Animation mechanism for a timepiece

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking. More particularly, it concerns a timepiece comprising an animation mechanism which includes at least two decorative objects, the latter being in particular astral representations. State of the art

[0002] Document FR2988866 describes a mechanism for animating a precious or semi-precious stone, in which a mainspring is arranged to animate the stone in a rotational motion around a single axis of rotation via a flexible belt. The stone is mounted on a shaft by four claws or jaws, which hold it in place. However, the movement of the stone is monotonous and only one of its faces is visible, which always presents the same angle to the wearer, thus limiting its visibility.

[0003] Document CH708473 reveals a celestial animation mechanism, which includes a rotating disc representing the Earth and a larger disc with an off-center circular opening representing the Moon. When the mechanism is in operation, the Earth representation rotates and the Moon orbits the Earth. An additional disc beneath the Moon disc allows for the display of the Moon's phases. While interesting, this mechanism is limited to a flat display.

[0004] The "GMT" coin marketed by Greubel Forsey features a three-dimensional representation of the Earth's northern hemisphere, rotating in front of a 24-hour scale. The visibility of this convex representation is relatively limited, particularly when trying to view locations near the equator, where no representation of the moon is present.

[0005] Document CH707163 describes various mechanisms that display a three-dimensional representation of the moon orbiting around an axis, on which a representation of the Earth can be positioned. However, the visibility of the moon representation is limited, and the possibilities for other display variations are also relatively limited.

[0006] Other prior art documents are: WO2006 / 050743, WO2013 / 004782, CH710217 and CH706245.

[0007] The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a timepiece comprising an animation mechanism in which the aforementioned defects are at least partially overcome. Disclosure of the invention

[0008] More specifically, the invention relates to a timepiece comprising an animation mechanism, as defined by claim 1. This mechanism includes a support system carrying a first decorative object intended to be animated by rotation around a first axis of rotation and around a second axis of rotation under the effect of a driving force, either directly or indirectly. The driving force may be mechanical or electrical, and may be dedicated to the mechanism or may be the same as that which provides the driving force for a timepiece.

[0009] The support system comprises a first frame mounted pivotally on a frame element about the first axis of rotation, and an inner frame mounted pivotally within the first frame about the second axis of rotation, which is substantially orthogonal to the first axis of rotation (i.e., the inner frame is pivoted on the first frame, thus defining a gimbal system). The inner frame directly or indirectly supports a second decorative object. The inner frame (and thus the first decorative object) is arranged to be driven by an eccentric drive element fixed in rotation to a drive unit arranged to be driven directly or indirectly by the drive source.

[0010] Through these means, an original animation is achieved; the back-and-forth movement around the two aforementioned axes allows for clear visualization of the two decorative objects. This animation can represent a wide range of possibilities, particularly when the decorative objects are astral representations, which will be further explored in the detailed description.

[0011] Advantageously, the first decorative object is supported by a shaft mounted to pivot within the inner frame around a third axis of rotation. This shaft is rotationally fixed to a pinion gear with teeth coaxial with the drive unit, which can be fixed or arranged to rotate. The first decorative object can thus pivot around its own axis of rotation.

[0012] In another variant, the first decorative object is supported by an additional frame mounted to pivot around the third axis of rotation defined by the aforementioned shaft. The additional frame is arranged to be driven in rotation by means of an intermediate transmission carried by the inner frame and arranged to be driven by a toothed element fixed to the rotation of said shaft.

[0013] The first decorative object can thus be arranged to rotate at a different rotational speed than that of the tree, if desired.

[0014] Advantageously, said eccentric drive element is a crank or a lever, which represents a relatively simple and easy-to-implement solution.

[0015] Advantageously, the second decorative object is arranged to perform an orbital movement around the first decorative object. In such a case, the second decorative object can be carried by a rotating platform arranged to pivot about the third pivot axis.

[0016] Advantageously, the rotating board is driven in rotation by means of a pivotally mounted component on the rotating board, which meshes on one side with a toothed element that is rotationally fixed to the shaft, and on the other side with an additional fixed wheel that is rotationally fixed to the inner frame. When the shaft pivots, the board is thus driven in rotation, and the second decorative object orbits around the first.

[0017] Advantageously, the second decorative object is designed to rotate around its own axis, giving the manufacturer a wide range of animation possibilities.

[0018] Advantageously, the second decorative object is arranged to be able to move up and down relative to the plane of the inner frame. This allows, in particular, the representation of the fact that the moon's orbit is not coplanar with the Earth's equator, or simply the animation of another object in this way.

