Animation Mechanism

Abstract

The animation mechanism (1) comprises a cam (2) mounted for rotational movement around a rotation axis, the cam (2) including a guide groove (22) arranged around the rotation axis of the cam (2), a first animation element (35) kinematically connected to the cam (2) by a first transmission element (3), and a second animation element (36) kinematically connected to the cam (2) by a second transmission element (4), the first transmission element (3) and the second transmission element (4) each comprising a cam follower element inserted in the guide groove (22). A watch (10) comprising such an animation mechanism (1).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an animation mechanism making it possible to animate one or more animation elements forming one or more objects (people, figures, animals, etc.) and / or showing time information. The present invention particularly relates to an animation mechanism intended for use in watches. [Background technology]

[0002] Numerous animation mechanisms are known that allow one or more people, figures, animals, or time information displays to move for entertainment effects. This movement is generally cyclical, starting from an initial position, where one or more animation elements move to a specific series of positions before returning to the initial position. These mechanisms are particularly used in jewelry or watchmaking. When incorporated into a watch movement, these mechanisms are typically arranged to trigger animations at specific moments (e.g., on the hour) or when requested via a control element that can be actuated by the user.

[0003] An animation mechanism is typically associated with a drive element that transmits to the animation mechanism the power necessary to move one or more animation elements. If the animation mechanism is associated with a clock movement, the drive element for the animation mechanism can be either the drive element for the movement, or a separate drive element dedicated to the animation mechanism.

[0004] Incorporating animation mechanisms into clocks, especially wristwatches, is often difficult due to the size and complexity of the mechanisms, especially when there are multiple moving animation elements or when the animation elements have multiple displacements during one cycle. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the invention is to propose an animation mechanism that allows moving multiple animation elements with less complexity and therefore less space requirement compared to prior art mechanisms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This object and other advantages are achieved in particular by an animation mechanism comprising: a cam mounted for rotational movement about a rotation axis, the cam including a guide groove arranged around the rotation axis of the cam; a first animation element kinematically connected to the cam by a first transmission element; and a second animation element kinematically connected to the cam by a second transmission element, wherein the first transmission element and the second transmission element each include a cam follower element inserted in the guide groove.

[0007] The use of a single cam with a single guide groove for moving at least two transmission elements that move at least two animation elements allows the number of moving parts to be reduced to a minimum. Furthermore, the use of guide grooves into which the cam follower elements of the transmission elements are inserted allows the transmission elements to be accurately guided in all degrees of freedom without the need for return mechanisms such as springs that return the transmission elements in one direction.

[0008] The second animation element is preferably kinematically connected to the first animation element. In this way, by displacing the first and second transfer elements simultaneously or sequentially, it is possible to generate animations involving relatively complex movements of one animation element relative to the other using a single cam.

[0009] The second animation element is implemented, for example, to rotate relative to the first animation element.

[0010] The animation mechanism of the present invention comprises, for example, a first carriage and a first arm mounted for rotational movement on the first carriage, the first carriage being kinematically connected to a first transmission element, the first arm being kinematically connected to a second transmission element, a first animation element being fixed on the first carriage, and a second animation element being fixed on the first arm.

[0011] The first carriage is mounted, for example, for translational movement.

[0012] Thus, the mechanism can be configured so that both the first animation element and the second animation element move translationally under the influence of the first transmission element, and the second animation element pivots relative to the first animation element under the influence of the second transmission element, both of which are actuated by the same cam.

[0013] The guide groove preferably forms a closed curve, so that the cam always rotates in the same direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first transmission element is a lever mounted for rotational movement and the second transmission element is a bar mounted for translational movement.

