8, when the countdown is completed and reaches zero, the display members 20 for time units, 18 for 10-minute units, and 16 for minute units still display 0, the display member in seconds is positioned together with the cam 34 in seconds to display 0, and the strike is still in progress. The length of the circle of the notch 36 of the cam 34 in seconds is such that when 0 is displayed at the completion of the countdown, the peak 40a at the end of the strike filler lever 40, which is in contact with the cam 34 in seconds, engages in the starting point 36a of the notch 36 of the above-mentioned cam 34 in seconds by pivoting counterclockwise at B. The peak 38a of the strike filler lever 38 reaches the end 36b of the notch 36.

[0087] The end of the strike-feeler lever 40 pivots in this way and drops into the notch 36 of the second hand cam 34 at the completion of the countdown, which means that the end of the strike lever 50 and specifically its arm 54 pivot counterclockwise at B, and as a result, the hook 56 carried by the arm 54 releases the control lever 19, acts on the control device 12, controls the rotation of the column wheel 14, and disengages the clutch device 6.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 9, the released control lever 19 pivots sufficiently to cooperate with the locking hook 22 during the movement of its pin 23, thereby pivoting the locking hook 22 counterclockwise. Next, the locking hook 22 separated from the hook 15b of the sub-control device 15 passes to the unlocked state. Then, the sub-control device 15 also becomes unlocked, is disconnected from the main control device 13, and as a result, the sub-control device 15 is released by the energy supplied by the elastic member released from the wound state and is pivoted only in the clockwise direction by being activated by its hook 15a, and the first drive wheel 14a of the column wheel 14 pivots counterclockwise. This corresponds to the automatic STOP. During the automatic STOP, the column wheel 14 is automatically operated only by the sub-control device 15, the main control device 13 and the second drive wheel 14c maintain a stationary state, and the elastic coupling element between the two drive wheels 14a and 14c is disengaged.

[0089] This rotation of the column wheel 14 controls the closing of the clutch clamps 8 and 10 so as to disengage the seconds hand 4 and the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1, thereby stopping the drive wheel 2 and the seconds cam 34. When the clutch clamp 10 is closed, the pin 48 of the clutch clamp 10 is placed on the heel 46a of the arm 46 of the strike lever 41 and on the beak 60b of the arm 60 at the end of the strike lever 50, returning it to its initial position. As a result, the strike lever 41 and the end of the strike lever 50, and more specifically, the ends of the strike filler levers 38 and 40 pivot clockwise at A and B respectively and become free from the seconds cam 34. Simultaneously with the disengagement of the chronograph mechanism, the strike lever 41 and thus its arm 42 pivot in this way so that the stop device of the strike lever 44 pivots counterclockwise about its pivot point D in order to cooperate again with the stop star wheel 32 and to stop the element 30 of the strike gear train. Therefore, the strike is stopped simultaneously with the completion of the countdown.

[0090] For the next countdown, the display members 16, 18, 20 will be repositioned according to a predetermined time interval for the countdown, and the control device 12 is arranged and configured to be positioned in a ready state to operate at the time of the next START. Here, more specifically, before returning to the locked state, when the user presses the control member 11 and then the next START is triggered, the locking mechanism passes to its locked position, enabling the automatic function of the sub-control device 15 to be operable again for the next use of the chronograph. In fact, when the user triggers a new START, the sub-control device 15 is in its unlocked state, and only the main control device 13 tilts to operate the column wheel 14, and its hook 13a operates the second drive wheel 14c, thereby driving the first drive wheel 14a, and thus driving the column 14b through the coupling formed by the elastic coupling element as described above, and controlling the newly opening of the clamps 8 and 10.

[0091] In parallel, the main control device 13, by tilting, enables the elastic member connecting the main control device 13 to the sub-control device 15 to be rewound again. On the other hand, when the main control device 13 tilts, its pin 21 comes to cooperate with the control lever 19 so as to pivot the control lever 19 to the locked position during its movement, and the hook 56 is retracted. When the control lever 19 is pivoted, it is rewound again. At the same time, the locking hook 22 embedded in the main control device 13 comes into contact with the hook 15b of the sub-control device 15 again, thereby freeing the hook 15b of the sub-control device 15 in the counterclockwise direction, and thereby passing to the locked position. When the tilting of the main control device 13 is completed, the locking hook 22 returns and engages within the hook 15b of the sub-control device 15, thereby passing to the locked state again. The elastic member between the main control device 13 and the sub-control device 15 is completely rewound again.

