Portable jewelry

Abstract

A mechanism (1) for moving an object (11) suitable for integration into a wearable or costume jewelry item (3), comprising: a manual power source (5) actuatable directly or indirectly by an action by a user and configured to drive a transmission (9) in accordance with the action by the user; and a support system (13) for supporting the object (11) intended for rotational movement about a first axis of rotation (A1) under the influence of the manual power source (5) by the transmission (9), wherein the support system The system (13) comprises a first frame (13b) mounted to pivot on the frame element about a first axis of rotation (A1), and an inner frame (13f) mounted to pivot on the first frame (13b) about a second pivot axis (A2) substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis (A1), and the object (11) is arranged to be driven by an eccentric drive element (15b) rigidly coupled in rotation with a drive wheel (15) arranged to be driven by a transmission (9).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of jewelry. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mechanism for animating an object such as a gemstone, a precious stone or semi-precious stone, a carving, or any other miniature object, the mechanism being adapted to be integrated into jewelry. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an animation mechanism including a pivoting support capable of supporting a gemstone, among other possibilities. A user's movement enables the support to be rotated via an actuation member and a drive mechanism interposed between the actuation member and the gemstone.

[0003] However, rotation of the gemstone about a single axis is monotonous because it limits visibility of the gemstone. The solution proposed in this document to better view the gemstone, similar to that described in Patent Document 2, is to provide an optical device including an assembly of concave mirrors mounted opposite each other. Inside this optical device, a gemstone fixed to the device is arranged. Accordingly, the gemstone appears to "float" above the central opening of the upper mirror, thereby allowing the gemstone to be made visible.

[0004] In this structure, as an optical illusion, the gemstone is only virtually visible to an observer, and the observer can barely observe the gemstone directly. Essentially, only the crown of the gemstone is visible, and the crown can only be viewed from a relatively narrow range of angles at the bottom of the mirror assembly. Furthermore, this arrangement means that the scintillation of the gemstone is not optimal. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Swiss Published Patent No. 708902 Specification [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 59-075182 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to propose a mechanism for animating objects that overcomes the above-mentioned defects at least partially. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] More precisely, the present invention relates to a mechanism for animating objects such as gemstones, precious or semi-precious stones, sculptures, or any other miniature objects for portable jewelry. This mechanism is adapted to be integrated into such jewelry. - A manual power source configured to drive a transmission in accordance with direct or indirect operation by a user, wherein the transmission may include, for example, a toothed member, one or more belts, a chain, or a combination of such elements. - A support system for supporting an object intended to be animated by rotating around a first axis of rotation under the effect of the manual power source and via the transmission, Includes.

[0008] According to the present invention, the support system comprises a first frame pivotably attached to a chassis element about a first rotation axis, and an inner frame pivotably attached to the first frame about a second pivot axis substantially orthogonal to the first pivot axis.

[0009] The object is arranged to be driven by an eccentric drive element, such as a lever or crank, which rotates in conjunction with a drive wheel that is arranged to be driven by the transmission.

[0010] In this way, compound motion is imparted to the object directly or indirectly according to user actions, and this motion is defined by forward and backward rotations around each of the two rotation axes, thus granting the object two rotational degrees of freedom. The motion thus generated represents a rotational tilt, which improves the visibility of the object and enhances scintillation if the object is a gemstone, precious stone, or semi-precious stone.

[0011] Advantageously, the object is supported by a shaft pivotably mounted to the inner frame about a third axis of rotation, the shaft being arranged to rotate in conjunction with a pinion that meshes with fixed or rotating teeth coaxial with the drive wheel. This imparts a complex motion to the object, defined by three pivot axes, so that the object does not only pivot in the rotational inclination described above, but also pivots about the third axis in a continuous motion.

[0012] Advantageously, the manual power source includes a gripping member arranged to be moved by user action. This gripping member may be, for example, a crown fixed to the stem, a rotating bezel or case back, a lever, a trigger piece, or any other member that can be directly operated by the user.

[0013] Alternatively, the manual power source may include an unbalanced oscillating mass that is operated by rotating or tilting the entire mechanism (in particular by rotating the jewelry within the mechanism in which the jewelry is integrated), thereby generating motion of the oscillating mass and thus moving the object.

[0014] Advantageously, the transmission includes a coupling configured to be manually operated to shift between a coupled state in which the manual power source is kinematically linked to the object and a disconnected state in which the manual power source is disconnected from the object and can therefore move freely under the constraints of its support system. The coupling can be manually controlled, for example, via a push button or trigger piece system, or by any other similar configuration.