[0015] The guide groove, for example, has at least one active portion where the distance from the guide groove to the rotation axis of the cam is variable and at least one inactive portion where the distance from the guide groove to the rotation axis of the cam is constant, and the animation mechanism is configured such that when the cam follower element of the first transmission element follows the active portion of the guide groove, the cam follower element of the second transmission element follows the inactive portion of the guide groove, and when the cam follower element of the second transmission element follows the active portion of the guide groove, the cam follower element of the first transmission element follows the inactive portion of the guide groove.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the animation mechanism further comprises a third animation element, a fourth animation element and a third transmission element, wherein the third animation element is kinematically connected to the cam by the third transmission element, and the fourth animation element is connected to the cam by the second transmission element, and the third transmission element comprises a cam follower element inserted in the guide groove.

[0017] Thus, the animation mechanism is configured, for example, such that when the cam follower element of the first transmission element follows the active portion of the guide groove, the cam follower element of the third transmission element follows the active portion of the guide groove, and when the cam follower element of the first transmission element follows the inactive portion of the guide groove, the cam follower element of the third transmission element follows the inactive portion of the guide groove.

[0018] The third transmission element is, for example, a lever mounted for rotational movement.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a first animation element represents a lower part of the body of the first person, a second animation element represents an upper part of the body of the first person, a third animation element represents a lower part of the body of the second person, and a fourth animation element represents an upper part of the body of the second person, and the animation mechanism is configured to, during an animation cycle corresponding to half a rotation of the cam from a starting position, cause the first and second people to: The lower and upper parts of the body translate towards each other; The upper part of the body pivots relative to the lower part, which remains stationary, bringing the heads closer together; The upper part of the body pivots in the opposite direction while the lower part of the body remains stationary; The lower and upper body translate together, moving away from each other and returning to the starting position; The actuator is configured to perform a continuous movement of the actuator.

[0020] The position of the cam follower element, e.g. the second transmission element, is preferably adjustable in order to adjust the relative position of the second transmission element with respect to the rotation axis of the cam, which makes it possible to adjust the position of the second animation element with respect to the fourth animation element, for example.

[0021] The above objects and other advantages are also achieved by a watch with such an animation mechanism.

[0022] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, illustrated by the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates at least a portion of a watch with an animation mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the animation mechanism inside the watch of FIG. 1 without the animation elements. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the animation mechanism of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective, partially cross-sectional view of the animation mechanism of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cam of the animation mechanism of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3A-3C illustrate different steps in the animation cycle of the animation mechanism of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 3A-3C illustrate different steps in the animation cycle of the animation mechanism of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 3A-3C illustrate different steps in the animation cycle of the animation mechanism of FIG. 2. [Figure 9] 3A-3C illustrate different steps in the animation cycle of the animation mechanism of FIG. 2. [Figure 10] 3A-3C illustrate different steps in the animation cycle of the animation mechanism of FIG. 2. [Figure 11]3A-3C illustrate different steps in the animation cycle of the animation mechanism of FIG. 2. [Figure 12] 3A-3C illustrate different steps in the animation cycle of the animation mechanism of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] According to an embodiment shown by way of example and not limitation, the animation mechanism 1 of the present invention is intended to be incorporated into a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch 10 partially shown in FIG. 1, and is configured to animate animation elements 35, 36, 55, 56, 37, 57 located on either side of the center of the timepiece, forming, for example, two figures holding hands, a man on the left and a woman on the right.

[0025] The male figure is essentially formed by a first animation element 35 representing the legs of the male figure and a second animation element 36 representing the upper body (chest and head). The female figure is essentially formed by a third animation element 55 representing the first legs from which the female figure appears to stand and a fourth animation element 56 representing the upper part of the figure's body (chest, head) and second legs. Two additional animation elements 37, 57 each represent the arms of one of the two figures. The arms are implemented to rotate and move at one end of the upper body of each figure and are attached to each other at the other end to also rotate and move, giving the impression that the figures are holding hands.

