Actuating mechanism for a flexible indicator hand driven by a timekeeping movement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mechanism (1) for actuating a flexible indicator hand (20) intended to be driven by a timepiece movement of a watch, the flexible indicator hand (20) comprising a first drive-tube (16) and a second drive-tube (18), the first drive-tube (16) and the second drive-tube (18) being arranged coaxially about an axis of rotation D1, the actuating mechanism (1) comprising: - a first differential mechanism (2) comprising a first input intended to receive an angular rotation of an angle (θ1) about a rotation axis D1 transmitted by the timepiece movement and determining the rotation of the flexible indicator hand (20) about its own axis, and an output of the first differential mechanism (2) configured to rotatably drive the flexible indicator hand (20); a second differential mechanism (4) comprising a first input kinematically connected to a first input of the first differential mechanism (2) with a gear ratio, a second input intended to receive an angular rotation (θ2) determining a change in length of the flexible indicator hand (20), and an output configured to control the change in length of the flexible indicator hand (20), said output being kinematically connected to the second input of the first differential mechanism (2); Equipped with.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating mechanism for a flexible display needle driven by a timing movement of a timepiece.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the applicant has already disclosed several operating mechanisms for flexible display needles. Such an operating mechanism is configured to control the change in the shape and length of the flexible display needle while rotating the flexible display needle around its own axis in order to display time or other information in a unique manner.

[0003] However, the development of such an operating mechanism requires quite complex calculations in order to obtain desired results in terms of the rotation speed and shape change of the flexible display needle. Another drawback of such an operating mechanism is that the trajectory of the flexible needle is fixed, that is, the length of the needle is connected to the position of the needle.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to satisfy the above and other requirements by providing a mechanism for operating a flexible display needle, which mechanism enables the movement of the flexible display needle and the change in the shape and length of the flexible display needle to be defined independently of each other.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a mechanism for operating a flexible display needle driven by a timing movement, the flexible display needle comprising a first drive tube connected to a first end of a first flexible arm and a second drive tube connected to a first end of a second flexible arm, the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm being connected together at a second end of the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm by a tip, the first drive tube and the second drive tube being spaced apart when the flexible display needle is in a free state where no stress is applied thereto.

[0006] When the flexible indicator needle is positioned in the operating position, it has a defined shape and length and is under stress, and the first and second drive tubes are arranged coaxially around a certain axis of rotation. The first drive tube is assembled at a first predetermined stress application angle, and the second drive tube is assembled at a second predetermined stress application angle in the opposite direction to the stress application angle of the first drive tube.

[0007] The operating mechanism is configured to rotatably drive a flexible indicator needle and control changes in the length of the flexible indicator needle, the first differential mechanism having a first input, the timekeeping movement applying an angular rotation to the first input that determines the rotation of the flexible indicator needle around its axis, this angular rotation also applied to the first input of a second differential mechanism at a certain gear ratio, an angular rotation that changes the phase that determines changes in the length of the flexible indicator needle, applied to the second input of the second differential mechanism, the output of the second differential mechanism that controls changes in the length of the flexible indicator needle is applied to the second input of the first differential mechanism, and the output of the first differential mechanism rotatably drives the flexible indicator needle and controls changes in the length of the flexible indicator needle.

[0008] Thanks to these features, the present invention provides an operating mechanism for a flexible indicator needle, which includes a mechanism for rotatably driving the flexible indicator needle and a mechanism for controlling the change in the length of the flexible indicator needle. Since these mechanisms are of different types, they are separate, defining the trajectory of the flexible indicator needle and allowing for greater freedom in selecting the shape and length of the flexible indicator needle.

