Animation mechanism
By using an animation mechanism in the clock and using the combination of cam and transmission members, the problem of difficulty in integrating multiple animation components in the clock is solved, and an efficient animation effect under low complexity and space requirements is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380054685.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-08-24
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-18
AI Technical Summary
The prior art has difficulty in effectively integrating multiple animation components in watches, especially in space and complexity, especially in watches.
An animation mechanism is adopted, the mechanism includes a cam, first and second transmission members, and the movement of the animation member is realized through a guide groove and a cam follower member. The mechanism drives at least two transmission members by a single cam, reducing the number of moving parts and achieving complex movement of the animation member through precise transmission members.
It is realized that multiple animation components are animation under low complexity and space requirements, especially in watches, which improves the integration difficulty and effect of animation mechanisms.
Smart Images
Figure CN119487459A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an animation mechanism capable of animating one or more animation components, which form one or more objects (people, statues, animals, etc.) and / or indicate time information. In particular, the present invention relates to an animation mechanism used in a clock. Background Art
[0002] Many animation mechanisms are known and are capable of moving one or more characters, statues, animals or time information displays for entertainment purposes. This movement is usually a cyclical movement: starting from an initial position, one or more animation components move into a specific sequence of positions before returning to the initial position. These mechanisms are particularly used in the jewelry or watch industry. Usually, when they are integrated into the movement of a watch, they are set to trigger the animation at a specific moment (for example, on the hour) or when requested via a control component that can be operated by the user.
[0003] The animation mechanism is usually associated with a drive member that transmits the power required to move one or more animation members to the animation mechanism. In the case where the animation mechanism is associated with a watch movement, the drive member of the animation mechanism can be the drive member of the movement or a unique drive member dedicated to the animation mechanism.
[0004] Integrating animation mechanisms into timepieces, especially watches, is often difficult due to the size and complexity of the mechanisms, especially when multiple animation components are moving or when there are multiple displacements of an animation component during a cycle. Summary of the invention
[0005] One object of the present invention is to propose an animation mechanism capable of animating a plurality of animation components with less complexity and therefore with reduced space requirements compared to mechanisms of the prior art.
[0006] This object and other advantages are achieved in particular by an animation mechanism, which includes: a cam, which is installed to rotate around the rotation axis of the cam, and the cam includes a guide groove arranged around the rotation axis of the cam; a first animation component, which is kinematically connected to the cam through a first transmission component; a second animation component, which is kinematically connected to the cam through a second transmission component, and the first transmission component and the second transmission component each include a cam follower component inserted into the guide groove.
[0007] The use of a single cam with a single guide slot to move at least two transmission members that animate at least two animation members can reduce the number of moving parts to a minimum. In addition, the use of a guide slot into which the cam follower member of the transmission member is inserted can accurately guide the transmission member in all degrees of freedom of the transmission member without requiring a return mechanism such as a spring to return the transmission member in one direction.
[0008] The second animation member is preferably kinematically connected to the first animation member.Thus, simultaneous or sequential displacement of the first and second transmission members enables the use of a single cam to produce an animation comprising relatively complex movements of one animation member relative to the other.
[0009] The second animation component is, for example, mounted for rotational movement relative to the first animation component.
[0010] The animation mechanism of the present invention includes, for example, a first bracket and a first arm, the first arm is mounted to rotate on the first bracket, the first bracket is kinematically connected to the first transmission member, and the first arm is kinematically connected to the second transmission member, the first animation member is fixed to the first bracket, and the second animation member is fixed to the first arm.
[0011] The first carriage is, for example, mounted for translational movement.
[0012] Therefore, the mechanism can be constructed so that the first animation component and the second animation component move together in translation under the action of the first transmission component, and the second animation component pivots relative to the first animation component under the action of the second transmission component, and both the first transmission component and the second transmission component are driven by the same cam.
[0013] The guide groove preferably forms a closed curve, which allows the cam to always rotate in the same direction.
[0014] According to one embodiment, the first transmission member is a lever mounted for rotational movement and the second transmission member is a rod mounted for translational movement.