[0026] According to the illustrative embodiment shown, the animation mechanism 1 of the present invention is configured so that during the animation of the animation elements 35, 36, 55, 56, the characters move towards each other, lean forward as if they are going to kiss each other, all while still holding hands, and then return to the starting position shown in Figure 1. During one cycle of the animation, the characters perform the following successive movements: - the lower body 35;55 and the upper body 36;56 both undergo translational movement towards the center of the clock; - the upper part of the body 36;56 pivots relative to the lower part of the body 35;55, which remains stationary, so that the heads move closer together; - the upper part 36;56 of the body pivots in the opposite direction, while the lower part 35;55 of the body remains stationary; - The lower body 35;55 and the upper body 36;56 both translate away from the center of the clock and back to the starting position.

[0027] The animation mechanism 1 is arranged to trigger animations, for example, at times determined by the movement of the watch 10 and / or when requested via a control element (not shown) that can be activated by the user. The integration of the animation mechanism 1 into the watch 10 is carried out in a manner known per se and will not be described in detail further herein. In the watch 10, the animation mechanism 1 is associated with a drive element that transmits to the animation mechanism 1 the power required to move the animation elements 35, 36, 55, 56. The drive element may be, for example, a drive element dedicated to the animation mechanism 1 and may be rechargeable, for example, at times determined by the movement of the watch, during the operation of a control element of the animation mechanism and / or a drive element of a watch movement coupled to the animation mechanism. As will be explained in more detail herein, the animation of the animation elements 35, 36, 55, 56 is brought about by a cam 2 that is rotated by the drive element and activates three transmission elements 3, 4, 5 that are kinematically connected to the animation elements 35, 36, 55, 56.

[0028] 2 to 4 show in more detail the animation mechanism 1 of the present invention, excluding the animation elements forming the human figures, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The animation mechanism 1 comprises a cam 2 and three transmission elements 3, 4, 5, each of which comprises a cam follower element 31, 41, 51 configured to be inserted into a guide groove 22 of the cam 2 extending around the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2, the guide groove 22 forming, for example, a closed curve around the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2. The cam follower elements 31, 41, 51 are preferably pins, each fixedly attached to the respective transmission element 3, 4, 5 and inserted into the guide groove 22 (FIG. 4). The pins 31, 41, 51 are preferably formed in a known manner, for example as a single element with the respective transmission element 3, 4, 5, or are manufactured from the same material element, or are fixed, for example driven or welded, to the respective transmission element 3, 4, 5.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission element 3 is a lever, one of whose ends is pivoted about a rotation axis 30. The other end of the lever 3 is kinematically connected to a first carriage 6, which is mounted for translation. A pin 31 of the lever 3 is located between the two ends. The animation mechanism 1 is configured so that rotation of the lever 3 causes translation of the first carriage 6. The lever 3 and the first carriage 6 are kinematically connected to each other, for example, by inserting the pin of one element into a slot of the other. The pin 61 of the first carriage 6 is inserted, for example, into a slot 32 of the lever 3. The first carriage 6 is mounted for translational movement, for example, with the aid of fixed elements, for example, two fixed roller bearings 62, each inserted into a slot 63 of the first carriage 6, the two slots 63 being oriented in the same direction, for example horizontally relative to the scene formed by the person.

[0030] The first carriage 6 comprises a first arm 7 mounted for rotational movement thereon, the distal end of which is kinematically connected to a second transfer element 4. The second transfer element 4 is a bar mounted for translational movement, and the animation mechanism 1 is configured so that translation of the bar 4 causes rotation of the first arm 7 about its rotation axis 70. The bar 4 is mounted for translational movement, for example, with the aid of fixed elements, for example, two fixed roller bearings 42 inserted into slots 43 and notches 44 in the bar 4. The slots 43 and notches 44 are oriented in the same direction, for example, perpendicular to the scene formed by the person. However, within the scope of the present invention, other types of mechanisms can be used to mount the second transfer element 4 for translational movement. The first arm 7 and the bar 4 are kinematically connected to each other, for example, by inserting a pin of one element into a slot of the other element. The pin 71 of the first arm 7 is inserted, for example, into the slot 45 of the bar 4. The slot 45 in the bar 4 is oriented parallel to the translation direction of the first carriage 6, for example horizontally relative to the scene formed by a person, so that when the first carriage 6 moves in translation under the influence of the movement of the first transmission element 3 and the second transmission element 4 is at rest, the first arm 7 does not pivot relative to the first carriage 6.

