Mechanical clock

Abstract

To provide a mechanical clock capable of realizing more complex mechanical (automaton) movements, including decorative elements.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a mechanical clock (1) including: a base plate (3); a first rotating body (50) rotatable relative to the base plate about a first axis (O1); a second rotating body (80) rotatable relative to each of the base plate and the first rotating body about the first axis; a rotation driving mechanism (110) for rotating the first rotating body in a first rotational direction; and an interlocking mechanism for rotating the second rotating body in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in association with the rotation of the first rotating body. At least one of the first and second rotating bodies is provided with a plurality of gears rotatably supported by the corresponding rotating body, the plurality of gears revolving around the first axis in association with the rotation of the corresponding rotating body while rotating on their own axes in the same direction as the rotation direction of the corresponding rotating body. Decorative elements (10) are fixed to the respective gears so as not to rotate relative to the gears.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical clock. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, mechanical clocks with moving decorative bodies have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The mechanical clock described in Patent Document 1 comprises a main plate, a rotating plate that rotates relative to the main plate, a plurality of gears rotatably supported on the rotating plate, and a plurality of decorative bodies (decorative plates) connected to the plurality of gears, respectively. Each of the plurality of gears is meshed with an external tooth portion or an internal tooth portion formed on the main plate, and is rotatable in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating plate. As a result, when the rotating plate rotates clockwise, for example, the gears rotate (revolve) in the same direction as the rotating plate, clockwise, while meshing with the external or internal teeth, causing them to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. Therefore, when a predetermined time arrives, each ornament connected to each gear moves in such a way that it rotates on its own axis while revolving together with the rotating plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6088898 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional mechanical clocks, because a single rotating plate rotates in one direction, the gears and ornaments rotate on their own axes, but revolve in the same direction as the rotating plate, which tends to result in monotonous movement. In particular, because multiple gears revolve together with the rotating plate, the relative positions of the rotation axes of each gear are always constant. This results in monotonous movement of the multiple ornaments, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a mechanical clock that can realize more complex mechanical operations, including decorative elements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The mechanical clock of the present invention comprises a base plate, a first rotating body that is rotatable relative to the base plate around a first axis, a second rotating body that is rotatable relative to each of the base plate and the first rotating body around the first axis, a rotation drive mechanism that rotates the first rotating body in a first rotation direction, and a linkage mechanism that rotates the second rotating body in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating body, and is characterized in that at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body has a plurality of gears that are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction around the first axis and are rotatably supported by the one rotating body, and the multiple gears rotate around the first axis in conjunction with the rotation of the one rotating body, while rotating in the same rotation direction as the rotation direction of the one rotating body, and each of the multiple gears has a decorative body attached to it that cannot rotate.

[0007] In the mechanical clock of the present invention, the rotation drive mechanism rotates the first rotating body in a first rotation direction, and the interlocking mechanism rotates the second rotating body in a second rotation direction in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating body. This allows the first rotating body and the second rotating body to rotate (revolve) in opposite directions around the first axis. Furthermore, multiple gears to which decorative bodies are attached are rotatably supported on at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body. This allows the multiple gears and decorative bodies to rotate (revolve) in the same rotational direction as the one rotating body in conjunction with the revolution of the other rotating body, while also rotating in the same rotational direction.

[0008] Therefore, while the first rotating body and the second rotating body revolve in opposite directions, the decorative body can be rotated while revolving in the same direction as one of the rotating bodies. In particular, unlike conventional mechanical clocks, the two rotating bodies revolve in opposite directions, which makes for visually interesting movements. In addition, since the decorative body can be rotated while revolving in the same direction as one of the rotating bodies, the synergistic effect of the movements of the two rotating bodies and the decorative body can make for more complex and interesting movements.

[0009] (2) The plurality of gears may include a plurality of first gears rotatably supported on the first rotating body around a second axis and a plurality of second gears rotatably supported on the second rotating body around a third axis, and the decorative body may include a first decorative body non-rotatably attached to each of the plurality of first gears and a second decorative body non-rotatably attached to each of the plurality of second gears.

[0010] In this case, while the first rotating body and the second rotating body revolve in opposite directions, the multiple first gears to which the first decorative body is attached can be rotated while revolving in the same first rotational direction as the first rotating body, and further, the multiple second gears to which the second decorative body is attached can be rotated while revolving in the same second rotational direction as the second rotating body. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the movement of the two rotating bodies and the movement of the two decorative bodies allows for even more complex and interesting movements. In particular, the second axis, which is the axis of rotation of the first gear, and the third axis, which is the axis of rotation of the second gear, can be changed in positional relationship so that they pass each other in the circumferential direction by the revolution of the two rotating bodies in opposite directions. This makes it possible to make the first decorative body and the second decorative body appear to be moving in a complex manner, realizing even more interesting movements.

[0011] (3) First information may be displayed on the first rotating body, and second information may be displayed on the second rotating body.

[0012] In this case, in addition to the movement of the first rotating body and the second rotating body revolving in opposite directions, the change in the positional relationship between the first information and the second information can further emphasize the visually spectacular and complex movement.

[0013] (4) The interlocking mechanism may include an internal tooth portion formed in a ring shape so as to extend in the circumferential direction on the first rotating body and facing radially inward so as to intersect with the first axis in a planar view seen from the first axis direction; an external tooth portion formed in a ring shape so as to extend in the circumferential direction on the second rotating body and facing radially outward so as to face the internal tooth portion in the radial direction; and an intermediate gear rotatably supported on the base plate so as to be positioned between the internal tooth portion and the external tooth portion and meshing with each of the internal tooth portion and the external tooth portion.

[0014] In this case, the rotational force of the first rotating body can be efficiently transmitted to the second rotating body via the intermediate gear, and the first rotating body and the second rotating body can be appropriately revolved in opposite directions by interposing the intermediate gear therebetween. Therefore, by using the intermediate gear, the second rotating body can be appropriately rotated in conjunction with (synchronized with) the rotation of the first rotating body, which can lead to a mechanical operation.

[0015] (5) The intermediate gear may include a first intermediate tooth portion that meshes with the internal tooth portion and a second intermediate tooth portion that meshes with the external tooth portion and has a different number of teeth than the first intermediate tooth portion, and the intermediate gear may vary the rotational speed of the second rotating body relative to the rotational speed of the first rotating body based on the ratio between the number of teeth of the first intermediate tooth portion and the number of teeth of the second intermediate tooth portion.

[0016] In this case, the rotational speed of the first rotating body and the rotational speed of the second rotating body can be adjusted by adjusting the reduction ratio based on the ratio between the number of teeth of the first intermediate toothed portion and the number of teeth of the second intermediate toothed portion of the intermediate gear. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the speed appropriately depending on, for example, the purpose of the mechanical clock, the size and type of the decorative body (first decorative body, second decorative body), the operating pattern, etc., and it is possible to realize even more diverse and complex operations.

[0017] (6) The ratio may be set so that the rotation speed of the first rotating body and the rotation speed of the second rotating body are the same.

[0018] In this case, the first rotating body and the second rotating body can be made to revolve in opposite directions at the same rotation speed. Therefore, the first decorative body and the second decorative body can be made to revolve in opposite directions at the same rotation speed, and can be made to move past each other in the circumferential direction, almost touching each other but not actually touching each other. This makes it possible to create a movement that is visually surprising.

[0019] (7) The rotational drive mechanism may be formed in a ring shape so as to extend in the circumferential direction of the first rotating body, and may include a drive external tooth portion that is arranged radially outward of the internal tooth portion and faces radially outward, a drive gear, and a drive source provided on the base plate; and a transmission gear train that is rotatably supported on the base plate, meshes with each of the drive gear and the drive external tooth portion, and transmits the rotational force of the drive gear to the first rotating body.

[0020] In this case, by operating a drive source such as a motor to rotate the drive gear, the rotational force of the drive gear can be efficiently transmitted to the external drive teeth portion via the transmission gear train, thereby allowing the first rotor to rotate stably and appropriately, leading to subsequent complex operations.

[0021] (8) The base plate may be provided with first rotation teeth that extend annularly along the circumferential direction and are meshed with the plurality of first gears, and second rotation teeth that extend annularly along the circumferential direction and are meshed with the plurality of second gears, wherein the plurality of first gears rotate in the first rotation direction while meshing with the first rotation teeth in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating body, and rotate around the second axis in the same rotation direction as the first rotation direction, and the plurality of second gears rotate in the second rotation direction while meshing with the second rotation teeth in conjunction with the rotation of the second rotating body, and rotate around the third axis in the same rotation direction as the second rotation direction.

[0022] In this case, in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating body, the multiple first gears meshing with the first rotation teeth can be reliably revolved in the first rotation direction while reliably rotating in the same rotation direction as the first rotation direction. Similarly, in conjunction with the rotation of the second rotating body, the multiple second gears meshing with the second rotation teeth can be reliably revolved in the second rotation direction while reliably rotating in the same rotation direction as the second rotation direction. Therefore, the first gears and the second gears can be revolved and rotated in a stable state. As a result, the first decorative body and the second decorative body can also move stably without any rattle or the like.

[0023] (9) The first gears and the second gears may be meshed with the first rotation teeth and the second rotation teeth so that their rotation speeds are the same.

[0024] In this case, the first attachment and the second ornament can be rotated at the same rotation speed, so that they can be made to move in a synchronized manner, for example.

[0025] (10) The first decorative body is formed in a plate shape and displaces parallel to the base plate in conjunction with the first gear, the second decorative body is formed in a plate shape and arranged at a distance from the first decorative body in the first axial direction and displaces parallel to the base plate in conjunction with the second gear, at least a portion of the outer shape of the first decorative body has a flat portion formed in a straight line when viewed in a plan view from the first axial direction, and the flat portion may be arranged so as not to overlap with the second gear in the first axial direction before and during the displacement of the first decorative body.