[0092] Of course, it is also possible to perform STOP and START during the countdown.

[0093] If only countdowns in minutes and seconds are desired, it is also possible to provide a similar mechanism by removing the time unit display device and elements related to the time unit countdown.

[0094] According to another embodiment, it is also possible to have a first display member arranged to display a countdown in minutes without counting down in seconds. Here, a first cam 34 connected to the first display member is arranged to rotate once every 10 minutes, and the length of the circle of its notches can be selected to trigger a strike a few minutes before the completion of the countdown.

[0095] In this case, it is considered that the first and second display members coincide, the first and second cams coincide, a third 10 - minute unit display member is provided, and the third 10 - minute unit display member is arranged to display a countdown in 10 - minute units as described above. In this case, the strike mechanism includes a third 10 - minute unit cam associated with the third 10 - minute unit display member and a fourth 10 - minute unit feeler lever arranged to cooperate with the third 10 - minute unit cam. The third 10 - minute unit cam is programmed to indicate the completion of the 10 - minute unit countdown to the fourth 10 - minute unit feeler lever. The fourth 10 - minute unit feeler lever is arranged to directly cooperate with the first strike feeler lever, coincide with the minute unit feeler lever, and as a result, the first strike feeler lever cooperates with the first cam at the completion of the 10 - minute unit countdown. The rest of this mechanism is the same as the mechanism described above.

[0096] FIG. 10 shows a variant of the movement according to the present invention, where a first strike feeler lever 38, a third minute unit feeler lever 64, a fourth 10 - minute unit feeler lever 74, and a fifth time unit feeler lever 80 form a single lever.

[0097] Further, a first strike-feeler lever 38 is rigidly connected to two other arms (not shown) corresponding to arms 42 and 46 of the first example, such that the entire assembly can form a single lever.

[0098] Functional elements equal to the movement elements of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0099] In the variant shown in FIG. 10, a second hand display member and a second hand cam 34 connected to the drive wheel 2 are provided. The second hand cam 34 has a notch 36 that defines a specific strike time before the completion of the countdown. A minute display member 16 associated with the minute cam 62 having a notch 66, a ten-minute display member 18 associated with the ten-minute cam 72 having two notches 76, and a time unit display member 20 associated with the time unit cam 78 having a notch 82 are further provided.

[0100] The time unit feeler lever 80 is arranged and configured to cooperate with the time unit cam 78 and fall into the notch 82 when the time unit display member 20 displays zero. The time unit feeler lever 80 carries on its arm a ten-minute feeler lever 74 disposed substantially perpendicular to the time unit feeler lever 80. The ten-minute feeler lever 74 carries at its end a pin 75 arranged and configured to contact the ten-minute cam 72 substantially tangentially and fall into one of the notches 76 when the ten-minute display member 18 displays zero. The minute feeler lever 64 is arranged and configured to cooperate with the minute cam 62 and fall into the notch 66 when the minute display member 16 displays zero. The strike feeler lever 38 is arranged and configured to cooperate with the second hand cam 34 and fall into the notch 36 when the countdown reaches a specified time before the completion of the countdown in order to trigger a strike.

[0101] The strike-feeler lever 38, the minute-feeler lever 64, and the time-feeler lever 80 are rigidly connected to each other by their respective ends with respect to each feeler so as to form various arms of a single lever pivotably installed at A. Thus, as described above, when engaged within the notch of each cam, the time-feeler lever 80, then the 10-minute-feeler lever 74, and then the minute-feeler lever 64 pivot in the counterclockwise direction, which means that the lever assembly pivots in the counterclockwise direction, and as a result, until contacting each cam so that each display member can be engaged within the associated notch when displaying zero, the feeler levers approach each cam gradually, and furthermore, until contacting the second hand cam 34 so that the strike-feeler lever 38 can fall into the notch 36 when the countdown reaches a specified time before the completion of the countdown to trigger a strike, the strike-feeler lever 38 approaches the second hand cam 34 gradually.