[0031] The first carriage 6 comprises at least one fixing element, e.g., a pipe 60 fixedly attached to the first carriage 6 and arranged around the axis of rotation 70 of the first arm 7, for fixing on the first carriage 6 a first animation element 35 (shown in FIG. 1 ) representing the legs of a male figure. The first arm 7 comprises at least one fixing element, e.g., a pipe 72 fixedly attached to the first arm 7 and arranged around the axis of rotation 70 of the first arm 7, for fixing on the first arm 7 a second animation element 36 (shown in FIG. 1 ) representing the chest and head of a male figure. According to the invention, the first animation element is fixed on the first carriage 6, e.g., on the pipe 60 fixedly attached to the first carriage 6, while the second animation element is fixed on the first arm 7, e.g., on the pipe 72 fixedly attached to the first arm 7, thus kinematically connecting the second animation element to the first animation element. In particular, the second animation element is mounted for rotational movement relative to the first animation element by means of a first arm 7 which is mounted for rotational movement relative to the first carriage 6. When the carriage 6 is translated under the influence of the first transfer element 3, the first and second animation elements 35, 36 thus translate together. When the first arm 7 is rotated under the influence of the second transfer element 4, the second animation element 36 is rotated and pivots relative to the first animation element 35. However, other fixing elements can be used within the scope of the present invention to fix the first and second animation elements 35, 36 to the first carriage 6 and / or the first arm 7.

[0032] The guide groove 22 of the cam 2 is configured, for example, to move the first and second transmission elements 3, 4 continuously, thus allowing continuous translational movement of the figure and pivotal movement of the upper part of the figure's body. However, depending on the desired scene, simultaneous displacement of the first and second transmission elements 3, 4 can be used to obtain a compound movement of the animation element.

[0033] 5, the guide groove 22 comprises, for example, at least one active portion 222, 224 and at least one inactive portion 221, 223. In the active portions 222, 224, the distance from the guide groove 22 to the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2 varies, which results in displacement of the transmission elements having cam follower elements located in such active portions 222, 224 when the cam is rotating. In the inactive portions 221, 223, the distance from the guide groove to the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2 is constant, so that the transmission elements having cam follower elements located in such inactive portions 221, 223 remain substantially stationary when the cam 2 is rotating. According to the illustrated embodiment, the relative positions of the pin 31 of the first transmission element 3 and the pin 41 of the second transmission element 4 in the guide groove 22 are selected, for example, so that these pins 31, 41 are not located in the active portions 222, 224 of the guide groove 22 at substantially the same time.

[0034] According to the illustrated embodiment, the animation mechanism comprises three transmission elements 3, 4, and 5. The third transmission element 5 is preferably arranged similarly to the first transmission element 3. The third transmission element 5 is, for example, a lever pivoted at one of its ends about a rotation axis 50. The other end of the lever is kinematically connected to a second carriage 8, which is mounted for translational movement. A pin 51 of the lever 5 is located between the ends. The animation mechanism 1 is configured so that rotation of the lever 5 causes translation of the second carriage 8. The lever 5 and the second carriage 8 are kinematically connected, for example, by a pin of the first element inserted into a slot of the other element. The pin 81 of the second carriage 8 is inserted, for example, into a slot 52 of the lever 5. The translational path of the second carriage 8 is preferably guided by fixed elements, for example two fixed roller bearings 82 each inserted into a slot 83 of the second carriage 8, the two slots 83 being oriented in the same direction, for example horizontally relative to the scene formed by the person.

