Actuating mechanism for flexible display hands driven by timepiece movement

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuation mechanism (1) for a flexible display hand (20) intended to be driven by a timepiece movement of a watch, the flexible display hand (20) comprising first and second drive tubes (16, 18) coaxially arranged about an axis of rotation D1, the actuation mechanism (1) comprising:-a first differential mechanism (2) comprising a first input and an output, a first input for receiving an angular rotation of an angle ([theta] 1) about the axis of rotation D1, transmitted by the timepiece movement and determining a rotation of the flexible display hand (20) about itself, and an output configured to drive rotation of the flexible display hand (20); -a second differential mechanism (4) comprising a first input kinematically connected to the first input of the first differential mechanism (2) at a transmission ratio, a second input for receiving an angular rotation determining an angle ([theta] 2) of the length change of the flexible display pointer (20), and an output for outputting the angle ([theta] 2) of the length change of the flexible display pointer (20); an output is configured to control a change in length of the flexible display pointer (20), said output being kinematically connected to the second input of the first differential mechanism (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an actuating mechanism for a flexible display pointer driven by a watch movement. Background Art

[0002] Recently, the applicant has disclosed a variety of actuating mechanisms for flexible display hands. Such actuating mechanisms are arranged to rotate the flexible display hands around themselves while controlling the changes in their shape and length so as to display time or other information in an original way.

[0003] However, developing such actuation mechanisms requires fairly complex calculations to obtain the desired results in terms of rotation speed and shape change of the flexible display pointer. Another disadvantage of these actuation mechanisms is that the trajectory of the flexible pointer is fixed: in other words, the length of the pointer is related to its position. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to meet the above and other needs by providing an actuation mechanism for a flexible display pointer which allows the movement of the flexible display pointer and the variation of its shape and length to be defined independently of each other.

[0005] To this end, the present invention relates to an actuating mechanism for a flexible display pointer driven by a watch movement, the flexible display pointer comprising a first drive tube connected to a first end of a first flexible arm and a second drive tube connected to a first end of a second flexible arm, the first and second flexible arms being connected together at their second ends by a tip, the first and second drive tubes being spaced apart when the flexible display pointer is in a stress-free free state.

[0006] The flexible display pointer is arranged in an operating position having a defined shape and length and in a stressed state, and the first drive tube and the second drive tube are coaxially arranged around the rotation axis. The first drive tube is installed at a defined first prestress angle, and the second drive tube is installed at a defined second prestress angle opposite to the direction of the first drive tube.

[0007] The actuating mechanism is arranged to drive the flexible display pointer to rotate and control the change in its length. The first differential mechanism includes a first input end. The watch movement applies angular rotation to the first input end. The angular rotation determines the rotation of the flexible display pointer around itself. The angular rotation is also applied to the first input end of the second differential mechanism with a certain transmission ratio. The phase difference angular rotation that determines the change in the length of the flexible display pointer is applied to the second input end of the second differential mechanism. The output of the second differential mechanism that controls the change in the length of the flexible display pointer is applied to the second input end of the first differential mechanism. The output end of the first differential mechanism drives the flexible display pointer to rotate and controls the change in its length.

[0008] Due to these characteristics, the present invention provides an actuation mechanism for a flexible display pointer, which includes mechanisms for driving the flexible display pointer in rotation and controlling the change in its length. Since these mechanisms are of the differential type, they can be unrelated, which provides greater freedom in defining the trajectory of the flexible display pointer and in choosing its shape and length.

[0009] Thus, the actuation mechanism according to the invention makes it possible, in an extraordinary way, to display two separate items of information using a single flexible display hand, thanks to the decoupling of the rotational drive of the flexible display hand from the shape and length variation functions. More specifically, like any differential type mechanism, the first differential mechanism of the actuation mechanism according to the invention comprises two inputs and an output, the first receiving the angular rotation imposed by the watch movement to ensure the rotation of the flexible display hand about itself, the second receiving the control command for varying the length of the flexible display hand, and the output ensuring its actuation.