[0102] The end of the strike lever (not shown) is equal to the lever 50 of the first embodiment.

[0103] In another embodiment of the present invention according to FIGS. 12 to 21, the chronograph mechanism is arranged and configured such that after the automatic stop of the strike and after the completion of the countdown with a predetermined time interval, the first second display member, that is, the chronograph second hand, continues to rotate.

[0104] Elements common to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0105] The above-mentioned chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1 are arranged and configured to be kinematically connected to the seconds hand 4 of the base clock movement indicating the current time by a vertical clutch device 6. The above-mentioned vertical clutch device 6 is provided with a clutch control clamp 8 and a clutch clamp 10 which are arranged and configured to separate when the chronograph is activated to start a countdown so as to engage the seconds hand 4 and the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1. Opening the clamps 8 and 10 is controlled in a conventional manner by a standard control device including a column wheel 14 which is actuated by a button of the type of a push button 11, for example, to manually execute the start / stop control of the chronograph mechanism in a conventional manner.

[0106] Display means arranged and configured to display the remaining time units, 10-minute units, and minute units until the completion of the countdown of a predetermined time interval are similar to the display means described above.

[0107] Only the minute unit cam 62 with a notch 66 associated with the minute unit display member, the minute unit feeler lever 64 pivotally installed at G, the minute unit cam 72 with a notch 76 associated with the 10-minute unit display member, the 10-minute unit feeler lever 74, the time unit cam 78 with a notch 82 associated with the time unit display member which is superimposed on the 10-minute unit cam 72, and the time unit feeler lever 80 which is superimposed on the 10-minute unit feeler lever 74 are shown.

[0108] The 10-minute unit filler lever 74 and the time unit filler lever 80 form the arm of the sensing lever 90 pivotally installed at H, similar to the case of the sensing lever 68 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the sensing lever 90 includes a third arm 92 on the opposite side of the 10-minute unit filler lever 74 with respect to H. As a result, when the 10-minute unit filler lever 74 pivots clockwise at H and drops into one of the notches 76 of the 10-minute unit cam 72, the third arm 92 of the sensing lever 90 pivots clockwise at H. A pin 94 is provided at the end of the third arm 92 of the sensing lever 90 and is arranged and configured to cooperate with the peak 96 of the minute unit filler lever 64. Therefore, when the sensing lever 90 and its arm 92 pivot clockwise at H, the third 10-minute unit filler lever 64 pivots counterclockwise at G and contacts the minute unit cam 62.

[0109] Similar to the first embodiment above, the minute unit filler lever 64 is arranged and configured to be positioned within the notch 66 of the minute unit cam 62 when all of the display members for the time unit, for the 10-minute unit, and for the minute unit display 0, that is, at the moment when the time to be counted down is less than 1 minute.

[0110] The strike mechanism includes a first second unit cam 34. In this embodiment, the structure of this mechanism is realized such that the first second unit cam 34 and the first display member for displaying the second unit countdown, that is, the chronograph second hand, are directly carried by the shaft of the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 12, a second hand cam 34 has a notch 36, the circular length of the notch 36 corresponding to the designated time of the strike before the completion of the countdown of a predetermined time interval, the starting point of the notch 36 corresponding to the trigger of the strike, and the end of the notch 36 corresponding to the stop of the strike. For example, the length of the notch 36 can correspond to a time of 20 seconds before the completion of the countdown of the above-mentioned predetermined time interval.

[0112] The strike mechanism includes a first arm composed of a first strike-feeler lever 38 arranged and configured to cooperate with the first cam 34 to trigger a strike at the start of the designated time before the completion of the countdown of the above-mentioned predetermined time interval, a first strike lever 100 pivotally installed at A, and further includes a strike gear train.

[0113] More specifically, the first strike-feeler lever 38 has a beak 38a arranged and configured to be in contact with the first second hand cam 34 at the moment of the strike and engaged within its notch 36. The strike lever 100 is under the influence of its spring 101.

