EP2363764B1 - Device for sequentially controlling at least two lifts of a timepiece mechanism - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mechanical device for sequentially controlling at least two lifts of a watch mechanism, which comprises motor means and triggering means for controlling the activation of at least a first lift and a second lift to actuate , or respectively a first hammer and a second hammer, or flip-flops, said at least a first lift and a second lift which are arranged to cooperate each with a track of a contact surface that comprises said device, said surface of contact being movable under the action of motor means for transmitting energy to said lifts in the form of torque, according to a sequence imposed by said tracks where each of the lifts passes successively from a first level of consumption of torque to a second level of higher torque consumption at said first level during a first growth phase where said lift stores energy, then said second level to said first level during a second decay phase wherein said lift transmits energy to a mechanism for utilizing said energy, wherein said first lift completely transmits the energy that it has accumulated at a mechanism of use of said energy before or at the latest when said second lift completely transmits the energy it has accumulated to a mechanism of use The invention further relates to a striking mechanism comprising at least one minus a ringing wheel using a portion of the energy supplied by a power source to actuate at least one hammer on at least one stamp, per action a tooth or a cam that includes said ringing wheel on said hammer, and comprising at least one such control device.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such control device.

The invention is placed in the field of mechanisms for timepieces, energy consumers for auditory or visual displays, such as ringing or date mechanisms.

In particular, a recurring problem of striking mechanisms is the management of the energy source used for the ringing itself. In addition to a high energy consumption for the arming of the hammer or hammers, it is necessary in some types of ringtones to cope with peaks in instantaneous torque consumption, which often require oversizing the energy sources.

Timepieces with advanced striking mechanism have been known for a long time, especially in the field of so-called complicated watches such as repeater watches or big-bell watches. For a good understanding of the state of the art in the field of complicated watches, reference can be made to François Lecoultre entitled "Complicated Watches" (ISBN 2-88175-000-1 ), which includes several chapters relating to watches equipped with a striking mechanism (pages 97 to 205).

The patent CH 604 237 in the name of Dubois & Depraz describes a repeating watch, with a ringing device with two superimposed timbres of different tones, struck by two hammers operated by two ratchets that act by teeth wolf teeth on scales to move them to the against their respective striking force. These ratchets are toothed on only part of their circumference, and their relative position determines the play of the different ringtones. It has a ringer regulator to adjust its unwinding speed, but it does not have any special energy management to avoid peak energy consumption.

The invention proposes to solve the problem of peak torque consumption by proposing a mechanical sequential control device of at least two lifts of a clock mechanism, arranged to avoid peak torque consumption provided by motor means by the sum of the torque consumptions of each of the lifts, which transmit energy received from the motor means via this device, in the form of a torque, to one or more mechanisms for using this energy, as a mechanism for ring, or date, or other.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a mechanical device for sequentially controlling at least two lifts of a watch mechanism, which comprises motor means and triggering means for controlling the activation of at least a first lift and a second lift to actuate, or respectively a first hammer and a second hammer, or flip-flops, said at least a first lift and a second lift which are arranged to cooperate each with a track of a contact surface that includes said device said contact surface being movable under the action of motor means for transmitting energy to said lifts in the form of a torque, in a sequence imposed by said tracks where each of the lifts passes successively from a first level of torque consumption to a second level of torque consumption higher than said first level during a first growth phase where said lift stores the energy then said second level at said first level during a second decay phase wherein said lift transmits energy to a mechanism for using said energy, wherein said first lift completely transmits the energy that it has accumulated to a mechanism of use of said energy before or at the latest at the moment when said second lift completely transmits the energy it has accumulated to a mechanism of use, characterized in that said control device comprises delay means arranged to create, during the second decay phase of said first lift, at least one stabilization stage at a third level of intermediate torque consumption between said first level and said second level of torque consumption of said first lift, to avoid peak torque consumption by cumulating torque consumptions of each of said lifts5, and characterized in that said contact surface is at the periphery of a wheel driven by said motor means of said clock mechanism or by motor means that comprises said device, and in that it controls said sequence of movements of the first lift and second lift which are pivotally mounted each around an axis parallel to that of said wheel and external to the latter, by a first a track comprising at least a first control cam for the operation of said first lift, and a second track distinct from said first track having at least a second control cam for the operation of said second lift, said first control cam having a delay surface constituting said delay means, and further characterized in that said delay surface is constituted by, or a cylindrical sector whose axis coincides with that of said wheel, and which constitutes the largest diameter of this last in the deflection zone of the first lift and second lift, or by a flat surface substantially tangential to such a cylindrical sector, or by a flat surface substantially tangential to such a cylindrical sector whose axis coincides with that of said wheel, and in that said retardation surface has an angular opening of 3 ° with respect to said axis of said sector cyl indrique.

