Animation mechanism

Abstract

Animation mechanism (1) comprising a cam (2) mounted to be rotatable about an axis of rotation of the cam (2), the cam (2) comprising a guide groove (22) arranged around the axis of rotation of the cam (2), a first animation member (35) kinematically connected to the cam (2) by a first transmission member (3), a second animation member (36) kinematically connected to the cam (2) by a second transmission member (4), the first transmission member (3) and the second transmission member (4) each comprising a cam follower member inserted into the guide groove (22). Timepiece (10) comprising such an animation mechanism (1).

Description

[0001] Animation mechanism

[0002] The present invention relates to an animation mechanism for animating one or more animation members forming one or more objects (characters, figurines, animals, etc.) and / or indicating time information. The present invention relates in particular to an animation mechanism intended to equip a timepiece.

[0003] Many animation mechanisms are known and allow one or more characters, figurines, animals or displays of time information to be set in motion, to obtain an entertaining effect. This movement is generally a cyclical movement: starting from an initial position, the animation member(s) move in a determined sequence of positions before returning to their initial position. These mechanisms are particularly used in jewelry or watchmaking. In general, when they are integrated into a movement of a timepiece, they are arranged to trigger the animation at specific times (passing of the hour for example) or on demand via a control member actuated by the user.

[0004] An animation mechanism is generally associated with a driving member which transmits to the animation mechanism the energy necessary to set in motion the animation member(s). In the case where the animation mechanism is associated with a timepiece movement, the driving member of the animation mechanism can be either the driving member of the movement or a separate driving member dedicated solely to the animation mechanism.

[0005] The integration of an animation mechanism into a timepiece, particularly into a wristwatch, is often difficult due to the volume and complexity of the mechanism, particularly when several animation members are in motion or when the movements of the animation members during a cycle are multiple. An aim of the present invention is to propose an animation mechanism making it possible to animate several animation members with less complexity and therefore a reduced size compared to the mechanisms of the prior art.

[0006] This object and other advantages are achieved in particular by means of an animation mechanism comprising a cam mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation of the cam, the cam comprising a guide groove arranged about the axis of rotation of the cam, a first animation member kinematically linked to the cam by a first transmission member, a second animation member kinematically linked to the cam by a second transmission member, the first transmission member and the second transmission member each comprising a cam follower member inserted in the guide groove.

[0007] The use of a single cam with a single guide groove to move at least two transmission members that animate at least two animation members, allows the number of moving parts to be minimized. The use of a guide groove in which the cam follower members of the transmission members are inserted further allows the transmission members to be precisely guided in all their degrees of freedom without requiring a return mechanism such as a spring or the like to return it in one direction.

[0008] Preferably, the second animation member is kinematically linked to the first animation member. Thus, the simultaneous or successive movement of the first and second transmission members makes it possible to produce animations comprising relatively complex movements of one animation member relative to the other using the cam alone.

[0009] The second animation member is, for example, mounted to be mobile in rotation relative to the first animation member.

[0010] The animation mechanism of the invention comprises for example a first carriage and a first arm mounted to rotate on the first carriage, the first carriage being kinematically linked to the first transmission member and the first arm being kinematically linked to the second transmission member, the first animation member being fixed to the first carriage and the second animation member being fixed to the first arm.

[0011] The first carriage is, for example, mounted to move in translation.

[0012] It is then possible to configure the mechanism so that the first and second animation members move together in translation under the action of the first transmission member and the second animation member pivots relative to the first animation member under the action of the second transmission member, the first and second transmission members both being activated by the same cam.

[0013] The guide groove preferably forms a closed curve, which allows the cam to always be turned in the same direction.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the first transmission member is a lever mounted to be movable in rotation and the second transmission member is a rod mounted to be movable in translation.

[0015] The guide groove comprises for example at least one active portion in which the distance from the guide groove to the axis of rotation of the cam is variable and at least one inactive portion in which the distance from the guide groove to the axis of rotation of the cam is constant, the animation mechanism being configured so that when the cam follower member of the first transmission member follows an active portion of the guide groove, the cam follower member of the second transmission member follows an inactive portion of the guide groove, and so that when the cam follower member of the second transmission member follows an active portion of the guide groove, the cam follower member of the first transmission member follows an inactive portion of the guide groove.

