Mechanism for displaying the phases of the moon for a watch movement

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanism (1) for displaying the phases of the moon, the device comprising a moon (4), a mask (6) and a drive mechanism arranged in such a way that the mask (6) and the moon (4) move, over each lunar cycle, according to the following sequence: a) the moon (4) and the mask (6) are both located in an initial position in the new moon configuration; the moon (4) is driven so as to gradually move clear of the mask (6) until it is in an end position in the middle of a given lunar cycle in the full moon configuration; b) the mask (6) is driven so as to cover the moon (4) until it is in an end position at the end of the given lunar cycle in the new moon configuration; and c) the moon (4) and the mask (6) are driven so as to quickly move back into their initial position in the new moon configuration.

Description

Description MOON PHASES DISPLAY MECHANISM FOR WATCH MOVEMENT Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display mechanism, for a watch movement, comprising a representation of the Moon in the form of a disc, a mask capable of masking the representation of the Moon, a device for driving the mask arranged to be able to move it along a predefined trajectory extending from an initial position to a final position, in such a way that the representation of the Moon and the mask can present, along the trajectory, a full Moon configuration in which the representation of the Moon is completely visible, and a new Moon configuration in which the representation of the Moon is completely masked.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a watch movement comprising such a display mechanism as well as a timepiece comprising such a watch movement. State of the art

[0003] Such display devices have already been disclosed in the prior art.

[0004] By way of example, the utility model CN202548538U presents a mechanism for displaying the phases of the Moon meeting the above characteristics. In particular, the display mechanism disclosed in this document comprises a representation of the fixed Moon, carried by the dial of the corresponding timepiece, in front of which moves a mask carried by a driven arm so as to present a periodic retrograde movement. More precisely, the mask is driven to present the following movements, during each period whose duration is equal to that of a lunar cycle: starting from a first full Moon configuration, the mask is driven in the counterclockwise direction of rotation from an initial position, to progressively cover the representation of the Moon, until a new Moon configuration, the drive continuing further until a position final in which the representation of the Moon is again completely cleared, in a new full Moon configuration. The mask is then quickly driven in the clockwise direction of rotation (i.e. a retrograde movement in reference to the slow anti-clockwise drive phase) to return to its initial position, still in the full Moon configuration, before starting a new cycle.

[0005] Patent EP1692574B1 describes another mechanism for displaying the phases of the Moon meeting the characteristics mentioned above. More specifically, this mechanism comprises a representation of the Moon carried by a first arm and a mask carried by a second arm. The arms are driven so as to present a first slow movement in respective opposite directions to pass from a first full Moon configuration to a second full Moon configuration, progressively passing through waning Moon phases, a new Moon configuration, then waxing Moon phases. Once the second full Moon configuration is reached, the representation of the Moon and the mask are quickly moved, in a retrograde manner, to return to the first full Moon configuration after a duration equal to one lunar cycle, before starting a new cycle.Thus, compared to that described previously, this mechanism makes it possible to reduce the size of the display of the phases of the Moon given that the angular sector covered by the mask is reduced thanks to the fact that the representation of the Moon is also driven in the opposite direction to that of the mask.

[0006] These display mechanisms are primarily intended to reduce the bulk of the Moon phase display on a timepiece dial, while providing a relatively realistic display of the Moon phases as they appear to an observer in reality, without however taking into account the Moon's movement across the sky throughout a given lunar cycle.

[0007] Patent CH710450B1 describes another construction of a mechanism for displaying the phases of the Moon aimed at improving its realism, by proposing an orbital display of the Moon making it possible to symbolize the relative rotation between the surface of the Earth and the Moon. For this purpose, the display mechanism comprises a disc, constituting the dial of the corresponding timepiece, comprising an aperture, through which a representation of the Moon is visible, and driven to rotate on itself in twenty-four hours. The mechanism further comprises a mask driven to circle the dial in twenty-four hours with almost no change in its orientation, and driven simultaneously to move opposite the aperture to display the phases of the Moon during periods of duration equal to that of the lunar cycle. If this mechanism is more realistic than the previous ones, because the representation of the Moon moves along a complete circular trajectory, its readability is equivalent to that of the previous mechanisms because of a reduced size of the representation of the Moon.Furthermore, the gain in realism leads to a significantly increased size of the display mechanism since the entire dial is rotated to the extent that it is intended to display the starry sky, which does not allow for the addition of additional complications.

