clock

Abstract

To provide a timepiece including a decorative body that operates stably and intricately.SOLUTION: A timepiece includes: a bottom plate 20 provided with external teeth 21 extending in a circular arc shape with a central axis O as a center; a rotating plate 30 rotatable around the central axis O with respect to the bottom plate 20; a first gear 51A rotatably supported on the rotating plate 30; a transmission gear train 53 rotatably supported on the rotating plate 30, meshing with the external teeth 21 and the first gear 51A, and transmitting, to the first gear 51A, rotation of the bottom plate 20 with respect to the rotating plate 30; and a first front decorative body non-rotatably connected to the first gear 51A and displaceable with respect to the rotating plate 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There are mechanical clocks with moving decorative elements (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). The mechanical clock described in Patent Document 1 comprises a base plate, a rotating plate that can rotate relative to the base plate, a gear rotatably supported on the rotating plate, and a decorative element connected to the gear, with the gear rotatably supported on the rotating plate and meshing with the external or internal teeth of the base plate, so that it revolves while rotating on its own axis. The mechanical clock described in Patent Document 2 comprises a drive unit that drives a circular rotating decorative element, with teeth on the outer periphery of the rotating decorative element that mesh with a gear driven by the drive unit, and at least one movable ornament rotatably mounted on the rotating decorative element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-215093 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 3691946 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the mechanical clock described in Patent Document 1, there is little room for adjusting the gear ratio between the gear and the external or internal toothed portion due to the space available for arranging the components, so the relationship between the rotation period and revolution period of the gear is somewhat limited. Therefore, the movement of the ornamental element is not particularly novel. Furthermore, in the mechanical clock described in Patent Document 2, the orientation of the movable ornamental element is maintained by gravity, so depending on the position of the clock, the desired movement of the movable ornamental element may not be achieved. Therefore, there is a need for the development of a clock with an ornamental element that operates more complexly and stably than conventional mechanical clocks.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a timepiece equipped with a decorative element that operates stably and intricately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The timepiece of the present invention comprises a base plate provided with teeth extending in an arc shape centered on a predetermined axis, a rotating plate that can rotate around the predetermined axis relative to the base plate, a gear rotatably supported on the rotating plate, a transmission gear train that is rotatably supported on the rotating plate, engages with the teeth and the gear, and transmits the rotation of the base plate relative to the rotating plate to the gear, and an ornament that is non-rotatably connected to the gear and is displaceable relative to the rotating plate.

[0007] According to the present invention, when the rotating plate is rotated relative to the main plate, the gears can be rotated at a rotational speed determined by the reduction ratio in the transmission gear train, and in a rotational direction determined by the direction of the torque transmitted to the gears by the transmission gear train. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a movement that would be difficult if the decorative element were connected to a gear that directly meshes with the teeth of the main plate. Furthermore, because the gears mesh with the teeth of the main plate via the transmission gear train, it is possible to prevent the orientation of the decorative element from changing depending on the position of the watch. Therefore, it is possible to provide a watch equipped with a decorative element that operates stably and in a complex manner.

[0008] In the above timepiece, the decorative body may move parallel to the main plate as the rotating plate rotates.

[0009] According to the present invention, a more interesting timepiece can be produced compared to conventional timepieces.

[0010] In the timepiece described above, the gear may rotate relative to the rotary plate in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation about the predetermined axis, and may rotate at a reduction ratio of 1 relative to the toothed portion.

[0011] According to the present invention, the rotation period (rotation period) of the gear relative to the rotating plate can be made to coincide with the rotation period (revolution period) of the gear around a predetermined axis. Furthermore, since the rotation direction (rotation direction) of the gear relative to the rotating plate is opposite to the rotation direction (revolution direction) of the gear around a predetermined axis, the gear moves parallel to the base plate. Therefore, a configuration in which the decorative body moves parallel to the base plate can be realized.

[0012] In the timepiece described above, the teeth may be external teeth.

[0013] According to the present invention, when the transmission gear train has a single intermediate gear that meshes with the toothed portion and the gear, the rotation direction of the gear relative to the rotating plate (direction of rotation) can be made opposite to the rotation direction of the gear around a predetermined axis (direction of revolution).As a result, a configuration in which the decorative body moves parallel to the base plate can be realized with a small number of parts.