[0016] According to certain embodiments, the animation mechanism further comprises a third animation member, a fourth animation member and a third transmission member, the third animation member being kinematically linked to the cam by the third transmission member and the fourth animation member being linked to the cam by the second transmission member, the third transmission member comprising a cam follower member inserted in the guide groove.

[0017] The animation mechanism is then, for example, configured so that when the cam follower member of the first transmission member follows an active portion of the guide groove, the cam follower member of the third transmission member follows an active portion of the guide groove, and so that when the cam follower member of the first transmission member follows an inactive portion of the guide groove, the cam follower member of the third transmission member follows an inactive portion of the guide groove.

[0018] The third transmission organ is, for example, a lever mounted to rotate.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first animation member represents the lower body of a first character, the second animation member represents the upper body of the first character, the third animation member represents the lower body of a second character and the fourth animation member represents the upper body of the second character, the animation mechanism being configured so that during an animation cycle corresponding to a rotation of the cam by a half-turn from a starting position, the first and second characters thus perform the following successive movements:

[0020] - their lower bodies and their upper bodies translate together towards each other;

[0021] - their upper bodies rotate relative to their lower bodies which remain stationary, so that their heads move closer to each other;

[0022] - their upper bodies rotate in the opposite direction while their lower bodies remain stationary; - their lower bodies and upper bodies translate together to move away from each other and return to the starting position.

[0023] Preferably, the position of the cam follower member, for example of the second transmission member, is adjustable to adjust the relative position of the second transmission member with respect to the axis of rotation of the cam. This makes it possible, for example, to adjust the position of the second animation member with respect to the fourth animation member.

[0024] The above stated purpose and other advantages are also achieved by using a timepiece comprising such an animation mechanism.

[0025] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, illustrated by the figures, where:

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates at least partially a timepiece comprising an animation mechanism according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 2 shows the animation mechanism included in the timepiece of Figure 1, without the animation members;

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the animation mechanism of Figure 2;

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective and partial sectional view of the animation mechanism of Figure 2;

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates the cam of the animation mechanism of Figure 2;

[0031] Figures 6 to 12 illustrate different stages of an animation cycle of the animation mechanism of Figure 2.

[0032] According to the embodiment illustrated by the figures as an illustrative but non-limiting example, the animation mechanism 1 of the invention is intended to be integrated into a timepiece, in particular into a wristwatch 10 partially illustrated in FIG. 1, and is configured to animate animation members 35, 36, 55, 56, 37, 57 forming two characters holding hands, for example a male character on the left and a female character on the right, located on either side of the center of the timepiece.

[0033] The male character is formed essentially by a first animation member 35 representing the legs of the male character and by a second animation member 36 representing the upper body (bust and head). The female character is formed essentially by a third animation member 55 representing a first leg on which the female character appears to be leaning and by a fourth animation member 56 representing the upper body (bust, head) and the second leg of the character. Two additional animation members 37, 57 each represent an arm of one of the two characters. The arms are mounted so as to be rotatable at one end on the upper body of the respective character and they are attached to each other, also rotatable, at the other end, so as to give the impression that the characters are holding hands.

[0034] According to the embodiment illustrated by way of example, the animation mechanism 1 of the invention is configured so that, during the animation of the animation members 35, 36, 55, 56, the characters approach each other, lean forward as if to give each other a kiss, then return to their starting position shown in FIG. 1, while holding hands. During an animation cycle, the characters thus perform the following successive movements:

[0035] - the bottom of their bodies 35; 55 and the top of their bodies 36; 56 translate together towards the center of the timepiece;

[0036] - the upper part of their bodies 36; 56 pivots relative to the lower part of their bodies 35; 55 which remains motionless, so that their heads move closer to each other;

[0037] - the top of their bodies 36; 56 pivots in the opposite direction while the bottom of their bodies 35, 55 always remains stationary; - the bottom of their bodies 35; 55 and the top of their bodies 36; 56 translate together to move away from the center of the timepiece and return to the starting position.

[0038] The animation mechanism 1 is for example arranged to trigger the animation at times determined by the movement of the timepiece 10 and / or on demand via a control member not shown in the figures, actuable by the user. The integration of the animation mechanism 1 in the timepiece 10 is carried out in a manner known per se and will therefore not be described in more detail below. The animation mechanism 1 is associated in the timepiece 10 with a motor member which transmits to the animation mechanism 1 the energy necessary to set the animation members 35, 36, 55, 56 in motion.The driving member is for example a driving member dedicated solely to the animation mechanism 1 and rechargeable for example during the actuation of the control member of the animation mechanism and / or the driving member of the movement of the timepiece which is coupled to the animation mechanism for example at times determined by the movement of the timepiece. As explained in more detail below, the animation of the animation members 35, 36, 55, 56 is done by means of a cam 2 which is rotated by the driving member and which actuates three transmission members 3, 4, 5 which are kinematically linked to the animation members 35, 36, 55, 56.