According to a characteristic of the invention, said contact surface defines said sequence so as to perform said torque consumption stabilization bearing of said first lift during the first growth phase of said second lift.

The invention also relates to a striking mechanism comprising at least one striking wheel using a part of the energy supplied by a power source for actuating at least one hammer on at least one stamp, by action of a tooth or a cam which comprises said ringing wheel on said hammer, and comprising at least one such control device.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such control device.

The invention has the advantage of allowing the most accurate sizing of energy sources such as barrels or the like, used for mechanisms such as striking mechanisms. It also makes it possible to ensure, as the case may be, the synchronization between certain events as in an instantaneous date mechanism, or the desired time shift as in a ding-dong ring, with the best possible energy management. The invention makes it possible to maintain the cumulative level of torque consumed by the complications at a reasonable level. The stresses exerted on the structure, especially on the plates, are therefore lower, and the good behavior over time of the timepiece is only better. Smoothing the accumulated torque consumption curve has a direct influence on the settings, which are greatly facilitated.

• la figure 1 est une représentation schématisée, partielle, en vue en plan, d'un mécanisme de sonnerie pour pièce d'horlogerie comportant une roue de sonnerie à deux pistes de dents pointues, pour actionner deux levées actionnant chacune un marteau pour percuter un timbre, et réaliser des sonneries de type ding-dong en séquence ;
• la figure 2 est une représentation similaire à la figure 1, d'un mécanisme de sonnerie incorporant un dispositif mécanique de commande séquentielle d'au moins deux levées selon l'invention, où l'une des pistes comporte des dents spéciales pour décaler dans le temps l'armage d'un des marteaux, et le garder armé jusqu'à son déclenchement;
• la figure 3 est un diagramme représentant, en ordonnée la consommation de couple par chacune des dents de la roue de sonnerie de la figure 1, et leur cumul instantané, en fonction de la position angulaire de la roue de sonnerie en abscisse, et montrant l'étendue de la variation de la courbe de cumul pendant l'exécution de la sonnerie ;
• la figure 4 est un diagramme similaire à la figure 3, représentant les consommations de couple des dents de la roue de sonnerie de la figure 2 selon l'invention, et montrant le lissage, à un niveau moyen, de la courbe de cumul pendant l'exécution de la sonnerie ;
• la figure 5 est une représentation schématisée, partielle, en vue en plan, d'une dent d'une première piste de la roue de sonnerie de la figure 2 selon l'invention ;
• la figure 6 est une représentation analogue à la figure 5 d'une dent de la figure 1, ou d'une dent d'une autre piste de la roue de sonnerie de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 7 est une représentation analogue à la figure 5 d'une dent d'une autre piste de la roue de sonnerie de la figure 2, dans une variante de réalisation.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the correction mechanism according to the invention, this example being given for purely illustrative and nonlimiting purposes only in connection with the attached drawing in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic representation, partial, in plan view, of a striking mechanism for a timepiece comprising a ringing wheel with two pointed teeth tracks, for actuating two lifts each actuating a hammer to strike a stamp, and to realize ding-dong tones in sequence;
• the figure 2 is a representation similar to the figure 1 , a striking mechanism incorporating a mechanical sequential control device of at least two lifts according to the invention, wherein one of the tracks comprises special teeth for staggering in time the arming of one of the hammers, and keep it armed until it is triggered;
• the figure 3 is a diagram representing, on the ordinate, the consumption of torque by each of the teeth of the ringing wheel of the figure 1 , and their instantaneous accumulation, as a function of the angular position of the ringing wheel on the abscissa, and showing the extent of the variation of the accumulation curve during the execution of the ringing;
• the figure 4 is a diagram similar to the figure 3 , representing the torque consumptions of the teeth of the ringing wheel of the figure 2 according to the invention, and showing the smoothing, at a medium level, of the cumulative curve during the execution of the ring;
• the figure 5 is a schematic representation, partial, in plan view, of a tooth of a first track of the ringing wheel of the figure 2 according to the invention;
• the figure 6 is a representation similar to the figure 5 of a tooth of the figure 1 , or a tooth of another track of the ringing wheel of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 7 is a representation similar to the figure 5 of a tooth of another track the ringing wheel of the figure 2 , in an alternative embodiment.