[0009] Therefore, thanks to the separation of the rotational drive function of the flexible indicator needle and the function of changing its shape and length, the operating mechanism according to the present invention, in a remarkable manner, enables the display of two separate information items using a single flexible indicator needle. More specifically, like any differential mechanism, the first differential mechanism of the operating mechanism according to the present invention comprises two inputs and one output, the first input accepting angular rotation applied by the timekeeping movement and ensuring the rotation of the flexible indicator needle around its own axis, the second input accepting control commands to change the length of the flexible indicator needle, and the output ensuring the drive of the flexible indicator needle.

[0010] The present invention relates to a second differential mechanism of an operating mechanism, wherein one input of the second operating mechanism accepts an angular rotation applied to the first differential mechanism by a timekeeping movement via a certain gear ratio, the second input of the second operating mechanism accepts a phase-changing angular rotation applied by the timekeeping movement to determine a change in the length of a flexible indicator needle, and the output of the second operating mechanism applies a command to change the length of the flexible indicator needle to the needle and the second input of the first differential mechanism.

[0011] Therefore, the operating mechanism has two mutually independent inputs, one that controls the rotation of the flexible indicator hand and the other that controls the length of the flexible indicator hand. Thus, as just one non-limiting example, the rotation of the flexible indicator hand can be used to display the current time, while the change in length can be programmed to produce a time when an alarm sounds.

[0012] This can be achieved by connecting the second input of the operating mechanism that controls the length of the flexible indicator needle to an alarm vehicle set such as a regulator needle.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the present invention may further include one or more of the following features. One or more of these features should be considered individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the first differential mechanism is centered on a first rotation axis D1 and supported by a first planetary carrier, and the timekeeping movement is intended to impart angular rotation to the first planetary carrier.

[0015] This first planetary carrier forms the first input of the first differential mechanism.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the first differential mechanism comprises a first sun gear forming a first anvil intended to support a first drive pipe, and a first sunwheel set rotatably mounted coaxially with the first sun gear. The first sunwheel set comprises a second sun gear and a first sunwheel, the second sun gear forming a second anvil intended to support a second drive pipe.

[0017] The first sun gear and the second sun gear form the output of the first differential mechanism.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, the first sun gear is configured such that the first sun gear meshes with a first intermediate wheel, the first intermediate wheel meshes with a second intermediate wheel, and the second intermediate wheel meshes with a second sun gear, and the first and second intermediate wheels are eccentrically arranged on the first planetary carrier.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the second differential mechanism is supported by a second planetary carrier, which is centered on a second rotation axis D2 and rotated by the first planetary carrier at a certain gear ratio.

[0020] The second planetary carrier constitutes the first input to the second differential mechanism.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the second differential mechanism comprises a second solar wheel set, the second solar wheel set being formed by a third solar gear and a second solar wheel, the second solar wheel engaging with the first solar wheel of the first differential mechanism.

[0022] The second sun gear forms the output of the second differential mechanism, and the first sun gear forms the second input of the first differential mechanism.

[0023] In a particular embodiment, the second differential mechanism comprises a differential ring gear centered on a third sun gear, the differential ring gear having an inner tooth portion that cooperates with the outer profile of the cam, the second differential mechanism comprising at least one planetary gear, the at least one planetary gear rolling on the inner tooth portion and meshing with the third sun gear.

[0024] The cam constitutes the second input of the second differential mechanism.

[0025] In a particular embodiment, the second differential mechanism comprises a rack with a toothed section, the rack engaging with the outer tooth portion of the differential ring gear via the toothed section, and at the other end opposite the toothed section, the rack supports a cam follower pawl that bears against the outer profile of the cam via the cam follower pawl.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, the rotating cam is drivable by an angular rotation of an angle θ2 that determines the length of the flexible indicating needle. When the rotating cam rotates, the differential ring gear is pivoted by the rack, and the opposing rotational movements of the first and second sun gears relative to each other are transmitted by the kinematic chain of the planetary gears, the second sun gear set, the first sun gear set, the first intermediate gear, and the second intermediate gear.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the actuating mechanism comprises a control member that is operable by the user to change the length of the flexible indicating needle and thus change the angular position of the cam as a result of the operation.