[0039] Figures 2 to 4 illustrate in more detail the animation mechanism 1 of the invention according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, without the animation members forming the characters. The animation mechanism 1 comprises the cam 2 and the three transmission members 3, 4, 5. Each transmission member 3, 4, 5 comprises a cam follower member 31, 41, 51 configured to be inserted into a guide groove 22 of the cam 2 extending around the axis of rotation 20 of the cam 2, the guide groove 22 forming for example a closed curve around the axis of rotation 20 of the cam 2. The cam follower members 31, 41, 51 are preferably pins each integral with their respective transmission member 3, 4, 5 and inserted into the guide groove 22 (Figure 4).The pins 31, 41, 51 are preferably formed in a known manner, for example in one piece or integral with their respective transmission member 3, 4, 5, or fixed, for example driven or welded, onto their respective transmission member 3, 4, 5.

[0040] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission member 3 is a lever pivoted at one of its ends around an axis of rotation 30. The other end of the lever 3 is kinematically connected to a first carriage 6 mounted to move in translation. The pin 31 of the lever 3 is located between the two ends. The animation mechanism 1 is configured so that the rotation of the lever 3 causes the translation of the first carriage 6. The lever 3 and the first carriage 6 are for example kinematically connected to each other by a pin of one part inserted into an oblong of the other part. A pin 61 of the first carriage 6 is for example inserted into an oblong 32 of the lever 3.The first carriage 6 is for example mounted to move in translation using fixed elements, for example using two fixed bearings 62, each inserted in an oblong 63 of the first carriage 6, the two oblongs 63 being oriented in the same direction, for example horizontally relative to the scene formed by the characters.

[0041] The first carriage 6 comprises a first arm 7 mounted to be movable in rotation on the first carriage 6, and the distal end of which is kinematically linked to the second transmission member 4. The second transmission member 4 is a rod mounted to be movable in translation and the animation mechanism 1 is configured so that the translation of the rod 4 causes the rotation of the first arm 7 around its axis of rotation 70. The rod 4 is for example mounted to be movable in translation using fixed elements, for example using two fixed bearings 42, inserted in an oblong 43 and in a notch 44 of the rod 4. The oblong 43 and the notch 44 are oriented in the same direction, for example vertically relative to the scene formed by the characters. Other forms of mechanisms are however possible within the scope of the invention for mounting the second transmission member 4 to be movable in translation.The first arm 7 and the rod 4 are for example kinematically connected to each other by a pin of one part inserted into an oblong of the other part. A pin 71 of the first arm 7 is for example inserted into an oblong 45 of the rod 4. The oblong 45 of the rod 4 is oriented parallel to the direction of translation of the first carriage 6, for example horizontally relative to the scene formed by the characters, so that when the first carriage 6 translates under the effect of the movement of the first transmission member 3 and the second transmission member 4 is stationary, the first arm 7 does not pivot relative to the first carriage 6.

[0042] The first carriage 6 comprises at least one fixing element for fixing to the first carriage 6 the first animation member 35 (visible in FIG. 1) representing the legs of the male character, for example a cannon 60 secured to the first carriage 6 arranged around the axis of rotation 70 of the first arm 7. The first arm 7 comprises at least one fixing element for fixing to the first arm 7 the second animation member 36 (visible in FIG. 1) representing the bust and the head of the male character, for example a cannon 72 secured to the first arm 7 arranged around the axis of rotation 70 of the first arm 7.According to the invention, the first animation member is fixed to the first carriage 6, for example to the barrel 60 secured to the first carriage 6, while the second animation member is fixed to the first arm 7, for example to the barrel 72 secured to the first arm 7, thus kinematically connecting the second animation member to the first animation member. In particular, the second animation member is mounted to be able to rotate relative to the first animation member by means of the first arm 7 which is mounted to be able to rotate relative to the first carriage 6. Thus, when the carriage 6 is moved in translation under the effect of the first transmission member 3, the first and second animation members 35, 36 move together in translation. When the first arm 7 is rotated under the effect of the second transmission member 4, the second animation member 36 is rotated and pivots relative to the first animation member 35.Other fixing elements are however conceivable within the framework of the invention for fixing the first and second animation members 35, 36 to the first carriage 6 and / or to the first arm 7.