[0015] The guide groove includes, for example, at least one active part and at least one inactive part, in which the distance from the guide groove to the rotation axis of the cam is variable, and in the inactive part, the distance from the guide groove to the rotation axis of the cam is constant, and the animation mechanism is configured so that when the cam follower member of the first transmission member follows the active part of the guide groove, the cam follower member of the second transmission member follows the inactive part of the guide groove, and so that when the cam follower member of the second transmission member follows the active part of the guide groove, the cam follower member of the first transmission member follows the inactive part of the guide groove.
[0016] According to some embodiments, the animation mechanism further includes a third animation component, a fourth animation component and a third transmission component, the third animation component is kinematically connected to the cam through the third transmission component, the fourth animation component is connected to the cam through the second transmission component, and the third transmission component includes a cam follower component inserted into the guide groove.
[0017] Therefore, the animation mechanism is constructed, for example, so that when the cam follower member of the first transmission member follows the active part of the guide groove, the cam follower member of the third transmission member follows the active part of the guide groove, and so that when the cam follower member of the first transmission member follows the inactive part of the guide groove, the cam follower member of the third transmission member follows the inactive part of the guide groove.
[0018] The third transmission member is, for example, a lever mounted for rotational movement.
[0019] According to one embodiment, the first animation component represents the bottom of the body of the first character, the second animation component represents the top of the body of the first character, the third animation component represents the bottom of the body of the second character, and the fourth animation component represents the top of the body of the second character, and the animation mechanism is configured so that during the animation cycle corresponding to the rotation of the cam half a circle from the starting position, the first character and the second character thus achieve the following continuous movement:
[0020] -The bottom and top of their bodies move together in translation towards each other;
[0021] -The top of their bodies pivots relative to the bottom of their bodies, which remain stationary, so that their heads are close to each other;
[0022] -The top of their body pivots in opposite directions while the bottom of their body remains stationary;
[0023] -The bottom of their body and the top of their body move together in a translational motion, moving away from each other and returning to the starting position.
[0024] For example, the position of the cam follower member of the second transmission member is preferably adjustable to adjust the relative position of the second transmission member relative to the rotation axis of the cam. This enables, for example, adjusting the position of the second animation member relative to the fourth animation member.
[0025] The above objects and other advantages can also be achieved by means of a timepiece comprising such an animation mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0027] Figure 1At least partially illustrating a timepiece including an animation mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The animation mechanism inside the clock shown has no animation components;
[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of the animation mechanism;
[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Stereoscopic and partial cross-sectional views of the animated mechanism;
[0031] Figure 5 Show Figure 2 The cam of the animation mechanism;
[0032] Figures 6 to 12 Show Figure 2 The animation mechanism of the different steps of the animation cycle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, the animation mechanism 1 of the invention is intended to be integrated into a timepiece, in particular into a Figure 1 The watch 10 shown in the middle portion is configured to animate the animation components 35, 36, 55, 56, 37, 57, which form two figures holding hands, for example a male figure on the left and a female figure on the right, located on both sides of the center of the watch.
[0034] The male character is basically formed by a first animation component 35 representing the legs of the male character and a second animation component 36 representing the top of the body (chest and head). The female character is basically formed by a third animation component 55 representing the first leg that makes the female character look like she is standing and a fourth animation component 56 representing the top of the body (chest, head) and the second leg of the character. Two additional animation components 37, 57 each represent the arms of one of the two characters. These arms are mounted at one end to perform a rotational movement on the top of the body of the corresponding character and they are attached to each other, also performing a rotational movement at the other end, so as to create the impression that the characters are holding hands.