[0026] In this case, for example, the first decorative body and the second decorative body can be used as decorative plates, and can perform flashy and interesting movements such as complex radial and circumferential displacements in conjunction with the revolution of the first and second rotating bodies. In particular, since the first decorative body has a flat portion, even if some parts are attached to the second gear, it is possible to avoid contact with these parts during the displacement of the first decorative body. Therefore, the first decorative body can be appropriately revolved and rotated in conjunction with the first gear, thereby realizing complex movements. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the mechanical clock of the present invention, it is possible to realize more complex and interesting mechanical operations, including ornaments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a first embodiment of a mechanical clock according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a front view showing a state in which a mechanism operation is being performed from the state shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mechanical clock with the decorative panel and hands shown in FIG. 1 removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view mainly showing the base plate and the rotation drive mechanism shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5]7 is a perspective view (partially including a cross-sectional view) of a linkage mechanism including an intermediate gear arranged between the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate shown in FIG. 3, and corresponds to a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a perspective view of the mechanism in a state where the decorative body, the first rotating decorative plate, and the second rotating decorative plate have been removed from the state shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first rotating plate shown in FIG. 6, seen from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first rotating plate shown in FIG. 8, seen from below. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mechanism in a state where the decorative body and the second rotating decorative plate have been removed from the state shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mechanism with the decorative body removed from the state shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a second embodiment of a mechanical clock according to the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is a front view showing a state in which a mechanism operation is being performed from the state shown in FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the mechanical clock shown in FIG. 12 with the hands and other components removed. [Figure 15] This is a top view of the mechanism in a state where the hands, first decorative body, second decorative body, first rotating decorative plate, second rotating decorative plate, etc. have been removed from the state shown in Figure 12. [Figure 16] 13 is a top view of the mechanism in a state where the pointer, the first ornament, the second ornament, etc. have been removed from the state shown in FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 17] 15 is a perspective view of the mechanical clock in the state shown in FIG. 14 with the second ornament removed. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a top view showing a third embodiment of a mechanical clock according to the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the mechanical clock in a state where the hands have been removed from the state shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] This is an oblique view of the mechanical clock in the state shown in Figure 19 with the second rotating decorative body removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of a mechanical clock according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (Outline of the mechanical clock) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the mechanical clock 1 of this embodiment comprises a decorative panel 2 with an opening 2a formed in the center when viewed from the front, a base plate 3 arranged behind the decorative panel 2, a mechanical mechanism 4 arranged inside the opening 2a, and hands (hour and minute hands) 5 that indicate the time. The mechanical clock 1 of this embodiment is a so-called wall-mounted type. Note that the decorative panel 2 and the hands 5 are not shown in Figure 3.

[0030] The decorative board 2 has an elliptical outer shape when viewed from the front. However, the shape of the decorative board 2 is not limited to this and may be changed as appropriate. The opening 2a is formed in a circular shape centered on the first axis O1, which is the central axis of the mechanism 4, and is formed so as to penetrate the decorative board 2 in the thickness direction.

[0031] In this embodiment, the direction from the base plate 3 to the decorative plate 2 along the first axis O1 (direction toward the front side) is defined as the upward direction, and the opposite direction (direction toward the back side) is defined as the downward direction. In addition, in a plan view seen from the direction of the first axis O1, the direction intersecting the first axis O1 is defined as the radial direction, and the direction going around the first axis O1 is defined as the circumferential direction. Furthermore, in a plan view seen from the direction of the first axis O1, one direction centered on the first axis O1 is defined as a first rotation direction M1, and the opposite direction to the first rotation direction M1 is defined as a second rotation direction M2. In this embodiment, the counterclockwise rotation direction is defined as the first rotation direction M1, and the clockwise rotation direction is defined as the second rotation direction M2. Therefore, the hands 5 (hour hand and minute hand) rotate in the second rotation direction M2, which is clockwise.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the mechanical mechanism 4 comprises a first rotating decorative plate 70 arranged above the decorative plate 2, a second rotating decorative plate 100 arranged above the first rotating decorative plate 70, and a plurality of decorative bodies (second decorative bodies according to the present invention) 10 arranged above the second rotating decorative plate 100. In addition, FIG. 1 shows the first rotating decorative plate 70, the second rotating decorative plate 100 and the plurality of decorative bodies 10 in their initial positions.

[0033] The first rotating decorative plate 70 is rotatable about a first axis O1 relative to the main plate 3, and is one component constituting the first rotating body 50, which will be described later. The first rotating decorative plate 70 is formed in the shape of an annular plate with a predetermined thickness. The first rotating decorative plate 70 is formed with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening 2a of the decorative plate 2, and is sized to fit inside the opening 2a of the decorative plate 2 in a plan view. When a predetermined time arrives, the first rotating decorative plate 70 rotates (revolves) in the first rotation direction M1 for a certain period of time. The first rotating decorative plate 70 will be described in detail later.

[0034] The second rotating decorative plate 100 is rotatable about a first axis O1 relative to both the main plate 3 and the first rotating decorative plate 70, and is one component that constitutes the second rotating body 80, which will be described later. The second rotating decorative plate 100 is formed in the shape of a plate that is circular in plan view and has the same thickness as the first rotating decorative plate 70. The second rotating decorative plate 100 is formed with the same diameter as the first rotating decorative plate 70, and is sized to fit inside the opening 2a of the decorative plate 2 in plan view. The second rotating decorative plate 100 is positioned so that it overlaps the first rotating decorative plate 70 from above, with a predetermined gap between them. When a predetermined time arrives, the second rotating decorative plate 100 rotates (revolves) in the second rotation direction M2 for a certain period of time. The second rotating decorative plate 100 will be described in detail later.

[0035] The mechanical clock 1 of this embodiment is equipped with three decorative bodies 10. The three decorative bodies 10 are arranged circumferentially at equal intervals around the first axis O1. The three decorative bodies 10 are formed in the shape of plates with the same thickness as the second rotating decorative plate 100, and are arranged so as to overlap from above with a predetermined interval between them relative to the second rotating decorative plate 100. Therefore, the decorative bodies 10 are arranged above the second rotating decorative plate 100 with an interval between them in the direction of the first axis O1. The three decorative bodies 10 are movable in parallel to the base plate 3 in conjunction with the second gear 37, which will be described later. Specifically, the three decorative bodies 10 are rotatable about a third axis (rotation axis) O3 in the second rotation direction M2 while rotating (revolving) in the second rotation direction M2, which is the same as the rotation direction of the second rotating decorative plate 100.

[0036] Therefore, when a predetermined time arrives, the three ornamental bodies 10 rotate while revolving in the second rotation direction M2 for a certain period of time. As a result, the three ornamental bodies 10 undergo complex displacement in the radial and circumferential directions. The ornamental bodies 10 will be described in detail later.

[0037] In the initial state shown in Figure 1, the decorative body 10 located at the 12 o'clock position on the clock clearly displays the numbers "11," "12," and "1" indicating the hours. The decorative body 10 located further away from this decorative body 10 in the second rotation direction M2 clearly displays the numbers "3," "4," and "5" indicating the hours. Furthermore, the decorative body 10 located further away from this decorative body 10 in the second rotation direction M2 clearly displays the numbers "7," "8," and "9" indicating the hours.

[0038] In the mechanical clock 1 of this embodiment, when a predetermined time is reached, the first rotating decorative plate 70 revolves in a first rotation direction M1, while the second rotating decorative plate 100 revolves in a second rotation direction M2, as shown in FIG. 2 from the state shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the first rotating decorative plate 70 and the second rotating decorative plate 100 revolve in opposite directions. In addition, each of the three decorative bodies 10 revolves in the second rotation direction M2 while rotating on its own axis in the second rotation direction M2. After a certain time has passed, the first rotating decorative plate 70, the second rotating decorative plate 100, and the three decorative bodies 10 return to their initial positions shown in FIG. 1. In this way, the mechanical clock 1 performs a mechanical operation each time a predetermined time is reached. The operation of the mechanical clock 1 will be explained in detail later. Furthermore, while the mechanical operation is being performed, it may be configured to output sound such as music from a speaker (not shown).

[0039] (Main components of Karakuri Clock 1) Next, the main parts of the mechanical clock 1 will be described. (base plate) 3 to 5, the base plate 3 has a circular outer shape in a plan view seen from the first axis O1 direction, and is formed into a multi-stage plate shape with repeated steps in the first axis O1 direction. The base plate 3 is an injection-molded product made of synthetic resin or the like. The base plate 3 has a circular outer shape so that it has an outer size equivalent to that of the decorative panel 2, for example.

[0040] The base plate 3 comprises an annular flange portion 20, an annular accommodating groove 21 that is positioned radially inward from the flange portion 20 and opens upward, an annular middle stage portion 22 that is positioned radially inward from the accommodating groove 21, and a topped cylindrical central portion 23 that is positioned radially inward from the middle stage portion 22 and opens downward.

[0041] The flange portion 20 is formed in an annular shape that extends continuously in the circumferential direction about the first axis O1. Fixing screws 24 for fixing the decorative plate 2 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral edge of the flange portion 20. On the underside of the decorative plate 2 shown in FIG. 1, for example, boss portions 2b that protrude downward are formed in correspondence with the fixing screws 24. The decorative plate 2 is combined integrally with the base plate 3 by screwing the fixing screws 24 into the boss portions 2b. The decorative plate 2 is combined with the base plate 3 by the boss portion 2b with a fixed gap therebetween in the direction of the first axis O1.

[0042] 4, an upwardly opening accommodating case 25 is integrally formed with a part of the flange portion 20. The interior of the accommodating case 25 serves as an accommodating space for accommodating a drive motor 111 and a transmission gear train 112, which will be described later. The accommodating space is connected to the inside of the accommodating groove 21.

[0043] 4 and 5, the housing groove 21 is mainly composed of an outer housing wall 21a extending downward from the inner peripheral edge of the flange portion 20, an annular housing bottom wall 21b extending radially inward from the lower end of the outer housing wall 21a, and an inner housing wall 21c extending upward from the inner peripheral edge of the housing bottom wall 21b. As a result, the housing groove 21 is formed in an annular shape that extends continuously in the circumferential direction about the first axis O1 and is open upward.

[0044] The middle stage 22 is connected to the upper end of the inner storage wall 21c and extends radially inward from the upper end. As a result, the middle stage 22 is formed in an annular shape that extends continuously in the circumferential direction around the first axis O1. The middle stage 22 is positioned slightly below the upper end of the inner storage wall 21c.

[0045] The middle stage 22 is provided with a plurality of first holders 30 and a plurality of second holders 31 spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The plurality of first holders 30 have the function of rotatably holding a first rotary plate 60 (described later) and positioning the first rotary plate 60 relative to the main plate 3 along the first axis O1. The second holders 31 are arranged, for example, so as to be located between adjacent first holders 30 in the circumferential direction. The second holders 31 rotatably hold a second rotating plate 90 (described later) and have the function of preventing the second rotating plate 90 from coming off the main plate 3 along the first axis O1 direction.

[0046] The central portion 23 has a central peripheral wall 23a extending upward from the inner peripheral edge of the middle stage portion 22, and a central top wall 23b that is circular in plan view and connected to the upper end of the central peripheral wall 23a. An accommodation space S that opens downward is formed inside the central portion 23. The central peripheral wall 23a extends upward so that the central top wall 23b is positioned above the flange portion 20.