[0043] The guide groove 22 of the cam 2 is for example configured to successively move the first transmission member 3 and the second transmission member 4, thus allowing a succession of translational movements of the character and pivoting movements of the upper part of its body. However, depending on the desired scenography, simultaneous movements of the first and second transmission members 3, 4 are possible in order to obtain combined movements of the animation members.

[0044] With reference to Figure 5, the guide groove 22 comprises for example at least one active portion 222, 224 and at least one inactive portion 221, 223. In an active portion 222, 224, the distance from the guide groove 22 to the axis of rotation 20 of the cam 2 varies, which causes the movement of any transmission member whose cam follower member is located in such an active portion 222, 224 when the cam is rotating. In an inactive portion 221, 223, the distance from the guide groove to the axis of rotation 20 of the cam 2 is constant, so that any transmission member whose cam follower member is located in such an inactive portion 221, 223 when the cam 2 is rotating remains substantially stationary.According to the illustrated embodiment, the relative positions in the guide groove 22 of the pin 31 of the first transmission member 3 and of the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 are for example chosen so that these pins 31, 41 are practically never simultaneously in an active portion 222, 224 of the guide groove 22. According to the illustrated embodiment, the animation mechanism comprises three transmission members 3, 4, 5. The third transmission member 5 is preferably arranged in a similar manner to the first transmission member 3. The third transmission member 5 is for example a lever pivoted at one of its ends around an axis of rotation 50. The other end of the lever is kinematically linked to a second carriage 8 mounted to move in translation. The pin 51 of the lever 5 is positioned between the two ends.The animation mechanism 1 is configured so that the rotation of the lever 5 causes the translation of the second carriage 8. The lever 5 and the second carriage 8 are for example kinematically linked by a pin of a first part inserted into an oblong of the other part. A pin 81 of the second carriage 8 is for example inserted into an oblong 52 of the lever 5. The translational travel of the second carriage 8 is preferably guided by fixed elements, for example by two fixed bearings 82, each inserted into an oblong 83 of the second carriage 8, the two oblongs 83 being oriented in the same direction, for example horizontally relative to the scene formed by the characters.

[0045] The second carriage 8 comprises a second arm 9 mounted rotatably on the second carriage 8, and the distal end of which 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 rotation of the second arm 9 about its axis of rotation. The second arm 9 and the rod 4 are for example kinematically connected to each other by a pin of one part inserted into an oblong of the other part. A pin 91 of the second arm 9 is for example inserted into an oblong 46 of the rod 4.The oblong 46 of the rod 4 is oriented parallel to the direction of translation of the second carriage 8, for example horizontally relative to the scene formed by the characters, so that when the second carriage 8 translates under the effect of the movement of the third transmission member 5 and the second transmission member 4 is stationary, the second arm 9 does not pivot relative to the second carriage 8.

[0046] The second carriage 8 comprises at least one fixing element for fixing to the second carriage 8 the third animation member 55 (visible in FIG. 1) representing the supporting leg of the female character, for example a barrel 80 secured to the second carriage 8 arranged around the axis of rotation 90 of the second arm 9. The second arm 9 comprises at least one fixing element for fixing to the second arm 9 the fourth animation member 56 (visible in FIG. 1) representing the body of the female character, for example a barrel 92 arranged around the axis of rotation 90 of the second arm 9. According to the invention, the third animation member 55 is fixed to the second carriage 8, for example to the barrel 80 secured to the second carriage 8, while the fourth animation member is fixed to the second arm 9, for example to the barrel 92 secured to the second arm 9, thus kinematically linking the fourth animation member to the third animation member animation.In particular, the fourth animation member is mounted to be movable in rotation relative to the third animation member by means of the second arm 9 which is mounted to be movable in rotation on the second carriage 8. Thus, when the second carriage 8 is moved in translation under the effect of the third transmission member 5, the third and fourth animation members 55, 56 move together in translation. When the second arm 9 is rotated under the effect of the second transmission member 4, the fourth animation member 56 is rotated and pivots relative to the third animation member 55. Other fixing elements are however conceivable within the scope of the invention for fixing the third and fourth animation members 55, 56 to the second carriage 8 and / or to the second arm 9.