[0008] Therefore, there is still a need to provide an alternative Moon phase display mechanism that is realistic, legible, dynamic, and compact enough to accommodate additional complications. Disclosure of the invention

[0009] A main aim of the present invention is to propose a display mechanism of alternative construction compared to known display devices, to produce a timepiece with an appearance that is both original, realistic, and highly readable.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates more particularly to a display mechanism of the type mentioned above, characterized by the fact that it comprises a Moon display member bearing the representation of the Moon, as well as a device for driving the Moon display member arranged to be able to move the latter along the predefined trajectory, between the initial and final positions, and by the fact that it is arranged in such a way that the mask and the representation of the Moon move, during each lunar cycle, according to the following sequence: a) the representation of the Moon and the mask being both located in the initial position, in new Moon configuration, the representation of the Moon is driven along the predefined trajectory, to gradually disengage from the mask, until it is positioned in the final position in the middle of a given lunar cycle, in full Moon configuration, b) the mask is driven along the predefined trajectory, to gradually cover the representation of the Moon, until it is positioned in the final position at the end of the given lunar cycle, in new Moon configuration, and c) the representation of the Moon and the mask are driven so as to quickly both return to the initial position, in new Moon configuration, to begin a new sequence.

[0011] Thanks to these features, the display mechanism according to the present invention has a different operating sequence than prior display mechanisms, while maintaining an optimized level of bulk, since the extent of the trajectory traveled by the representation of the Moon and the mask can be contained in a sector joining their centers when they are positioned adjacent in front view.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the Moon display member is a rotating dial, the mask being carried by a frame capable of also carrying a display surface for information other than the phases of the Moon and arranged so as to mask a portion of the rotating dial other than the representation of the Moon. It is then advantageous to provide that the representation of the Moon has a diameter representing at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, of the radius of the rotating dial.

[0013] Generally speaking, it is preferable to provide that the representation of the Moon and the mask are driven in a retrograde manner during step c), with reference to their direction of movement during steps a) and b).

[0014] Preferably, it can be provided that the representation of the Moon and the mask are trained substantially simultaneously during step c).

[0015] Advantageously, it can be provided that the device for driving the Moon display member comprises a feeler held in abutment against a guide surface of a cam, to define the angular orientation of the feeler at each instant, under the effect of the action of an elastic return member, and that the feeler is integral with a toothing arranged in engagement with a Moon drive mobile whose angular orientation determines that of the Moon display member.

[0016] In this case, it can further be provided that the guide surface has a first portion of increasing radius, followed by a second portion of substantially constant radius and a third portion, empty or radial, connecting the first and second portions.

[0017] It is then also possible to provide that the mask drive device comprises an additional feeler held in abutment against a guide surface of an additional cam, to define the angular orientation of the additional feeler at each instant, under the effect of the action of an elastic return member, and that the additional feeler is integral with a toothing arranged in engagement with a mask drive mobile whose angular orientation determines that of the mask.

[0018] In this case, it can further be provided that the guide surface of the additional cam has a first portion of substantially constant radius, followed by a second portion of increasing radius and a third portion, empty or radial, connecting the first and second portions.

[0019] It may then be particularly advantageous to provide that the display mechanism comprises a kinematic connection between the cam and the additional cam, and that the first and second portions of the guide surface of the cam and the first and second portions of the surface of additional cam guides all have substantially equal angular extents.

[0020] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable to provide that the mechanism comprises a support surface integral with one of the feeler and the additional feeler and capable of bearing against a stop surface integral with the other feeler, and that the feeler and additional feeler are arranged in such a way that the passage of the feeler associated with the support surface from the second portion to the first portion of the corresponding guide surface is conditioned by the passage of the feeler associated with the stop surface from the second portion to the first portion of the corresponding guide surface, in order to synchronize the movements of the representation of the Moon and the mask during step c).

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the display mechanism comprises a latitude adjustment device arranged to modify the angular orientations of the Moon display member and the mask, in a coordinated manner, in response to a predefined action of a user on a latitude adjustment member.

[0022] In this case, it is advantageous to provide that the display mechanism further comprises a member for displaying the latitude set at each instant, the latitude adjustment device also being arranged to control the position of the member for displaying the set latitude.