[0014] The timepiece described above may further comprise another gear rotatably supported on the rotary plate, the other gear being the same part as the gear.

[0015] According to the present invention, when providing a timepiece that achieves the above-mentioned effects, it is possible to suppress the increase in the number of newly designed parts, and therefore the above-mentioned timepiece can be manufactured at low cost. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, a timepiece can be provided that is equipped with a decorative element that operates stably and in a complex manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the timepiece according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a portion of a timepiece according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a portion of a timepiece according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5]3 is a plan view showing a state in which a part of the timepiece shown in FIG. 2 is displaced. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a part of the timepiece shown in FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted.

[0019] First, the general configuration of the timepiece 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a timepiece according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, clock 1 is a mechanical clock. Clock 1 comprises a decorated front panel 2 with an opening in the center, a decorative plate 3 rotatably arranged within the opening of front panel 2, multiple (three in this embodiment) movable front decorative bodies 4 arranged closer to the front than decorative plate 3, and minute hand 6 and hour hand 7 that rotate around central axis O (a predetermined axis) to indicate the time. Note that Figure 1 shows the decorative plate 3 and front decorative bodies 4 in their initial positions.

[0020] The decorative plate 3 is formed in a disk shape centered on a central axis O. On the front surface of the decorative plate 3, numbers indicating the hours may be clearly displayed.

[0021] The multiple front decorative bodies 4 are rotatably arranged relative to the decorative plate 3. The rotation centers of the multiple front decorative bodies 4 are arranged at equal angular intervals around the central axis O. Numbers indicating the time may be clearly displayed on the front of each front decorative body 4. In this case, the numbers "1" to "12" are arranged at equal angular intervals around the central axis O on the decorative plate 3 and each front decorative body 4. In the initial state, the decorative plate 3 and the multiple front decorative bodies 4 as a whole maintain a circular shape when viewed from the front, and function as a single dial.

[0022] At a predetermined time, the decorative plate 3 rotates around the central axis O, and the multiple front decorative bodies 4 rotate while revolving around the central axis O. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the decorative plate 3 and the multiple front decorative bodies 4 return to their initial positions. In this way, the clock 1 performs a mechanical operation at a predetermined time. The rotation range and movement of the decorative plate 3 are not particularly limited, and for example, the decorative plate 3 may be set to rotate 360°. The clock 1 may also be configured to output music from a speaker while the decorative plate 3 is rotating.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the main parts of the timepiece 1 will be described in detail. Figures 2 and 3 are plan views showing a portion of the timepiece of the embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 2. Note that Figure 3 shows the portion of the timepiece shown in Figure 2 with the decorative plate 3 and front decorative body 4 removed. 2 to 4, the watch 1 comprises a main plate 20 fixedly disposed relative to the front plate 2 (see FIG. 1), a fixed member 25 fixedly supported on the main plate 20, a rotating plate 30 rotatable about a central axis O relative to the main plate 20, and gears 51, the same number as the front decorative body 4, rotatably supported on the rotating plate 30. In the following explanation, the direction along the central axis O is referred to as the axial direction, the direction perpendicular to the central axis O and extending radially from the central axis O is referred to as the radial direction, and the circumferential direction around the central axis O is simply referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the main plate 20 is disposed on the rear side of the decorative plate 3. A movement that drives a rotating shaft 8 to which the minute hand 6 and hour hand 7 are attached, a motor for driving the rotating plate 30, and other components are disposed on the rear side of the main plate 20. The rotating shaft 8 passes through approximately the center of the main plate 20. External teeth 21 (tooth portion) and internal teeth 22 are provided on the front side of the main plate 20. The external teeth 21 extend circumferentially around the central axis O. The internal teeth 22 extend circumferentially around the central axis O (see also Figure 3). The internal teeth 22 are provided radially outward of the external teeth 21. However, the external teeth 21 and the internal teeth 22 may extend in an arc of less than 360° to match the range of movement of a gear 51, which will be described later. The internal teeth 22 may also be omitted.

[0025] The fixing member 25 is supported on the front side of the base plate 20. The fixing member 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends about a central axis O and is open on both sides in the axial direction. The fixing member 25 surrounds the rotating shaft 8. A flange portion 26 that protrudes radially outward is provided at the end on the front side of the fixing member 25.