[0047] Preferably, 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(s) 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 illustrated embodiment, 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, one end of which is a pin intended to be inserted into the guide groove 22 and the other end is used for pivoting the eccentric to adjust the position of the pin along the second transmission member 4.Rotating the eccentric by a fraction of a turn makes it possible to adjust the position of the pin along the second transmission member and consequently 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 cam follower member(s) makes it possible to adjust the relative position of the animation members in order, for example, to compensate for positioning errors and / or manufacturing clearances of the animation members and / or during maintenance operations to compensate for any misadjustments that may have occurred over time.

[0048] According to the embodiment illustrated by the figures, the cam 2 comprises four active portions 222, 224 and four inactive portions 221, 223 arranged alternately around the axis of rotation 20 of the cam 2. The active portions 222, 224 and inactive portions 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 an active portion 222, 224 of the cam groove 22, the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is located in an inactive portion 223 of the cam groove 22, and when the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is located in an active portion 222, 224 of the cam groove 22, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 are located in an inactive portion 223 of the cam groove 22.So, when cam 2 is rotating, the characters move either by translation or by pivoting their upper body.

[0049] The active portions 222, 224 and inactive portions 221, 223 are for example distributed in such a way that the guide groove 22 is continuous and comprises for example a sequence 221, 222, 223, 224 of active and / or inactive portions which is repeated at least once over the total circumference of the guide groove 22. In the counterclockwise direction, the guide groove 22 successively comprises for example, over a half-turn:

[0050] - an upper inactive portion 221 in which the distance from the guide groove 22 to the axis of rotation 20 is constant and maximum;

[0051] - a decreasing active portion 222 in which the distance from the guide groove 22 to the axis of rotation 20 decreases in the counterclockwise direction;

[0052] - a low inactive portion 223 in which the distance from the guide groove 22 to the axis of rotation 20 is constant and minimal;

[0053] - an increasing active portion 224 in which the distance from the guide groove 22 to the axis of rotation 20 increases in the counterclockwise direction.

[0054] The sequence of four portions 221, 222, 223, 224 above is then repeated on the other half of the guide groove 22.

[0055] Figures 6 to 12 illustrate several successive instantaneous positions of the animation mechanism 1 during an animation cycle, without the animation members for greater readability.

[0056] The cam 2 is mounted integral in rotation with a toothed wheel 21 which allows it to be driven by a gear train driven by the motor member. The cam 2 and the toothed wheel 21 are for example a single piece. The animation mechanism 1 is driven so that the cam 2 rotates clockwise. The pins 31, 41, 51 thus travel counterclockwise along the guide groove 22.

[0057] Figure 6 shows the animation mechanism 1 shortly after the start of the rotation of the cam 2 from the rest position illustrated in Figure 2. In this position, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 each enter a decreasing active part 222 of the cam groove 22 which brings them closer to the axis of rotation 20 of the cam 2. The first transmission member 3 thus 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 and third transmission members 3, 5 causes the horizontal translation of the first and second carriages 6, 8 towards each other. The pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is located in a lower inactive portion 223 of the cam groove 22, so that the second transmission member 4 remains stationary.The characters are thus brought closer to each other without the upper part of their body 36, 56 pivoting in relation to the lower part 35, 55.

[0058] In the position illustrated in Figure 7, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 are each at the end of the respective decreasing active portion 222. The first and third transmission members 3, 5 are therefore at the end of their rotational movement towards the center of the animation mechanism 1, and the first and second carriages 6, 8 are as close as possible to each other. The pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is at the end of the lower inactive portion 223 in which it has been since the start of the animation cycle. The second transmission member 4 is therefore still in its initial position. The characters are thus as close as possible face to face with each other in an upright position.

[0059] In the position illustrated in Figure 8, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 are each located in a lower inactive portion 223 of the cam groove 22, while the cam follower member 41 of the second transmission member 4 is located in an increasing active portion 224 which tends to move it away from the axis of rotation, which has the effect, according to the illustrated configuration of the animation mechanism 1, of moving the second transmission member 4 in translation downwards relative to the scene represented by the animated characters. 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 carriages 6, 8 which are inserted into the oblongs 45, 46 visible for example in Figure 2.Driving the pins 71, 91 causes the first and second arms 7, 9 to pivot so that the busts of the figures lean towards each other.