[0114] Similar to the first embodiment, the above-mentioned strike lever 100 includes a second arm 42 arranged and configured to control the stop device of a strike lever 44 pivotally installed at D, and a pin 43 firmly connected to the second arm 42 and providing a connecting device with the lever 44 through an oval opening 45. The stop device of the strike lever 44 itself is arranged and configured to be able to cooperate with a stop pawl 32 of the strike gear train.

[0115] The strike lever 100 includes a third arm 102 carrying a pin 104 arranged and configured to cooperate with a clutch control clamp 8. More specifically, it is placed on the pin 104 when the clutch control clamp 8 is in the closed position.

[0116] Furthermore, a third minute unit filler lever 64 is arranged and configured to cooperate with a first strike lever 38 via a third arm 102 of a strike lever 100, such that when all of the display members for time units, for 10 - minute units, and for minute units display 0, a peak 38a of the first strike filler lever 38 will contact a first second unit cam 34 at the completion of the minute unit countdown.

[0117] More specifically, the minute unit filler lever 64 has a leg portion 64a arranged and configured to be placed on a peak 106 of a third arm 102 of the strike lever 100 so as to hold the first strike filler lever 38 at a certain distance from the first second unit cam 34 until the completion of the minute unit countdown.

[0118] The strike lever 100 is provided with a fourth arm 108 arranged and configured to be able to cooperate with an end of a strike mechanism to control the automatic stop of the strike at the completion of the specified time simultaneously with the completion of the countdown of the above - mentioned predetermined time interval.

[0119] For this purpose, the end of the strike mechanism comprises an end of a strike lever 110 pivotally installed at E, arranged and configured to cooperate with the first strike lever 100. More specifically, the end of the strike lever 110 comprises a first arm 111 terminating at a peak 112 that carries a pin 113 arranged and configured to cooperate with an end 114 in the form of a hook of the fourth arm 108 of the first strike lever 100. The end of the strike lever 110 comprises a second arm 115 arranged and configured to cooperate with a pin 116 carried by a clutch clamp 10. The end of the strike lever 110 is under the influence of its spring 118.

[0120] The end of the striking mechanism is further provided with a stop device of the striking cam 120 kinematically connected to the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1, arranged and configured such that the end of the striking lever 110 and thus the first striking lever 100 are controlled, thereby automatically stopping the strike at the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval and doing so without disconnecting the clutch device 6.

[0121] Advantageously, the stop device of the striking cam 120 is coaxial with the second hand cam 34 and is constrained to rotate with the second hand cam 34. The stop device of the striking cam 120 comprises a peak 120a.

[0122] In order to enable the end of the striking lever 110 to be controlled via the stop device of the striking cam 120 to automatically stop the strike, the end of the striking mechanism comprises a lever hook 122 pivotally installed at F, and the opening provided for this purpose is such that its pivot axis passes through the striking lever 100. The lever hook 122 comprises a first arm 124 arranged and configured to cooperate with the peak 120a of the stop device of the striking cam 120, and a pin 126 arranged and configured to cooperate with the fourth arm 108 of the first striking lever 100, whereby when the first striking lever 100 pivots counterclockwise at A to bring the peak 38a of the first striking feeler lever 38 into contact with the first second hand cam 34, the lever hook 122 is pivoted at F so as to position its arm 124 within the turning radius of the peak 120a of the stop device of the striking cam 120.

[0123] The second arm 128 in the form of a hook is arranged such that the lever hook 122 cooperates with the beak 112 at the end of the strike lever 110 to lock the end of the strike lever 110, and such that when the lever hook 122 is actuated by the stop device of the strike cam 120, the end of the strike lever 110 can be released.

[0124] The lever hook 122 is under the influence of its spring 130.

[0125] The operation of the mechanism according to this embodiment is as follows: The initial STOP position where the countdown chronograph mechanism and the strike mechanism are inoperative is shown in FIG. 12. It is considered that various display members for time units, for 10-minute units, for minute units, and for second units are positioned to display a predetermined time interval for the countdown. Only the second hand 4 of the base watch movement rotates.

[0126] The control member of the control device is pressed by the user to trigger START, and as a result, the column wheel 14 rotates to open the clutch control clamp 8 and the clutch clamp 10 to engage the second hand 4 and the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1.