[0026] The rotating plate 30 is disposed on the front side of the base plate 20 and on the rear side of the flange portion 26 of the fixing member 25. The rotating plate 30 is formed in a circular shape centered on the central axis O when viewed from the front. A through hole 31 is formed in the center of the rotating plate 30, into which the rear side end of the fixing member 25 is inserted so as to be rotatable relative to the base plate 20.

[0027] The rotating plate 30 includes an inner peripheral portion 32 extending radially outward from the inner peripheral end of the through hole 31, a step portion 33 extending from the outer peripheral end of the inner peripheral portion 32 toward the rear surface side, and an outer peripheral portion 34 extending radially outward from the rear surface side end of the step portion 33. The step portion 33 is located radially outward from the external teeth 21 provided on the main plate 20. The step portion 33 is formed with the same number of window portions 35 as the number of gears 51 through which gears 51 pass. Teeth 39 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion 34. The teeth 39 are located radially inward of the internal teeth 22 provided on the main plate 20. The teeth 39 mesh with a gear (not shown) and are connected to the output shaft of the motor described above.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4 , the outer peripheral portion 34 is provided with a plurality of first shaft portions 36 that support the gears 51 and a second shaft portion 37 that supports the intermediate gear 52. The number of first shaft portions 36 is the same as the number of gears 51. The first shaft portions 36 and the second shaft portions 37 each protrude toward the front side. The first shaft portions 36 are provided in positions that overlap with the window portions 35 formed in the stepped portion 33 in the circumferential direction. The first shaft portions 36 are provided at equal angular intervals around the central axis O. In this embodiment, the first shaft portions 36 are initially positioned at positions corresponding to 12 o'clock, 4 o'clock, and 8 o'clock. The second shaft portion 37 is adjacent to the first shaft portion 36 that is positioned at the 12 o'clock position among the plurality of first shaft portions 36.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the multiple gears 51 are rotatably supported one by one on the first shaft portion 36. The multiple gears 51 include a first gear 51A initially positioned at a position corresponding to 12 o'clock and a second gear 51B initially positioned at positions corresponding to 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock, respectively. The first gear 51A and the second gear 51B are identical components. The first gear 51A is spaced apart from the external teeth 21 and the internal teeth 22 and does not directly mesh with the external teeth 21 and the internal teeth 22 of the main plate 20. The second gears 51B pass through the windows 35 of the rotating plate 30 and mesh with the external teeth 21 of the main plate 20 on the back side of the rotating plate 30. As a result, when the rotating plate 30 rotates relative to the main plate 20, the second gear 51B revolves around the central axis O in synchronization with the rotation of the rotating plate 30, while rotating in the same direction as the revolution. The number of teeth of the second gear 51B is fewer than the number of teeth of the external teeth 21. Therefore, the rotation period of the second gear 51B is shorter than the revolution period of the second gear 51B.

[0030] The timepiece 1 further comprises a transmission gear train 53 that transmits the rotation of the main plate 20 relative to the rotating plate 30 to the first gear 51A. The transmission gear train 53 is formed by at least one gear. The transmission gear train 53 meshes with the external teeth 21 of the main plate 20 and the first gear 51A. In this embodiment, the transmission gear train 53 comprises a single intermediate gear 52. The intermediate gear 52 is rotatably supported by the second shaft portion 37. The intermediate gear 52 is a so-called two-stage gear in which a large-diameter toothed portion 52a and a small-diameter toothed portion 52b are connected coaxially in the axial direction. The large-diameter toothed portion 52a meshes with the external teeth 21 of the main plate 20. As a result, when the rotating plate 30 rotates relative to the main plate 20, the intermediate gear 52 revolves around the central axis O in synchronization with the rotation of the rotating plate 30, while rotating in the same rotational direction as the revolution. The small diameter toothed portion 52b is located in front of the large diameter toothed portion 52a and meshes with the first gear 51 A. As a result, the intermediate gear 52 transmits rotation (spin) relative to the rotary plate 30 to the first gear 51 A.