[0035] The second carriage 8 comprises a second arm 9 mounted for rotational movement thereon, the distal end of which is kinematically connected to the second transfer element 4. The animation mechanism 1 is configured so that translation of the second transfer element 4 causes rotation of the second arm 9 about its axis of rotation. The second arm 9 and the bar 4 are kinematically connected to each other, for example, by inserting a pin of one element into a slot of the other. The pin 91 of the second arm 9 is inserted, for example, into the slot 46 of the bar 4. The slot 46 of the bar 4 is oriented parallel to the direction of translation of the second carriage 8, for example, horizontally with respect to the scene formed by the person, so that the second carriage 8 translates under the influence of the movement of the third transfer element 5, and the second arm 9 does not pivot relative to the second carriage 8 when the second transfer element 4 is stationary.

[0036] The second carriage 8 comprises at least one fixing element, e.g., a pipe 80 fixedly attached to the second carriage 8 and arranged around the axis of rotation 90 of the second arm 9, for fixing on the second carriage 8 a third animation element 55 (shown in FIG. 1 ), representing the legs on which the female figure is standing. The second arm 9 comprises at least one fixing element, e.g., a pipe 92 arranged around the axis of rotation 90 of the second arm 9, for fixing on the second arm 9 a fourth animation element 56 (shown in FIG. 1 ), representing the body of the female figure. According to the invention, the third animation element 55 is fixed on the second carriage 8, e.g., on the pipe 80 fixedly attached to the second carriage 8, while the fourth animation element is fixed on the second arm 9, e.g., on the pipe 92 fixedly attached to the second arm 9, thus kinematically connecting the fourth animation element to the third animation element. In particular, the fourth animation element is mounted for rotational movement relative to the third animation element by means of a second arm 9 which is mounted for rotational movement on a second carriage 8. Thus, when the second carriage 8 translates under the influence of the third transfer element 5, the third and fourth animation elements 55, 56 translate together. When the second arm 9 rotates under the influence of the second transfer element 4, the fourth animation element 56 is rotated and pivots relative to the third animation element 55. However, other fixing elements can be used within the scope of the present invention to fix the third and fourth animation elements 55, 56 to the second carriage 8 and / or the second arm 9.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the position of at least one follower element of one of the transmission elements is adjustable, allowing the position of one or more of the transmission elements relative to the other transmission elements, and thus the position of at least one animation element relative to the other animation elements. According to the illustrated embodiment, the position of the cam follower element 41 of the second transmission element 4 along the longitudinal direction of the second transmission element 4 is adjustable. The cam follower element 41 is, for example, an eccentric, one end of which is a pin intended to be inserted into the guide groove 22, the other end serving as a pivot for the eccentric to adjust the position of the pin along the second transmission element 4. Rotating the eccentric one revolution at a time moves the pin along the second transmission element, thereby making it possible to adjust the position of the second transmission element 4 relative to the axis of rotation of the cam 2 and the other transmission elements 3, 5. Adjustment of the corresponding cam follower elements or the position of the cam follower elements allows the relative position of the animation elements to be adjusted, for example during maintenance work to correct errors in the position and / or manufacturing clearances of the animation elements and / or to correct misalignments that may have occurred over time.

[0038] According to the illustrated embodiment, the cam 2 comprises four active portions 222, 224 and four inactive portions 221, 223 arranged alternately around the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2. The active portions 222, 224 and inactive portions 221, 223 and the transmission elements 3, 4, 5 are arranged such that the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission elements 3, 5 are located in the active portions 222, 224 of the cam groove 22, the pin 41 of the second transmission element 4 is located in the inactive portion 223 of the cam groove 22, and when the pin 41 of the second transmission element 4 is located in the active portions 222, 224 of the cam groove 22, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission elements 3, 5 are located in the inactive portion 223 of the cam groove 22. Thus, when the cam 2 rotates, the person moves either in translation or by pivoting their upper part.

[0039] The active portions 222, 224 and inactive portions 221, 223 are, for example, distributed so that the guide groove 22 is continuous, for example comprising an arrangement 221, 222, 223, 224 of active and / or inactive portions that is repeated at least once over the entire circumference of the guide groove 22. In the counterclockwise direction, the guide groove 22 is, for example, continuous over half a turn: - a high inactive part 221, where the distance from the guide groove 22 to the rotation axis 20 is constant and maximum; - a decreasing active part 222, the distance from the guide groove 22 to the rotation axis 20 decreasing in the counterclockwise direction; - a lower active part 223, the distance from the guide groove 22 to the rotation axis 20 being constant and minimal; - an increasing active part 224, the distance from the guide groove 22 to the rotation axis 20 increasing in the counterclockwise direction; Equipped with.