[0015] In another variation where the manual power source includes a gripping member and a vibrating mass, the transmission includes a coupling configured to be manually operated to shift between a first state in which the gripping member is kinematically linked to the object and a second state in which the vibrating mass is kinematically linked to the object. Thus, the user can decide whether to drive the object from the gripping member or the vibrating mass. A third neutral state may also be provided.

[0016] Advantageously, the mechanism may also include an energy accumulator kinematically positioned in the transmission. This energy accumulator may, advantageously, be a helical spring extending between an input wheel configured to be driven by the manual power source and an output wheel configured to drive the object. In such a case, the transmission may include a braking system kinematically interposed between the output wheel and the object, the braking system being configured to be manually actuated via, for example, an ad-hoc control member such as a push button. Thus, the energy accumulator can be manually wound, and then the object can be driven as desired by the user. The energy accumulator may be a helical spring or any other type of elastic element, but may also be any element capable of storing and returning energy in any way.

[0017] Advantageously, at least a portion of said animated object extends to the outside of said frame assembly, thereby maximizing the visibility of said object. In other words, at least a portion of said animated object is positioned further from the driving wheel than the entire frame.

[0018] This mechanism is of course intended to be integrated into a jewelry item comprising a mechanism as claimed in one of the preceding claims.

[0019] Further details of the present invention will become clearer upon reading the following description provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] [Figure 1] They are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view of a first variant of the mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 2] They are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view of a second variant of the mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 3] They are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view of a third variant of the mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 4a] They are a schematic overall plan view and a partial side view of a fourth variant of the mechanism according to the present invention, in a state where an oscillating mass is kinematically linked to the animated object. [Figure 4b] They are a schematic overall plan view and a partial side view of a fourth variant of the mechanism according to the present invention, in a state where a stem is kinematically linked to the animated object. [Figure 5] It is an isometric view of an assembly composed of an animated object, a support system, a driving wheel, and a fixed tooth. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional isometric view of the assembly shown in Figure 5. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] Figure 1 shows a plan view and a side view of a first embodiment of a mechanism 1 for animating an object 11 such as a gemstone, precious or semi-precious stone, sculpture, or any other miniature object, the mechanism which can be integrated into jewelry 3. Jewelry 3 may be, for example, jewelry intended to be worn as a bracelet, necklace, or brooch, or jewelry to be placed on a surface such as a table. In these drawings, some of the kinematic and / or functional links are simply indicated by arrows, and those skilled in the art will be familiar with the arrangement of gear trains, belts, chains, etc., to create the indicated links. Furthermore, multiple toothed members are indicated by pitch circles.

[0022] Mechanism 1 comprises a manual power source 5 configured to be driven directly by the user's movement of the gripping member 5a. In the illustrated modification, the gripping member 5a of the manual power source 5 is a crown 5a that rotates in conjunction with the stem 5b, but other possibilities can be envisioned, such as a rotating bezel, a trigger piece, a rotating case back, or any other movable member that can be rotated and / or translated by the user. If the jewelry is a wristwatch or pocket watch, the crown 5a may also perform the winding and / or time setting of the jewelry.

[0023] The manual power source 5 is kinematically linked to an animated object 11 via a transmission 9 which includes a plurality of toothed members 9a, 9b, 9c, each consisting of one or more toothed wheels and / or pinions that mesh with each other and are driven by a stem 5b via a coupling 19 of any form, the coupling 19 forming part of the transmission. Although a horizontal coupling is illustrated, vertical couplings, inclined pinion couplings, or differential couplings are also possible, and all of these couplings are known, particularly in chronograph mechanisms, and therefore do not need to be described in detail herein. Sliding pinion arrangements known in hand-setting and / or winding systems of watches are also possible.

[0024] In either case, the state of the coupling 19 is controlled as a function of the axial position of the stem 5b, either via a conventional drawer system or by any other similar arrangement controlled by the stem 5b or another control member such as a lever or push button.

[0025] Instead of a gear train, the transmission 9 may include one or more belts or chains, or a combination of a gear train and one or more of these elements.

[0026] When the coupling 19 is coupled, the crown 5a rotates to move the object 11; in contrast, when the coupling is separated, the object 11 can move freely under the influence of gravity due to the freedom granted by the support system 13 that supports it. The latter will be re-examined in detail below. Furthermore, it should be noted that the kinematic link plays a relatively important role in enabling the animated object 11 to "float" to some extent under the influence of the movement of the jewelry 3, and / or may include elastic elements such as elastic belts.