[0127] When the clutch clamp 10 is opened, the pin 116 placed on the second arm 115 at the end of the strike lever 110 returns the end of the strike lever 110 to its initial position, and as a result, the end of the strike lever 110 is locked in place by the lever hook 122.

[0128] When the clutch control clamp 8 is opened, the strike lever 100 is released. Here, its third arm 102 is not held by the clamp 8 until it is placed on the pin 104.

[0129] Similar to the first embodiment, the strike lever 100 pivots counterclockwise about A, as a result of which the first strike feeler lever 38, which was at a certain distance from each cam in order to enable adjustment of the display member for countdown, as well as the minute unit feeler lever 64 and the other feeler levers for 10-minute units and time units pivot and approach each cam slightly. However, the strike lever 100 is held away from the second hand unit cam 34 by the leg portion 64a of the minute unit feeler lever 64 placed on the peak 106 of the third arm 102 of the strike lever 100.

[0130] Countdown is performed in the same manner as the method described above for the first embodiment, and the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1 engaged with the second hand 4 captures the stop devices of the first second hand unit cam 34 and the strike cam 120, thereby rotating in the counterclockwise direction. Further, each time the second hand carried by the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1 moves to 0, the display members for time units, 10-minute units, and minute units are driven together with their respective cams. When the time to be counted down is less than 10 minutes, the sensing lever 90 and its arm 92 pivot clockwise at H, as a result of which the minute unit feeler lever 64 pivots counterclockwise at G and gradually approaches the minute unit cam 62 until the minute unit feeler lever 64 contacts the minute unit cam 62.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 13, when the remaining time to be counted down is 1 minute, the display members for the time unit and for the 10 - minute unit display 0, and the display member for the minute unit does not display 0. As a result, the minute - unit feeler lever 64 in contact with the minute - unit cam 62 is not engaged within the notch 66 of the minute - unit cam 62. At this position, the strike - feeler lever 38 is still not in contact with the second - hand unit cam 34, and the peak 106 of the third arm 102 of the strike lever 100 is still held by the leg portion 64a of the minute - unit feeler lever 64. At this position, the strike lever 100, by its second arm 42, maintains the strike gear train in a stopped state, and here, the stop device of the strike lever 44 is engaged within the stop star wheel 32.

[0132] Furthermore, the lever hook 122 is at a certain distance from the stop device of the strike cam 120.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 14, when the time to be counted down is less than 1 minute, the display members for the time unit and for the 10 - minute unit still display 0, and the display member for the minute unit is positioned to display 0. As a result, the minute - unit feeler lever 64 in contact with the minute - unit cam 62 pivots counterclockwise at G and is engaged within the notch 66 of the minute - unit cam 62.

[0134] By pivoting, the leg portion 64a of the minute - unit feeler lever 64 releases the third arm 102 and thus the strike lever 100. As a result, the strike lever 100 pivots counterclockwise at A as a result of the action of its spring 101, and the peak 38a of the strike - feeler lever 38 contacts the maximum diameter of the second - hand unit cam 34 carried by the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1.

[0135] During the pivoting of the strike lever 100 and thus of its second arm 42, the stop device of the strike lever 44 is arranged and configured to start becoming free from the stop star wheel 32 by pivoting clockwise about its pivot point D. The countdown continues via the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1, so that the display member in seconds rotates continuously counterclockwise together with the cam 34 in seconds.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 15, the display members for time units, for units of 10 minutes, and for units of minutes still display 0, and when the display member in seconds displays a specified time, for example 20 seconds before the completion of the countdown, the cam 34 in seconds is positioned so as to engage the peak 38a of the strike filler lever 38 in contact with the cam 34 in seconds into the notch 36 of the cam 34 in seconds. When it drops into the notch 36, the strike filler lever 38 pivots counterclockwise again at A. The fact that the strike filler lever 38 pivots in this way at A means that the strike lever 100, and in particular its second arm 42, pivots counterclockwise at A, and as a result, the stop device of the strike lever 44 pivots clockwise about its pivot point D to become free from the stop star wheel 32 and releases the stop star wheel 32. With the strike gear train released, at a specified time before the completion of the countdown, the strike mechanism starts the strike.