[0040] The above arrangement of four portions 221 , 222 , 223 , 224 is then repeated on the other half of the guide groove 22 .

[0041] 6 to 12 are diagrams showing several successive instantaneous positions of the animation mechanism 1 during an animation cycle, with animation elements omitted for clarity.

[0042] The cam 2 is mounted to rotate in cooperation with a toothed wheel 21, which allows it to be driven by a rotating gear train driven by a drive element. The cam 2 and the toothed wheel 21 are, for example, a single monoblock element. The animation mechanism 1 is driven so that the cam 2 rotates in a clockwise direction. The pins 31, 41, 51 therefore pass through the guide groove 22 in a counterclockwise direction.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows the animation mechanism 1 immediately after starting rotation of the cam 2 from the inactive position shown in FIG. 2. In this position, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transfer elements 3, 5 each enter the decreasing active portion 222 of the cam groove 22, bringing them closer to the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2. In this way, the first transfer element 3 begins to rotate, for example, clockwise, and the second transfer element 5 begins to rotate counterclockwise. The rotation of the first and third transfer elements 3, 5 causes the first and second carriages 6, 8 to translate horizontally toward each other. Because the pin 41 of the second transfer element 4 is partially located in the lower, inactive portion 223 of the cam groove 22, the second transfer element 4 remains stationary. In this way, the figures are moved toward each other without the upper parts of their bodies 36, 56 pivoting relative to the lower parts 35, 55.

[0044] 7, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transfer elements 3, 5 are each at the end of their respective decreasing active portions 222. Thus, the first and third transfer elements 3, 5 are at the first end of their rotational movement toward the center of the animation mechanism 1, and the first and second carriages 6, 8 are as close to each other as possible. The pin 41 of the second transfer element 4 is at the end of the lower inactive portion 223, where it was at the start of the animation cycle. Thus, the second transfer element 4 is still in its initial position, i.e., the figures are facing each other in an upright position.

[0045] 8, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transfer elements 3, 5 are each located in the lower, inactive portion 223 of the cam groove 22, while the cam follower element 41 of the second transfer element 4 is located in the increasing active portion 224 tending away from the axis of rotation, which, according to the illustrated configuration of the animation mechanism 1, has the effect of translating the second element 4 downwards relative to the scene represented by the animated figure. In its downward movement, the second transfer element 4 drives the pins 71, 91 of the first and second arms 7, 9 of the first and second carriages 6, 8, which are inserted, for example, in the slots 45, 46 shown in FIG. 2. Driving the pins 71, 91 causes the first and second arms 7, 9 to pivot, causing the chests of the figures to tilt towards each other.

[0046] 9, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transfer elements 3, 5 are still in the same lower inactive portion 223, but the pin 41 of the second transfer element 4 is at the end of the increased active portion 224 and ready to enter the higher inactive portion 221. The pin 41 of the second transfer element 4 is at the farthest position from the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2. Thus, the second transfer element 4 is in its lowest position, with the upper parts of the persons' bodies 36, 56 leaning forward and their heads touching as if they were about to kiss.

[0047] According to the embodiment shown, the relative position of the second transmission element 4 with respect to the axis of rotation of the cam 2 can be adjusted, as explained above. In a preferred manner, the vertical position of the second transmission element 4 is adjusted so that, in its lowest position, the second and fourth animation elements representing the person's head are exactly level with each other. This adjustment is preferably performed after assembly of the animation mechanism 1, for example during maintenance work, in order to correct errors in the position and / or manufacture of the animation elements and / or to correct deviations that may have occurred over time.