[0019] Advantageously, the mechanism also includes a cover that surrounds part of the first decorative object, which is useful for illustrating, for example, the illuminated portion of the earth when the first decorative object is a representation of the sun and the second decorative object is a representation of the earth.

[0020] Advantageously, the pivoting cover is arranged to pivot around the second decorative object, which is useful for illustrating the phase of the moon or similar symbols when the first decorative object represents the Earth and the second decorative object represents the Moon. In such a case, the pivoting cover can be rotationally fixed to a moving part arranged to be driven in rotation by means of a toothed element rotationally fixed to the shaft. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Further details of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, made with reference to the attached drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an animation mechanism for a timepiece according to the invention, the first frame not having been shown; Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the mechanism of the figure 1, the line of sight being perpendicular to the plane of the first frame; Figure 3 is a schematic side view similar to that of the figure 1 , of a variant of an animation mechanism for a timepiece according to the invention; Figure 4 is a schematic side view similar to that of the figure 1 , yet another variant of an animation mechanism for a timepiece according to the invention; Figure 5 is a schematic side view similar to that of the figure 1 , yet another variant of an animation mechanism for a timepiece according to the invention; and Figure 6 is a schematic side view similar to that of the figure 1 , yet another variant of an animation mechanism for a timepiece according to the invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0022] THE Figures 1 And 2 illustrate a first embodiment of an animation mechanism 1 for a timepiece according to the invention.

[0023] The latter comprises a first decorative object 11 and a second decorative object 23, supported by a specific support system 13. The first decorative object is three-dimensional and may be a piece of jewelry, another decorative object (sculpture, glass sphere, piece of stone, etc.), or an astral representation depicting, for example, a hemisphere or the entire Earth, any planet, the Moon, the Sun, a portion of the celestial vault, or at least part of any other celestial body or similar. The second decorative object 23 is off-center relative to the first 11 and is also three-dimensional (sphere, hemisphere, etc.).It may be, for example, another piece of jewelry or any other object, another astral representation such as a representation of the moon when the first decorative object 11 is a representation of the earth, a representation of a planet when the first decorative object 11 represents the sun, a representation of the earth when the first object is a representation of the sun or a representation of the celestial vault, or a representation of any other object that is satellite to that represented by the first decorative object 11. It should be noted that each of said decorative objects 11, 23 is distinct from the support system 13, and is not a functional element such as a screw or similar.

[0024] The support system 13 connects the decorative objects 11, 23 to a frame element (not shown) via a pair of pivots 13a carried by supports 13m arranged to be fixed to said frame (see the figure 2 ).

[0025] These pivots 13a define a first axis of rotation A1, around which a first frame 13b is pivoted (illustrated exclusively on the figure 2 in order not to overload the figure 1 ) formed of an annular ring, generally circular in shape in the illustrated construction. Other shapes (oval, square, rectangular, etc.) are also possible, and it is not mandatory for the first frame 13b to be a complete ring. This frame 13b carries a pair of intermediate pivots 13d, which define a second axis of rotation A2, substantially orthogonal to the first axis A1. An inner frame 13f is mounted to pivot around this second axis A2 inside the first frame 13b and carries the first decorative object 11. The inner frame 13f takes the form of a circular board in the illustrated variant, but other shapes are possible (polygonal, skeletonized, or another ad hoc shape).

[0026] In the illustrated construction, the decorative object 11 is supported by a tree 13h, which passes through the inner frame 13f and is mounted in bearings 13k provided in said inner frame 13f in such a way that said tree 13h can pivot relative to the latter.

[0027] From the foregoing, it is clear that the support system defines a gimbal support, which gives the inner frame 13f and the two decorative objects 11 and 23 two degrees of freedom in rotation about axes A1 and A2, and, substantially, no degrees of freedom in translation. The pivoting of the shaft 13h relative to the inner frame 13f gives a third degree of freedom in rotation to the first decorative object 11 about a third axis A3, which corresponds to the geometric axis of the shaft 13h. However, this third degree of freedom is not mandatory, in which case the first decorative object 11, and optionally also the shaft 13h, can be rotationally fixed to the inner frame 13f.