[0023] Generally speaking, it is preferable to plan that the predefined trajectory followed by the representation of the Moon and by the mask is circular.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a watch movement comprising a display mechanism meeting the characteristics set out above, as well as a timepiece comprising such a watch movement. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of a method of preferred embodiment which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings given by way of non-limiting example and in which: - Figure 1 represents a schematic diagram illustrating the general operating principle of a display mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 2 represents a simplified general front view of a part of the display mechanism according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; - figure 3 represents an exploded and simplified perspective view of a first construction detail of the display mechanism of figure 2; - Figure 4 represents an exploded and simplified perspective view of a second construction detail of the display mechanism of Figure 2, and - Figure 5 represents an exploded and simplified perspective view of a third construction detail of the display mechanism of Figure 2. Method(s) of carrying out the invention

[0026] Figure 1 represents a schematic diagram illustrating the general operating principle of a display mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Of course, Figure 1 and its detailed description which follows are provided by way of illustrative example and those skilled in the art will be able to make adaptations justified by their own needs without necessarily departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0027] The diagram in Figure 1 has three lines arranged one above the other.

[0028] The top line represents the appearance of the Moon as it appears in the sky when it is located at its zenith (its orientation constantly changing perceptibly due to the rotation of the Earth on its axis), at a latitude of around 45 degrees, on the first day of a new lunar cycle starting at a new Moon, then on day 4, day 7, day 11, day 15 (full Moon), day 19, day 22, day 25, and then day 29 (next new Moon).

[0029] The next row (middle) shows schematic representations of the Moon's phases at the same times throughout the lunar cycle, always while it is at its zenith.

[0030] The lower line represents, in a schematic and simplified manner, the implementation of a display mechanism 1 of the phases of the Moon, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, making it possible to display the phases of the Moon in a reliable and realistic manner with reference to what can be observed in the sky when the Moon is located at its zenith. For reasons of simplification and readability, the configuration of the display mechanism has not been shown for all the days of the lunar cycle illustrated in the first two lines, but only on the first day, day 7, day 15, day 22 and day 29.

[0031] The display mechanism 1 comprises a Moon display member 2 bearing a representation of the Moon 4, this here taking the form of a rotating dial, for non-limiting illustration purposes.

[0032] A mask 6 is arranged above the rotating dial (from the point of view of an observer of the corresponding timepiece), so as to be able to at least partially cover the representation of the Moon 4 in certain configurations. The mask 6 is here carried by a chassis (reference numeral 8 in FIG. 4) driven in rotation in a suitable manner to allow the display of the phases of the Moon at each instant. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, the mask 6 here has the shape of a disc whose diameter is equal to, or even slightly greater than, that of the representation of the Moon 4. Two additional discs 10 and 12, also carried by the chassis, have been illustrated by way of non-limiting illustration.The discs 10 and 12 may in particular define counters in which additional information may advantageously be displayed, whatever its nature, temporal or not (the current time, the date or other calendar information, a power reserve, etc.). Those skilled in the art may, for example, implement a display mode, in relation to the discs 10, 12, such that the orientation of the display concerned is kept constant in all positions of the disc on the dial. Constructions allowing. to obtain such an effect are known in the state of the art. The patent CH710450B1 mentioned above describes an example in relation to the display of the phases of the Moon, and the person skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the teaching and implementing the display of information other than the phases of the Moon.

[0033] According to the present invention, the display mechanism 1 is arranged in such a way that the mask 6 and the representation of the Moon 4 move, during each lunar cycle, according to the following sequence: a) the representation of the Moon 4 and the mask 6 being both located in an initial position, in a new Moon configuration, the representation of the Moon 4 is driven along a predefined trajectory, to gradually disengage from the mask 6, until it is positioned in a final position in the middle of a given lunar cycle, in a full Moon configuration, b) the mask 6 is driven along the same predefined trajectory, to gradually cover the representation of the Moon 4, until it is positioned in the same final position at the end of the given lunar cycle, in a new Moon configuration.

[0034] At the end of the sequence, the representation of Moon 4 and mask 6 are trained so that they both quickly return to the initial position, in the new Moon configuration, thus moving from the configuration of day 29 to that of the first day, to begin a new sequence.