The invention is placed in the field of mechanisms for timepieces, energy consumers for auditory or visual displays, such as ringing or date mechanisms.

The invention relates to a mechanical device 100 for sequential control of at least two lifts for a watch mechanism.

This clock mechanism is of the type which comprises motor means, such as a barrel or the like, and tripping means 3 for controlling the activation of at least a first lift 1 and a second lift 2, which are arranged to transmit energy, received from the motor means via the device 100, to a mechanism for using this energy.

The present description is illustrated for the case of the actuation of two lifts, but it is understood that the invention applies exactly the same way for a number of lifts greater than two.

These lifts 1 and 2 are arranged to cooperate each with a track, respectively 301 and 302, that comprises a contact surface 10, which comprises the device 100. This contact surface 10 defines, with these tracks on the basis of a track by lifting, the sequence of movements imposed on the different levies. The contact surface 10 is movable under the action of the motor means of the watch mechanism, or additional motor means that may comprise the device 100. Indeed, the device 100 may be designed as an additional set juxtaposed to an existing movement. The first lift 1 and the second lift 2 receive energy supplied by the contact surface 10, in the form of a torque, in a sequence imposed by the tracks 301 and 302 of the contact surface 10. In this sequence, each of the 1, respectively 2, passes successively from a first level of torque consumption 11, respectively 21, which is preferably low or zero, to a second level of torque consumption 12, respectively 22, which is greater than the first level 11 , respectively 21, during a first growth phase 14, respectively 24, where it stores energy as a torque, then the second level 12, respectively 22, at the first level 11, respectively 21, during a second decay phase 15, respectively 25, in which it transmits energy to a mechanism for using this energy. During this sequence, the first lift 1 completely transmits the energy that it has accumulated to a mechanism for using this energy before or at the latest at the moment when the second lift 2 completely transmits the energy that it has accumulated to a mechanism of use .

According to the invention, this control device 100 comprises delay means 4 arranged to create, during the second decay phase 15 of the first lift 1, at least one stabilization step 16 at a third level 13 of consumption of intermediate torque between the first level 11 and the second level 12 of torque consumption of the first lift 1, to avoid peak torque consumption by the cumulative torque consumption of each levées.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact surface 10 defines the sequence so as to perform the torque consumption stabilization bearing 16 of the first lift 1 during the first growth phase 24 of the second lift 2.

Preferably, the contact surface 10 defines the sequence so as to control, after the second phase of decreasing the torque consumption of the first lift 1, the start of a new first growth phase 14 for a new maneuver. the first lift 1, before the second torque consumption decay phase of the second lift 2 is completed.

Preferably, the contact surface 10 defines the sequence so as to control, after the completion of the first phase of growth 14 of torque consumption of the first lift 1, the start of the first growth phase 24 of consumption of couple of the second lift 2.

The nature of the delay means 4 depends on the mechanisms used. This description more particularly describes the case where the contact surface 10 is a set of cam tracks at the periphery. of a wheel, which is the most common configuration in watchmaking. But the invention applies exactly in the same way if the geometrical support of the contact surface 10 is of another geometrical nature, for example a linear support, the contact surface 10 can then take the form of a rack or a set of contiguous racks, or a sector with a particular geometry, for example elliptical, having tracks of cams or teeth, or other.