[0028] The first decorative object 11 is driven around the third axis A3 by the interaction between the teeth of a pinion 13l, fixed to the shaft 13h, and a bevel gear 17, which is coaxial with the drive unit 15 and fixed in the illustrated construction. Other tooth configurations are also possible, such as internal bevel gears supported by a ring gear or other suitable gears. Furthermore, the teeth 17 can alternatively be driven in rotation instead of being fixed relative to the frame. When the first decorative object 11 is rotationally fixed to the inner frame 13f, the pinion 13l and the teeth 17 are not present.

[0029] To animate the inner frame 13f, and thus the decorative objects 11 and 23, the mechanism further includes a drive unit 15, which comprises a toothed wheel 15a arranged to be driven by a power source 5, such as a barrel housing a mainspring, an electric motor, or similar. A transmission 9 of any shape may be kinematically interposed between the power source 5 and the drive unit 15, if desired. Of course, the interposition of additional toothed wheels and / or other forms of kinematic linkage, such as belts or chains, is also possible. The power source 5 may be dedicated to the animation mechanism or may be part of a conventional clockwork movement.

[0030] The drive unit 15, whose axis of rotation A4 is arranged to substantially intersect the intersection of axes A1 and A2, also includes an eccentric drive element 15b, which is rotationally fixed to said gear 15a and is connected to it by a shaft 15d. The eccentric drive element 15b, as illustrated, takes the form of a lever or a cranked handle fixed to the shaft 15d, the free end of the eccentric element 15b cooperating with the end of the shaft 13h in order to drive it along a substantially circular path, the end of the shaft 13h being able to pivot in a suitable bearing provided at the free end of the eccentric element. In doing so, when the drive unit 15 rotates, the inner frame 13f is driven according to a compound motion having two degrees of freedom in rotation, the amplitude of which is defined by the geometry of the support system 13 as well as the radius of the eccentric drive element 15b.This movement is a back-and-forth around each of the axes A1 and A2, which creates an inclined orbital movement of the first decorative object 11.

[0031] At the same time, the teeth of the pinion 13l attached to the shaft 13h roll on the fixed teeth 17, which rotates the decorative object 11 around the third axis A3.

[0032] By these means, the decorative object 11 pivots around the three axes A1, A2, A3.

[0033] It goes without saying that other constructions for the eccentric drive 15b are possible and that the gear ratios can be adapted to the manufacturer's needs in order to animate the decorative object 11 with a desired rotational speed around the three axes of rotation.

[0034] We also note the presence of a fixed cover 25, which is optional, and is attached to the inner frame 13f. This fixed cover 25 is arranged to cover part of the first decorative object 11, for example to hide the part of the earth which is in the shade.

[0035] As mentioned above, a rotation of the first decorative object 11 around the third axis A3 is not mandatory. In such a case, the fixed teeth 17 and the pinion 13l attached to the shaft 13h may not be present, the movement of the first decorative object 11 thus being defined exclusively by back-and-forth rotations around the two axes A1 and A2.

[0036] Let us now turn to the second decorative object 23. The tree 13h carries a toothed element 13n to which it is fixed in rotation. This toothed element 13n meshes with an off-center moving part 21 carrying a pivoting cover 21a which partially surrounds said second decorative object 23 and is arranged to pivot around the axis of the moving part 21. In this variant, the second decorative object 23 is fixed in rotation to the inner frame 13f, and therefore does not pivot around its own axis.

[0037] Depending on the gear ratios and drive speeds chosen, this construction can, for example, represent the phases of the moon as well as the approximate portion of the earth that is illuminated by the sun in real time, or according to an accelerated animation (which may correspond to accelerated reality or may be fanciful), and in any case the gimbal movement allows the two decorative objects 11, 23 to be viewed from a greater number of angles compared to the earlier art, with the exception of the parts covered by the respective covers 21a and 25 (if present).

[0038] However, in a simplified variant, elements 13n and 21, and / or one, the other or both of caches 21a, 25, may not be present.

[0039] There figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of an animation mechanism 1 for a timepiece according to the invention. This variant differs from that of Figures 1 And 2in that the second object 23 is mounted orbitally on the inner frame 13f. To achieve orbital displacement of the second object 23 and its cover 21a, the mechanism further includes a rotating plate 27 which carries the second decorative object 23 and is mounted freely around the shaft 13h so that it can pivot around the axis A3. This plate 27 also carries the moving part 21, which is pivotally mounted on it and comprises an upper wheel 21b meshing with the toothed element 13n and a lower wheel 21c which meshes with an additional fixed wheel 29, integral with the inner frame 13f. The two toothed elements 21b and 21c composing the moving part 21 are thus arranged on either side of the plate 27.