[0035] It can be seen here that the representation of the Moon 4 has a large diameter in reference to that of the previous mechanisms cited above, offering excellent readability. More precisely, it can advantageously be provided that the diameter of the representation of the Moon represents at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, of the radius of the rotating dial which carries it.

[0036] The display mechanism 1 according to the present invention thus makes it possible to implement a spectacular display of the phases of the Moon, without however giving up displaying other information. Indeed, the large dimensions of the representation of the Moon 4 and of the mask 6 have an impact on the extent of the trajectory that they both describe, which is significant (it extends over a little less than half a dial in the example illustrated in Figure 1), but the drive kinematics implemented makes it possible to optimize the corresponding size. In addition, the available surface can be used, as mentioned above, to display additional information, in particular by the use of discs 10, 12. It will be noted that the mask 6 itself can also be used to display information as described previously in relation to the discs 10 and 12.

[0037] This provides a particularly advantageous combination of features, making it possible both to take advantage of a significant portion of the dial surface to display various information, and to implement an extremely legible display of the phases of the Moon, while remaining faithful to the appearance of the Moon as it is visible in the sky when it is located at its zenith. Even more advantageously, additional features will be described later, thanks to which the rotating dial bearing the representation of the Moon 4 and the chassis 8 bearing the mask 6 can be manually pivoted, simultaneously, to adjust the orientation of the display of the phases of the Moon according to the latitude at which the wearer of a timepiece incorporating a display mechanism 1 according to the present preferred embodiment of the invention is located.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a simplified general front view of a part of the display mechanism 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0039] The display mechanism 1 may be directly integrated into a watch movement or it may be assembled to a basic watch movement in the form of an additional module without departing from the scope of the invention. A display mechanism 1 in the form of an additional display module will be described below for the sake of simplification of the present disclosure. The construction details of the basic watch movement will not be discussed here, for the sake of brevity and simplification, given that the implementation of the present invention does not directly depend thereon.

[0040] A twenty-four hour 20 minute mobile is driven by a mobile (not visible) of the clockwork to make one revolution on itself in twenty-four hours. The twenty-four-hour mobile 20 carries a finger 22 intended to cooperate with a Moon star 24 to make it rotate one step per day when the twenty-four-hour mobile rotates counterclockwise in the view of figure 2. The finger 22 has a particular construction allowing it to retract when it encounters the Moon star 24 while the twenty-four-hour mobile 20 rotates clockwise (in the case of correction of the current time in particular).

[0041] The Moon star 24 in turn cooperates with a reduction wheel 26 arranged in engagement with a Moon cam wheel 28 comprising a groove defining a Moon cam 30.

[0042] Figure 3 represents an exploded and simplified perspective view of a part of the display mechanism 1 allowing a better understanding of the function of the cam 30 of Lune, in particular how it allows the drive of the display member of Lune 2.

[0043] The display mechanism 1 comprises a Moon rocker 32 arranged on a frame element (not shown) so as to be able to pivot along an axis of rotation 34. The Moon rocker 32 carries a finger 33 fulfilling the function of a feeler by being engaged in the Moon cam 30 and by being held in abutment against at least one of its walls, the latter defining a guide surface for the Moon rocker 32. The latter also carries a toothed sector 36 arranged in engagement with a pinion 38 of a drive wheel 40 of the Moon display member 2, with which its wheel 42 is engaged by means of a return 44 (meshing better visible in FIG. 2).

[0044] Furthermore, an elastic return member 46 has a kinematic connection with the display member of Moon 2 to apply to the latter an elastic return force tending to hold the feeler against the guide surface of the cam 30 of Moon.

[0045] It also appears from Figure 3 that the Moon cam 30 has a spiral shape having a first portion extending substantially over half of its total length and having an increasing radius, followed by a second portion also extending substantially over half of its total length and having a radius constant, then a third portion, empty or radial, allowing finger 33 to fall back from the second portion onto the first portion at the end of the lunar cycle.

[0046] Thus, when the Moon cam wheel 28 is driven from the twenty-four-hour wheel 20, in the clockwise rotation direction in the view of Figure 3, the Moon cam 30 has an increasing radius at the feeler from the start of the first portion, causing the Moon rocker 32 to rotate in the counterclockwise rotation direction and the Moon display member 2 to rotate clockwise. During this phase, the elastic return member 46 accumulates mechanical energy.