[0027] The embodiment in Figure 2 differs from the embodiment in Figure 1 in that the manual power source 5 is an unbalanced vibrating mass 5c, and the mass 5c rotates in conjunction with a toothed member 5d that is arranged coaxially with the rotation axis 5f of the mass 5c. When the jewelry is rotated manually by the user, the mass 5c pivots, thereby driving the movement of the animated object 11 as long as the coupling 19 is coupled. When the coupling 19 is uncoupled, the animated object moves freely as described above.

[0028] In this modified example, the state of the coupling is controlled via a manual control member 23, such as a push button or any other suitable control member.

[0029] The embodiment in Figure 3 differs from the embodiment in Figure 2 in that the energy accumulator 25 is interposed in the transmission 9 between the manual power source 5 and the animated object 11, particularly kinematically downstream of the coupling 19. The energy accumulator 25 comprises a spiral spring 25a, the first end of which is attached to an input wheel 25b, which is positioned to be driven by the stem 5b via the coupling 19, and the second end of which is attached to an output wheel 25d. The input wheel 25b is provided with a unidirectional pawl 25c so that the input wheel 25b cannot pivot in the wrong direction, and as a result, the spring 25a is not unwound by the input 25b, thereby allowing the input wheel 25b to pivot only in the winding direction of the spring 25a. Other forms of accumulators, such as helical springs or any other type of elastic element, may also be envisioned, but any element capable of storing and returning energy in some way is also envisioned.

[0030] The mechanism also includes a braking system 27, the braking wheel 27a of which is located within the transmission 9 and cooperates with the brake 27b. Thus, the braking wheel 27a is kinematically interposed between the output wheel 25d and the animated object 11. The state of the braking system 27 is controlled by a handling member 23 that controls the position of the brake 27b, so that the brake 27b can shift between a braked state in which a portion of the transmission 9 downstream of the spring 25a is disengaged and the animated object is disengaged, and an unbraked state in which the animated object 11 is driven by the spring 25a.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the brake 27 includes a swivel lever with a beak 27c at its free end, the beak 27c being able to cooperate with the teeth 27d formed by the brake wheel 27a. In the non-braking state (solid line), the beak 27c is positioned away from the teeth 27d, while in the braking state (dashed line), the beak 27c engages with the teeth 27d to prevent the brake wheel 27d from rotating.

[0032] In this way, the user can wind up the spring 25a and then trigger the animation of the animated object 11 as desired.

[0033] In a modified example not shown, based on the modified example in Figure 3, the stem 5b and crown 5a can be replaced by a vibrating mass 5c, as in the embodiment of Figure 2.

[0034] Each of the embodiments described so far includes a coupling 19 in the kinematic chain extending between the manual power source 5 and the object 11, but this coupling may be omitted. Furthermore, it should be noted that the mechanism 1 according to the present invention lacks any adjustment system that helps to mitigate the rotational speed of the object 11.

[0035] Figures 4a and 4b show another embodiment of the present invention, combining features from Figures 1 and 2. Not all reference symbols are included in these drawings to avoid unnecessarily complicating the drawings.

[0036] In this modified example, the coupling 19 is positioned to establish a kinematic link on the one hand between either the stem 5b or the vibrating mass 5c and on the other hand between the coupling 19 and the animated object 11. For this purpose, the coupling includes a first sliding pinion 19a (as shown in Figure 4a) positioned to establish a kinematic link between the vibrating mass 5c and the rest of the gear train 9, and a second sliding pinion 19b (as shown in Figure 4b) positioned to establish a kinematic link between the stem 5b and the rest of the gear train 9. These two pinions 19a, 19b are supported by a lever 19c, the position of which is controlled by a pull-out piece 21 or another control member.

[0037] Consequently, depending on the state of the lever 19c, the moving object 11 can be driven to move by either the vibrating mass 5c (Figure 4a) or the stem 5b (Figure 4b). It should also be noted that the coupling 19 can also be positioned to occupy a third uncoupled position, where there is no manual power source 5 kinematically linked to the animated object 11.

[0038] In variations not shown, the energy accumulator may also be incorporated into the transmission 9 in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 3.

[0039] As shown more clearly in Figures 5 and 6, the animated object 11 is supported by a very specific support system 13 that connects the animated object 11 to a chassis element (not shown) via a pair of pivots 13a supported by a support portion 13m fixed to a pair of pivots 13a.