[0028] In a particular embodiment, the differential ring gear comprises a cam follower pawl, and via the cam follower pawl, the differential ring gear bears against the outer profile of the cam.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of one embodiment of a mechanism for operating a flexible display needle according to the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. This example is given by way of illustration only and is in no way limiting.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a mechanism for operating a flexible display needle according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the operating mechanism according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in an exploded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a flexible display needle intended to be driven by the operating mechanism according to the present invention in a non-assembled state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the operating mechanism of FIG. 2 in a specific embodiment of the present invention, where the differential ring gear has a cam follower claw, and through the cam follower claw, the differential ring gear bears against the outer contour of the cam.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] The present invention is derived from a general inventive concept consisting of providing an operating mechanism for a flexible display needle of a clock. This operating mechanism includes a first differential mechanism and a second differential mechanism respectively designated by reference numerals 2 and 4.

[0032] One embodiment of the operating mechanism according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0033] A flexible display needle generally referred to by reference numeral 20 that can be driven by the operating mechanism 1 according to the present invention is shown in its entirety in FIG. 3 and partially in FIG. 1. This flexible display needle 20 includes a first drive tube 16 disposed at a first end of a first flexible arm 46 and a second drive tube 18 disposed at a first end of a second flexible arm 48. The first flexible arm 46 and the second flexible arm 48 are connected to each other at their second ends by a tip ५०.

[0034] In Figure 3, the flexibility indicator needle 20 is shown in a free state with no stress applied, and the first drive pipe 16 and the second drive pipe 18 are spaced apart.

[0035] However, when in the operating position, the flexible indicator needle 20 is under stress, and in this stressed state, the flexible indicator needle 20 is elastically deformed, and the first drive tube 16 and the second drive tube 18 are arranged coaxially as schematically shown in Figure 1. In this stressed position, the first drive tube 16 is assembled at a first predetermined stress application angle, and the second drive tube 18 is assembled at a second predetermined stress application angle in the opposite direction to the stress application angle of the first drive tube 16.

[0036] The first differential mechanism 2 is intended to accept angular rotations applied by the timekeeping movement to ensure the rotation of the flexible indicator hand around its axis. The second differential mechanism 4 is kinematically connected to the first differential mechanism 2 at a certain gear ratio and is intended to accept phase-changing angular rotations applied by the timekeeping movement or by a user, for example, by operating a push button. The phase-changing angular rotations determine the change in the length of the flexible indicator hand 20.

[0037] Therefore, the mechanism for operating the flexible indicator needle 20 according to the present invention comprises two independent inputs, one intended to rotate the flexible indicator needle 20 and the other intended to change the length of the flexible indicator needle 20. Thanks to this feature, the function of rotating the needle is separated from the function of changing the shape and length of the needle, thereby allowing manufacturers, etc., considerable freedom in determining the trajectory of the needle.

[0038] A first differential mechanism 2, centered on a first rotation axis D1, is supported by a first planetary carrier 6, and the timekeeping movement applies an angular rotation of θ1 to the first planetary carrier 6. This first differential mechanism 2 includes a first sun gear 8, which is rotatably positioned on the planetary carrier 6. The first differential mechanism 2 further includes a first sun wheel set 10, which is rotatably mounted coaxially with the first sun gear 8. This first sun wheel 10 includes a second sun gear 12 and a first sun wheel 14 fixedly mounted on the second sun gear 12.

[0039] The first sun gear 8 and the second sun gear 12 are kinematically connected to each other by the first intermediate car 42 and the second intermediate car 44, which are eccentrically mounted on the first planetary carrier 6 and are rotatably free. In particular, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first sun gear 8 meshes with the first intermediate car 42, the first intermediate car 42 meshes with the second intermediate car 44, and the second intermediate car 44 itself meshes with the second sun gear 12.