[0047] The main plate 3 configured as described above is formed with a first rotation tooth portion 26 and a second rotation tooth portion 27, respectively. The first rotation teeth 26 are formed integrally with the upper end of the inner housing wall 21c and are formed around the entire circumference of the inner housing wall 21c. As a result, the first rotation teeth 26 are formed in an annular shape that extends continuously in the circumferential direction around the first axis O1. The first rotation teeth 26 are external teeth that face radially outward. Note that the first rotation teeth 26 are formed so that the tooth tips do not protrude radially outward beyond the inner housing wall 21c.

[0048] The second rotation teeth 27 are formed integrally with the upper end of the central peripheral wall 23a and are formed around the entire circumference of the central peripheral wall 23a. As a result, the second rotation teeth 27 are formed in an annular shape that extends continuously in the circumferential direction around the first axis O1. The second rotation teeth 27 are external teeth that face radially outward. Note that the second rotation teeth 27 are formed so that the tooth tips do not protrude radially outward beyond the central peripheral wall 23a. The second rotation teeth 27 are also positioned above the first rotation teeth 26.

[0049] (Movement) In the main plate 3 configured as described above, a movement 40 is disposed in an accommodation space S formed inside the central portion 23, as shown in FIG. 1 and 2, and also has the function of controlling the operation of the mechanical mechanism 4. The movement 40 is disposed in the storage space S by being held by a holder (not shown) that is formed, for example, so as to extend downward from the central top wall 23b.

[0050] The movement 40 has at least a rotating shaft (including an hour hand rotating shaft and a minute hand rotating shaft) 41. The rotating shaft 41 is disposed coaxially with the first axis O1 and protrudes upward through a through-hole (not shown) formed in the central top wall 23b. The hands (hour hand and minute hand) 5 shown in Figures 1 and 2 are attached to the upper end of the rotating shaft 41.

[0051] Furthermore, a cylindrical protective member 42 that protects the rotating shaft 41 is attached to the central top wall 23b. The protective member 42 has an insertion hole (not shown) through which the rotating shaft 41 is inserted, and protects the rotating shaft 41 by surrounding it from the outside in the radial direction. This prevents inconveniences such as the decorative body 10 coming into direct contact with the rotating shaft 41 when, for example, an unintended impact is applied to the mechanical clock 1.

[0052] (Mechanism) As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the mechanical mechanism 4 includes a first rotating body (a rotating body according to the present invention) 50 that is rotatable relative to the base plate 3 around a first axis O1, a second rotating body (a rotating body according to the present invention) 80 that is rotatable relative to each of the base plate 3 and the first rotating body 50 around the first axis O1, a rotation drive mechanism 110 that rotates the first rotating body 50 in a first rotation direction M1, and an interlocking mechanism 120 that rotates the second rotating body 80 in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating body 50.

[0053] The first rotating body 50 comprises an annular first rotating plate 60 rotatably combined with the main plate 3, and a first rotating decorative plate 70 integrally combined with the first rotating plate 60 but not rotatably. The second rotating body 80 comprises a second rotating plate 90, which is circular in plan view and rotatably assembled to the main plate 3, and a second rotating decorative plate 100 which is integrally assembled to the second rotating plate 90 but cannot rotate.

[0054] (First rotating body) As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first rotating plate 60 is arranged concentrically with the second rotating plate 90 around the first axis O1, and is formed in a ring shape that surrounds the second rotating plate 90 from the radial outside when viewed in a plan view from the direction of the first axis O1. As shown in Figures 5 to 9, the first rotating plate 60 includes an annular first flange portion 61 that faces the flange portion 20 of the base plate 3 from above, an annular insertion wall 62 that extends downward from the inner peripheral edge of the first flange portion 61 and enters the accommodating groove 21 of the base plate 3 from above, and an annular frame portion 63 that is positioned radially inward from the insertion wall 62 and covers the first rotation tooth portion 26 formed on the base plate 3 from above.

[0055] The first flange portion 61 is formed to have a smaller outer diameter than the flange portion 20 of the base plate 3, and is disposed above the flange portion 20 with a gap therebetween. Note that a support member (not shown) may be disposed between the first flange portion 61 and the flange portion 20 of the base plate 3. In this case, the first flange portion 61 can be more stably rotatably supported by the support member.

[0056] The frame portion 63 includes an outer frame wall 63a that is connected to the insertion wall 62 and surrounds the inner storage wall 21c of the base plate 3 from the radial outside, an annular upper frame wall 63b that extends radially inward from the upper end of the outer frame wall 63a and covers the first rotation tooth portion 26 from above, and an inner frame wall 63c that extends downward from the inner peripheral edge of the upper frame wall 63b and surrounds the first rotation tooth portion 26 from the radial inside.

[0057] An annular flange 63d extending radially inward is formed at the lower end of the inner frame wall 63c. The flange portion 63d is disposed to face the middle stage portion 22 from above with a gap therebetween. At this time, the inner peripheral edge of the flange portion 63d is rotatably held in a state where it is sandwiched from both sides in the direction of the first axis O1 by a plurality of first holders 30 formed on the middle stage portion 22. Therefore, the entire first rotary plate 60 is assembled to the main plate 3 so as to be capable of relative rotation.

[0058] The first rotary plate 60 configured as described above is formed with an external driving tooth portion 65 and an internal driving tooth portion 66, respectively. The external driving teeth portion 65 is formed integrally with the insertion wall 62 and is formed around the entire circumference of the insertion wall 62. As a result, the external driving teeth portion 65 is formed in an annular shape that extends continuously in the circumferential direction about the first axis O1. The external driving teeth portion 65 is disposed radially outward of the internal teeth portion 66 and faces radially outward.

[0059] The internal teeth portion 66 is formed integrally with the inner frame wall 63c and is formed around the entire circumference of the inner frame wall 63c. As a result, the internal teeth portion 66 is formed in an annular shape that extends continuously in the circumferential direction about the first axis O1. The internal teeth portion 66 faces radially inward. The flange portion 63d is located below the internal teeth portion 66 and protrudes radially inward beyond the tips of the internal teeth portion 66.

[0060] Furthermore, the frame portion 63 is formed with a first opening 67 for exposing the first rotation teeth portion 26 formed on the main plate 3. The first opening 67 is formed so as to partially penetrate each of the outer frame wall 63a and the upper frame wall 63b. As a result, the first rotation teeth portion 26 is exposed radially outward and upward through the first opening 67. A plurality of first openings 67 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, twelve first openings 67 are arranged at 30-degree intervals around the first axis O1. However, the number and positions of the first openings 67 are not limited to this and may be freely changed.

[0061] A first rotating shaft 68 for rotatably supporting the first gear (gear according to the present invention) 35 is formed on the first flange 61. The first rotating shaft 68 is formed to protrude upward from the first flange 61. The center line of the first rotating shaft 68 is set as a second axis O2, which functions as the rotation axis of the first gear 35. The first rotating shaft portions 68 are formed so as to be positioned radially outward from the first openings 67. Therefore, a total of 12 first rotating shaft portions 68 are formed corresponding to the number of first openings 67, and are arranged at 30-degree intervals around the first axis O1.

[0062] 3 and 10, the first rotating decorative plate 70 is formed in an annular shape centered on the first axis O1. The first rotating decorative plate 70 is formed in an annular shape with, for example, an outer diameter the same as the outer diameter of the first rotating plate 60 and an inner diameter the same as the inner diameter of the inner frame wall 63c. A boss portion 71 that protrudes downward is formed on the underside of the first rotating decorative plate 70. Correspondingly, fixing screws 69 for fixing the first rotating decorative plate 70 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction on the first flange portion 61 of the first rotating plate 60 (see FIG. 6). The fixing screws 69 are screwed into the boss portion 71, so that the first rotating plate 60 and the first rotating decorative plate 70 are combined together as a unit so as not to rotate. The first rotating decorative plate 70 is combined with the first rotating plate 60 by a boss portion 71 with a fixed gap therebetween in the direction of the first axis O1.

[0063] Furthermore, first markings 72 are displayed on the top surface of the first rotating decorative plate 70. The first markings 72 are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include numbers, letters, colors, figures, images, and combinations thereof. In the illustrated example, the first markings 72 are displayed in a circular shape in a plan view. Furthermore, a plurality of first markings 72 are formed so as to be located above the first rotating shaft portion 68 provided on the first rotating plate 60. Therefore, twelve first markings 72 are formed at 30-degree intervals around the first axis O1, and are arranged coaxially with the second axis O2.

[0064] The method of displaying the first marking 72 and the second marking 103 (described later) is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include laser printing, attaching a sticker, and engraving.

[0065] (1st gear) As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the first gear 35 is rotatably supported on the first rotary plate 60 configured as described above. The first gear 35 is combined with the first rotating shaft portion 68 and is disposed on the upper surface of the first flange portion 61 in a state in which it can rotate about the second axis O2. The first gear 35 meshes with the first rotation teeth portion 26 exposed through the first opening 67. This allows the first gear 35 to rotate about the second axis O2 in the first rotation direction M1, which is the same as the rotation direction of the first rotating plate 60, while meshing with the first rotation teeth portion 26 in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating plate 60.

[0066] The first gears 35 can be combined with each of the first rotating shaft portions 68, allowing for a total of 12 to be arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. However, this embodiment illustrates an example in which only one first gear 35 is provided. Furthermore, the first gear 35 is integrally formed with a first fixing device 36 for attaching an ornament (not shown). However, in this embodiment, a form is described in which no ornament is attached to the first gear 35. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first gear 35 itself does not substantially contribute to the operation of the mechanism, and therefore may not be provided.

[0067] (Rotational drive mechanism) As shown in FIG. 4, the rotation drive mechanism 110 rotates the first rotating body (first rotating plate 60 and first rotating decorative plate 70) 50 configured as described above in a first rotation direction M1. The rotary drive mechanism 110 includes a drive motor (drive source according to the present invention) 111 having a drive gear (not shown), and a transmission gear train 112 that transmits the rotational force of the drive gear to the first rotor 50. The external drive teeth 65 formed on the first rotary plate 60 also function as a part of the rotary drive mechanism 110.

[0068] The drive motor 111 is, for example, a stepping motor controlled by the movement 40, and is fixed inside the housing case 25 formed on the main plate 3. The drive motor 111 is fixed inside the housing case 25 with the drive gear facing downward and the motor axis O4 arranged parallel to the first axis O1. The drive motor 111 is controlled to operate for a fixed period of time when a predetermined time is reached.

[0069] The transmission gear train 112 is rotatably supported within the accommodating case 25 in a state in which it is in mesh with the drive gear and the external drive teeth portion 65 of the first rotating plate 60 (see FIGS. 5 and 9). The transmission gear train 112 has a first transmission wheel 113 and a second transmission wheel 114. The first transmission wheel 113 is a two-stage gear having a first transmission gear 113a that meshes with the drive gear and a first transmission pinion 113b. The second transmission wheel 114 is a two-stage gear having a second transmission gear 114a that meshes with the first transmission pinion 113b and a second transmission pinion 114b that meshes with the drive external teeth portion 65.