In the same way, the invention is described for a contact surface 10 which comprises camming protrusions for actuating lifts, but it can equally well be implemented with re-entrant elements, the cams then being constituted by hollow or grooves along a profile.

The figures illustrate a particular example of use of the invention, relating to a striking mechanism. The figures 1 and 3 illustrate a state of the art known, including achievements WATCH BREGUET. The contact surface 10 is at the periphery of a ring gear 30 driven by the motor means of the watch mechanism, and controls the sequence of the movements of the first and second liftings 2 which are pivotally mounted each around an axis parallel to that of the wheel 30 and external to the latter, by a first track 301 having at least a first control cam 31 for the operation of the first lift 1, and by a second track 302 separate from the first track 301 having at least one second control cam 32 for the operation of the second lift 2. These control cams 31 and 32 are formed as pointed teeth, as visible on the figure 6 .

For a sequential ring of the ding-dong type, here repeated three times in the example of figures 1 and 3 , we see on the diagram of the figure 3 on the dashed representation that, starting from a state of rest at a low or zero first level of torque consumption of the first tooth 31 ding, we arm the first lift 1 from an angular position of 8 ° in the example of the figure 3 , the torque consumption of this lift 1 increases to the second torque level 12, which constitutes its maximum level, around 13 °. This torque drops towards 15 °, when the lift 1 is released and releases its energy transmitted to the first hammer 7, to hit the first stamp, or gong, 71. The consumption then drops to the first level 11, until rearming to 20 ° , where the sequence is repeated, then to 32 °, where the sequence is repeated again.

Similarly, starting from a state of rest at a first low or no torque consumption level of the second tooth 32 dong, the second lift 2 is armed from an angular position of 13 ° in the example of the figure 3 in the dashed representation, the torque consumption of this lift 2 increases to the second torque level 22, which constitutes its maximum level, around 18 °. This torque drops to 19 °, when the lift 2 is released and releases its energy transmitted to the second hammer 8, to hit the second stamp, or gong, 81. The consumption then drops to the first level 21, until rearming to 26 ° , where the sequence is repeated, then to 39 °, where the sequence is repeated again.

We see on the figure 3 that the representative dashed curve of the cumulative torque consumption varies considerably, with a high peak around 15 ° / 27 ° / 39 °, and a very low level around 20 ° / 32 ° / 44 °. In this example, the second maximum level 12 corresponding to the first lift 1 of the first hammer 7 ding "acute" is 200g.mm, and the second maximum level 22 corresponding to the second lift 2 of the second hammer 8 dong "serious" is of 150g.mm. The maximum level of the resulting curve is 300 g / mm, and is therefore only slightly less than the sum of the maximum torque which is 350 g / mm.

When a striking mechanism thus sounds, on two hammers, two close shots, it is advantageous to arm the two hammers successively rather than simultaneously. The invention implements a Shift the reinforcement of one of the hammers in time, widening the corresponding tooth, and keeping the hammer armed until release.

According to the invention, in a particular embodiment visible on the figures 2 , 4 and 5 , the contact surface 10 is at the periphery of a wheel 30 driven by the motor means of the watch mechanism, or by motor means that comprises the device 100. In the particular case of a striking mechanism and figures 2 and 4 the wheel 30 is a ringing wheel.

The contact surface 10 controls the sequence of movements of the first lift 1 and second lift 2 which are pivotally mounted each around an axis parallel to that of the wheel 30 and external to the latter. This control is done by a first track 301 comprising at least a first control cam 31 for the operation of the first lift 1, and by a second track 302 separate from the first track 301 having at least a second control cam 32 for the second-round maneuver 2. The example of figure 4 shows, on the first track 301, three cams 31 in the form of teeth, to control three ding sounds, and, on the second track 302, three cams 32 in the form of teeth, to control three dong sounds. The arrangement of the contact surface 10 defines the phase shift between the ding sounds and the dong sounds, as well as the time interval between two consecutive ding-dongs. In this example, each ring sequence rolls three ding-dong in succession, and the wheel 30 of the example of the figure 4 has six groups of cams each running these three ding-dongs. Stopping between a sequence of three ding-dong and the next is carried out for example by an anchor mechanism, not shown in the figure, controlled by the triggering means 3 of the watch mechanism, for example a timer or the like.