[0035] According to the embodiment shown by way of example, the animation mechanism 1 of the present invention is constructed so that during the animation of the animation components 35, 36, 55, 56, the characters approach each other, lean forward as if to kiss each other, and then return to the position as shown in FIG. Figure 1 Their starting position is shown, with their hands holding each other. During the animation cycle, the characters thus achieve the following continuous movement:
[0036] - the bottom 35, 55 of their body and the top 36, 56 of their body perform a translational movement together towards the centre of the clock;
[0037] - the tops 36, 56 of their bodies are pivoted relative to the bottoms 35, 55 of their bodies, which remain stationary, so that their heads are close to each other;
[0038] - the top parts 36, 56 of their bodies pivot in opposite directions, while the bottom parts 35, 55 of their bodies remain stationary;
[0039] - The bottom 35, 55 of their body and the top 36, 56 of their body perform a translational movement together in order to move away from the centre of the clock and return to the starting position.
[0040] The animation mechanism 1 is, for example, arranged to trigger the animation at a moment determined by the movement of the timepiece 10 and / or to trigger the animation upon request via a control member operable by a user, not shown in the drawings. The integration of the animation mechanism 1 into the timepiece 10 is achieved in a manner known per se and will therefore not be described in detail hereinafter. In the timepiece 10, the animation mechanism 1 is associated with a drive member that transmits the power required to move the animation members 35, 36, 55, 56 to the animation mechanism 1. The drive member is, for example, a drive member dedicated to the animation mechanism 1 and is, for example, rechargeable during the actuation of the control member of the animation mechanism and / or the drive member of the timepiece movement coupled to the animation mechanism, for example at a moment determined by the timepiece movement. As explained in more detail below, the animation of the animation members 35, 36, 55, 56 is achieved by means of a cam 2 that is caused to rotate by the drive member and actuates three transmission members 3, 4, 5 that are kinematically connected to the animation members 35, 36, 55, 56.
[0041] Figures 2 to 4 In more detail, Figure 1 The animation mechanism 1 of the present invention of the illustrated embodiment, wherein the animation components do not form characters. The animation mechanism 1 comprises a cam 2 and three transmission components 3, 4, 5, each transmission component 3, 4, 5 comprising a cam follower component 31, 41, 51, the cam follower component 31, 41, 51 being configured to be inserted into a guide slot 22 of the cam 2, the guide slot 22 extending around the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2, the guide slot 22 forming, for example, a closed curve around the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2. The cam follower components 31, 41, 51 are preferably pins, each pin being fixedly attached to their respective transmission components 3, 4, 5 and inserted into the guide slot 22 ( Figure 4The pins 31 , 41 , 51 are preferably formed in a known manner, for example as a single part or made from the same material as their respective transmission member 3 , 4 , 5 , or are fixed, for example driven or welded, to their respective transmission member 3 , 4 , 5 .
[0042] According to the embodiment shown, the first transmission member 3 is a lever pivoted at one end thereof about an axis of rotation 30. The other end of the lever 3 is kinematically connected to a first bracket 6 mounted for translational movement. A pin 31 of the lever 3 is located between the two ends. The animation mechanism 1 is configured so that a rotation of the lever 3 causes the first bracket 6 to translate. The lever 3 and the first bracket 6 are kinematically connected to each other, for example by the insertion of a pin of one part into a slot of the other part. The pin 61 of the first bracket 6 is inserted, for example, into a slot 32 of the lever 3. The first bracket 6 is mounted, for example, for translational movement by means of a fixed element, for example, by means of two fixed roller bearings 62, each bearing 62 being inserted in a slot 63 of the first bracket 6, the two slots 63 being oriented in the same direction, for example horizontally with respect to the scene formed by the characters.