[0060] In the position illustrated in Figure 9, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 are still in the same lower inactive portion 223, while the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is at the end of the increasing active portion 224 and is about to enter a high inactive portion 221. The pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is in its position furthest from the axis of rotation 20 of the cam 2. The second transmission member 4 is therefore in its lowest position and the upper body 36, 56 of the figures is leaning forward, their heads touching as if to give each other a kiss.

[0061] According to the illustrated embodiment, and as explained above, the relative position of the second transmission member 4 with respect to the axis of rotation of the cam 2 can be adjusted. Preferably, the vertical position of the second transmission member 4 is adjusted so that in its lowest position the second and fourth animation members representing the heads of the characters are exactly flush with each other. The adjustment is preferably carried out following the assembly of the animation mechanism 1, for example to compensate for errors in positioning and / or manufacturing of the animation members and / or during maintenance operations to compensate for any misadjustments occurring over time.

[0062] In the position illustrated in Figure 10, the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 is at the end of the upper inactive portion 221 while the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 are still in the same lower inactive portion 223 as previously. Between the position illustrated in Figure 9 and that illustrated in Figure 10, which corresponds in the illustrated embodiment to a rotation of approximately 30° of the cam 2, the characters thus remained motionless in the kissing position. Following this position, the cam 2 continuing its rotation, the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 enters a decreasing active portion 222 which will guide it in the direction of the axis of rotation 20 of the cam 2.The second transmission member 4 is thus moved upwards, pivoting the first and second arms 7, 9 of the first and second carriages 6, 8 so as to return the upper bodies 36, 56 of the characters to their upright position, in the position illustrated in FIG. 11. During this rotation of the cam 2, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 remain in the inactive portion 223. The lower bodies 35, 55 of the animated characters therefore remain stationary while they straighten up.

[0063] In the position illustrated in Figure 11, the pin 41 of the second transmission member 4 leaves the decreasing active portion 222 to enter a lower inactive portion 223, while the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 each leave a lower inactive portion 223 to enter an increasing active portion 224 while the cam 2 continues its rotation. The second transmission member 4 is therefore immobilized while the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 are moved away from the axis of rotation 20 of the cam 2 by the guide profile 22. The first and second carriages 6, 8 are moved under the effect of the rotation of the first and third transmission members 3, 5 towards the outside of the animation mechanism 1. The characters are thus moved away from each other to return to their starting position.

[0064] At the end of an animation cycle, the animation mechanism 1 is in the position illustrated in Figure 12. According to the illustrated embodiment, the cam 2 makes a half-turn per animation cycle. In the position illustrated in Figure 12, all the pins 31, 41, 51 are in an inactive portion 221, 223 of the guide groove 22. An advantage of such a configuration is that the position of the characters at the end of a cycle will always be identical, even if the angular position of the cam 2 at the end of the cycle is not always exactly the same.

[0065] In the next animation cycle, cam 2 will again make a half-turn on itself which, due to the repetition of sequence 221,

[0066] 222, 223, 224 of the active and inactive portions of the guide profile 22, will animate the animation mechanism 1 in the same manner as indicated above.

[0067] Other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. In particular, the length and number of active and inactive portions of the guide groove may be different. The number of repetitions of the sequence of active and / or inactive portions on the circumference of the guide groove may also be different, for example two, three or four, depending for example on the amplitude of the rotation of the cam during an animation cycle and / or on the number of guided transmission members. However, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the guide groove does not include a sequence repetition, the cam then performing for example one complete revolution per animation cycle. It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that the guide groove does not include an inactive portion, all the transmission members being moved simultaneously as soon as the cam is in motion.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the animation mechanism 1 comprises three transmission members 3, 4, 5, including two levers 3, 5 and a rod 4, set in motion by the same guide groove 22 of the cam 2. The number and type of transmission member can however be chosen differently within the scope of the invention, at least two transmission members being set in motion by the same guide groove. The follower members of the at least two transmission members being inserted at different positions in the guide groove, these at least two transmission members are guided along the same curve formed by the guide groove, but in a phase-shifted manner.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission members rotated by the cam generate linear movements of the animation members, while the transmission member moved in translation by the cam generates rotary movements of the animation members. Other combinations of movements are however possible within the scope of the invention according to the needs of the animation and / or the display guided by the cam. Within the scope of the invention, it is possible for transmission members rotated by the cam to generate rotational and / or translational movements of animation members, and / or for transmission members moved in translation by the cam to generate translational and / or rotational movements of animation members.