[0040] As will be explained in detail below, as can be seen from Figure 1, the first sun gear 8 acts as the first pinion for the first drive tube 16 of the flexible indicator needle 20, and the second sun gear 12 acts as the second pinion for the second drive tube 18.

[0041] Therefore, the flexible indicator hand 20 is configured to change its angular position when the first sun gear 8 and the second sun gear 12 are rotated by the timekeeping movement.

[0042] It will also be understood that the shape and length of the flexible indicator needle 20 can be changed when the angular position of the second sun gear 12, which corresponds to the angular position of the second drive pipe 18, changes as it pivots around the rotation axis D1 relative to the angular position of the first sun gear 8, which corresponds to the angular position of the first drive pipe 16.

[0043] The second differential mechanism 4, centered on the second rotation axis D2, is supported by the second planetary carrier 22, which is driven by the first planetary carrier 6. This second differential mechanism 4 includes a second sunwheel set 23, which is formed by a third sun gear 24 and a second sunwheel 25, the second sunwheel 25 engaging with the first sunwheel 14 of the first differential mechanism 2. This second differential mechanism 4 further includes a differential ring gear 26 centered on the third sun gear 24. This differential ring gear 26 has an inner tooth portion 28A and an outer tooth portion 28B.

[0044] At least one planetary gear 30 (three planetary gears spaced 120° apart in the illustrated example) rolls on the inner teeth 28A of the differential ring gear 26 and meshes with the third sun gear 24. The second differential mechanism 4 further comprises a rack 32 having a toothed section 34, the rack 32 engaging with the outer teeth 28B of the differential ring gear 26 via the toothed section 34. The rack 32 supports a cam follower pawl 36 at the other end of the rack 32 opposite the toothed section 34, the rack 32 following the outer shape 38 of the rotating cam 40 via the cam follower pawl 36.

[0045] As already stated above, the energy required for the operation of the operating mechanism 1 according to the present invention is supplied to the operating mechanism 1 by a time sensor movement that applies an angular rotation θ1 to the first planetary carrier 6 of the first differential mechanism 2. Therefore, when driven by the time sensor movement, the first planetary carrier 6 drives the first differential mechanism 2 to rotate around its own axis and around the rotation axis D1. More specifically, the first planetary carrier 6 drives the first sun gear 8 and the second sun gear 12 to rotate around the rotation axis D1 via the rotation of the first intermediate car 42 and the second intermediate car 44 around the rotation axis D1.

[0046] Therefore, it should be understood that the rotation of the first planetary carrier 6 ensures the angular displacement of the flexible indicator needle 20.

[0047] Furthermore, the rotation of the first planetary carrier 6 causes the second planetary carrier 22 to rotate around the rotation axis D2. As the second planetary carrier 22 rotates, it rotatably drives one or more planetary gears 30. These planetary gears 30 roll on the inner teeth 28A of the differential ring gear 26, and then rotate the second sun wheel 25, which engages with the first sun wheel 14 of the first differential mechanism 2 via the third sun gear 24. Thus, the rotation of the second sun gear 12 around the rotation axis D1 is also caused by the rotation of the second sun wheel 25 around the rotation axis D2.

[0048] Simultaneously, the timekeeping movement may apply an angular rotation of angle θ2 to the rotating cam 40 in order to correct the length of the flexible indicator hand 20. More specifically, the rotating cam 40 pivots the rack 32 by rotation, and the rack 32, by the pivot of the differential ring gear 26, transmits the opposing rotational motion of the first sun gear 8 and the second sun gear 12 to each other through a kinetic chain formed by the planetary gear 30, the second sun gear set 23, the first sun gear set 10, the first intermediate gear 42 and the second intermediate gear 44 and the first sun gear 8. This opposing rotational motion corresponds to an angular rotation that changes the phase, altering the relative angular positions of the drive tubes 16 and 18 of the flexible indicator hand 20 relative to each other, and thus allowing adjustment of the flexible indicator hand 20.