[0043] The first bracket 6 comprises a first arm 7 which is mounted for rotational movement on the first bracket 6 and the distal end of the first arm 7 is kinematically connected to the second transmission member 4. The second transmission member 4 is a rod mounted for translational movement, and the animation mechanism 1 is configured so that the translation of the rod 4 causes the first arm 7 to rotate about the first arm 7 rotation axis 70. The rod 4 is mounted for translational movement by means of a fixed element, for example by means of two fixed roller bearings 42 inserted in the slot 43 and the recess 44 in the rod 4. The slot 43 and the recess 44 face the same direction, for example vertically relative to the scene formed by the characters. However, within the scope of the invention, other forms of mechanisms can be used to mount the second transmission member 4 for translational movement. The first arm 7 and the rod 4 are kinematically connected to each other, for example by the pin of one part being inserted into the slot of the other part. The pin 71 of the first arm 7 is inserted, for example, into the slot 45 of the rod 4. The narrow slot 45 of the rod 4 is oriented parallel to the translation direction of the first bracket 6, for example horizontally relative to the scene formed by the characters, so that when the first bracket 6 moves in translation under the action of the movement of the first transmission member 3 and the stationary second transmission member 4, the first arm 7 does not pivot relative to the first bracket 6.
[0044] The first bracket 6 includes a first animation component 35 (such as Figure 1 6, such as a tube 60 fixedly attached to the first bracket 6 and arranged around a rotation axis 70 of the first arm 7. The first arm 7 comprises a second animation member 36 (such as a male figure's chest and head) for attaching the first bracket 6 to the second bracket 6. Figure 1At least one fixing element is fixed to the first arm 7 (shown), for example a tube 72 fixedly attached to the first arm 7, which is arranged around the rotation axis 70 of the first arm 7. According to the invention, the first animation member is fixed to the first bracket 6, for example to the tube 60 fixedly attached to the first bracket 6, and the second animation member is fixed to the first arm 7, for example to the tube 72 fixedly attached to the first arm 7, so that the second animation member is kinematically connected to the first animation member. In particular, the second animation member is mounted to move in rotation relative to the first animation member by means of the first arm 7, which is mounted to move in rotation relative to the first bracket 6. When the bracket 6 translates under the action of the first transmission member 3, the first animation member 35 and the second animation member 36 are therefore translated together. When the first arm 7 rotates under the action of the second transmission member 4, the second animation member 36 is rotated and pivoted relative to the first animation member 35. However, within the scope of the invention, other fixing elements can be used to fix the first and second animation members 35, 36 to the first bracket 6 and / or the first arm 7.
[0045] The guide slot 22 of the cam 2 is, for example, configured to continuously move the first transmission member 3 and the second transmission member 4, thereby allowing the character to continuously perform translational movement and pivotal movement of the top of his / her body. However, according to the desired scene, simultaneous displacement of the first and second transmission members 3, 4 can be used to obtain a combined movement of the animation members.
[0046] Reference Figure 5 , the guide slot 22 comprises, for example, at least one active portion 222, 224 and at least one inactive portion 221, 223. In the active portions 222, 224, the distance from the guide slot 22 to the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2 varies, which causes any transmission member of the cam follower member located in such active portions 222, 224 to be displaced when the cam rotates. In the inactive portions 221, 223, the distance from the guide slot to the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2 is constant, which causes any transmission member of the cam follower member located in such inactive portions 221, 223 to remain substantially stationary when the cam 2 rotates. According to the illustrated embodiment, the relative positions of the pin 31 of the first transmission member 3 and the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 in the guide slot 22 are selected as an example, so that these pins 31, 41 are actually never in the active portions 222, 224 of the guide slot 22 at the same time.
[0047] According to the embodiment shown, the animation mechanism comprises three transmission members 3, 4, 5. The third transmission member 5 is preferably arranged in a manner similar to the first transmission member 3. The third transmission member 5 is, for example, a lever pivoted at one end thereof about an axis of rotation 50. The other end of the lever is kinematically connected to a second bracket 8 mounted for translational movement. The pin 51 of the lever 5 is located between the two ends. The animation mechanism 1 is configured so that the rotation of the lever 5 translates the second bracket 8. The lever 5 and the second bracket 8 are kinematically connected, for example, by the pin of the first part being inserted into the slot of the other part. The pin 81 of the second bracket 8 is, for example, inserted into the slot 52 of the lever 5. The translation path of the second bracket 8 is preferably guided by a fixed element, for example by two fixed roller bearings 82, each of which is inserted into a slot 83 of the second bracket 8, the two slots 83 facing the same direction, for example horizontally relative to the scene formed by the characters.