According to the invention, the first control cam 31 comprises a delay surface 40 which constitutes the delay means 4, or at least some of them if they are multiple. In the exemplary embodiment of the figure 4 , the retarding surface 40 is constituted by a cylindrical sector whose axis is coincident with that of the wheel 30 and constitutes the largest diameter of the latter in the deflection zone of the first lift 1 and second lift 2 or by a flat surface substantially tangent to such a cylindrical sector. Other embodiments and in particular with other profiles are obviously possible without departing from the heart of the invention.

The contact surface 10 comprises at least a first control cam 31 for the operation of the first lift 1 and at least a second control cam 32 for the operation of the second lift 2. Each control cam 31, respectively 32, comprises a first ramp 310, respectively 311, for the first growth phase 14, respectively 24, and a second ramp 320, respectively 321, for at least the end of the second decay phase 15, respectively 25. According to the invention, less the first control cam 31 comprises, between the first ramp 310 and the second ramp 320, an intermediate surface 401 constituting the delay means 4.

In a particular version not shown in the figures, each control cam 31, respectively 32, comprises, between the first ramp 310, respectively 311 and the second ramp 320, respectively 321, an intermediate surface 401, respectively 402, constituting means for 4. This configuration may be useful for both benefiting from the cumulated torque savings achieved by arranging the first tooth 31 with the intermediate surface 401, and adjusting the time difference between a given value to a predetermined value. the sounds ding and dong, by shifting this second ring thanks to the second intermediate surface 402 as visible on the figure 7 .

We see on the diagram of the figure 4 which corresponds to the embodiment according to the invention that, from a state of rest to a first level 11 low or zero torque consumption of the first tooth 31 ding, the first arm 1 is armed from an angular position of 5 ° in this example, the torque consumption of this lift 1 increases to the second level of torque 12, which constitutes its maximum level, around 13 °.

This torque drops towards 14 °, towards the stabilization bearing 16 at the consumed torque level 13, when the lift 1 cooperates with the intermediate surface 401. Indeed, the lift 1, which cooperates with the first ramp 310 during the growth phase torque 14, then comes on the intermediate surface 401, and the orientation of the resultant force changes, and therefore the torque moment also changes. The intermediate torque level 13 is a holding torque on the tooth, at this stage the lift 1 fully armed the hammer 7. In the version where the intermediate surface 401 is on a concentric radius at the center of rotation, the torque is regular . Naturally, it is possible to make teeth to profile to further reduce the oscillation of the cumulative torque, but we can check on the figure 4 , which corresponds to experimental results, that the cumulative torque is regular with the very simple solution that constitutes a widening of the first tooth, with a cylindrical outer surface.

Later, towards the angular value of 17 °, when the lifting 1 is released and releases its energy transmitted to the first hammer 7, to hit the first stamp, or gong, 71, the consumption then falls to the first level 11, until resetting almost immediately in this example where the sequence is repeated, then to 29 °, where the sequence is repeated again.

Similarly, starting from a state of rest at a first low or no torque consumption level of the second tooth 32 dong, the second lift 2 is armed from an angular position of 13 ° in the example of the figure 4 , the torque consumption of this lift 2 increases to the second torque level 22, which is its maximum level, around 18 °. This couple drops towards 19 °, when the lift 2 is released and releases its energy transmitted to the second hammer 8, to strike the second timbre, or gong, 81. The consumption then falls back to the first level 21, until rearming towards 26 °, where the sequence repeats itself, then towards 37 °, where the sequence is repeated again.