[0049] It should be noted that the opposing rotational motion of the first sun gear 8 and the second sun gear 12 is generated, in particular, by the first intermediate gear 42 and the second intermediate gear 44.

[0050] As described above, the first differential mechanism 2 ensures the rotation of the flexible indicator needle 20 without any change in length. For example, when the rotating cam 40 is stationary (in other words, θ2=0), the first sun gear 8 and the first sun wheel set 10 rotate at the same speed and in the same direction. This is because the gear ratio is calculated such that, in this case, the speed of the first planetary carrier 6, which is equal to the speed of the first sun gear 8, is equal to the speed of the first sun wheel set 10. When the first sun gear 8 and the second sun gear 12 act as the first and second cylinders to which the first drive tube 16 and the second drive tube 18 are connected, respectively, in this scenario the flexible indicator needle 20 is driven to rotate around the rotation axis D1 while maintaining its length.

[0051] The second differential mechanism 4 ensures that the length of the flexible indicator needle 20 can be changed without rotation of the flexible indicator needle 20. For example, when the first planetary carrier 6 is stationary (in other words, θ1=0), the first sun gear 8 and the first sun wheel 10 rotate at the same speed but in opposite directions relative to each other, and this rotation corresponds to the phase change of the angle between the first sun gear 8 and the second sun gear 12 due to the opposing rotational motion described above.

[0052] It should be noted that there is no locking between the first differential mechanism 2 and the second differential mechanism 4. This is because the operating mechanism 1 as a whole is configured such that when the rotating cam 40 is stationary (in other words, when θ2=0), the first sun wheel 14 and the second sun wheel 25 rotate with the same number of teeth.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that those skilled in the art can consider various simple alternative and modified forms without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0054] In particular, it should be understood that the term "length of the flexible indicator needle 20" refers to the radius R that passes between the two drive tubes 16 and 18 of the flexible indicator needle 20 and its tip 50. It should also be noted that if the rotating cam 40 is not driven by the timekeeping movement, a control member, such as a push button, can be considered, which the user can operate from outside the watch case to change the angular position of the cam, thereby correcting the length of the flexible indicator needle 20.

[0055] More specifically, the phase change between the flexible arms 46 and 48 of the flexible indicator needle 20 can be changed by moving the cam from a first position to a second position different from the first position, and therefore the length of the flexible indicator needle 20 can also be changed.

[0056] Next, if the position of the cam remains unchanged, the flexible indicator needle 20 simply rotates around its axis without changing its length. Therefore, by modifying the length of the flexible indicator needle 20, it is possible to direct, for example, the tip 50 of the flexible indicator needle 20 toward one of two separate scales, and thus display the values ​​of two different parameters.

[0057] Therefore, for example, the angle formed by the flexible indicator hand 20 in its initial position can be used to indicate the current time, while the length and / or shape of the flexible indicator hand 20 can indicate the power reserve of the watch to the user.

[0058] Figure 4 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention in which a differential ring gear 26 is provided, in which the differential ring gear 26 has no teeth on its outer circumference and has a cam follower pawl 52, via the cam follower pawl 52 the differential ring gear 26 leans against the outer shape 38 of the cam 40.