[0048] The second bracket 8 comprises a second arm 9, which is mounted for rotational movement on the second bracket 8 and whose distal end is kinematically connected to the second transmission member 4. The animation mechanism 1 is configured so that the translation of the second transmission member 4 causes the second arm 9 to rotate around the rotation axis of the second arm 9. The second arm 9 and the rod 4 are kinematically connected to each other, for example, by inserting a pin of one part into a slot of the other part. The pin 91 of the second arm 9 is inserted, for example, into the slot 46 of the rod 4. The slot 46 of the rod 4 is oriented parallel to the translation direction of the second bracket 8, for example, in a horizontal direction relative to the scene formed by the characters, so that when the second bracket 8 is translated under the action of the movement of the third transmission member 5 and the immobility of the second transmission member 4, the second arm 9 does not pivot relative to the second bracket 8.
[0049] The second bracket 8 includes a third animation component 55 (such as a third animation component 55) for representing the legs of a standing female character. Figure 1 The second arm 9 comprises at least one fixing element fixed to the second bracket 8, such as a tube 80 fixedly attached to the second bracket 8, which is arranged around the rotation axis 90 of the second arm 9. The second arm 9 comprises a fourth animation member 56 (such as Figure 1The third animation member 55 is fixed to the second bracket 8, for example to a tube 80 fixedly attached to the second bracket 8, and the fourth animation member is fixed to the second arm 9, for example to a tube 92 fixedly attached to the second arm 9, so that the fourth animation member is kinematically connected to the third animation member. In particular, the fourth animation member is mounted to move in rotation relative to the third animation member by means of the second arm 9, which is mounted to move in rotation on the second bracket 8. Thus, when the second bracket 8 translates under the action of the third transmission member 5, the third animation member and the fourth animation member 55, 56 translate together. When the second arm 9 rotates under the action of the second transmission member 4, the fourth animation member 56 is rotated and pivoted relative to the third animation member 55. However, within the scope of the present invention, other fixing elements can be used to fix the third and fourth animation members 55, 56 to the second bracket 8 and / or the second arm 9.
[0050] In a preferred manner, the position of at least one follower member of one of the transmission members is adjustable so as to be able to adjust the position of the transmission member or members in question relative to the other transmission members and thus to be able to adjust the position of at least one animation member relative to the other animation members. According to the embodiment shown, the position of the cam follower member 41 of the second transmission member 4 along the longitudinal axis of the second transmission member 4 is adjustable. The cam follower member 41 is, for example, an eccentric portion, one end of which is a pin for insertion into the guide groove 22 and the other end is used for the pivoting of the eccentric portion in order to adjust the position of the pin along the second transmission member 4. A portion of the angle of a rotation of the eccentric portion can adjust the position of the pin along the second transmission member, thereby adjusting the position of the second transmission member 4 relative to the axis of rotation of the cam 2 and relative to the other transmission members 3, 5. Adjusting the position of the corresponding one or more cam follower members can adjust the relative position of the animation members, for example to compensate for positioning errors and / or manufacturing clearances of the animation members and / or during maintenance operations, in order to compensate for misalignments that may occur over time.
[0051] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the cam 2 includes four active parts 222, 224 and four inactive parts 221, 223, which are arranged in an alternating manner around the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2. The active parts 222, 224 and the inactive parts 221, 223 and the transmission members 3, 4, 5 are arranged so that when the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 are located in the active parts 222, 224 of the cam groove 22, the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is located in the inactive part 223 of the cam groove 22, and when the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is located in the active parts 222, 224 of the cam groove 22, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 are located in the inactive part 223 of the cam groove 22. Therefore, when the cam 2 rotates, the characters move by translating or pivoting the top of their bodies.