[0047] When the feeler reaches the second portion of the Moon cam 30, the latter continues its rotation without further rotating the Moon rocker 32. The Moon display member 2, and therefore the representation of Moon 4, then remain stationary.

[0048] When the feeler reaches the third portion of the Moon cam 30, the elastic return member 46 can release the accumulated mechanical energy by causing the feeler to fall to the level of the first portion of the Moon cam 30, by rapidly rotating the Moon rocker 32 in the clockwise rotation direction in the view of FIG. 3, via the Moon display member 2 and its drive wheel 40.

[0049] Returning to Figure 2, it can be seen that the Moon cam mobile 28 is arranged in engagement with a mask cam mobile 50 comprising a groove defining an additional mask cam 52.

[0050] Figure 4 represents an exploded and simplified perspective view of a part of the display mechanism 1 allowing a better understanding of the function of the additional mask cam 52, in particular how it allows the chassis 8 carrying the mask 6 to be driven.

[0051] The display mechanism 1 comprises a mask rocker 54 arranged on a frame element (not shown) so as to be able to pivot along an axis of rotation 56. The mask rocker 54 carries a finger (not visible) fulfilling the function of an additional feeler by being engaged in the additional mask cam 52 and being held bearing against at least one of its walls, the latter defining a guide surface for the mask rocker 54. The latter also carries a toothed sector 58 arranged in engagement with a pinion 60 of a drive wheel 62 of the chassis 8, to which its wheel 64 is kinematically connected by means of a return 66 and a crown 68 intended to be directly secured to the chassis 8.

[0052] Furthermore, an elastic return member 70 has a kinematic connection with the crown 68 to apply to the frame 8 an elastic return force tending to hold the additional feeler against the guide surface of the additional mask cam 52.

[0053] It also appears from Figure 4 that the additional mask cam 52 has a spiral shape having a first portion extending substantially over half of its total length (at the level of the central shaft) and having a constant radius, followed by a second portion also extending substantially over half of its total length and having an increasing radius, then by a third portion, empty or radial, allowing the additional feeler to fall from the second portion onto the first portion at the end of the lunar cycle.

[0054] Thus, when the mask cam wheel 50 is driven from the twenty-four hour wheel 20, via the Moon cam wheel 28, in the counterclockwise direction of rotation in the view of Figure 4, the additional mask cam 52 has a constant radius to the additional feeler from the start of the first portion, resulting in an absence of rotation of the mask rocker 54 and therefore of the mask 6 during half of a given lunar cycle.

[0055] When the feeler reaches the second portion of the additional mask cam 52, the latter has an increasing radius to the additional feeler, which causes the mask rocker 54 to rotate counterclockwise in the view of Figure 4, thus causing the frame 8, and therefore the mask 6, to rotate clockwise. During this phase, the elastic return member 70 accumulates mechanical energy.

[0056] When the feeler reaches the third portion of the additional mask cam 52, the elastic return member 70 can release the accumulated mechanical energy by causing the additional feeler to fall to the level of the first portion of the additional mask cam 52, rapidly rotating the mask rocker 54 in the counterclockwise direction of rotation in the view of FIG. 4, via the crown 68 and the return 66.

[0057] As already indicated above, the mask 6 as well as the discs 10 and 12 can be used for the implementation of additional displays of any type of information, time-related or not. Various drillings and recesses have been illustrated in these three discs for non-limiting illustration purposes (in particular to allow the mounting of mobiles, springs and to allow the passage of points).

[0058] Returning again to Figure 2, it appears that the mask rocker 54 comprises a beak defining a stop surface 74 arranged to be able to cooperate with a bearing surface 76 of the Moon rocker 32, defined here by a pin. The cooperation between these stop and bearing surfaces makes it possible to guarantee good synchronization during the retrograde return of the two rockers 32 and 54. Indeed, it can be seen that, in the configuration of the display mechanism 1 illustrated in Figure 2, while the feelers are close to the end of the second portion of the corresponding cam, if the Moon rocker 32 were to be released before the mask rocker 54, for example in the event of an impact, it could not descend into the third portion of the corresponding cam due to the contact between its bearing surface 76 and the stop surface 74 of the mask rocker 54.