[0137] In parallel, furthermore, the fourth arm 108 of the strike lever 100 pivots counterclockwise, so that the lever hook 122 tilts clockwise about its pivot point F via its pin 126, and as a result, its arm 124 enters the turning radius of the peak 120a of the stop device of the strike cam 120 carried by the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1.

[0138] When pivoting clockwise at F, the arm 128 of the lever - hook 122 is slightly released from the beak 112 at the end of the strike - lever 110.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 16, when the countdown is completed and reaches substantially zero, for example, 5 seconds before the completion of the countdown, the second - unit display member is positioned to display, for example, 5 using the stop devices of the second - unit cam 34 and the strike - cam 120, where the strike is still in progress. By positioning the beak 120a of the stop - cam 120 in this way, the beak 120a comes into contact with the arm 124 of the lever - hook 122, thereby enabling the arm 124 to be driven clockwise at F.

[0140] The beak 38a of the strike - filler - lever 38 reaches the end of the notch 36.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 17, when the countdown is completed and reaches zero, the display members for the time unit, for the 10 - minute unit, and for the minute unit still display 0, and the second - unit display member is positioned to display 0 using the stop devices of the second - unit cam 34 and the strike - cam 120.

[0142] The lever - hook 122 and the beak 120a of the stop device of the strike - cam 120 are configured such that when 0 is displayed at the completion of the countdown, the lever - hook 122 controlled by the stop device of the strike - cam 120 is tilted sufficiently clockwise at F, and as a result, the beak 112 of the strike - lever 110 is released by its arm 128.

[0143] Then, the end of the strike - lever 110 is released, and as a result of the action of its spring 118, it pivots counter - clockwise at E.

[0144] When the end of the strike lever 110 pivots in this way upon completion of the countdown, its first arm 111 pivots counterclockwise, and as a result, the pin 113 carried by the arm 111 drives the end in the form of the hook 114 of the fourth arm 108 of the strike lever 100, thereby pivoting the strike lever 100 clockwise at A. The fact that the strike lever 100 pivots clockwise at A in this way makes it possible to free the strike feeler lever 38 from the second hand cam 34. In parallel, when the strike lever 100 and thus its arm 42 pivot clockwise at A at the same time as the completion of the countdown, the stop device of the strike lever 44 is driven by the arm 42, thereby pivoting counterclockwise about its pivot point D, and thus coming into cooperation with the stop star wheel 32 again to stop the strike gear train. Therefore, the strike is stopped simultaneously with the completion of the countdown.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 18, when the strike stops, the second hand display member, that is, the chronograph second hand, continues its counterclockwise movement together with the stop devices of the second hand cam 34 and the strike cam 120. As a result, the peak 120a of the stop device of the strike cam 120 passes through the arm 124 of the lever hook 122 and releases the arm 124. When released, as a result of the action of its spring 130, the lever hook 122 pivots counterclockwise at F until its second arm 128 in the form of a hook is placed on the arm 111 at the end of the strike lever 110. Therefore, the lever hook 122 moves out of the turning radius of the stop device of the strike cam 120, thereby making it possible to avoid any unnecessary energy consumption when the second hand continues its movement while waiting for manual stop of the chronograph mechanism.

[0146] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, when the user manually stops the chronograph mechanism to stop the second hand, the user presses the control member of the chronograph mechanism to trigger STOP, as a result, the column wheel 14 rotates to close the clutch control clamp 8 and the clutch clamp 10, thereby disengaging the clutch device 6, and thereby disengaging the second wheel 4 and the chronograph drive wheel and pinion 1. As shown in FIG. 19, when the clutch clamp 10, which was in the open position, closes, the clutch clamp 10 pivots in the clockwise direction, and as a result, its pin 116 drives the second arm 115 at the end of the strike lever 110 to pivot the end of the strike lever 110 in the clockwise direction at E, where the lever hook 122 is further placed on the said end of the strike lever 110.

[0147] When the clamps 8, 10 are closed as shown in FIG. 20, the end of the strike lever 110 that has completed its movement remains held by the pin 116 of the clutch clamp 10. The end of the strike lever 110 will be locked by the arm 128 of the lever hook 122, and when the strike lever 100, which is released by opening the clutch control clamp 8 during the next start of the countdown, pivots counterclockwise at A as a result of the action of its spring 101, it pivots counterclockwise at F as a result of the action of its spring 130 to return to its initial position.