[0048] In the position shown in FIG. 10 , the pin 41 of the second transfer element 4 is at the end of the high inactive portion 221, while the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transfer elements 3, 5 are still located in the same low inactive portion 223. Between the positions shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 , in the illustrated embodiment, this corresponds to a rotation of approximately 30° of the cam 2, so that the person remains stationary in the kissing position. Following this position, the cam 2 continues its rotation, and the pin 41 of the second transfer element 4 enters the decreasing active portion 222, which guides it toward the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2. The second transfer element 4 is thus moved upward, pivoting the first and second arms 7, 9 of the first and second carriages 6, 8 and returning the upper part of the person's body 36, 56 to the upright position shown in FIG. 11 . During this rotation of the cam 2, the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transmission elements 3, 5 remain in the inactive portion 223. In this way, the lower part of the torso 35, 55 of the animated figure remains stationary while it is straightening.

[0049] 11, the pin 41 of the second transfer element 4 leaves the decreasing active portion 222 to enter the lower inactive portion 223, while the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transfer elements 3, 5 each leave the lower inactive portion 223 to enter the increasing active portion 224, and the cam 2 continues its rotation. The second transfer element 4 is therefore fixed, while the pins 31, 51 of the first and third transfer elements 3, 5 are moved away from the rotation axis 20 of the cam 2 by the guide profile 22. The first and second carriages 6, 8 are moved towards the outside of the animation mechanism 1 under the influence of the rotation of the first and third transfer elements 3, 5. The figures thus move away from each other and return to their starting positions.

[0050] At the end of the animation cycle, animation mechanism 1 is again in the position shown in Figure 12. In the embodiment shown, cam 2 makes one half rotation per animation cycle. In the position shown in Figure 12, all pins 31, 41, 51 are again located in the inactive portions 221, 223 of guide groove 22. One advantage of such an arrangement is that the position of the person at the end of the cycle will always be the same, even if the angular position of cam 2 at the end of the cycle is not always exactly the same.

[0051] During the next animation cycle, the cam 2 again makes one half rotation on itself, which moves the animation mechanism 1 in the same manner as shown above for a repetition of the arrangement 221, 222, 223, 224 of the active and inactive parts of the guide profile 22.

[0052] Other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. In particular, the length and number of active and inactive portions of the guide groove may be different. The number of repetitions of the arrangement of active and / or inactive portions on the circumference of the guide groove may also be different, e.g., 2, 3, or 4, depending on, e.g., the amplitude of the cam rotation during the animation cycle and / or the number of guided transmission elements. However, it is also conceivable within the scope of the present invention for the guide groove to have no arrangement repetitions and for the cam to rotate, e.g., once per animation cycle. It is also conceivable within the scope of the present invention for the guide groove to have no inactive portions and for all transmission elements to be moved simultaneously when the cam is set in motion.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the animation mechanism 1 comprises three transmission elements 3, 4, 5, including two levers 3, 5 and a bar 4, which are moved by the same guide groove 22 of the cam 2. However, the number and type of transmission elements can be chosen differently within the scope of the invention, with at least two transmission elements being moved by the same guide groove. The follower elements of the at least two transmission elements are inserted at different positions in the guide groove, and these at least two transmission elements are guided along the same curve formed by the guide groove, but out of phase.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer element rotated by the cam generates a linear motion of the animation element, and the transfer element translated by the cam generates a rotational motion of the animation element. However, other combinations of motions are possible within the scope of the invention, depending on the requirements of the animation and / or the requirements of the cam-guided display. It is possible within the scope of the invention for the transfer element rotated by the cam to generate a rotational and / or translational motion of the animation element, and / or for the transfer element translated by the cam to generate a translational and / or rotational motion of the animation element. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1 Animation Mechanism 2 Cam 3. First transmission element 4. Secondary transmission element 20 Rotation axis 22 Guide groove 31, 41 Cam follower element 35 First Animation Element 36 Secondary animation elements

Claims

1. An animation mechanism (1), a cam (2) mounted for rotational movement around a rotation axis (20), the cam (2) including a guide groove (22); a first animation element (35) kinematically connected to said cam (2) by a first transmission element (3); a second animation element (36) kinematically connected to said cam (2) by a second transmission element (4); Equipped with An animation mechanism (1), wherein the first transmission element (3) and the second transmission element (4) each comprise a cam follower element (31, 41) intended to cooperate with the guide groove (22).