[0052] The active parts 222, 224 and the inactive parts 221, 223 are dispersed, for example, in the following manner: the guide groove 22 is continuous and comprises, for example, a sequence of active and / or inactive parts 221, 222, 223, 224, which is repeated at least once over the entire circumference of the guide groove 22. In the counterclockwise direction, the guide groove 22 comprises, for example, continuously over a half turn:
[0053] - a high inactive portion 221 in which the distance from the guide groove 22 to the axis of rotation 20 is constant and maximum;
[0054] - a decreasingly active portion 222, in which the distance from the guide groove 22 to the axis of rotation 20 decreases in the counterclockwise direction;
[0055] - a low inactive portion 223 in which the distance from the guide groove 22 to the axis of rotation 20 is constant and minimal;
[0056] An incrementally active portion 224 in which the distance from the guide groove 22 to the axis of rotation 20 increases in the counterclockwise direction.
[0057] The above-described sequence of four portions 221 , 222 , 223 , 224 is then repeated on the other half of the guide groove 22 .
[0058] Figures 6 to 12 A plurality of consecutive instantaneous positions of the animation mechanism 1 during an animation cycle are shown, with animation components omitted for the sake of clarity.
[0059] The cam 2 is mounted to rotate with the gear 21, which enables the cam 2 to be driven by a running gear train driven by a driving member. The cam 2 and the gear 21 are, for example, a single integral part. The animation mechanism 1 is driven so that the cam 2 rotates in the clockwise direction. Therefore, the pins 31, 41, 51 move in the counterclockwise direction through the guide slot 22.
[0060] Figure 6 Shown in cam 2 from Figure 2 The inoperative position shown is the animation mechanism 1 just after the start of the rotation. In this position, the pins 31, 51 of the first transmission member and the third transmission member 3, 5 each enter the decreasing active portion 222 of the cam groove 22, which brings them closer to the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2. As a result, the first transmission member 3 begins a rotational movement, for example in the clockwise direction, while the second transmission member 5 begins a rotational movement in the counterclockwise direction. The rotation of the first transmission member and the third transmission member 3, 5 drives the first bracket 6, 8 to translate horizontally toward each other. The pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is located in the low inactive portion 223 of the cam groove 22 by itself, so that the second transmission member 4 remains stationary. Therefore, the characters move toward each other without the top 36, 56 of the body of the characters pivoting relative to the bottom 35, 55.
[0061] exist Figure 7 In the position shown, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 are each located at the end of the corresponding decreasingly active portion 222. Therefore, the first and third transmission members 3, 5 are at the end of their rotational movement towards the center of the animation mechanism 1, and the first and second brackets 6, 8 are as close to each other as possible. The pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is located at the end of the low inactive portion 223, in which it has been located since the beginning of the animation cycle. Therefore, the second transmission member 4 is still in the initial position. Therefore, the characters are facing each other closest in an upright posture.
[0062] exist Figure 8 In the position shown, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 are each located in the low inactive portion 223 of the cam groove 22, while the cam follower member 41 of the second transmission member 4 is located in the incrementally active portion 224, which tends to move the cam follower member 41 away from the axis of rotation, which has the effect of translating the second transmission member 4 downward relative to the scene represented by the animated character according to the shown construction of the animation mechanism 1. In its downward movement, the second transmission member 4 drives the pins 71, 91 of the first and second arms 7, 9 of the first and second brackets 6, 8, which are inserted into, for example, Figure 2 The actuation of the pins 71, 91 causes the first and second arms 7, 9 to pivot so that the chests of the figures are tilted towards each other.
[0063] exist Fig. 9In the position shown, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 are still in the same low inactive portion 223, while the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is at the end of the incremental active portion 224 and is ready to enter the high inactive portion 221. The pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is in the position farthest from the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2. Therefore, the second transmission member 4 is in its lowest position, and the tops 36, 56 of the figures' bodies are tilted forward, with their heads just touching, as if they are about to kiss each other.
[0064] According to the embodiment shown, and as described above, the relative position of the second transmission member 4 with respect to the axis of rotation of the cam 2 can be adjusted. In a preferred manner, the vertical position of the second transmission member 4 is adjusted so that, in its lowest position, the second animation member representing the head of the character and the fourth animation member are exactly on the same horizontal line. This adjustment is preferably carried out after the animation mechanism 1 is assembled, for example to compensate for errors in positioning and / or manufacturing of the animation members, and / or during maintenance operations, in order to compensate for possible misalignments that may occur over time.