[0070] The second transmission pinion 114b engages with the external driving teeth portion 65 by utilizing the area where the interior of the accommodation space in the accommodation case 25 communicates with the interior of the accommodation groove 21. This allows the rotational force of the drive motor 111 to be transmitted to the external driving teeth portion 65 via the first transmission wheel 113 and the second transmission wheel 114, making it possible to rotate the entire first rotating body 50 in the first rotation direction M1. In particular, the transmission gear train 112 uses the first transmission wheel 113 and the second transmission wheel 114 to rotate the drive external teeth portion 65 at a speed reduced by a predetermined reduction ratio relative to the rotational speed of the drive gear.

[0071] (Second rotating body) As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the second rotary plate 90 has a circular outer shape in a plan view seen from the direction of the first axis O1, and is disposed coaxially with the first axis O1. The second rotating plate 90 includes an annular second flange portion 91 facing the middle stage portion 22 of the base plate 3 from above, a lower wall 92 extending downward from the inner peripheral edge of the second flange portion 91 and surrounding the central peripheral wall 23a of the base plate 3 from the radial outside, an upper wall 93 extending upward from the inner peripheral edge of the second flange portion 91 and surrounding the second rotation tooth portion 27 from the radial outside, and a top wall 94 connected to the upper end of the upper wall 93 and covering the central top wall 23b of the base plate 3 from above.

[0072] The second rotating plate 90 is rotatably supported relative to the base plate 3, for example, by being rotatably overlapped with the central top wall 23b of the base plate 3. An annular retaining piece 95 that protrudes radially outward is formed on the outer circumferential edge of the second flange portion 91. The second holders 31 formed on the middle section 22 of the base plate 3 have claws that come into contact with the retaining pieces 95 from above. This allows the second rotating plate 90 to rotate relative to the base plate 3 while being prevented from coming off upward, and the multiple second holders 31 prevent the second rotating plate 90 from shifting radially.

[0073] The second rotary plate 90 configured as described above has an external toothed portion 96 formed thereon. The external teeth portion 96 is formed integrally with the lower wall 92 and is formed around the entire circumference of the lower wall 92. As a result, the external teeth portion 96 is formed in an annular shape that extends continuously in the circumferential direction about the first axis O1. The external teeth portion 96 faces radially outward and is formed so as to face radially opposite the internal teeth portion 66 formed on the first rotating plate 60.

[0074] Furthermore, the second rotating plate 90 is formed with a second opening 97 for exposing the second rotation teeth 27 formed on the main plate 3. The second opening 97 is formed so as to partially penetrate each of the upper wall 93 and the top wall 94. As a result, the second rotation teeth 27 are exposed radially outward and upward through the second opening 97. A plurality of second openings 97 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, six second openings 97 are arranged at 60-degree intervals around the first axis O1. However, the number and positions of the second openings 97 are not limited to this and may be freely changed.

[0075] A second rotating shaft 98 for rotatably supporting a second gear (gear according to the present invention) 37 is formed on the second flange 91. The second rotating shaft 98 is formed to protrude upward from the second flange 91. The center line of the second rotating shaft 98 is set to a third axis O3, which functions as the rotation axis of the second gear 37. The second rotating shaft portions 98 are formed so as to be positioned radially outward from the second openings 97. Therefore, a total of six second rotating shaft portions 98 are formed corresponding to the number of second openings 97, and are arranged at 60-degree intervals around the first axis O1.

[0076] 3 and 11, the second rotating decorative plate 100 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view and is arranged coaxially with the first axis O1. The second rotating decorative plate 100 is formed so that its outer diameter is the same as that of the first rotating decorative plate 70. A boss portion (not shown) protruding downward is formed on the underside of the second rotating decorative plate 100. Correspondingly, fixing screws 99 for fixing the second rotating decorative plate 100 are arranged at intervals around the circumferential direction on the second flange portion 91 of the second rotating plate 90. The fixing screws 99 are screwed into the boss portion, and the second rotating decorative plate 90 and the second rotating decorative plate 100 are combined together as a unit so as not to rotate.

[0077] The second rotating decorative plate 100 is combined with the second rotating plate 90 by a boss portion with a fixed gap between them in the direction of the first axis O1. Specifically, the second rotating decorative plate 100 is combined with the second rotating plate 90 so that it is positioned higher than the first rotating decorative plate 70.

[0078] On the outer peripheral edge side of the second rotating decorative plate 100, display holes 101 are formed that penetrate the second rotating decorative plate 100. Twelve display holes 101 are formed at intervals around the circumferential direction so as to be located above the first markings 72 formed on the first rotating decorative plate 70. In other words, the display holes 101 are arranged at 30-degree intervals around the first axis O1. This makes it possible to view the first markings 72 on the first rotating decorative plate 70 through the display holes 101.

[0079] A central hole 102 is formed in the central portion 23 of the second rotating decorative plate 100 to allow the rotation shaft 41 of the movement 40 and the protective member 42 to pass through. The central hole 102 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view and is disposed coaxially with the first axis O1. Furthermore, second markings 103 are displayed on the inner peripheral edge of the upper surface of the second rotating decorative plate 100. In the illustrated example, a star-shaped figure is displayed as the second markings 103, and six of the second markings are formed at 60-degree intervals around the first axis O1.

[0080] (2nd gear) As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second gear 37 is rotatably supported on the second rotary plate 90 configured as described above. The second gear 37 is combined with the second rotating shaft portion 98 and is disposed on the upper surface of the second flange portion 91 in a state in which it can rotate about the third axis O3. The second gear 37 meshes with the second rotation teeth portion 27 exposed through the second opening 97. As a result, the second gear 37 rotates (revolves) in a second rotation direction M2, which is the same as the rotation direction of the second rotating plate 90, while meshing with the second rotation teeth portion 27 in conjunction with the rotation of the second rotating plate 90, and is also able to rotate in the second rotation direction M2 around the third axis O3.

[0081] The second gears 37 can be arranged at up to six positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction by combining them with the respective second rotating shaft portions 98. In the present embodiment, an example is given in which three second gears 37 are combined with the second rotating shaft portions 98 so as to be arranged at 120-degree intervals around the first axis O1. The second gear 37 is integrally formed with a second fastener 38 for attaching the three ornamental bodies 10 shown in FIG.

[0082] 11, the second rotating decorative plate 100 is formed with insertion holes 104 that are circular in plan view and pass through the second rotating decorative plate 100 for inserting the second fasteners 38. Three insertion holes 104 are formed, spaced at 120-degree intervals around the first axis O1, so as to be located above the second fasteners 38. This allows the second fasteners 38 to protrude above the second rotating decorative plate 100 through the insertion holes 104.

[0083] In particular, the first gear 35 and the second gear 37 mesh with the first rotation teeth portion 26 and the second rotation teeth portion 27, respectively, so that their rotation speeds are the same.

[0084] (Interlocking mechanism) As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the interlocking mechanism 120 rotates the second rotating body (second rotating plate 90 and second rotating decorative plate 100) 80 configured as described above in a second rotation direction M2 opposite to the first rotation direction M1 in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating body (first rotating plate 60 and first rotating decorative plate 70) 50. The interlocking mechanism 120 includes an intermediate gear (idler gear) 121 rotatably supported on the middle stage portion 22 of the main plate 3. The intermediate gear 121 is rotatably supported by being combined with a rotary shaft portion 122 (see FIG. 5) that protrudes upward from the middle stage portion 22 of the main plate 3. The intermediate gear 121 is disposed between the internal teeth portion 66 formed on the first rotating plate 60 and the external teeth portion 96 formed on the second rotating plate 90, and is in mesh with both the internal teeth portion 66 and the external teeth portion 96. The internal teeth portion 66 formed on the first rotary plate 60 and the external teeth portion 96 formed on the second rotary plate 90 also function as part of the interlocking mechanism 120 .

[0085] The intermediate gear 121 is a two-stage gear having a first intermediate tooth portion 121a that meshes with the internal tooth portion 66 and a second intermediate tooth portion 121b that meshes with the external tooth portion 96. This allows the intermediate gear 121 to transmit the rotational force of the first rotating body 50 to the second rotating body 80, and makes it possible to rotate the second rotating body 80 in the opposite direction to the first rotating body 50.

[0086] The number of teeth of the second intermediate toothed portion 121b is different from the number of teeth of the first intermediate toothed portion 121a. As a result, the intermediate gear 121 varies the rotation speed of the second rotating body 80 relative to the rotation speed of the first rotating body 50 based on the ratio between the number of teeth of the first intermediate toothed portion 121a and the number of teeth of the second intermediate toothed portion 121b. In this embodiment, the ratio is set so that the rotation speed of the first rotating body 50 is the same as the rotation speed of the second rotating body 80. Furthermore, although this embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which only one intermediate gear 121 is provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to provide a plurality of intermediate gears 121 spaced apart in the circumferential direction, for example.

[0087] (decorative body) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, three decorative bodies 10 are provided corresponding to the three second gears 37, and are arranged above the second rotating decorative plate 100. As mentioned above, the three decorative bodies 10 are formed in the shape of plates, and are positioned above the insertion holes 104 formed in the second rotating decorative plate 100, and are fixed by the second fasteners 38. As a result, the three decorative bodies 10 are attached so as not to rotate relative to the second gear 37, and are arranged at 120-degree intervals around the first axis O1. Therefore, the three decorative bodies 10 are linked to the second gear 37, and revolve in the second rotation direction M2, which is the same as the rotation direction of the second rotating decorative plate 100, while being able to rotate in the second rotation direction M2 around the third axis O3.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 1, the three decorative bodies 10 have an outer shape formed by an outer peripheral edge 11 that extends, for example, in an arc shape, and an inner peripheral edge 12 that is formed in an arc shape with a smaller radius of curvature than the outer peripheral edge 11. The outer peripheral edge 11 is formed so that in the initial state it extends in an arc shape within an angle range of less than 120 degrees around the first axis O1. The shape of the decorative plate is not limited to this case and may be changed as appropriate.

[0089] (The workings of a mechanical clock) Next, the operation of the mechanical clock 1 configured as described above will be described. As shown in Figure 1, in the initial state of the mechanical clock 1, the three decorative bodies 10 are arranged at an angle of 120 degrees around the first axis O1, with one decorative body 10 positioned at the 12 o'clock position on the clock. As a result, the numbers clearly displayed on each of the three decorative bodies 10 function as hour indicators. Furthermore, in the initial state, the first marking 72 displayed on the first rotating decorative plate 70 is visible through the display hole 101 formed in the second rotating decorative plate 100.