We see on the figure 4 that the representative curve of the cumulated torque consumption varies slightly, ranging between 130 and 250 g.mm, throughout the ringing sequence. In this example, the second maximum level 12 corresponding to the first lift 1 of the first hammer 7 ding "acute" is 215 g.mm, and the second maximum level 22 corresponding to the second lift 2 of the second hammer 8 dong "serious" is 155 g.mm. The maximum level of the resulting curve is 250 g.mm, and is therefore very substantially less than the sum of the maximum torque that is 370 g.mm. It is understood that the maximum level of torque 22 corresponding to the second lift could be much higher than it is, without much altering the resultant, since the torque consumption of the two lifts are somehow in phase opposition thanks to the bearing self-timer on the first tooth.

Thus, the torque taken by the ring does not include significant peaks due to the addition of the pairs of the two hammers.

We reach the goal, which is to have a smoothed couple with a delta as low as possible, which allows to have less problems to properly regulate the ring in this case.

In sum, in the version specific to a striking mechanism, the contact surface 10 is located at the periphery of a ringing wheel 30, and the first lifting 1 and second lifting 2 are arranged to actuate each at least one hammer 7, respectively 8, on at least one stamp or gong 71, respectively 81, by the action of as many teeth 31, respectively 32 that includes the ringing wheel 30 and which constitute, supplemented by intermediate areas without contact with the first lift 1 and second lift 2, the contact surface 10. The hammers can also strike a keyboard or the like.

In another application where the invention also shows its full interest, the contact surface 10 successively arms at least a first lift 1 and a second lift 2 that include scales of a date mechanism, or which control the movement of such flip-flops.

In a preferred manner, this date mechanism is then an instantaneous date mechanism that comprises several flip-flops, which are successively armed by different lifts, and which jump simultaneously.

The invention also relates to a striking mechanism comprising at least one striking wheel using a part of the energy supplied by a power source for actuating at least one hammer on at least one stamp, by action of a tooth or a cam which comprises said ringing wheel on said hammer, and comprising at least one control device.

The invention also relates to a date mechanism comprising flip-flops operated by such a device 100.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such control device 100.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one control device 100, for regulating the torque consumed by a striking mechanism that includes this timepiece.

The invention also relates to such a timepiece where the striking mechanism is a minute repeater striking mechanism.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one control device 100, for regulating the torque consumed by a date mechanism that includes the part.

Claims (15)