Claims

Claims 1. Animation mechanism (1) comprising: a cam (2) mounted to move in rotation about an axis of rotation (20) of the cam (2), the cam (2) comprising a guide groove (22), a first animation member (35) kinematically linked to the cam (2) by a first transmission member (3), a second animation member (36) kinematically linked to the cam (2) by a second transmission member (4), the first transmission member (3) and the second transmission member (4) each comprising a cam follower member (31, 41) intended to cooperate with the guide groove (22).

2. Animation mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the second animation member (36) is kinematically linked to the first animation member (35).

3. Animation mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the second animation member (36) is mounted to be movable in rotation relative to the first animation member (35).

4. Animation mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a first carriage (6) and a first arm (7) mounted to move in rotation on the first carriage (6), the first carriage (6) being kinematically linked to the first transmission member (3) and the first arm (7) being kinematically linked to the second transmission member (4), the first animation member (35) being fixed on the first carriage (6) and the second animation member (36) being fixed on the first arm (7).

5. Animation mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first carriage (6) is mounted to move in translation.

6. Animation mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide groove (22) is arranged around the axis of rotation (20) of the cam (2) and wherein said cam follower member (31, 41) is inserted into the guide groove.

7. Animation mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the guide groove (22) forms a closed curve.

8. Animation mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first transmission member (3) is a lever mounted to move in rotation and the second transmission member (4) is a rod mounted to move in translation.

9. Animation mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide groove (22) comprises at least one active portion (222, 224) in which the distance from the guide groove (22) to the axis of rotation (20) of the cam (2) is variable and at least one inactive portion (221, 223) in which the distance from the guide groove (22) to the axis of rotation (20) of the cam (2) is constant, the animation mechanism (1) being configured so that when the cam follower member (31) of the first transmission member (3) follows an active portion (222, 224) of the guide groove (22), the cam follower member (41) of the second transmission member (4) follows an inactive portion (223) of the guide groove (22), and so that when the cam follower member (4 ... the cam follower member (41) of the second transmission member (4) follows an inactive portion (223) of the guide groove (22), and so that when the cam follower member (41) of the first transmission member (3) follows an active portion (222, 224) of the guide groove (2 ) of the second transmission member (4) follows an active portion (222, 224) of the guide groove (22), the cam follower member (31) of the first transmission member (3) follows an inactive portion (223) of the guide groove (22).

10. Animation mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third animation member (55), a fourth animation member (56) and a third transmission member (5), the third animation member (55) being kinematically linked to the cam (2) by the third transmission member (5) and the fourth animation member (56) being linked to the cam (2) by the second transmission member (4), the third transmission member (5) comprising a cam follower member (51) inserted in the guide groove (22).

11. Animation mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, configured so that when the cam follower member (31) of the first transmission member (3) follows an active portion (222, 224) of the guide groove (22), the cam follower member (51) of the third transmission member (5) follows an active portion (222, 224) of the guide groove (22), and so that when the cam follower member (31) of the first transmission member (3) follows an inactive portion (221, 223) of the guide groove (22), the cam follower member (51) of the third transmission member (5) follows an inactive portion (221, 223) of the guide groove (22).

12. Animation mechanism (1) according to one of claims 10 and 11, in which the third transmission member (5) is a lever mounted to be movable in rotation.

13. Animation mechanism (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, in which the first animation member (35) represents the lower body of a first character, the second animation member (36) represents the upper body of the body of the first character, the third animation member (55) represents the lower body of a second character and the fourth animation member (56) represents the upper body of the second character, the animation mechanism (1) being configured so that during an animation cycle corresponding to a rotation of the cam (2) by a half-turn from a starting position, the first and second characters thus carry out the following successive movements: - the lower part of their bodies (35; 55) and the upper part of their bodies (36; 56) translate together towards each other; - the upper part of their bodies (36; 56) pivots relative to the lower part of their bodies (35; 55) which remains immobile, so that their heads move closer to each other; - the upper part of their bodies (36; 56) pivots in the opposite direction while the lower part of their bodies (35, 55) always remains motionless; - their lower bodies (35; 55) and their upper bodies (36; 56) translate together to move away from each other and return to the starting position.

14. Animation mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the position of the cam follower member (41) of the second transmission member (4) is adjustable to adjust the relative position of the second transmission member (4) with respect to the axis of rotation (20) of the cam (2).

15. Timepiece (10) comprising an animation mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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