[0148] Of course, for example, it is also possible to perform STOP during countdown and strike, and the mechanism in this case is a configuration similar to that of FIG. 15 or 16. In this configuration, the clutch control clamp 8 is not in contact with the strike lever 100. The reason is that the clutch control clamp 8 is in the open position and is not placed on the pin 104 of the third arm 102 of the strike lever 100. Referring to FIG. 21, when the user stops the countdown, the clamps 8 and 10 are controlled by the column wheel 14 and closed. The clutch control clamp 8 pivots counterclockwise to be placed on the pin 104 of the third arm 102 of the strike lever 100, and as a result, the strike lever 100 pivots clockwise at A. When the strike lever 100 pivots clockwise at A in this way, it becomes possible to free the strike feeler lever 38 from the second hand cam 34. In parallel, when the strike lever 100 and thus its arm 42 pivot clockwise at A in this way, the stop device of the strike lever 44 is driven by the arm 42, causing it to pivot counterclockwise about its pivot point D, thereby cooperating with the stop star wheel 32 again to stop the strike gear train. In this way, the strike is stopped. During the next start of the countdown without pre-adjusting the display member to display the countdown, various components return to their positions before the next STOP.

[0149] The present invention enables having a countdown chronograph mechanism equipped with a strike mechanism that is triggered prior to the completion of a countdown of a predetermined time interval, in order to warn the user that the countdown in a predetermined time interval is about to complete. Thus, the present invention enables having a countdown with a pre-alarm using a mechanical strike mechanism, and the completion of the strike is synchronized with the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval. According to a variant, the chronograph mechanism can be stopped at the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval, or can maintain its activated state such that the chronograph second hand continues to rotate without triggering a strike.

Claims

**Claim 1** A mechanical watch movement comprising a chronograph mechanism arranged and configured to be able to execute at least one countdown at a predetermined time interval, a display means arranged and configured to display at least the remaining time until the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval, at least one member (11) for controlling the start of the countdown, and a strike mechanism, wherein the strike mechanism is arranged and configured to start a strike at a specified time before the completion of the countdown and to stop the strike at the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval, the chronograph mechanism comprising at least one chronograph drive wheel and pinion (1) arranged and configured to be able to perform a countdown, the strike mechanism being at least one first cam (34) kinematically connected to the chronograph drive wheel and pinion (1), the specified time before the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval being programmed into the first cam (34), the first cam (34) being arranged and configured to rotate once over a time longer than the specified time before the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval, at least one first cam (34), a strike gear train, and a first strike lever (41; 100) comprising a first strike filler lever (38) arranged and configured to cooperate with the first cam (34) and the strike gear train to trigger a strike at the start of the specified time before the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval, and an end of the strike mechanism arranged and configured to cooperate with the first strike lever (41; 100) to control the stop of the strike at the completion of the specified time simultaneously with the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval. **Claim 2** The movement according to claim 1, characterized in that the display means of the chronograph mechanism comprises a first display member associated with the first cam (34) for displaying a countdown achieved via the chronograph drive wheel and pinion (1). **Claim 3** The movement according to claim 2, wherein the first display member is arranged and configured to display a countdown in minute units.

4. The movement according to claim 2, wherein the first display member is arranged and configured to display a countdown in second units.

5. The display means of the chronograph mechanism includes a second minute-unit display member (16) arranged and configured to display a countdown in minute units of the predetermined time interval. The strike mechanism includes a second minute-unit cam (62) associated with the second minute-unit display member (16), and a third minute-unit filler lever (64) arranged and configured to cooperate with the second minute-unit cam (62). The second minute-unit cam (62) is programmed to indicate the completion of the countdown in minute units to the third minute-unit filler lever (64). The third minute-unit filler lever (64) is arranged and configured to cooperate with the first strike filler lever (38). As a result, the first strike filler lever (38) is configured to cooperate with the first cam (34) when the countdown in minute units is completed. The movement according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. The display means of the chronograph mechanism includes a third ten-minute-unit display member (18) arranged and configured to display a countdown in ten-minute units of the predetermined time interval. The strike mechanism includes a third ten-minute-unit cam (72) associated with the third ten-minute-unit display member (18), and a fourth ten-minute-unit filler lever (74) arranged and configured to cooperate with the third ten-minute-unit cam (72). The third ten-minute-unit cam (72) is programmed to indicate the completion of the countdown in ten-minute units to the fourth ten-minute-unit filler lever (74). The fourth ten-minute-unit filler lever (74) is arranged and configured to cooperate with the third minute-unit filler lever (64). As a result, the third minute-unit filler lever (64) is configured to cooperate with the second minute-unit cam (62) when the countdown in ten-minute units is completed. The movement according to claim 5, characterized in that.