2. 2. The animation mechanism (1) of claim 1, wherein the second animation element (36) is kinematically connected to the first animation element (35).

3. The second animation element (36) is implemented to rotate relative to the first animation element (35). An animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1-2.

4. a first carriage (6) and a first arm (7) mounted for rotational movement on the first carriage (6), the first carriage (6) being kinematically connected to the first transfer element (3), the first arm (7) being kinematically connected to the second transfer element (4), the first animation element (35) being fixed on the first carriage (6) and the second animation element (36) being fixed on the first arm (7); An animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first carriage (6) is mounted for translational movement.

6. 6. The animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the guide groove (22) is arranged around the rotation axis (20) of the cam (2), and the cam follower element (31, 41) is inserted into the guide groove.

7. Animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said guide groove (22) forms a closed curve.

8. 8. The animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first transmission element (3) is a lever mounted for rotational movement and the second transmission element (4) is a bar mounted for translational movement.

9. The guide groove (22) comprises at least one active portion (222, 224) whose distance from the guide groove (22) to the rotation axis (20) of the cam (2) is variable, and at least one inactive portion (221, 223) whose distance from the guide groove (22) to the rotation axis (20) of the cam (2) is constant; The animation mechanism (1) is configured such that when the cam follower element (31) of the first transmission element (3) follows the active portion (222, 224) of the guide groove (22), the cam follower element (41) of the second transmission element (4) follows the inactive portion (223) of the guide groove (22), and when the cam follower element (41) of the second transmission element (4) follows the active portion (222, 224) of the guide groove (22), the cam follower element (31) of the first transmission element (3) follows the inactive portion (223) of the guide groove (22). An animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Further comprising a third animation element (55), a fourth animation element (56) and a third communication element (5); The third animation element (55) is kinematically connected to the cam (2) by the third transmission element (5), and the fourth animation element (56) is connected to the cam (2) by the second transmission element (4), the third transmission element (5) comprising a cam follower element (51) inserted in the guide groove (22). An animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. When the cam follower element (31) of the first transmission element (3) follows the active portion (222, 224) of the guide groove (22), the cam follower element (51) of the third transmission element (5) is configured to follow the active portion (222, 224) of the guide groove (222, 224); When the cam follower element (31) of the first transmission element (3) follows the inactive portion (221, 223) of the guide groove (22), the cam follower element (51) of the third transmission element (5) is configured to follow the inactive portion (221, 223) of the guide groove (22). An animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. 12. Animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein the third transmission element (5) is a lever mounted for rotational movement.

13. the first animation element (35) represents the lower part of the body of a first person, the second animation element (36) represents the upper part of the body of the first person, the third animation element (55) represents the lower part of the body of a second person, and the fourth animation element (56) represents the upper part of the body of the second person; The animation mechanism (1) is configured to, during an animation cycle corresponding to a rotation of the cam (2) for half a turn from the starting position, cause the first and second characters to: the lower body part (35; 55) and the upper body part (36; 56) are both translated towards each other; the upper part of the body (36; 56) pivots relative to the lower part of the body (35; 55) which remains stationary, bringing their heads closer together; the upper part of the body (36; 56) pivots in the opposite direction while the lower part of the body (35; 55) remains stationary; the lower body part (35; 55) and the upper body part (36; 56) undergo translational movement together and move away from each other to return to the starting position; 13. An animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, configured for a continuous movement of

14. 14. The animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the position of a cam follower element (41) of the second transmission element (4) is adjustable in order to adjust the relative position of the second transmission element (4) with respect to the rotation axis (20) of the cam (2).

15. A watch (10) comprising an animation mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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