[0090] In this initial state, the movement 40 rotates the hands (hour hand, minute hand) 5 in the second rotation direction M2, starting the movement. Then, when a preset time is reached, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the drive motor 111 constituting the rotation drive mechanism 110 operates to rotate the drive gear. This allows the first rotating plate 60 to revolve around the first axis O1 in the first rotation direction M1 via the transmission gear train (first transmission wheel 113, second transmission wheel 114) 112. Therefore, the first rotating decorative plate 70, which is integrally assembled with the first rotating plate 60, can also revolve in the first rotation direction M1, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0091] 6 and 7, by revolving the first rotating plate 60, the first gear 35 rotatably supported on the first rotating plate 60 can be made to revolve and rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating plate 60 while meshing with the first rotation teeth 26 formed on the main plate 3. In other words, the first gear 35 can be made to rotate in the first rotation direction M1 about the second axis O2 while revolving around the first axis O1 in the first rotation direction M1, which is the same direction as the rotation direction of the first rotating plate 60. In this embodiment, since the ornament 10 is not attached to the first gear 35, there is no close relationship between the movement of the first gear 35 and the operation of the mechanism.

[0092] 5 and 7, an intermediate gear 121 rotatably supported on the middle section 22 of the main plate 3 is engaged with the internal teeth 66 of the first rotating plate 60 and the external teeth 96 of the second rotating plate 90. As a result, as the first rotating plate 60 revolves, the rotational force of the first rotating plate 60 can be transmitted to the second rotating plate 90 via the intermediate gear 121. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the second rotating plate 90 can be revolved in a second rotation direction M2 around the first axis O1 in conjunction with the first rotating plate 60. Therefore, the second rotating decorative plate 100, which is integrally combined with the second rotating plate 90, can also be revolved in the second rotation direction M2 as shown in FIG.

[0093] Therefore, by utilizing the interlocking mechanism 120 including the intermediate gear 121, the first rotating body (first rotating plate 60, first rotating decorative plate 70) 50 and the second rotating body (second rotating plate 90, second rotating decorative plate 100) 80 can be made to revolve in opposite directions around the first axis O1.

[0094] 6 and 7, by revolving the second rotating plate 90, the second gear 37 rotatably supported on the second rotating plate 90 can be made to revolve and rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the second rotating plate 90 while meshing with the second rotation teeth 27 formed on the main plate 3. In other words, the second gear 37 can be made to rotate about the third axis O3 in the second rotation direction M2, which is the same direction as the rotation direction of the second rotating plate 90, while revolving about the first axis O1 in the second rotation direction M2.

[0095] Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the three decorative bodies 10 respectively attached to the three second gears 37 can be linked to the second gears 37 and rotated in the second rotation direction M2 around the third axis O3 while revolving in the second rotation direction M2 around the first axis O1.

[0096] From the above, according to the mechanical clock 1 of this embodiment, the first rotating body 50 and the second rotating body 80 can be rotated in opposite directions, while the three decorative bodies 10 can be rotated in the second rotation direction M2 and also rotated on their axes in the second rotation direction M2. In particular, unlike conventional mechanical clocks 1, two rotating decorative plates (first rotating decorative plate 70, second rotating decorative plate 100) revolve in opposite directions, which makes for visually interesting movements. In addition, the three decorative bodies 10 are rotated while revolving in the second rotation direction M2, which is the same rotation direction as the second rotating decorative plate 100, so the synergistic effect of the movements of the first rotating decorative plate 70 and second rotating decorative plate 100 and the three decorative bodies 10 allows for more complex and interesting movements.

[0097] As explained above, the mechanical clock 1 of this embodiment can realize more complex and interesting mechanical operations, including the three decorative bodies 10. After a certain period of time has passed from the predetermined time, the first rotating decorative plate 70, the second rotating decorative plate 100, and the three decorative bodies 10 return to their initial positions shown in FIG.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the mechanical clock 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, in addition to the movement of the first rotating decorative plate 70 and the second rotating decorative plate 100 revolving in opposite directions to each other, the change in the positional relationship of the first information 72 (color) and the second information 103 (star-shaped figure) can further emphasize the visually gorgeous and complex movement.

[0099] Furthermore, by using a rotary drive mechanism 110 including a drive motor 111 and a transmission gear train 112, the rotational force of the drive gear can be efficiently transmitted to the drive external teeth portion 65 of the first rotating plate 60. Therefore, the first rotating body (first rotating plate 60, first rotating decorative plate 70) 50 can be rotated stably and appropriately, which can lead to subsequent complex operations. Furthermore, since an interlocking mechanism 120 including an intermediate gear 121 is used, the rotational force of the first rotating body (first rotating plate 60, first rotating decorative plate 70) 50 can be efficiently transmitted to the second rotating body (second rotating plate 90, second rotating decorative plate 100) 80 via the intermediate gear 121, and by interposing the intermediate gear 121 between them, the first rotating body 50 and the second rotating body 80 can be appropriately revolved in opposite directions to each other. Therefore, by using the intermediate gear 121, the second rotating body 80 can be appropriately rotated while being interlocked (synchronized) with the rotation of the first rotating body 50, which can lead to a mechanical operation.

[0100] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] (Outline of the mechanical clock) As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the mechanical clock 150 of this embodiment is a so-called wall-mounted type clock equipped with a mechanical mechanism 4 mainly comprising a first rotating body 50, a second rotating body 80, a first decorative body 160, and a second decorative body 10.

[0102] In this embodiment, the decorative plate 2 is not shown, and the main plate 3 is illustrated in a simplified form. Therefore, the main plate 3 is illustrated as a circular plate in a plan view for simplification. Furthermore, due to the simplification of the main plate 3, the housing case 25, the rotation drive mechanism 110 including the drive motor 111 and the transmission gear train 112, the movement 40, the protective member 42, etc. in the first embodiment are not shown.

[0103] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the mechanical mechanism 4 of this embodiment comprises a first rotating decorative plate 70 arranged above the main plate 3, a second rotating decorative plate 100 arranged above the first rotating decorative plate 70, three (multiple) first decorative bodies 160 arranged above the second rotating decorative plate 100, and three (multiple) second decorative bodies 10 arranged above the three first decorative bodies 160. 12 shows the first rotating decorative plate 70, the second rotating decorative plate 100, the three first decorative bodies 160, and the three second decorative bodies 10 in their initial positions. The second decorative body 10 of this embodiment corresponds to the decorative body 10 of the first embodiment.

[0104] The first rotating decorative plate 70 is formed in the shape of an annular plate having a predetermined thickness, and when a predetermined time arrives, it moves by revolving in the first rotation direction M1 for a certain period of time. The second rotating decorative plate 100 is rotatable about a first axis O1 relative to both the main plate 3 and the first rotating decorative plate 70, and is formed as a plate that is circular in plan view and has the same thickness as the first rotating decorative plate 70. The second rotating decorative plate 100 is positioned so that it overlaps the first rotating decorative plate 70 from above, with a predetermined gap between them. When a predetermined time arrives, the second rotating decorative plate 100 revolves in a second rotation direction M2 for a certain period of time.

[0105] The three first decorative bodies 160 are arranged circumferentially at equal intervals around the first axis O1. The three first decorative bodies 160 are formed in the shape of plates with the same thickness as the first rotating decorative plate 70, and are arranged so as to overlap the second rotating decorative plate 100 from above with a predetermined interval between them. Therefore, the first decorative bodies 160 are arranged above the second rotating decorative plate 100 with an interval between them in the direction of the first axis O1. The three first decorative bodies 160 are movable in parallel with the main plate 3 in conjunction with the first gear 35. Specifically, the three decorative bodies 10 are rotatable about a third axis O3 (rotation axis) in the first rotation direction M1 while revolving in the first rotation direction M1, which is the same as the rotation direction of the first rotating decorative plate 70.

[0106] Therefore, when a predetermined time is reached, the three first ornamental bodies 160 rotate while revolving in the first rotation direction M1 for a certain period of time. Therefore, the three first ornamental bodies 160 are displaced in a complex manner in the radial and circumferential directions. The first ornamental bodies 160 will be described in detail later.

[0107] 12 and 13, the first decorative body 160 located at the 12 o'clock position of the watch in the initial state shown in Fig. 12 has the numbers "11," "12," and "1" indicating the hours clearly displayed. The first decorative body 160 located further in the second rotation direction M2 than this first decorative body 160 has the numbers "3," "4," and "5" indicating the hours clearly displayed. Furthermore, the first decorative body 160 located further in the second rotation direction M2 than this first decorative body 160 has the numbers "7," "8," and "9" indicating the hours clearly displayed.

[0108] The three second decorative bodies 10 are arranged circumferentially at equal intervals around the first axis O1. The three second decorative bodies 10 are formed in the shape of plates with the same thickness as the first decorative body 160, and are arranged so as to overlap from above with a predetermined interval between them relative to the first decorative body 160. Therefore, the second decorative bodies 10 are arranged above the first decorative body 160 with an interval between them in the direction of the first axis O1. The three second decorative bodies 10 are movable in parallel with the main plate 3 in conjunction with the second gear 37. Specifically, the three second decorative bodies 10 are rotatable about a second axis O2 (rotation axis) in the second rotation direction M2 while revolving in the second rotation direction M2, which is the same as the rotation direction of the second rotating decorative plate 100.

[0109] Therefore, when a predetermined time is reached, the three second decorative bodies 10 rotate while revolving in the second rotation direction M2 for a certain period of time. Therefore, the three second decorative bodies 10 are displaced in a complex manner in the radial and circumferential directions. The second decorative bodies 10 will be described in detail later.

[0110] 12, the three second decorative bodies 10 are arranged so as to be offset in the circumferential direction relative to the three first decorative bodies 160, so as to be positioned between the circumferentially adjacent first decorative bodies 160. Therefore, the first decorative bodies 160 and the second decorative bodies 10 are arranged so as to be alternately lined up in the circumferential direction. In the initial state, the second decorative body 10 located at the 2 o'clock position on the watch clearly displays the numbers "1," "2," and "3" indicating the hours, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. The second decorative body 10 located further in the second rotation direction M2 than this second decorative body 10 clearly displays the numbers "5," "6," and "7" indicating the hours. Furthermore, the second decorative body 10 located further in the second rotation direction M2 than this second decorative body 10 clearly displays the numbers "9," "10," and "11" indicating the hours.

[0111] Therefore, the numbers indicating the hours, "1," "3," "5," "7," "9," and "11," are displayed in duplicate on both the first decorative body 160 and the second decorative body 10. The first decorative body 160 and the second decorative body 10 are arranged so that these duplicated numbers alternate in the circumferential direction, overlapping in the direction of the first axis O1.