[0010] For the second differential mechanism of the actuator mechanism according to the present invention, one of its input ends receives the angular rotation applied to the first differential mechanism by the watch movement with a certain transmission ratio, and its second input end receives the phase difference angular rotation applied by the watch movement, which determines the length change of the flexible display pointer, and its output end applies a command for changing the length of the flexible display pointer to the pointer and the second input end of the first differential mechanism.

[0011] Thus, the actuation mechanism includes two independent inputs, one controlling the rotation of the flexible display hand and the other controlling its length. Thus, by way of non-limiting example only, the rotation of the flexible display hand can be used to display the current time, while the change in length can be programmed to occur when an alarm sounds.

[0012] This can be achieved by connecting the second input of the actuating mechanism controlling the length of the flexible display hand to the alarm wheel set (eg a regulator).

[0013] In particular embodiments, the invention may also comprise one or more of the following features, which must be considered individually or in any technically feasible combination.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, the first differential is centred on the first axis of rotation D1 and is carried by the first planet carrier to which the timepiece movement is intended to impart angular rotation.

[0015] The first planet carrier forms a first input end of the first differential mechanism.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the first differential mechanism comprises a first sun pinion and a first sun gear set, the first sun pinion forming a first hollow shaft gear for carrying a first drive tube, the first sun gear set being mounted coaxially with the first sun pinion and freely rotatable. The first sun gear set comprises a second sun pinion and a first sun gear plate, the second sun pinion forming a second hollow shaft gear for carrying a second drive tube.

[0017] The first sun pinion and the second sun pinion form an output end of the first differential mechanism.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, the first sun pinion is arranged to mesh with a first intermediate wheel, the first intermediate wheel meshes with a second intermediate wheel, the second intermediate wheel itself meshes with the second sun pinion, the first and second intermediate wheels being arranged eccentrically on the first planet carrier.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the second differential mechanism is centered on the second axis of rotation D2 and is carried by the second planet carrier, which is rotated by the first planet carrier with a certain gear ratio.

[0020] The second planetary carrier constitutes a first input end of the second differential mechanism.

[0021] In a particular embodiment, the second differential mechanism comprises a second sun gear set formed by a third sun pinion and a second sun gear plate, the second sun gear plate meshing with the first sun gear plate of the first differential mechanism.

[0022] The second sun gear plate forms an output end of the second differential mechanism, and the first sun gear plate forms a second input end of the first differential mechanism.

[0023] In a specific embodiment, the second differential mechanism includes a differential ring gear centered on the third sun pinion, the differential ring gear being provided with an inner tooth portion and cooperating with the profile of the cam, and the second differential mechanism also includes at least one planetary pinion rolling on the inner tooth portion and meshing with the third sun pinion.

[0024] The cam constitutes a second input end of the second differential mechanism.

[0025] In a particular embodiment, the second differential mechanism comprises a rack provided with a toothed section, which meshes with the outer toothing of the differential ring gear via the toothed section, and the rack carries a cam follower finger at the other end opposite to the toothed section, and the rack rests on the profile of the cam via the cam follower finger.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, the rotating cam can be driven to perform an angular rotation of an angle θ2, which determines the length of the flexible display pointer, and the rotation of the rotating cam causes the differential ring gear to pivot with the aid of the rack, and causes an antagonistic rotational movement (rotation antagoniste) of the first and second sun pinions relative to each other with the aid of a motion chain formed by the planetary pinions, the second sun gear set, the first sun gear set, and the first and second intermediate wheels.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the actuation mechanism comprises a control member which is actuatable by a user and which, as a result of being operated, is capable of changing the angular position of the cam in order to change the length of the flexible display hand.