7. The display means of the chronograph mechanism includes a third 10-minute unit display member arranged and configured to display a countdown in 10-minute units of the predetermined time interval. The strike mechanism includes a third 10-minute unit cam (72) associated with the third 10-minute unit display member and a fourth 10-minute unit feeler lever (74) arranged and configured to cooperate with the third 10-minute unit cam (72). The third 10-minute unit cam (72) is programmed to indicate the completion of the 10-minute unit countdown to the fourth 10-minute unit feeler lever (74). The fourth 10-minute unit feeler lever (74) is arranged and configured to cooperate with the first strike feeler lever (38). As a result, the first strike feeler lever (38) is configured to cooperate with the first cam (34) when the 10-minute unit countdown is completed. The movement according to claim 3, characterized in that.

8. The display means of the chronograph mechanism includes a fourth time unit display member (20) arranged and configured to display a countdown in time units of the predetermined time interval. The strike mechanism includes a fourth time unit cam (78) associated with the fourth time unit display member (20) and a fifth time unit feeler lever (80) arranged and configured to cooperate with the fourth time unit cam (78). The fourth time unit cam (78) is programmed to indicate the completion of the time unit countdown to the fifth time unit feeler lever (80). The fifth time unit feeler lever (80) is arranged and configured to cooperate with the fourth 10-minute unit feeler lever (74). As a result, the fourth 10-minute unit feeler lever (74) is configured to cooperate with the third 10-minute unit cam (72) when the time unit countdown is completed. The movement according to claim 6, characterized in that. **Claim 9**: The display means of the chronograph mechanism includes a display member (20) for the fourth time unit arranged and configured to display a countdown in time units of the predetermined time interval. The strike mechanism includes a fourth time unit cam (78) associated with the display member (20) for the fourth time unit, and a fifth time unit feeler lever (80) arranged and configured to cooperate with the fourth time unit cam (78). The fourth time unit cam (78) is programmed to indicate the completion of the time unit countdown to the fifth time unit feeler lever (80). The fifth time unit feeler lever (80) is arranged and configured to cooperate with the fourth ten-minute unit feeler lever (74). As a result, the fourth ten-minute unit feeler lever (74) is configured to cooperate with the third ten-minute unit cam (72) when the time unit countdown is completed. The movement according to claim 7, characterized in that. **Claim 10** The movement according to claim 8, characterized in that the third minute unit feeler lever (64), the fourth ten-minute unit feeler lever (74), and the fifth time unit feeler lever (80) form a single lever. **Claim 11** The movement according to claim 10, characterized in that the first strike feeler lever (38), the third minute unit feeler lever (64), the fourth ten-minute unit feeler lever (74), and the fifth time unit feeler lever (80) form a single lever. **Claim 12** The movement according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the chronograph mechanism is configured to be kinematically connected to the base movement by a clutch device (6) in the horizontal or vertical direction. **Claim 13** The end of the striker mechanism comprises an end of a striker lever (50) having a second end of a striker feeler lever (40) arranged and configured to cooperate with the first cam (34) so as to be able to control the disconnection of the clutch device (6) and the stopping of the striker at the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval. The movement according to claim 12, characterized in that.

14. The end of the striker mechanism comprises an end of a striker lever (110) arranged and configured to cooperate with a first striker lever (100), and a stop device of a striker cam (120) kinematically connected to the chronograph drive wheel and pinion (1) arranged and configured to control the end of the striker lever (110) to stop the striker at the completion of the countdown of the predetermined time interval without disconnecting the clutch device (6). The movement according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises.

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