[0065] exist Fig.10 In the position shown, the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is located at the end of the high inactive portion 221, while the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 are still located in the same low inactive portion 223 as before. Fig. 9 The location shown and Fig.10 Between the positions shown, there corresponds to a rotation of the cam 2 of approximately 30°, so that the figure remains stationary in the kissing position. After this position, the cam 2 continues to rotate and the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 enters the decremental active portion 222, which guides the pin 41 in the direction of the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2. As a result, the second transmission member 4 moves upward, causing the first and second arms 7, 9 of the first and second brackets 6, 8 to pivot, thereby returning the tops 36, 56 of the figures' bodies to their upright positions, Fig.11 During the rotation of the cam 2, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 remain in the inactive portion 223. Therefore, the bottom 35, 55 of the body of the cartoon character remains stationary when they stand upright.
[0066] exist Fig.11In the position shown, the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 leaves the decreasing active portion 222 in order to enter the low inactive portion 223, while the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 each leave the low inactive portion 223 in order to enter the increasing active portion 224, while the cam 2 continues to rotate. The second transmission member 4 is therefore immobile, while the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 move away from the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2 via the guide profile 22. The first and second brackets 6, 8 move towards the outside of the animation mechanism 1 under the action of the rotation of the first and third transmission members 3, 5. The characters thus move away from each other and return to their starting positions.
[0067] At the end of the animation cycle, animation mechanism 1 is again in Fig.12 According to the embodiment shown, the cam 2 rotates half a turn in each animation cycle. Fig.12 In the position shown, all the pins 31, 41, 51 are again located in the inactive parts 221, 223 of the guide slots 22. An advantage of this configuration is that the position of the character at the end of the cycle is always the same, even if the angular position of the cam 2 at the end of the cycle is not always exactly the same.
[0068] During the next animation cycle, the cam 2 will itself again rotate half a turn, which will animate the animation mechanism 1 in the same way as described above, as the sequence 221 , 222 , 223 , 224 of active and inactive parts of the guide profile 22 is repeated.
[0069] Other embodiments are also possible within the scope of the invention. In particular, the length and number of the active and inactive parts of the guide groove may be different. The number of repetitions of the sequence of active and / or inactive parts on the circumference of the guide groove may also be different, for example two, three or four times, depending, for example, on the rotation amplitude of the cam during the animation cycle and / or the number of guided transmission components. However, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that the guide groove does not include a sequence repetition, and the cam then realizes, for example, one full turn per animation cycle. Within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that the guide groove does not include an inactive part, and once the cam moves, all transmission components move simultaneously.
[0070] In the embodiment shown, the animation mechanism 1 comprises three transmission members 3, 4, 5, including two levers 3, 5 and a rod 4 that move through the same guide slot 22 of the cam 2. However, within the scope of the invention, the number and type of transmission members can be selected differently, at least two transmission members moving through the same guide slot. The driven members of the at least two transmission members are inserted into different positions in the guide slot, and the at least two transmission members are guided along the same curve formed by the guide slot but in an out-of-phase manner.
[0071] In the embodiment shown, the transmission member with rotational movement by the cam generates a linear movement of the animation member, while the transmission member with translational movement by the cam generates a rotational movement of the animation member. However, within the scope of the invention, other combinations of movements are possible, depending on the requirements of the animation and / or the display guided by the cam. Within the scope of the invention, the transmission member with rotational movement by the cam can generate a rotational movement and / or a translational movement of the animation member, and / or the transmission member with translational movement by the cam can generate a translational movement and / or a rotational movement of the animation member.