[0040] These pivots 13a define a first pivot axis A1, around which a first frame 13b, consisting of a substantially circular annular ring, rotates. Other shapes (elliptical, square, rectangular, etc.) are also possible. This frame 13b supports a pair of intermediate pivots 13d, which define a second axis of rotation A2 substantially orthogonal to the first axis A1. The inner frame 13f is pivotably mounted inside the first frame 13b around this second axis A2 and is fixed to a base 13g that directly or indirectly supports the animated object 11. Similar to the two arms 13f1 that connect the pivot 13d to the base 13g, the inner frame 13f consists of a substantially circular portion. Needless to say, other shapes are also possible, and it is not essential that the frame 13f includes an annular portion. In fact, the base 13g can simply be connected to the pivots by the arms 13f1 or another ad-hoc arrangement.

[0041] At least one of the frames 13b and 13f may be fitted with any type of ornament, such as enamel, precious or semi-precious stones, or any other desired ornament. Furthermore, at least one of the shafts of the pivots 13d and 13a may protrude beyond the surface of the element through which it passes, i.e., beyond the outer surface of the first frame 13b in the case of pivot 13d, or beyond the outer surface of the support portion 13m in the case of pivot 13a, and may support ornaments such as precious or semi-precious stones. Thus, the movement of the stone generates scintillation that enhances the sensation of the rotation of the frame in which the stone rotates in conjunction.

[0042] Furthermore, it should be noted that neither frame 13b nor 13f is superimposed on the animated object 11 that extends from and therefore protrudes from frames 13b and 13f, thus maximizing its visibility. In other words, at least a portion of the object 11 is spaced further away from the drive wheel 15 than the entirety of frames 13b and 13f.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the animated object 11 is supported by a shaft 13h that passes through a base 13g and is fixed to a support 13j to which the animated object 11 is fixed by a mounting base. Alternatively, the object 11 can be fixed therein by adhesive, screwing, soldering, driving, etc., depending on the properties of the object 11 and the support 13j, and the animated object 11 may be coaxial with the shaft 13h or eccentric with respect to the shaft 13h. Furthermore, the link between the animated object 11 and the inner frame 13f may include a flexible element made of, for example, an elastomer, so that the object can gently "float" under the influence of the movement of the jewelry.

[0044] The shaft 13h is attached to a bearing 13k provided on the base 13g so that the shaft 13h can pivot relative to the base 13g.

[0045] Considering the foregoing, it is clear that the support system defines the gimbal support, thereby giving the animated object 11 two rotational degrees of freedom, and effectively no translational degrees of freedom. The rotation of shaft 13h within the base 13g gives object 11 a third rotational degree of freedom, which moves around a third axis A3 corresponding to the geometric axis of shaft 13h. However, as will be explained below, this third degree of freedom is not essential, in which case the support 13j can be integrated into the inner frame, and vice versa.

[0046] The drive of the animated object 11 around the third axis A3 is ensured by the cooperation between a pinion 13l, which consists of teeth including a shaft 13h, and a conical tooth 17 that is coaxial with the drive wheel 15 and fixed to the illustrated structure. Other forms of teeth, such as internal conical teeth supported by a crown or other ad hoc gear, are also possible.

[0047] To impart motion to object 11, the mechanism further includes a drive wheel 15 equipped with a gear 15a, which is configured to be driven by an element of the transmission 9, or is kinematically coupled to the transmission 9 and thus functions as a power takeoff. Of course, the intervention of additional gears and / or other forms of kinematic linkage such as belts or chains is also possible. The axis of rotation of the drive wheel 15 is positioned to substantially intersect the intersection of axes A1 and A2, although in certain configurations, certain offsets are also permitted, thereby making the motion of object 11 asymmetrical.

[0048] The drive wheel 15 also includes an eccentric drive element 15b that rotates in conjunction with the gear 15a and is connected to it by a shaft 15d. The illustrated eccentric drive element 15b takes the form of a curved lever or crank fixed to the shaft 15d, and the free end of the eccentric element 15b cooperates with the end of the stem 13h to drive the stem 13h along a substantially circular course. Thus, as the drive wheel 15 rotates, the object 11 performs compound motion with two degrees of freedom, the amplitude of which is defined by the shape of the support system 13 and the radius of the eccentric drive element 15b. This motion moves back and forth around axes A1 and A2 respectively, resulting in inclined orbital motion.