[0028] In a particular embodiment, the differential ring gear is provided with a cam follower finger via which the differential ring gear bears against the profile of the cam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment of an actuating mechanism for a flexible display pointer according to the invention, which example is given by way of illustration only and without any limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] - Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an actuation mechanism for a flexible display pointer according to the present invention;

[0031] - Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 A perspective view of an actuating mechanism according to the present invention in an exploded state as shown in FIG.

[0032] - Figure 3 schematically shows a top view of a flexible display pointer driven by an actuation mechanism according to the present invention in an uninstalled state;

[0033] - Figure 4 The present invention is schematically shown in a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 An actuating mechanism in which the differential ring gear is provided with a cam follower finger via which the differential ring gear rests on the profile of the cam. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The general inventive concept of the present invention is to provide an actuating mechanism for a flexible display hand of a watch, the actuating mechanism comprising a first differential mechanism and a second differential mechanism, respectively indicated by reference numerals 2 and 4 .

[0035] Figure 1 and Figure 2 One embodiment of an actuation mechanism according to the present invention is shown.

[0036] According to the invention, a flexible display pointer capable of being driven by an actuating mechanism 1 is indicated in its entirety by the general reference numeral 20. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, Figure 1 The flexible display pointer 20 includes a first drive tube 16 disposed at a first end of a first flexible arm 46 and a second drive tube 18 disposed at a first end of a second flexible arm 48. At its second end, the first flexible arm 46 and the second flexible arm 48 are connected to each other through a tip 50.

[0037] exist Figure 3 , the flexible display pointer 20 is shown in a free state without force, and the first drive tube 16 and the second drive tube 18 are spaced apart.

[0038] However, when in the operating position, the flexible display pointer 20 is in a stressed state, in which the flexible display pointer 20 is elastically deformed, and the first drive tube 16 and the second drive tube 18 are coaxially arranged, such as Figure 1 In this stress position, the first drive tube 16 is installed at a first defined prestress angle, and the second drive tube 18 is installed at a second defined prestress angle opposite to the direction of the first drive tube 16.

[0039] The first differential mechanism 2 is used to receive the angular rotation applied by the watch movement, thereby ensuring that the flexible display pointer rotates around itself. The second differential mechanism 4 is kinematically connected to the first differential mechanism 2 with a certain transmission ratio and is used to receive the phase difference angular rotation applied by the watch movement or the user (for example, by actuating a button). The phase difference angular rotation determines the length change of the flexible display pointer 20.

[0040] Thus, the actuation mechanism for the flexible display pointer 20 according to the invention comprises two inputs independent of one another, one for rotating the flexible display pointer 20 and the other for changing its length. Due to this feature, the function of rotating the pointer is not linked to the function of changing the shape and length of the pointer, which in particular allows the manufacturer great freedom in determining the trajectory of the pointer.

[0041] The first differential mechanism 2 has a first rotation axis D1 The first differential mechanism 2 is centered on the first planet carrier 6 and carried by the first planet carrier 6. The watch movement applies an angular rotation of an angle θ1 to the first planet carrier 6. The first differential mechanism 2 includes a first sun pinion 8, which is arranged with the first planet carrier 6 as the center and can rotate freely relative to the first planet carrier 6. The first differential mechanism 2 also includes a first sun gear pair 10, which is installed to be coaxial with the first sun pinion 8 and rotate freely. The first sun gear pair 10 includes a second sun pinion 12 and a first sun gear piece 14 fixedly installed on the second sun pinion 12.

[0042] The first sun pinion 8 and the second sun pinion 12 are kinematically connected to each other via the first intermediate wheel 42 and the second intermediate wheel 44, which are eccentrically mounted and freely rotate on the first planet carrier 6. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first sun pinion 8 meshes with the first intermediate wheel 42 , the first intermediate wheel 42 meshes with the second intermediate wheel 44 , and the second intermediate wheel 44 itself meshes with the second sun pinion 12 .