1. Mechanical device (100) for the sequential control of at least two levers of a timepiece mechanism, which includes motor means and release means (3) for controlling the actuation of at least a first lever (1) and a second lever (2) to actuate, either respectively a first hammer (7) and a second hammer (8), or pivoting parts, said at least a first lever (1) and a second lever (7), which are each arranged to cooperate with a path (301; 302) of a contact surface (10) comprised in said device (100) said contact surface (10) being movable under the action of motor means to transmit energy to said levers in the form of torque, in a sequence imposed by said paths (301; 302), wherein each of the levers (1; 2) changes in succession from a first torque consumption level (11; 21) to a second torque consumption level (12; 22) higher than said first level (11; 21) during a first increasing phase (14; 24) wherein said lever stores energy, then from said second level (12; 22) to said first level (11; 21) during a second decreasing phase (15; 25) in which said lever transmits energy to a mechanism using said energy, during which sequence said first lever (1) transmits all of the energy that it has accumulated to a mechanism using said energy before, or at the latest at the moment when said second lever (2) transmits all of the energy it has accumulated to a user mechanism, characterized in that said control device (100) includes delaying means (4) arranged to create, during the second decreasing phase (15) of said first lever (1) at least one stabilising stage (16) at a third intermediate torque consumption level (13) between said first level (11) and said second level (12) of torque consumption of said first lever (1), to prevent a peak in torque consumption by cumulating the torque consumptions of each of said levers, and characterized in that said contact surface (10) is at the periphery of a wheel (30) driven by said motor means of said timepiece mechanism or by motor means comprised in said device (100), and in that said contact surface controls said sequence of movements of said first lever (1) and second lever (2) which are each pivotally mounted about an axis parallel to that of said wheel (30) and external thereto, by a first path (301) including at least a first control cam (31) for manoeuvring said first lever (1), and by a second path (302), distinct from said first path (301), including at least a second control cam (32) for manoeuvring said second lever (2), said first control cam (31) including a delay surface (40) forming said delaying means (4), and further characterized in that said delay surface (40) is formed either by a cylindrical sector whose axis coincides with that of said wheel (30), and which forms the largest diameter thereof in the area of travel of the first lever (1) and second lever (2), or by a plane surface substantially tangent to such a cylindrical sector whose axis coincides with that of said wheel (30).
2. Control device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least a first lever (1) and a second lever (2) respectively actuate a first hammer (7) and a second hammer (8), and in that one of the paths includes special teeth for causing a time lag in the winding of one of the hammers, and keeping the hammer wound until the release thereof.
3. Control device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least a first lever (1) and a second lever (2) respectively actuate a first hammer (7) and a second hammer (8), and in that said control device (100) winds the two hammers in succession rather than simultaneously, and causes a time lag in the winding of one of the hammers, by enlarging a corresponding tooth of a wheel (30), and by keeping said hammer wound until release.
4. Control device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said contact surface (10) defines said sequence such that said torque consumption stabilising stage (16) of said first lever (1), occurs during the first increasing phase (24) of said second lever (2).
5. Control device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said contact surface (10) defines said sequence such that, after said second torque consumption decreasing phase (15) of said first lever (1), a new first increasing phase (14) for a new manoeuvre of said first lever (1) is started before said second torque consumption decreasing phase (25) of said second lever (2) has finished.
6. Control device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said contact surface (10) defines said sequence such that the first torque consumption increasing phase (24) of said second lever (2) is started after said first torque consumption increasing phase (14) of said first lever (1) has finished.
7. Control device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said contact surface (10) includes at least a first control cam (31) for manoeuvring said first lever (1), and at least a second control cam (32) for manoeuvring said second lever (2), each said control cam (31; 32) including a first ramp (310; 311) for said first increasing phase (14; 24) and a second ramp (320; 321) for at least the end of said second decreasing phase (15; 25), and at least said first control cam (31) including, between said first ramp (310) and said second ramp (320), an intermediate surface (401) forming said delaying means (4).
8. Control device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said contact surface (10) includes at least a first control cam (31) for manoeuvring said first lever (1) and at least a second control cam (32) for manoeuvring said second lever (2), each said control cam (31; 32) including a first ramp (310; 311) for said first increasing phase (14: 24) and a second ramp (320; 321) for at least the end of said second decreasing phase (15; 25), and, between said first ramp (310; 311) and said second ramp (320; 321), an intermediate surface (401; 402) forming said delaying means (4).
9. Control device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said contact surface (10) is movable under the action of motor means comprised in said device (100).
10. Control device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said contact surface (10) is located at the periphery of a strike wheel (30), and in that the first lever (1) and second lever (2) are each arranged to actuate at least one hammer (7; 8) on at least one gong (71; 81), via the action of as many teeth (31; 32) as said strike wheel (30) possesses, and which, completed by intermediate pads having no contact with the first lever (1) and second lever (2), form said contact surface (10).
11. Control device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said contact surface (10) winds, in succession, at least a first lever (1) and a second lever (2) comprised in pivoting elements of a date mechanism, or which control the movement of such pivoting elements.
12. Control device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said date mechanism is an instantaneous date mechanism which includes several pivoting elements wound in succession by various levers, and in that all the pivoting elements jump simultaneously.
13. Striking mechanism including at least one strike wheel using part of the energy supplied by an energy source to actuate at least one hammer on at least one gong, via the action of a tooth or cam comprised in said strike wheel on said hammer, and including at least one control device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 10.
14. Date mechanism including several pivoting date elements controlled by a control device (100) according to any of claims 11 to 13.
15. Timepiece (400) including at least one control device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 13 for regulating the torque consumed by a strike mechanism comprised in said timepiece, and/or for regulating the torque consumed by a date mechanism comprised in said timepiece.

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