[0059] The display mechanism 1 advantageously comprises a member for correcting the display of the phases of the Moon, here comprising a correction lever 80 carrying a retractable pawl 82, arranged to act directly on the Moon star 24. The correction lever 80 has an actuation surface 84 intended to receive impulses, in response to suitable actions of a user, following which the correction lever 80 pivots to advance the Moon star 24 by at least one step per actuation.

[0060] Advantageously, the display mechanism 1 according to the present preferred embodiment of the invention further comprises a latitude adjustment device arranged to modify the angular orientations of the Moon display member 2 and the mask 6, in a coordinated manner, in response to a predefined action of a user on a latitude adjustment member.

[0061] This adjustment device is more clearly visible in Figure 5, which shows its main components in an exploded and simplified perspective view.

[0062] The latitude adjustment device comprises a correction rocker 90 having an actuation surface 92 intended to receive impulses from a user via a corrector (not visible) for example, to pivot on a frame element.

[0063] The correction lever 90 carries an actuating beak 94 arranged to act on the main toothing 96 of a latitude correction wheel 98 and advance the latter by at least one step per user impulse. A conventional jumper 100 makes it possible to maintain the latitude correction wheel 98 in a given position, also cooperating with its main toothing 96.

[0064] Half of the teeth of the main toothing 96 have an extension in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the axis of rotation of the latitude correction wheel 98, while the latter comprises an internal secondary toothing 102.

[0065] The two teeth 96 and 102 are arranged to cooperate with a drive wheel 104 of a latitude indicator (not shown), by means of a toothed crown 106 with which the latter is intended to be integral. The latitude indicator may carry an indication intended to cooperate with a fixed scale of latitude graduations, or it may carry a scale of latitude graduations intended to cooperate with a fixed indication to display the value of the set latitude.

[0066] The drive of the drive wheel 104 is carried out by means of a lower star (hidden in FIG. 5), while the drive wheel comprises a main star 108 arranged in engagement with the wheel 64 of the drive mobile 62 of the chassis 8, as shown in figure 2.

[0067] The drive mobile 104 further comprises a pinion 110 by which it drives the toothed crown 106.

[0068] The toothed crown 106 in turn drives a Moon drive wheel set 112 via a pinion 114 of the latter. The Moon drive wheel set 112 also comprises a star 116 arranged in mesh with the wheel 42 of the drive wheel set 40 of the Moon display member 2. Each of the drive wheels 40, 62 advantageously comprises friction between its wheel and its pinion, to allow rotation of the wheel only, when adjusting the latitude.

[0069] Thus, when the user applies pulses to the correction rocker 90, he simultaneously rotates the Moon display member 2 and the chassis 8 carrying the mask 6, in the same direction of rotation, without modifying the positions of the representation of the Moon 4 and the mask 6 along their trajectory.

[0070] After a certain number of pulses, the teeth of the latitude correction wheel 98 which is engaged with the lower star of the drive wheel 104 change, which causes a change in the direction of rotation of the latter. Such a construction makes it possible, with adequate indexing of the mechanism, to correct the latitude over its entire range of values ​​without changing the way of manipulating the corresponding control member, here a corrector. Thus, starting for example from an initial setting of the latitude at 45 degrees, the first pulses will make it possible to increase the value until it reaches 90 degrees. The following pulse will then decrease the value of the latitude and the user can thus lower it to -90 degrees before raising it again by continuing to apply pressure to the corrector.

[0071] A double jumper 118 is arranged to cooperate with the drive wheels 104 and 112 to ensure their orientation in the set position. Of course, it is possible to provide two independent jumpers as an alternative.

[0072] Thanks to the characteristics just presented, it is possible to create a mechanism for displaying the phases of the Moon with an original appearance and faithful to a real observation of the Moon in the sky, while offering excellent readability without preventing the addition of additional complications on the dial of the corresponding timepiece.

[0073] The preceding description is intended to describe a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration and the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular characteristics which have just been described, such as for example the implementation of the additional discs carried by the chassis, or even their number when there are any or their shape (which is not limited to one disc). Furthermore, the display mechanism which has just been described can be implemented without the latitude adjustment mechanism, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. In this case, the mechanism could for example be personalized for each buyer, with a latitude adjustment corresponding to their place of residence.When a latitude adjustment mechanism is implemented, it can also be provided that it is actuated by rotation of an external control ring, in one direction or the other, as an alternative to what has been described above.