[0112] In the mechanical clock 150 of this embodiment, when a predetermined time is reached, the first rotating decorative plate 70 revolves in the first rotation direction M1, and the second rotating decorative plate 100 revolves in the second rotation direction M2, as shown in FIG. 13 from the state shown in FIG. 12. Therefore, the first rotating decorative plate 70 and the second rotating decorative plate 100 revolve in opposite directions. In addition, each of the three first decorative bodies 160 revolves in the first rotation direction M1 while rotating on its own axis in the first rotation direction M1. Furthermore, each of the three second decorative bodies 10 revolves in the second rotation direction M2 while rotating on its own axis in the second rotation direction M2. After a certain period of time has elapsed, the first rotating decorative plate 70, the second rotating decorative plate 100, the three first decorative bodies 160, and the three second decorative bodies 10 return to their initial positions shown in FIG.

[0113] In this way, the mechanical clock 150 performs a mechanical operation each time a predetermined time is reached. The operation of the mechanical clock 150 will be described in detail later. Furthermore, while the mechanical operation is being performed, it may be configured to output sound such as music from a speaker (not shown).

[0114] (Main components of a mechanical clock) As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the mechanism 4 includes a first rotating body 50 that can rotate relative to the base plate 3 around a first axis O1, a second rotating body 80 that can rotate relative to each of the base plate 3 and the first rotating body 50 around the first axis O1, a rotation drive mechanism (not shown) that rotates the first rotating body 50 in the first rotation direction M1, and a linkage mechanism 120 that rotates the second rotating body 80 in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating body 50.

[0115] (First rotating body, first gear) As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the first rotating body 50 comprises an annular first rotating plate 60 that is rotatably combined with the main plate 3, and a first rotating decorative plate 70 that is integrally combined with the first rotating plate 60 but is non-rotatable. The three first gears 35 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction by combining with the first rotating shaft portion 68 formed on the first flange portion 61 of the first rotating plate 60. Therefore, the three first gears 35 are arranged at 120-degree intervals around the first axis O1. The first gears 35 are integrally formed with first fixing devices 36 for attaching the three first decorative bodies 160 shown in Figures 12 to 14.

[0116] The first gear 35 is combined with the first rotating shaft portion 68 and is disposed on the upper surface of the first flange portion 61 in a state in which it can rotate about the first axis O1. The first gear 35 meshes with the first rotation teeth portion 26 exposed through the first opening 67. As a result, in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating plate 60, the first gear 35 revolves in a first rotation direction M1, which is the same as the rotation direction of the first rotating plate 60, while meshing with the first rotation teeth portion 26, and can also rotate in the first rotation direction M1 about the second axis O2.

[0117] As shown in Figures 14 and 16, the first rotating decorative plate 70 is formed in an annular shape centered on the first axis O1. As in the first embodiment, a boss portion 71 that protrudes downward is formed on the underside of the first rotating decorative plate 70. Note that in this embodiment, this boss portion 71 is not shown. The first rotating plate 60 and the first rotating decorative plate 70 are combined together non-rotatably by threading a fixing screw 69 into the boss portion 71. Note that the first rotating decorative plate 70 is combined with the first rotating plate 60 by the boss portion 71 with a fixed gap in the direction of the first axis O1.

[0118] Furthermore, the first rotating decorative plate 70 is formed with first insertion holes 170, which are circular in plan view and allow the first fasteners 36 to pass through, penetrating the first rotating decorative plate 70. Three first insertion holes 170 are formed, spaced at 120-degree intervals around the first axis O1, so as to be located above the first fasteners 36. This allows the first fasteners 36 to protrude above the first rotating decorative plate 70 through the first insertion holes 170.

[0119] Furthermore, first markings 72 are displayed on the top surface of the first rotating decorative plate 70. In the illustrated example, a star-shaped figure is displayed as the first markings 72. The first markings 72 are formed so that three first markings 72 are arranged circumferentially between adjacent first insertion holes 170. This results in a total of nine first markings 72. The first markings 72 are arranged so as to be located above the first rotary shaft portion 68 formed on the first rotary plate 60.

[0120] (Second rotating body, second gear) As shown in Figures 14 to 17, the second rotating body 80 comprises a second rotating plate 90 which is circular in plan view and rotatably assembled to the main plate 3, and a second rotating decorative plate 100 which is integrally assembled to the second rotating plate 90 but cannot rotate. The second gears 37 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction by combining with the second rotating shaft portion 98 formed on the second flange portion 91 of the second rotating plate 90. Therefore, the three second gears 37 are arranged at 120-degree intervals around the first axis O1. The second gears 37 are integrally formed with second fixing devices 38 for attaching the three second decorative bodies 10 shown in Figures 12 to 14.

[0121] The second gear 37 is combined with the second rotating shaft portion 98 and is disposed on the upper surface of the second flange portion 91 in a state where it can rotate about the third axis O3. The second gear 37 meshes with the second rotation teeth portion 27 exposed through the second opening 97. As a result, in conjunction with the rotation of the second rotating plate 90, the second gear 37 revolves in a second rotation direction M2, which is the same as the rotation direction of the second rotating plate 90, while meshing with the second rotation teeth portion 27, and can also rotate in the second rotation direction M2 around the third axis O3.

[0122] 16 and 17, the second rotating decorative plate 100 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view and is arranged coaxially with the first axis O1. The second rotating decorative plate 100 is formed so that its outer diameter is the same as the inner diameter of the first rotating decorative plate 70. As in the first embodiment, a boss (not shown) protruding downward is formed on the underside of the second rotating decorative plate 100. The second rotating decorative plate 90 and the second rotating decorative plate 100 are combined together in an unrotatable manner by fastening a fixing screw to the boss. The second rotating decorative plate 100 is combined with the second rotating decorative plate 90 by the boss so that it is positioned higher than the first rotating decorative plate 70.

[0123] On the outer peripheral edge side of the second rotating decorative plate 100, second insertion holes 171, which are circular in plan view and allow the second fasteners 38 to pass through, are formed so as to penetrate the second rotating decorative plate 100. Three second insertion holes 171 are formed, spaced at 120-degree intervals around the first axis O1, so as to be located above the second fasteners 38. This allows the second fasteners 38 to protrude above the second rotating decorative plate 100 through the second insertion holes 171.

[0124] A central hole 102 is formed in the center 23 of the second rotating decorative plate 100, through which the rotation axis of the movement and the protective member are inserted. Furthermore, second markings 103 are displayed on the inner peripheral edge side of the upper surface of the second rotating decorative plate 100. In the illustrated example, a star-shaped figure is displayed as the second markings 103, and six of the second markings are formed at 60-degree intervals around the first axis O1.

[0125] As in the first embodiment, the first gear 35 and the second gear 37 are engaged with the first rotation toothed portion 26 and the second rotation toothed portion 27, respectively, so that their rotation speeds are the same.

[0126] (Interlocking mechanism) As shown in Figure 15, the interlocking mechanism 120 is arranged between the internal tooth portion 66 formed on the first rotating plate 60 and the external tooth portion 96 formed on the second rotating plate 90, as in the first embodiment, and is equipped with an intermediate gear 121 that meshes with each of these internal tooth portion 66 and external tooth portion 96.

[0127] As in the first embodiment, the intermediate gear 121 varies the rotation speed of the second rotating body 80 relative to the rotation speed of the first rotating body 50 based on the ratio between the number of teeth of the first intermediate toothed portion 121a and the number of teeth of the second intermediate toothed portion 121b. In particular, in this embodiment as well, the ratio is set so that the rotation speed of the first rotating body 50 and the rotation speed of the second rotating body 80 are the same.

[0128] (First decorative body) As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, three first decorative bodies 160 are provided corresponding to the three first gears 35, and are arranged above the first rotating decorative plate . The three first decorative bodies 160 are formed in the shape of plates, and are arranged above the first insertion holes 170 formed in the first rotating decorative plate 70, and are each fixed by the first fixing device 36. As a result, the three first decorative bodies 160 are attached so as not to be rotatable relative to the first gear 35, and are arranged at an angle of 120 degrees around the first axis O1. Therefore, the three first decorative bodies 160 are capable of rotating in the first rotation direction M1 around the second axis O2 while revolving in conjunction with the first gear 35 in the first rotation direction M1, which is the same as the rotation direction of the first rotating decorative plate 70.

[0129] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the three first decorative bodies 160 have an outer shape formed by a flat portion 161 formed in a straight line in a plan view and a curved portion 162 connected to the flat portion 161 and formed in an approximately 3 / 4 circular shape. In the initial state shown in Figure 12, the flat portion 161 is positioned radially outward from the second decorative body 10. The curved portion 162 is positioned so as to be hidden below the second decorative body 10. 12 and 13, the flat portion 161 and the curved portion 162 are arranged so as not to overlap with the second gear 37 in the direction of the first axis O1 in a plan view, both in the initial state and during the displacement of the first decorative body 160. This allows the first decorative body 160 to be displaced without coming into contact with the second fixing device 38.

[0130] (Second decorative body) As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, three second decorative bodies 10 are provided corresponding to the three second gears 37, and are arranged above the second rotating decorative plate 100. The three second decorative bodies 10 are formed in a plate shape as in the first embodiment, and are arranged above the second insertion holes 171 formed in the second rotating decorative plate 100, and are fixed by the second fixing device 38. Therefore, the three second decorative bodies 10 are linked to the second gear 37, and are capable of rotating in the second rotation direction M2, which is the same as the rotation direction of the second rotating decorative plate 100, around the third axis O3.

[0131] (The workings of a mechanical clock) Next, the operation of the mechanical clock 150 of this embodiment configured as described above will be described. When a predetermined time is reached and the first rotating plate 60 is caused to revolve in the first rotation direction M1, the first rotating decorative plate 70, which is integrally combined with the first rotating plate 60 as shown in Figure 13, can also be caused to revolve in the first rotation direction M1.

[0132] 15, by revolving the first rotating plate 60, the first gear 35 rotatably supported on the first rotating plate 60 can be made to revolve and rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating plate 60 while meshing with the first rotation tooth portion 26. In other words, the first gear 35 can be made to rotate in the first rotation direction M1 about the second axis O2 while revolving around the first axis O1 in the first rotation direction M1, which is the same direction as the rotation direction of the first rotating plate 60. Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, the three first decorative bodies 160 attached to the three first gears 35 can be linked to the first gears 35 to revolve in the first rotation direction M1 around the first axis O1 while rotating in the first rotation direction M1 around the second axis O2.

[0133] Furthermore, as the first rotating plate 60 revolves, the rotational force of the first rotating plate 60 can be transmitted to the second rotating plate 90 via the intermediate gear 121, so the second rotating plate 90 can revolve around the first axis O1 in the second rotation direction M2 in conjunction with the first rotating plate 60. Therefore, the second rotating decorative plate 100, which is integrally combined with the second rotating plate 90, can also revolve in the second rotation direction M2 as shown in FIG.