[0040] In order to support the second decorative object 23, the rotating board 27 has an extension 27a which surrounds part of the additional wheel 21b and extends through the center of the mobile 21 in order to position the second object 23 on the visible side of the board 27.

[0041] When the shaft 13h and also the toothed element 13n pivot, the mobile 21 is driven in rotation, its lower wheel 21c thus rolling on the additional fixed wheel 29. The board 27 thus pivots around the axis A3.

[0042] By these means, the second decorative object 23 orbits around the first decorative object 11, and the cover 21a moves relative to the second decorative object 23 as described above.

[0043] The same animations as described above in the context of the implementation method of Figures 1 And 2 can also be obtained with this arrangement.

[0044] There figure 4illustrates yet another variant of an animation mechanism 1 for a timepiece according to the invention, which differs from that of the figure 3 in that the second decorative object 23 is further arranged to pivot around its own axis A5. To do this, the second decorative object 23 is rotationally fixed to a wheel 23a which meshes with a satellite mobile 23b pivotally mounted on the wheel 21c and which meshes with an additional tooth 21d fixed to the additional wheel 21b in order to form a differential gear.

[0045] By these means, the second decorative object 23 orbits around axis A3 and pivots around its own axis A5, the rotational speeds of the various components being freely selectable by changing the gear ratios. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the covers 21a, 25 are optional in this variant, and that axis A5 may or may not be parallel to axis A3, which also applies to all embodiments.

[0046] This arrangement is particularly suitable for animating the rotation of the earth (or another planet) around the sun in real or accelerated time, but other animations are also possible.

[0047] There figure 5 illustrates a variant of an animation mechanism 1 for a timepiece according to the invention, which differs from those of the figures 1 to 4 as will follow later.

[0048] Instead of being supported by the shaft 13h, the first decorative object 11 is supported by an additional frame 13p, mounted within the inner frame 13f and pivoting around axis A3. This frame 13p is thus decoupled from the toothed element 13n, and these two elements 13p and 13n can therefore pivot relative to each other. The first decorative object 11 is also fixed to the additional frame 13p, the cover 21a being arranged in the same way as in the embodiment of Figures 1 And 2 and driven in rotation by the toothed member 13n, attached to the shaft 13h.

[0049] The additional frame 13p has peripheral teeth which serve to drive it around the axis A3 by means of an intermediate transmission 31 of arbitrary shape (here composed of a plurality of links pivoted on the inner frame 13f) which takes force on a pinion 13q fixed to the shaft 13h.

[0050] In doing so, the whole of the two decorative objects 11, 23 pivot around the axis A3, and the rotation speed of the cover 21a can be freely chosen in relation to that of the additional frame 13p, by changing the gear ratios of the intermediate transmission 31 or also the ratios between the toothed member 13n and the moving part 21.

[0051] In an unillustrated variant, the first decorative object 11 is rotationally fixed to the shaft 13h instead of the additional frame 13p, which allows the two decorative objects 11, 23 to rotate around the axis A3 at different rotational speeds.

[0052] These arrangements allow, in particular, the representation of the phases of the moon.

[0053] There figure 6 illustrates yet another variant of an animation mechanism 1 for a timepiece according to the invention, which differs from that of the Figures 1 And 2 as follows.

[0054] Mechanism 1 of the figure 6also includes a raising and lowering system 33, arranged to raise and lower the second decorative object 23 relative to the plane of the inner frame 13f.

[0055] This raising and lowering system 33 is supported by the lower frame 13f, on its lower side (that is to say its side opposite the drive unit 15).

[0056] The second decorative object 23 is carried by a threaded rod 33a, which is indexed in rotation relative to the inner frame 13f by ad hoc means (not shown) such that the threaded rod 33a cannot pivot relative to said inner frame 13f.

[0057] The threaded rod 33a is engaged in a threaded tube 33b, and consequently, a rotation of the threaded tube 33b in one direction or the other around the axis A5 will cause the threaded rod 33a, and thus the second decorative object 23, to move up and down respectively. This rotation is ensured by an intermediate transmission 31 driven by a toothed member 13q fixed in rotation to the shaft 13h in a manner similar to the variant of the figure 5 , and that is why elements similar to the latter present the same reference signs.