Claims
1. An animation mechanism (1) comprising: - a cam (2) mounted for rotational movement about an axis of rotation (20) of the cam (2), said cam (2) comprising a guide groove (22), - a first animation member (35), kinematically connected to the cam (2) via a first transmission member (3), - a second animation member (36), kinematically connected to said cam (2) via a second transmission member (4), The first transmission member (3) and the second transmission member (4) each include a cam follower member (31, 41) for cooperating with the guide groove (22).
2. Animation device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The second animation component (36) is kinematically connected to the first animation component (35).
3. Animation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second animation member (36) is mounted for rotational movement relative to the first animation member (35).
4. An animation mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first bracket (6) and a first arm (7), the first arm (7) being mounted for rotational movement on the first bracket (6), the first bracket (6) being kinematically connected to the first transmission member (3), and the first arm (7) being kinematically connected to the second transmission member (4), the first animation member (35) being fixed to the first bracket (6), and the second animation member (36) being fixed to the first arm (7).
5. Animation device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The first bracket (6) is mounted for translational movement.
6. Animation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The guide groove (22) is arranged around the rotation axis (20) of the cam (2), and wherein the cam follower member (31, 41) is inserted into the guide groove.
7. Animation mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The guide groove (22) forms a closed curve.
8. Animation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first transmission member (3) is a lever mounted for rotational movement, and the second transmission member (4) is a rod mounted for translational movement.
9. Animation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The guide groove (22) comprises at least one active portion (222, 224) and at least one inactive portion (221, 223), in which the distance from the guide groove (22) to the rotation axis (20) of the cam (2) is variable, and in the inactive portion (221, 223), the distance from the guide groove (22) to the rotation axis (20) of the cam (2) is constant, The animation mechanism (1) is configured such that when the cam follower member (31) of the first transmission member (3) follows the active portion (222, 224) of the guide groove (22), the cam follower member (41) of the second transmission member (4) follows the inactive portion (223) of the guide groove (22), and such that when the cam follower member (41) of the second transmission member (4) follows the active portion (222, 224) of the guide groove (22), the cam follower member (31) of the first transmission member (3) follows the inactive portion (223) of the guide groove (22).
10. The animation mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third animation member (55), a fourth animation member (56) and a third transmission member (5), wherein the third animation member (55) is kinematically connected to the cam (2) via the third transmission member (5), and the fourth animation member (56) is connected to the cam (2) via the second transmission member (4), and the third transmission member (5) comprises a cam follower member (51) inserted into the guide groove (22).
11. The animation mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, being configured such that when the cam follower member (31) of the first transmission member (3) follows the active portion (222, 224) of the guide slot (22), the cam follower member (51) of the third transmission member (5) follows the active portion (222, 224) of the guide slot (22), and such that when the cam follower member (31) of the first transmission member (3) follows the inactive portion (221, 223) of the guide slot (22), the cam follower member (51) of the third transmission member (5) follows the inactive portion (221, 223) of the guide slot (22).
12. An animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein: The third transmission member (5) is a lever mounted to perform rotational movement.
13. The animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The first animation component (35) represents the bottom of the body of the first character, the second animation component (36) represents the top of the body of the first character, the third animation component (55) represents the bottom of the body of the second character, and the fourth animation component (56) represents the top of the body of the second character, and the animation mechanism (1) is configured so that during an animation cycle corresponding to a half-turn rotation of the cam (2) from a starting position, the first character and the second character thus achieve the following continuous movement: - the bottom parts (35, 55) of their bodies and the top parts (36, 56) of their bodies move together in translation towards each other; - the tops (36, 56) of their bodies are pivoted relative to the bottoms (35, 55) of their bodies, which remain stationary, so that their heads are close to each other; - the top parts (36, 56) of their bodies pivot in opposite directions, while the bottom parts (35, 55) of their bodies remain stationary; - The bottom part (35, 55) of their bodies and the top part (36, 56) of their bodies perform a translational movement together, moving away from each other and returning to said starting position.
14. Animation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The position of the cam follower member (41) of the second transmission member (4) is adjustable so as to adjust the relative position of the second transmission member (4) relative to the rotation axis (20) of the cam (2).
15. A timepiece (10) comprising an animation mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.