[0031] Here, if the number of teeth of the external teeth 21 is X, the number of teeth of the large-diameter toothed portion 52a is A, the number of teeth of the small-diameter toothed portion 52b is B, and the number of teeth of the first gear 51A is Y, then the relationship X:A = Y:B holds. As a result, the revolution period and rotation period of the first gear 51A coincide with each other. In this embodiment, the number of teeth of the external teeth 21 is 72, the number of teeth of the large-diameter toothed portion 52a is 24, the number of teeth of the small-diameter toothed portion 52b is 8, and the number of teeth of the first gear 51A is 24. In addition, since the transfer gear train 53 includes an odd number of gears (one in this embodiment), the external teeth 21 and the first gear 51A can rotate in opposite directions relative to each other with respect to the rotating plate 30. As a result, the revolution direction and rotation direction of the first gear 51A are opposite to each other.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the decorative plate 3 is disposed on the front side of the rotating plate 30. The decorative plate 3 is fixedly attached to the rotating plate 30. This allows the decorative plate 3 to rotate integrally with the rotating plate 30 around the central axis O. The decorative plate 3 is formed with a through hole 3a in which the gear 51 and the connecting portion of the front decorative body 4 are disposed.

[0033] The front decorative elements 4 are initially positioned at positions corresponding to 12, 4, and 8 o'clock. The front decorative elements 4 include a first front decorative element 4A, initially positioned at 12 o'clock, and a second front decorative element 4B, initially positioned at positions corresponding to 4 and 8 o'clock. Each front decorative element 4 includes a plate-shaped main body 11 extending perpendicular to the axial direction. The main body 11 is initially provided with a claw 11a forming the end portion on the central axis O side (see also Figure 5). The claw 11a is initially positioned on the rear side of the flange 26 of the fixing member 25 and overlaps the flange 26 when viewed from the axial direction. This restricts the front-side displacement of the claw 11a of the front decorative element 4, preventing the front decorative element 4 from being shaken, for example, when an impact is applied to the watch 1. Each front decorative element 4 is non-rotatably connected to a gear 51 on the rear side of the main body 11. The first front decorative element 4A is fixed to the first gear 51A. The second front decorative bodies 4B are fixed to the second gears 51B one by one. By being fixed to the gears 51, the front decorative bodies 4 rotate integrally with the gears 51 relative to the rotating plate 30 and the decorative plate 3. The front decorative bodies 4 are formed in a shape that does not interfere with each other when rotating relative to the rotating plate 30 and does not come into contact with the fixing members 25.

[0034] Next, the operation of the timepiece 1 will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the initial state of the timepiece 1 as described above, the decorative plate 3 and the multiple front decorative bodies 4 are maintained in a circular shape as a whole when viewed from the front.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which a part of the watch shown in Fig. 2 has been displaced. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a part of the watch shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 shows a state in which the decorative plate 3 and the front decorative body 4 have been removed from the part of the watch shown in Fig. 5. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the motor is driven to rotate the rotating plate 30 relative to the main plate 20, the gear 51 and the intermediate gear 52 revolve. The second gear 51B and the intermediate gear 52 are engaged with the external teeth 21 of the main plate 20, and therefore rotate in synchronization with the revolution. As the intermediate gear 52 rotates, the first gear 51A, which engages with the intermediate gear 52, also rotates in synchronization with the revolution. This causes the front decorative body 4, which is fixedly attached to the gear 51, to rotate relative to the decorative plate 3. At this time, the revolution direction and rotation direction of the first gear 51A are opposite to each other, and the revolution period and rotation period of the first gear 51A are the same, so the first front decorative body 4A moves parallel to the front plate 2 (translational movement). On the other hand, the revolution direction and rotation direction of the second gear 51B are the same, so the second front decorative body 4B rotates relative to the front plate 2.

[0036] As explained above, the timepiece 1 of this embodiment comprises a first gear 51A rotatably supported on the rotating plate 30, an intermediate gear 52 rotatably supported on the rotating plate 30, which meshes with the external teeth 21 of the main plate 20 and the first gear 51A and transmits the rotation of the main plate 20 relative to the rotating plate 30 to the first gear 51A, and a first front decorative body 4A non-rotatably connected to the first gear 51A and displaceable relative to the rotating plate 30. With this configuration, when the rotating plate 30 is rotated relative to the main plate 20, the first gear 51A can be rotated at a rotational speed determined by the reduction ratio of the intermediate gear 52 and in a rotational direction determined by the direction of the torque transmitted from the intermediate gear 52 to the first gear 51A. This makes it possible to achieve a movement that would be difficult if the front decorative body were connected to a gear that directly meshes with the external teeth 21 or internal teeth 22 of the main plate 20. Furthermore, because the first gear 51A meshes with the external teeth 21 of the main plate 20 via the transmission gear train 53, it is possible to prevent the orientation of the first front decorative body 4A from changing depending on the position of the watch 1. Therefore, it is possible to provide a watch equipped with a front decorative body 4 that operates stably and in a complex manner.