[0058] The intermediate transmission 31 of the present variant includes an intermittent gear set consisting of two partially toothed wheels 31a, 31b, which mesh with corresponding teeth 33c, 33d which are rotationally fixed with the threaded tube 33b and arranged to pivot in two opposite directions of rotation. Each partially toothed wheel 31a has teeth extending over half of its circumference, and the two teeth are arranged in such a way that a 360° pivot of each of the two wheels 31a, 31b in their opposite directions of rotation will first cause the threaded tube 33b to rotate in one direction under the control of one of the wheels 31a, 3b, and then the threaded tube 33b to rotate in the other direction under the control of the other wheel 31b, 31a, and this in a symmetrical manner.The details of the other elements of the intermediate transmission 31 for reversing the direction of rotation of one of the wheels 31a, 31b relative to the other are within the grasp of a person skilled in the art and do not need to be described here.

[0059] Therefore, the second decorative object 23 will move up and down during the operation of mechanism 1, and can represent, for example, the movement of the moon relative to the equatorial plane of the earth due to the fact that the moon's orbit is not coplanar with the earth's equator.

[0060] Of course, other mechanisms for raising and lowering the second decorative object 23, based for example on cam sets in a manner similar to an automaton, can be considered as examples, without going out of scope of the invention.

[0061] Although the invention has been previously described in connection with specific embodiments, other additional variants are also conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Timepiece comprising an animation mechanism (1), said animation mechanism (1) comprising a support system (13) carrying a first decorative object (11) intended to be animated by rotation about a first axis of rotation (A1) and around a second axis of rotation (A2) under the effect of a power source (5), in which said support system (13) comprises a first frame (13b) mounted so as to pivot on a framework element around said first axis of rotation (A1), and an inner frame (13f) mounted pivotally in said first frame (13b) around said second axis of rotation (A2) which is substantially orthogonal to said first axis of rotation (A1), said inner frame (13f) carrying a second decorative object (23); and wherein said inner frame (13f) is arranged to be driven by an eccentric drive element (15b) rotationally integral with a drive mobile (15) arranged to be driven directly or indirectly by said power source (5).

2. Timepiece according to the previous claim, wherein said first decorative object (11) is carried by a shaft (13h) mounted to pivot in said inner frame (13f) about a third axis of rotation (A3), said shaft (13h) being rotationally integral with a pinion (13l) meshing with a toothing (17) which is coaxial with said drive mobile (15), said toothing (17) being fixed or arranged to be driven in rotation.

3. Timepiece according to claim 1, wherein said first decorative object (11) is carried by an additional frame (13p) mounted to pivot about a third axis of rotation (A3) defined by a shaft (13h) mounted to pivot in said inner frame (13f), said shaft (13h) being rotationally integral with a pinion (13l) meshing with a toothing (17) which is coaxial with said drive mobile (15), said toothing (17) being fixed or arranged to be rotated, said additional frame (13p) being arranged to be driven in rotation by means of an intermediate transmission (31) carried by the inner frame (13f) and arranged to be driven by a toothed member (13q) integrally connected in rotation to said shaft (13h).

4. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said eccentric drive element (15b) is a crank or a lever.

5. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said second decorative object (23) is arranged to perform an orbital movement around said first decorative object (11).

6. Timepiece according to the preceding claim when it depends on one of claims 2 or 3, wherein said second decorative object (23) is carried by a rotating plate (27) arranged to pivot around said third pivot axis (A3).

7. Timepiece according to claim 6, wherein said rotating plate (27) is arranged to be driven in rotation by means of a mobile (21) mounted pivotally on said rotating plate (27) and meshing on the one hand with a toothed member (13n) rotationally integral with the shaft (13h), and on the other hand with an additional fixed wheel (29) rotationally integral with the inner frame (13f).

8. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, in which said second decorative object (23) is arranged to rotate about its own axis (A5).

9. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said second decorative object (23) is arranged to be able to move up and down relative to the plane of said inner frame (13f).

10. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover (21a) which surrounds a portion of said second decorative object (23).

11. Timepiece according to the preceding claim, wherein said cover (21a) is arranged to pivot about said second decorative object (23).

12. Timepiece according to claim 11 when dependent on one of claims 2 or 3, wherein said pivoting cover (21a) is rotationally integral with a mobile (21) arranged to be driven in rotation by means of a toothed member rotationally integral with said shaft (13h).

13. Timepiece according to claim 12 and according to claim 7.

14. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first decorative object (11) is a first jewel or a first astral representation, and said second decorative object (23) is a second jewel or a second astral representation.

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