[0043] As described in detail below and in Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the first sun pinion 8 serves as a first hollow shaft gear, while the second sun pinion 12 serves as a second hollow shaft gear, for the first drive tube 16 and the second drive tube 18 of the flexible display pointer 20, respectively.

[0044] Thus, flexible display hand 20 is arranged to change angular position when the timepiece movement rotates first sun pinion 8 and second sun pinion 12 .

[0045] It should also be understood that when the angular position of the second sun pinion 12 (corresponding to the angular position of the second drive tube 18) passes through the rotation axis D1 The flexible display hand 20 is able to change shape and length when pivoting to change the angular position relative to the first sun pinion 8 (corresponding to the angular position of the first drive tube 16 ).

[0046] The second differential mechanism 4 has a second rotation axis D2 The second differential mechanism 4 is centered on the second planet carrier 22, and the second planet carrier 22 is driven by the first planet carrier 6. The second differential mechanism 4 includes a second sun gear pair 23, which is formed by a third sun pinion 24 and a second sun gear plate 25, and the second sun gear plate 25 is meshed with the first sun gear plate 14 of the first differential mechanism 2. The second differential mechanism 4 also includes a differential ring gear 26 centered on the third sun pinion 24. The differential ring gear 26 has an inner tooth portion 28A and an outer tooth portion 28B.

[0047] At least one planet pinion 30 (three planet pinions spaced 120° apart in the example shown) rolls on the inner toothing 28A of the differential ring gear 26 and meshes with the third sun pinion 24. The second differential mechanism 4 further comprises a rack 32 provided with a toothed section 34, which meshes with the outer toothing 28B of the differential ring gear 26 via the toothed section 34. At its other end opposite to the toothed section 34, the rack 32 has a cam follower finger 36, via which the rack 32 follows the profile 38 of the rotating cam 40.

[0048] As described above, the energy required for the operation of the actuator mechanism 1 according to the present invention is provided thereto by the watch movement, which applies an angular rotation of the angle θ1 to the first planetary carrier 6 of the first differential mechanism 2. Therefore, driven by the watch movement, the first planetary carrier 6 in turn drives the first differential mechanism 2 around the rotation axis D1 More specifically, the first planet carrier 6 rotates around the rotation axis via the first intermediate wheel 42 and the second intermediate wheel 44. D1 The rotation drives the first sun pinion 8 and the second sun pinion 12 around the rotation axis D1 Rotate.

[0049] Therefore, it can be understood that the rotation of the first planet carrier 6 ensures the angular displacement of the flexible display pointer 20 .

[0050] In addition, the rotation of the first planet carrier 6 causes the second planet carrier 22 to rotate around the rotation axis D2 When the second planet carrier 22 rotates, it drives one or more planet pinions 30 to rotate. These planet pinions 30 roll on the inner teeth 28A of the differential ring gear 26, and then rotate the second sun gear 25 meshing with the first sun gear 14 of the first differential mechanism 2 via the third sun pinion 24. Therefore, the second sun pinion 12 rotates around the rotation axis D1 The rotation of the second sun gear 25 around the rotation axis D2 caused by the rotation.

[0051] At the same time, the watch movement can apply an angular rotation of the angle θ2 to the rotating cam 40 so as to change the length of the flexible display pointer 20. More specifically, by rotating, the rotating cam 40 pivots the rack 32, which, by pivoting the differential ring gear 26, transmits the antagonistic rotational motion of the first sun pinion 8 and the second sun pinion 12 relative to each other through the kinematic chain formed by the planetary pinion 30, the second sun gear set 23, the first sun gear set 10, the first intermediate wheel 42, the second intermediate wheel 44, and the first sun pinion 8. This antagonistic rotational motion corresponds to the phase difference angular rotation and allows the relative angular positions of the first drive tube 16 and the second drive tube 18 of the flexible display pointer 20 to change relative to each other, thereby adjusting the length of the flexible display pointer 20.