[0037] Moreover, the first front decorative body 4A moves parallel to the main plate 20 as the rotating plate 30 rotates. This configuration makes the timepiece more interesting than conventional timepieces.

[0038] Furthermore, the first gear 51A rotates in the opposite direction to the revolution direction, and rotates at a reduction ratio of 1 relative to the external teeth 21 of the main plate 20. With this configuration, the rotation period of the first gear 51A can be made to match the revolution period of the first gear 51A. Moreover, because the rotation direction of the first gear 51A is opposite to the revolution direction of the first gear 51A, the first gear 51A moves parallel to the main plate 20. Therefore, a configuration can be realized in which the first front decorative body 4A moves parallel to the main plate 20.

[0039] Furthermore, the intermediate gear 52 meshes with the external teeth 21 of the main plate 20. With this configuration, the rotation direction of the first gear 51A can be made opposite to the revolution direction of the first gear 51A by using a single intermediate gear 52. Therefore, a configuration in which the first front decorative body 4A moves parallel to the main plate 20 can be realized with a small number of parts.

[0040] The timepiece 1 also includes a second gear 51B rotatably supported on the rotating plate. The first gear 51A is the same part as the second gear 51B. This configuration makes it possible to provide a timepiece 1 that achieves the above-mentioned effects by minimizing the need to design new parts. This means that the above-mentioned timepiece 1 can be manufactured at low cost.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment explained with reference to the drawings, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, three front decorative bodies 4 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, the number of front decorative bodies can be set arbitrarily.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the transmission gear train 53 is composed of a single intermediate gear 52, but the transmission gear train may be composed of multiple gears. However, if the transmission gear train is engaged with the external teeth 21 of the main plate 20 as in the above embodiment, it is desirable to have an odd number of gears constituting the transmission gear train. This allows the external teeth 21 and the first gear 51A to rotate in opposite directions relative to the rotating plate 30, thereby reversing the direction of revolution and the direction of rotation of the first gear 51A. Therefore, as in the above embodiment, it is possible to move the first front decorative body 4A parallel to the main plate 20.

[0043] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the transmission gear train 53 meshes with the external teeth 21 of the main plate 20, but this configuration is not limited to this. That is, the transmission gear train may mesh with the first gear 51A and the internal teeth 22 of the main plate 20. In this case, it is desirable to have an even number of gears constituting the transmission gear train. This allows the internal teeth 22 and the first gear 51A to rotate in opposite directions relative to the rotating plate 30, thereby reversing the direction of revolution and the direction of rotation of the first gear 51A. Therefore, as in the above embodiment, it is possible to move the first front decorative body 4A parallel to the main plate 20.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the first front decorative body 4A is configured to move in a parallel direction, but the movement of the first front decorative body is not particularly limited. However, it is desirable that the first front decorative body move differently from the second front decorative body 4B.

[0045] In addition, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1...Clock 4A...First front decorative body (decorative body) 20...Main plate 21...External teeth (tooth portion) 30...Rotating plate 39...Tooth 51A...First gear (gear) 51B...Second gear (other gear) 53...Transmission gear train

Claims

1. a base plate provided with teeth extending in an arc shape around a predetermined axis; a rotating plate that is rotatable about the predetermined axis relative to the base plate; a gear rotatably supported on the rotary plate; a transmission gear train that is rotatably supported on the rotary plate, that meshes with the toothed portion and the gear, and that transmits rotation of the rotary plate relative to the main plate to the gear; A decorative body that is non-rotatably connected to the gear and displaceable relative to the rotating plate; Equipped with The decorative body moves parallel to the base plate as the rotating plate rotates. clock.

2. the gear rotates relative to the rotary plate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction around the predetermined axis, and rotates relative to the tooth portion at a reduction ratio of 1; 2. The watch according to claim 1.

3. The tooth portion is an external tooth.

3. The timepiece according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further, another gear is rotatably supported on the rotary plate, The gear is the same part as the other gear. A timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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