[0134] Therefore, as in the first embodiment, by utilizing the interlocking mechanism 120 including the intermediate gear 121, the first rotating body (first rotating plate 60, first rotating decorative plate 70) 50 and the second rotating body (second rotating plate 90, second rotating decorative plate 100) 80 can be made to revolve in opposite directions around the first axis O1.

[0135] 13, by revolving the second rotating plate 90, the second gear 37 rotatably supported on the second rotating plate 90 can be made to revolve and rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the second rotating plate 90 while meshing with the second rotation tooth portion 27. In other words, the second gear 37 can be made to rotate in the second rotation direction M2 about the third axis O3 while revolving around the first axis O1 in the second rotation direction M2, which is the same direction as the rotation direction of the second rotating plate 90.

[0136] Therefore, the three second decorative bodies 10 respectively attached to the three second gears 37 can be linked to the second gears 37 and rotated in the second rotation direction M2 around the third axis O3 while revolving in the second rotation direction M2 around the first axis O1.

[0137] From the above, even in the mechanical clock 150 of this embodiment, the first rotating body 50 and the second rotating body 80 can be rotated in opposite directions, while the three first decorative bodies 160 can be rotated on their axes while revolving in the same first rotation direction M1 as the first rotating body 50, and the three second decorative bodies 10 can be rotated on their axes while revolving in the same second rotation direction M2 as the second rotating body 80.

[0138] Therefore, the synergistic effect of the movements of the first rotating body 50 and the second rotating body 80 and the movements of the first decorative body 160 and the second decorative body 10 can create even more complex and interesting mechanical movements. In particular, the second axis O2, which is the rotation axis of the first gear 35, and the third axis O3, which is the rotation axis of the second gear 37, can be changed in positional relationship so that they pass each other in the circumferential direction by the counter-revolution of the first rotating body 50 and the second rotating plate 90. This makes it possible to make the first decorative body 160 and the second decorative body 10 appear to be moving in a complex manner, and to realize even more interesting movements. In addition, even in the case of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, by changing the positional relationship between the first information 72 (star-shaped figure) and the second information 103 (star-shaped figure), it is possible to emphasize the movement in a more visually spectacular and complex manner.

[0139] Furthermore, the ratio of the number of teeth of the first intermediate gear 121 and the second intermediate gear 121 in the intermediate gear 121 is set so that the rotation speed of the first rotating body 50 and the rotation speed of the second rotating body 80 are the same. Therefore, the first rotating body 50 and the second rotating body 80 can be rotated in opposite directions at the same rotation speed, and accordingly the first decorative body 160 and the second decorative body 10 can be rotated in opposite directions at the same rotation speed. Therefore, the first decorative body 160 and the second decorative body 10 can be made to move past each other in the circumferential direction, so that they almost touch each other but do not. This makes the movement even more surprising in appearance.

[0140] Furthermore, the first gear 35 and the second gear 37 are meshed with the first rotation toothed portion 26 and the second rotation toothed portion 27 so that they rotate at the same speed, so that the first attachment body and the second ornament body 10 can be operated at the same rotation speed. Therefore, for example, it is possible to make them move in a synchronized manner.

[0141] Furthermore, the first decorative body 160 and the second decorative body 10 can be made to move in a flashy and interesting manner, such as by moving in complex radial and circumferential directions in conjunction with the revolution of the first rotating body 50 and the second rotating body 80. Furthermore, the first decorative body 160, which is composed of the flat portion 161 and the curved portion 162, is arranged so as not to overlap the second gear 37 in the direction of the first axis O1 in a plan view, both in the initial state and during the displacement of the first decorative body 160. This allows the first decorative body 160 to be displaced without coming into contact with the second fixing device 38. In particular, as shown in Figure 13, even when the first gear 35 and the second gear 37 are closest to each other during operation, the flat portion 161 does not overlap the second gear 37 in a plan view. Therefore, the first ornamental body 160 can be appropriately revolved and rotated in conjunction with the first gear 35, realizing complex movements.

[0142] Furthermore, in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating body 50, the first gear 35 meshing with the first rotation toothed portion 26 can be reliably rotated while revolving in the first rotation direction M1. Similarly, in conjunction with the rotation of the second rotating body 80, the second gear 37 meshing with the second rotation toothed portion 27 can be reliably rotated while revolving in the second rotation direction M2. Therefore, the first gear 35 and the second gear 37 can be revolved and rotated in a stable state. Therefore, the first decorative body 160 and the second decorative body 10 can also move stably without any rattle or the like.

[0143] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0144] As shown in Figures 18 to 20, the mechanical clock 200 of this embodiment is a so-called floor-standing type clock equipped with a mechanical mechanism 4 mainly having a first rotating body 50, a second rotating body 80, a first decorative body 210, and a second decorative body 220. In this embodiment, the decorative plate 2 is not shown. Furthermore, in the drawings other than Fig. 18, the hands (hour hand, minute hand) 5 are not shown.

[0145] The mechanism 4 of this embodiment includes a first rotating body 50 that is rotatable about a first axis O1 relative to the base plate 3, a second rotating body 80 that is rotatable about the first axis O1 relative to each of the base plate 3 and the first rotating body 50, a rotation drive mechanism 110 that rotates the first rotating body 50 in a first rotation direction M1, and an interlocking mechanism 120 that rotates the second rotating body 80 in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating body 50. Note that in this embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 120 is not shown in the drawings.

[0146] (1st rotating body, 1st gear, 1st decoration) The first rotating body 50 comprises an annular first rotating plate 60 rotatably combined with the main plate 3, and a first rotating decorative plate 70 integrally combined with the first rotating plate 60 but not rotatably. The twelve first gears 35 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction by combining with the first rotating shaft portion 68 formed on the first flange portion 61 of the first rotating plate 60. Therefore, the twelve first gears 35 are arranged at 30-degree intervals around the first axis O1. Each first gear 35 is integrally formed with a first fixing member 36.

[0147] The first gear 35 is combined with the first rotating shaft portion 68 and is disposed on the upper surface of the first flange portion 61 in a state in which it can rotate about the first axis O1. The first gear 35 revolves in a first rotation direction M1, which is the same as the rotation direction of the first rotating plate 60, while meshing with the first rotation tooth portion 26 in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating plate 60, and is also capable of rotating in the first rotation direction M1 about the second axis O2.

[0148] The first rotating decorative plate 70 is formed in an annular shape centered on the first axis O1. The first rotating decorative plate 70 is combined with the first rotating plate 60 by a boss portion 71 with a fixed gap therebetween in the direction of the first axis O1. Furthermore, the first rotating decorative plate 70 is formed with first insertion holes 230, which are circular in plan view and allow the first fasteners 36 to pass through, penetrating the first rotating decorative plate 70. Twelve first insertion holes 230 are formed, spaced at 30-degree intervals around the first axis O1, so as to be located above the first fasteners 36. This allows the first fasteners 36 to protrude above the first rotating decorative plate 70 through the first insertion holes 230.

[0149] A first decorative body 210 is fixed to each of the twelve first fixing devices 36. Therefore, the twelve first decorative bodies 210 are linked to the first gear 35 and revolve in the first rotation direction M1, which is the same as the rotation direction of the first rotating decorative plate 70, while being able to rotate about the second axis O2 in the first rotation direction M1. The first ornament 210 in this embodiment is an ornament (doll) in the shape of a human wearing a hat.

[0150] (2nd rotating body, 2nd gear, 2nd decoration) The second rotating body 80 comprises a second rotating plate 90 which is circular in plan view and rotatably assembled to the base plate 3, and a second rotating decorative body 240 which is integrally assembled to the second rotating plate 90 but cannot rotate. The six second gears 37 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction by being combined with second rotating shaft portions 98 formed on the second flange portion 91 of the second rotating plate 90. Therefore, the six second gears 37 are arranged at 60-degree intervals around the first axis O1. The second gears 37 are integrally formed with second fixing members 38. The second fixing device 38 is formed to extend upward so as to protrude above the decorative top wall 240b of the second rotating decorative body 240.

[0151] The second gear 37 is combined with the second rotating shaft portion 98 and is disposed on the upper surface of the second flange portion 91 in a state in which it can rotate about the second axis O2. The second gear 37 meshes with the second rotation teeth portion 27 exposed through the second opening 97. As a result, in conjunction with the rotation of the second rotating plate 90, the second gear 37 revolves in a second rotation direction M2, which is the same as the rotation direction of the second rotating plate 90, while meshing with the second rotation teeth portion 27, and can also rotate in the second rotation direction M2 about the third axis O3.

[0152] The second rotating decorative body 240 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top and is arranged coaxially with the first axis O1. The second rotating decorative body 240 surrounds the second rotating plate 90, the second gear 37, and the second fixing device 38 from the outside in the radial direction, and is equipped with a decorative wall 240a integrally combined with the second rotating plate 90, and a decorative top wall 240b connected to the upper end of the decorative wall 240a.

[0153] The decorative wall 240a is formed to protrude upward beyond the first decorative body 210, and has an outer diameter that is the same as the inner diameter of the first rotating decorative plate 70. Second insertion holes 231, which are circular in plan view and penetrate the decorative top wall 240b, are formed in the decorative top wall 240b to allow the second fasteners 38 to pass through. Six second insertion holes 231 are formed, spaced at 60-degree intervals around the first axis O1, so that they are located above the second fasteners 38. As a result, the second fasteners 38 protrude upward beyond the decorative top wall 240b through the second insertion holes 231.

[0154] Furthermore, a central hole 102 is formed in the center of the decorative top wall 240b, coaxial with the first axis O1. Second markings 103 are displayed on the upper surface of the decorative top wall 240b. In the illustrated example, a star-shaped figure is displayed as the second markings 103, and six second markings 103 are formed at 60-degree intervals around the first axis O1.

[0155] A second decorative body 220 is fixed to each of the six second fasteners 38. Therefore, the six second decorative bodies 220 are linked to the second gear 37 and revolve in the second rotation direction M2, which is the same as the rotation direction of the second rotating decorative plate 100, while being able to rotate about the third axis O3 in the second rotation direction M2. The second ornamental object 220 of this embodiment, like the first ornamental object 210, is an ornamental object (doll) that resembles a human figure wearing a hat.

[0156] (The workings of a mechanical clock) The mechanical clock 200 of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments. Specifically, while the first rotating body 50 and the second rotating body 80 revolve in opposite directions, the 12 first decorative bodies 210 can be rotated on their own axes while revolving in the same first rotation direction M1 as the first rotating body 50, and the 6 second decorative bodies 220 can be rotated on their own axes while revolving in the same second rotation direction M2 as the second rotating body 80. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the movements of the first rotating body 50 and the second rotating body 80 and the movements of the first decorative body 210 and the second decorative body 220 can create even more complex and interesting mechanical movements.