[0052] It should be noted that the antagonistic rotational movement of the first sun pinion 8 and the second sun pinion 12 relative to one another is caused in particular by the first intermediate wheel 42 and the second intermediate wheel 44 .

[0053] As described above, the first differential mechanism 2 ensures that the flexible display pointer 20 rotates without causing any change in its length. For example, if the rotating cam 40 is stationary (in other words, θ2=0), the first sun pinion 8 and the first sun gear set 10 will rotate at the same speed and in the same direction, because the transmission ratio is calculated in such a way that in this case the speed of the first planet carrier 6 is equal to the speed of the first sun pinion 8, which is equal to the speed of the first sun gear set 10. Since the first sun pinion 8 and the second sun pinion 12 serve as the first hollow shaft gear and the second hollow shaft gear to which the first drive tube 16 and the second drive tube 18 are fastened, respectively, the flexible display pointer 20 is driven around the rotation axis in this case. D1 Rotate while maintaining its length.

[0054] The second differential mechanism 4 ensures that the length of the flexible display pointer 20 changes but does not rotate it. For example, if the first planet carrier 6 is stationary (in other words, θ1=0), the first sun pinion 8 and the first sun wheel 10 will rotate at the same speed but in opposite directions to each other, corresponding to the angular phase difference between the first sun pinion 8 and the second sun pinion 12 due to the above-mentioned antagonistic rotation.

[0055] It should be noted that since the actuating mechanism 1 is arranged as a whole so that the first sun gear plate 14 and the second sun gear plate 25 rotate at the same tooth frequency when the rotating cam 40 is stationary (in other words, θ2=0), a locking situation cannot occur between the first differential mechanism 2 and the second differential mechanism 4.

[0056] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and that a person skilled in the art may consider various simple substitutions and modifications without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0057] In particular, the term “length of the flexible display hand 20” is understood to mean the radius R passing between the two drive tubes 16, 18 and passing through the tip 50 of the flexible display hand 20. It should also be noted that in the case where the rotating cam 40 is not driven by a timepiece movement, a control member, such as a button actuable by the user from outside the case, may be considered to change the angular position of the cam and thus modify the length of the flexible display hand 20.

[0058] More specifically, by moving the cam from a first position to a second position different from the first position, the phase difference between the flexible arms 46, 48 of the flexible display pointer 20 can be changed, and thus the length thereof can also be changed.

[0059] Then, since the position of the cam remains unchanged, the flexible display pointer 20 will only rotate around itself without changing its length. By modifying the length of the flexible display pointer 20, for example, the tip 50 of the flexible display pointer 20 can face either of two separate scales, thereby displaying the values ​​of two different parameters.

[0060] Thus, for example, the angle formed by the flexible display hand 20 with its initial position may be used to provide an indication of the current time, while the length and / or shape of the flexible display hand 20 will provide the user with an indication of the power reserve of the watch.

[0061] Figure 4 A particular embodiment of the invention is shown in which the differential ring gear 26 is provided on its outer circumference with cam follower fingers 52 (in this case without teeth on the outer circumference) via which the differential ring gear 26 bears against the profile 38 of the cam 40 .

Claims

1. An actuating mechanism (1) for a flexible display pointer (20), the actuating mechanism (1) being intended to be driven by a watch movement, the flexible display pointer (20) comprising a first drive tube (16) connected to a first end of a first flexible arm (46) and a second drive tube (18) connected to a first end of a second flexible arm (48), the first and second flexible arms (46, 48) being connected together at their second ends by a tip (50), the flexible display pointer (20) being in a working position in which the flexible display pointer (20) is in a stressed state and has a defined shape and length, the first and second drive tubes (16, 18) being coaxially arranged around a rotation axis D1, the actuating mechanism (1) being characterized in that it comprises: - a first differential mechanism (2), the first differential mechanism (2) comprising a first input end and an output end, the first input end of the first differential mechanism (2) being used to receive an angular rotation of an angle (θ1) around the rotation axis D1 transmitted by the watch movement, the angular rotation of the angle (θ1) determining the rotation of the flexible display pointer (20) around itself, the output end of the first differential mechanism (2) being configured to drive the flexible display pointer (20) to rotate; - a second differential mechanism (4), the second differential mechanism (4) comprising a first input end, a second input end and an output end, the first input end of the second differential mechanism (4) being kinematically connected to the first input end of the first differential mechanism (2) at a certain transmission ratio, the second input end of the second differential mechanism (4) being used to receive an angular rotation of an angle (θ2), the angular rotation of the angle (θ2) determining a length change of the flexible display pointer (20), the output end of the second differential mechanism (4) being configured to control the length change of the flexible display pointer (20), and being kinematically connected to the second input end of the first differential mechanism (2).

2. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first differential mechanism (2) is centered on a first rotation axis D1 and is carried by a first planet carrier (6), and the watch movement is intended to impart an angular rotation of an angle (θ1) to the first planet carrier (6).

3. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first differential mechanism (2) includes a first sun pinion (8) and a first sun gear pair (10), wherein the first sun pinion forms a first hollow shaft gear for carrying the first drive tube (16), the first sun gear pair (10) is installed to be coaxial with the first sun pinion (8) and to rotate freely, the first sun gear pair (10) includes a second sun pinion (12) and a first sun gear plate (14), the second sun pinion (12) forms a second hollow shaft gear for carrying the second drive tube (18).

4. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The first sun pinion (8) is arranged to mesh with a first intermediate wheel (42), the first intermediate wheel (42) meshes with a second intermediate wheel (44), the second intermediate wheel (44) itself meshes with the second sun pinion (12), the first and second intermediate wheels (42, 44) being eccentrically arranged on the first planet carrier (6).

5. The actuating mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The second differential mechanism (4) is centered on the second rotation axis D2 and is carried by a second planet carrier (22), and the second planet carrier (22) is rotated by the first planet carrier (6) at a certain transmission ratio.

6. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second differential mechanism (4) comprises a second sun gear pair (23), wherein the second sun gear pair (23) is formed by a third sun pinion (24) and a second sun gear plate (25), and the second sun gear plate (25) is meshed with the first sun gear plate (14) of the first differential mechanism (2).

7. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second differential mechanism (4) includes a differential ring gear (26) centered on the third sun pinion (24), the differential ring gear (26) being provided with an inner tooth portion (28A) and cooperating with a profile (38) of a cam (40), and the second differential mechanism (4) also includes at least one planetary pinion (30), the planetary pinion (30) rolling on the inner tooth portion (28A) and meshing with the third sun pinion (24).

8. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second differential mechanism (4) comprises a rack (32), the rack (32) being provided with a toothed section (34), the rack (32) being meshed with an outer toothed portion (28B) of the differential gear ring (26) via the toothed section (34), the rack (32) carrying a cam follower finger (36) at its other end opposite to the toothed section (34), the rack (32) being pressed against a profile (38) of the cam (40) via the cam follower finger (36).

9. Actuating mechanism (1) according to claims 4 and 8, characterized in that The rotating cam (40) can be driven to perform an angular rotation of an angle (θ2), the angular rotation of the angle (θ2) determining the length of the flexible display pointer (20), the rotation of the rotating cam (40) causing the differential ring gear (26) to pivot with the aid of the rack (32), and causing the first and second sun pinions (8, 12) to perform antagonistic rotational motion relative to each other with the aid of a kinematic chain formed by the planetary pinions (30), the second sun gear set (23), the first sun gear set (10) and the first and second intermediate wheels (42, 44).

10. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that: It comprises a control member which can be actuated by a user and which, as a result of being operated, can change the angular position of the cam (40) so as to change the length of the flexible display hand (20).

11. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The differential ring gear (26) is provided with a cam follower finger (52), via which the differential ring gear (26) rests on the profile (38) of the cam (40).

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