Claims

1. An operating mechanism (1) for operating a flexible indicator hand (20) intended to be driven by the timekeeping movement of a clock, wherein the flexible indicator hand (20) comprises a first drive tube (16) connected to the first end of a first flexible arm (46) and a second drive tube (18) connected to the first end of a second flexible arm (48), and the first flexible arm (46) and the second flexible arm (48) have a tip portion ( 50) The first flexible arm (46) and the second flexible arm (48) are connected together at their second ends, the flexible indicator needle (20) is under stress when the flexible indicator needle (20) is in the operating position and has a predetermined shape and length, the first drive tube (16) and the second drive tube (18) are arranged coaxially around the first rotation axis (D1), and the operating mechanism (1) is, - A first differential mechanism (2), the first differential mechanism (2) is supported by a first planetary carrier (6) centered on a first rotation axis (D1), the timekeeping movement applies an angular rotation of angle (θ1) to the first planetary carrier (6), the first differential mechanism (2) comprises a first input intended to receive the angular rotation of angle (θ1) around the first rotation axis (D1) transmitted by the timekeeping movement, and an output of the first differential mechanism (2) configured to rotatably drive the flexible indicator needle (20), - A second differential mechanism (4), the second differential mechanism (4) is supported by a second planetary carrier (22) centered on a second rotation axis (D2), the second planetary carrier (22) is rotated by the first planetary carrier (6) at a certain gear ratio, and the second differential mechanism (4) comprises a first input kinematically connected to the first input of the first differential mechanism (2) at a certain gear ratio, a second input intended to accept angular rotation of an angle (θ2) around the second rotation axis (D2) transmitted by the timekeeping movement, and an output configured to drive a change in the length of the flexible indicator needle (20), the output configured to drive a change in the length of the flexible indicator needle (20) being kinematically connected to the second input of the first differential mechanism (2), and An operating mechanism (1) characterized by comprising:

2. The operating mechanism (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first differential mechanism (2) comprises a first sun gear (8) forming a first cylindrical pinion intended to support the first drive pipe (16), and a first sun wheel set (10) rotatably mounted coaxially with the first sun gear (8), the first sun wheel set (10) comprising a second sun gear (12) and a first sun wheel (14), the second sun gear (12) forming a second cylindrical pinion intended to support the second drive pipe (18).

3. The operating mechanism (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first sun gear (8) is configured such that the first sun gear (8) meshes with the first intermediate wheel (42), the first intermediate wheel (42) meshes with the second intermediate wheel (44), and the second intermediate wheel (44) meshes with the second sun gear (12), and the first intermediate wheel (42) and the second intermediate wheel (44) are eccentrically arranged on the first planetary carrier (6).

4. The operating mechanism (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the second differential mechanism (4) comprises a second solar wheel set (23), the second solar wheel set (23) is formed by a third solar gear (24) and a second solar wheel (25), and the second solar wheel (25) engages with the first solar wheel (14) of the first differential mechanism (2).

5. The operating mechanism (1) according to claim 4, wherein the second differential mechanism (4) comprises a differential ring gear (26) centered on the third sun gear (24), the differential ring gear (26) comprises an inner tooth portion (28A) and cooperates with the outer shape portion (38) of the cam (40), and the second differential mechanism (4) further comprises at least one planetary gear (30), the at least one planetary gear (30) rolling on the inner tooth portion (28A) and meshing with the third sun gear (24).

6. The operating mechanism (1) according to claim 5, wherein the second differential mechanism (4) comprises a rack (32) having a toothed section (34), the rack (32) engages with the outer teeth (28B) of the differential ring gear (26) via the toothed section (34), and at the other end opposite to the toothed section (34), the rack (32) supports a cam driven pawl (36), and the rack (32) contacts the outer shape (38) of the cam (40) via the cam driven pawl (36).

7. The cam (40) is driveable by angular rotation of the angle (θ2) that determines the length of the flexible indicator needle (20), and when the cam (40) rotates, the rack (32) pivots the differential ring gear (26), and the kinetic chain formed by the planetary gear (30), the second solar gear set (23), the first solar gear set (10), the first intermediate gear (42), and the second intermediate gear (44) generates opposing rotational motion of the first solar gear (8) and the second solar gear (12) relative to each other, as described in claim 6.

8. The operating mechanism (1) according to claim 7, wherein the operating mechanism (1) comprises a control member, the control member is operable by a user to change the length of the flexible indicator needle (20), and the angular position of the cam (40) can be changed as a result of the operation.

9. The operating mechanism (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the differential ring gear (26) is provided with a cam driven pawl (52), and the differential ring gear (26) contacts the outer shape (38) of the cam (40) via the cam driven pawl (52).

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