Claims

Demands 1. Moon phase display mechanism (1) for a clock movement, comprising a disc-shaped representation of the Moon (4), a mask (6) capable of masking said representation of the Moon (4), a drive device for said mask (6) arranged to be able to move it along a predefined trajectory extending from an initial position to a final position, such that said representation of the Moon (4) and said mask (6) can present, along said trajectory, a full moon configuration in which said representation of the Moon (4) is completely visible, and a new moon configuration in which said representation of the Moon (4) is completely masked, characterized in that it comprises a Moon display element (2) carrying said representation of the Moon (4),as well as a drive device for said Moon display element (2) arranged to be able to move the latter along said predefined trajectory, between said initial and final positions, and in that it is arranged in such a way that said mask (6) and said representation of the Moon (4) move, during each lunar cycle, according to the following sequence: a) said representation of the Moon (4) and said mask (6) both being located in said initial position, in new Moon configuration, said representation of the Moon (4) is driven along said trajectory, to gradually move away from said mask (6), until it is positioned in said final position in the middle of a given lunar cycle, in full Moon configuration, b) said mask (6) is driven along said trajectory, to gradually cover said representation of the Moon (4),until being positioned in said final position at the end of the given lunar cycle, in new moon configuration, and c) said representation of the Moon (4) and said mask (6) are driven so as to quickly return both to said initial position, in new moon configuration, to begin a new sequence.

2. Mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said representation of the Moon (4) and said mask (6) are driven retrogradely during step c), with reference to their direction of movement during steps a) and b).

3. Mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said representation of the Moon (4) and said mask (6) are driven substantially simultaneously during step c).

4. Mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said drive device of said Moon display member (2) comprises a probe held in contact with a guide surface of a cam (30), to define the angular orientation of said probe at each instant, under the effect of the action of an elastic return member (46), and in that said probe is integral with a toothing (36) arranged in contact with a Moon drive wheel (40) whose angular orientation determines that of said Moon display member (2).

5. Mechanism (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said guiding surface has a first portion of increasing radius, followed by a second portion of substantially constant radius and a third portion, empty or radial, connecting the first and second portions.

6. Mechanism (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said drive device of said mask (6) comprises an additional feeler held in contact with a guide surface of an additional cam (52), to define the angular orientation of said additional feeler at each instant, under the effect of the action of an elastic return member (70), and in that said additional feeler is integral with a toothing (58) arranged in contact with a drive unit (62) of said mask (6) whose angular orientation determines that of said mask (6).

7. Mechanism (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said guiding surface of said additional cam (52) has a first portion of substantially constant radius, followed by a second portion of increasing radius and a third portion, empty or radial, connecting the first and second portions. Mechanism (1) according to claims 5 and 7, characterized in that it comprises a kinematic link between said cam (30) and said additional cam (52), and in that the first and second portions of the guide surface of said cam (30) and the first and second portions of the guide surface of said additional cam (52) all have substantially equal angular extents.Mechanism (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a bearing surface (76) integral with one of said feeler and said additional feeler and capable of bearing against a stop surface (74) integral with the other feeler, and in that said feeler and additional feeler are arranged in such a way that the passage of the feeler associated with said bearing surface (76) from the second portion to the first portion of said corresponding guide surface is conditioned by the passage of said feeler associated with said stop surface (74) from the second portion to the first portion of said corresponding guide surface, in order to synchronize the movements of said Moon display member (2) and said mask (6) during step c).Mechanism (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it comprises a latitude adjustment device arranged to modify the angular orientations of said Moon display element (2) and said mask (6), in a coordinated manner, in response to a predefined action by a user on a latitude adjustment element. Mechanism (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises a latitude display element set at each instant, said latitude adjustment device also being arranged to control the position of said set latitude display element.Mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said Moon display organ (2) is a rotating dial, and in that said mask (6) is carried by a chassis (8) further carrying a display surface of information other than the phases of the Moon and arranged so as to mask a portion of said rotating dial other than said representation of the Moon (4). Mechanism (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that said representation of the Moon (4) has a diameter representing at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, of the radius of said rotating dial. Clockwork movement comprising a display mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Timepiece (1) comprising a clockwork movement according to claim

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