[0157] In particular, the first decorative body 210 and the second decorative body 220, which are modeled after human figures, can be rotated on their axes while revolving in opposite directions, which makes them look very gorgeous and allows them to perform surprising and complex movements, thereby realizing unique mechanical movements.

[0158] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiments and their modifications include, for example, those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are equivalent.

[0159] For example, in the first embodiment, an example was given in which a decorative body is provided that revolves and rotates in conjunction with the second rotating body (second rotating plate, second rotating decorative plate), but this is not limited to this case, and it is also possible to have a configuration in which a decorative body is provided that revolves and rotates in conjunction with the first rotating body (first rotating plate, second rotating decorative plate).

[0160] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the ratio between the number of teeth of the first intermediate toothed portion and the number of teeth of the second intermediate toothed portion constituting the intermediate gear is adjusted so that the rotational speeds of the first and second rotating bodies that revolve in opposite directions are the same, but this is not limited to this. For example, the ratio between the number of teeth of the first intermediate toothed portion and the number of teeth of the second intermediate toothed portion may be adjusted so that the rotational speeds of the first and second rotating bodies are different. In this way, by using an intermediate gear, the rotation speed of the second rotating body relative to the rotation speed of the first rotating body can be varied, which means that the speed can be adjusted appropriately depending on, for example, the purpose of the clock, the size and type of ornament, the movement pattern, etc., making it possible to realize even more diverse and complex movements.

[0161] The present invention further includes the following aspects. <1> The base plate and a first rotor that is rotatable about a first axis relative to the base plate; a second rotor that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the main plate and the first rotor; a rotation drive mechanism that rotates the first rotor in a first rotation direction; a linkage mechanism that rotates the second rotor in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotor, At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is provided with a plurality of gears that are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction around the first axis and are rotatably supported by the one rotating body, the plurality of gears rotate about the first axis in conjunction with the rotation of the one rotating body, and rotate in the same rotation direction as the rotation direction of the one rotating body; A mechanical clock characterized in that a decorative body is attached to each of the plurality of gears so as to be unable to rotate. <2> <1> In the mechanical clock described in The plurality of gears include a plurality of first gears supported by the first rotor so as to be rotatable about second axes; a plurality of second gears supported by the second rotor so as to be rotatable about a third axis, The decorative body is A first ornament attached non-rotatably to each of the plurality of first gears; A second decorative body non-rotatably attached to each of the plurality of second gears. <3> <1> or <2> In the mechanical clock described in First information is displayed on the first rotating body, A mechanical clock, wherein second information is displayed on the second rotating body. <4> <1> from <3> In the mechanical clock described in any one of The interlocking mechanism includes: an internal tooth portion that is formed in an annular shape on the first rotor so as to extend in the circumferential direction and that faces inward in a radial direction that intersects with the first axis in a plan view seen from the first axis direction; an external tooth portion formed in an annular shape so as to extend in the circumferential direction on the second rotor and facing outward in the radial direction so as to face the internal tooth portion in the radial direction; A mechanical clock comprising an intermediate gear that is rotatably supported on the main plate so as to be disposed between the internal toothed portion and the external toothed portion, and that meshes with each of the internal toothed portion and the external toothed portion. <5> <4> In the mechanical clock described in The intermediate gear is a first intermediate tooth portion that meshes with the internal tooth portion; a second intermediate toothed portion that meshes with the external toothed portion and has a different number of teeth than the first intermediate toothed portion, A mechanical clock in which the intermediate gear varies the rotational speed of the second rotating body relative to the rotational speed of the first rotating body based on the ratio between the number of teeth of the first intermediate toothed portion and the number of teeth of the second intermediate toothed portion. <6> <5> In the mechanical clock described in A mechanical clock, wherein the ratio is set so that the rotation speed of the first rotating body and the rotation speed of the second rotating body are the same. <7> <4> In the mechanical clock described in The rotation drive mechanism includes: a driving external teeth portion that is formed in an annular shape on the first rotor so as to extend in the circumferential direction, that is disposed radially outward of the internal teeth portion, and that faces radially outward; a drive source having a drive gear and provided on the base plate; a transmission gear train that is rotatably supported on the main plate, engages with the drive gear and the drive external tooth portion, and transmits the rotational force of the drive gear to the first rotating body. <8> <2> In the mechanical clock described in The base plate has: a first rotation teeth portion that extends annularly along the circumferential direction and meshes with the plurality of first gears; a second rotation tooth portion that extends annularly along the circumferential direction and meshes with the plurality of second gears; the first gears rotate in the first rotation direction while meshing with the first rotation tooth portions in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotor, and rotate about the second axis in the same rotation direction as the first rotation direction; the second gears rotate in the second rotation direction while meshing with the second rotation tooth portions in conjunction with the rotation of the second rotating body, and rotate around the third axis in the same rotation direction as the second rotation direction. <9> <8> In the mechanical clock described in A mechanical clock, wherein the plurality of first gears and the plurality of second gears are engaged with the first rotation toothed portions and the second rotation toothed portions so that their rotation speeds are the same. <10> <2> In the mechanical clock described in The first decorative body is formed in a plate shape and displaces parallel to the base plate in conjunction with the first gear, The second decorative body is formed in a plate shape, and is arranged in a state spaced apart from the first decorative body in the first axial direction, and displaces parallel to the base plate in conjunction with the second gear, At least a part of the outer shape of the first decorative body has a flat portion formed in a linear shape in a plan view seen from the first axial direction, A mechanical clock in which the flat portion is positioned so as not to overlap with the second gear in the first axial direction before and during displacement of the first decorative body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] M1...1st rotation direction M2…Second rotation direction O1…1st axis O2…Second axis O3…3rd axis 1, 150, 200... Mechanical clock 10...Decorative body (second decorative body) 3…Main plate 26...First rotating tooth section 27...Second rotation tooth section 35...1st gear (gear) 37...2nd gear (gear) 50...First rotating body (rotating body) 65...External drive teeth 66...Internal teeth 72…First information 80...Second rotating body (rotating body) 96...External tooth part 103…Second information 110...Rotation drive mechanism 111...Drive motor (drive source) 112...Transmission gear train 120...Interlocking mechanism 121...Intermediate gear 121a...First intermediate tooth part 121b...Second intermediate tooth part 160, 210...1st decoration (decoration) 161...Flat area 220...Second decoration (decoration)

Claims

1. The base plate and a first rotor that is rotatable about a first axis relative to the base plate; a second rotor that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the main plate and the first rotor; a rotation drive mechanism that rotates the first rotor in a first rotation direction; a linkage mechanism that rotates the second rotor in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotor, At least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is provided with a plurality of gears that are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction around the first axis and are rotatably supported by the one rotating body, the plurality of gears rotate about the first axis in conjunction with the rotation of the one rotating body, and rotate in the same rotation direction as the rotation direction of the one rotating body; A mechanical clock characterized in that a decorative body is attached to each of the plurality of gears so as to be unable to rotate.

2. 2. The mechanical clock according to claim 1, The plurality of gears include: a plurality of first gears supported by the first rotor so as to be rotatable about second axes; a plurality of second gears supported by the second rotor so as to be rotatable about a third axis, The decorative body is A first ornament attached to each of the plurality of first gears in a non-rotatable manner; A second decorative body non-rotatably attached to each of the plurality of second gears.

3. 3. The mechanical clock according to claim 1 or 2, First information is displayed on the first rotating body, A mechanical clock, wherein second information is displayed on the second rotating body.

4. 3. The mechanical clock according to claim 1 or 2, The interlocking mechanism includes: an internal tooth portion that is formed in an annular shape on the first rotor so as to extend in the circumferential direction and that faces inward in a radial direction that intersects with the first axis in a plan view seen from the first axis direction; an external tooth portion that is formed in an annular shape on the second rotor so as to extend in the circumferential direction and faces outward in the radial direction so as to face the internal tooth portion in the radial direction; A mechanical clock comprising an intermediate gear that is rotatably supported on the main plate so as to be disposed between the internal toothed portion and the external toothed portion, and that meshes with each of the internal toothed portion and the external toothed portion.

5. 5. The mechanical clock according to claim 4, The intermediate gear is a first intermediate tooth portion that meshes with the internal tooth portion; a second intermediate toothed portion that meshes with the external toothed portion and has a different number of teeth than the first intermediate toothed portion, A mechanical clock, wherein the intermediate gear varies the rotational speed of the second rotating body relative to the rotational speed of the first rotating body based on the ratio between the number of teeth of the first intermediate tooth portion and the number of teeth of the second intermediate tooth portion.

6. 6. The mechanical clock according to claim 5, A mechanical clock, wherein the ratio is set so that the rotation speed of the first rotating body and the rotation speed of the second rotating body are the same.

7. 5. The mechanical clock according to claim 4, The rotation drive mechanism includes: a driving external teeth portion that is formed in an annular shape on the first rotor so as to extend in the circumferential direction, that is disposed radially outward of the internal teeth portion, and that faces radially outward; a drive source having a drive gear and provided on the base plate; a transmission gear train that is rotatably supported on the main plate, that meshes with the drive gear and the drive external tooth portion, and that transmits the rotational force of the drive gear to the first rotating body.

8. 3. The mechanical clock according to claim 2, The base plate has: a first rotation tooth portion that extends annularly along the circumferential direction and meshes with the plurality of first gears; a second rotation tooth portion that extends annularly along the circumferential direction and meshes with the plurality of second gears, the first gears rotate in the first rotation direction while meshing with the first rotation tooth portions in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotor, and rotate about the second axis in the same rotation direction as the first rotation direction, the second gears rotate in the second rotation direction while meshing with the second rotation tooth portions in conjunction with the rotation of the second rotating body, and rotate around the third axis in the same rotation direction as the second rotation direction.

9. 9. The mechanical clock according to claim 8, A mechanical clock, wherein the plurality of first gears and the plurality of second gears are engaged with the first rotation toothed portions and the second rotation toothed portions so that their rotation speeds are the same.

10. 3. The mechanical clock according to claim 2, The first decorative body is formed in a plate shape and displaces parallel to the base plate in conjunction with the first gear, The second decorative body is formed in a plate shape, and is arranged in a state spaced apart from the first decorative body in the first axial direction, and displaces parallel to the base plate in conjunction with the second gear, At least a part of the outer shape of the first decorative body has a flat portion formed linearly in a plan view seen from the first axial direction, A mechanical clock in which the flat portion is positioned so as not to overlap the second gear in the first axial direction before and during displacement of the first decorative body.

Images