[0049] Simultaneously, the teeth 13l of shaft 13h rotate on the fixed teeth 17, causing the animated object 11 to pivot around the third axis A3.

[0050] In this way, the animated object 11 rotates around three axes A1, A2, and A3, and this movement makes the animated object 11 easier for the observer to see than with conventional techniques. As a result, the observer does not need to view it from an acute angle in order to see more of it directly than from the front.

[0051] Needless to say, other configurations of the drive eccentric 15b are also possible, and the gear ratio can be adapted to the contractor's needs for the purpose of animating the object 11 at a desired rotational speed around the three rotation axes.

[0052] As described above, rotation of object 11 around the third axis A3 is not mandatory. In such cases, the fixed teeth 17 and the pinion 13l of shaft 13h may not be provided, and therefore the motion of the animated object 11 is defined only by forward and backward rotation around the two axes A1 and A2. In such cases, object 11 may be positioned to be rotationally integrated with shaft 13h and / or base 13g.

[0053] To enable illumination of object 11 from below (i.e., from the direction of the drive wheels 15), the support system 13 may be positioned inside or superimposed on a polished well (not shown), the well may take the form of a cup or a parabolic, elliptical, or hemispherical mirror, for example, positioned to direct ambient light toward the underside of the object. Alternatively, a light source (e.g., a tritium element, one or more LEDs, etc.) may be placed beneath the object and frames 13b, 13f. In this way, if object 11 is a stone, its scintillation can be improved.

[0054] The mechanism described above (Mechanism 1) not only represents the sole mechanism in jewelry (Jewelry 3), but can also be combined with, for example, the movement of a mechanical or electric watch if jewelry (Jewelry 3) is a timepiece such as a wristwatch or pocket watch.

[0055] While the present invention has been described above in relation to specific embodiments, other additional modifications can also be envisioned without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A portable piece of jewelry (3) comprising a mechanism (1) for animating an object (11), wherein the mechanism (1) for animating the object (11) is - A manual power source (5) that can be driven directly or indirectly by user action and is configured to drive the transmission (9) according to user action, - A support system (13) supporting an object (11) intended to be animated by rotating around a first axis of rotation (A1) under the influence of the manual power source (5) via the transmission (9), Equipped with, The support system (13) comprises a first frame (13b) pivotably mounted to a chassis element about the first rotation axis (A1), and an inner frame (13f) pivotably mounted to the first frame (13b) about a second rotation axis (A2) substantially perpendicular to the first rotation axis (A1), The object (11) is arranged to be driven by an eccentric drive element (15b) that rotates in conjunction with a drive wheel (15) which is arranged to be driven by the transmission (9), The object (11) is supported by a shaft (13h) pivotably mounted on the inner frame (13f) about a third axis of rotation (A3), the shaft (13h) is arranged to rotate in conjunction with a pinion (13l) that meshes with teeth (17) which are coaxial with the drive wheel (15), and the teeth (17) are fixed or positioned so as to be able to rotate therein. A portable piece of jewelry characterized by (3).

2. The portable jewelry (3) according to claim 1, wherein the eccentric drive element (15b) is a crank or a lever.

3. The portable jewelry (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the manual power source (5) includes a gripping member arranged to move by the user's actions.

4. The portable jewelry (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the manual power source (5) includes a vibrating mass.

5. The portable jewelry (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transmission includes a coupling (19) configured to be manually operated to shift between a coupled state in which the manual power source (5) is kinematically linked to the object (11) and a disconnected state in which the manual power source (5) is disconnected from the object (11).

6. Portable jewelry (3) according to claim 4, referencing claim 3, wherein the transmission includes a coupling (19) configured to be manually operated to shift between a first state in which a gripping member (5a) is kinematically linked to the object (11) and a second state in which a vibrating mass (5c) is kinematically linked to the object (11).

7. The portable jewelry (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an energy accumulator (25) located in the transmission (9).

8. Portable jewelry (3) according to claim 7, wherein the energy accumulator (25) is a spiral spring (25a) extending between an input wheel (25b) arranged to be driven by the manual power source (5) and an output wheel (25d) arranged to drive the object (11).

9. The portable jewelry (3) according to claim 8, wherein the transmission includes a braking system (27) kinematically interposed between an output wheel (25d) and the object (11), the braking system (27) being configured to be manually operated.

10. A portable piece of jewelry (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least a portion of the object (11) extends outside the first frame (13b) and the internal frame (13f).

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