Device for measuring an elapsed time

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanical hourglass (1) for visualising an elapsed time T, of the type comprising: a slider (3) which is mechanically movable between two positions; means for driving the movable slider (3), which are driven by motor means at a drive speed V, characterised in that the hourglass comprises: a base (2) and at least one track (22) which is on the base (2) and along which the movable slider (3) is intended to be moved by the drive means; means (4) for selecting the time T; means for calculating an average drive speed to be applied VA, where VA = d / T; and a device for controlling the motor means at a drive speed setpoint V equal to VA.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR MEASURING ELAPSED TIME

[0002] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of devices for visualizing the flow of time passing.

[0003] More specifically, the invention relates to a device which makes it possible to measure a time interval, hereinafter referred to as a mechanical hourglass, using a cursor which can move between two positions intended to indicate this time interval between them.

[0004] In the field of invention, there are multiple solutions for visualizing the flow of time over a given period.

[0005] One of the oldest solutions is the hourglass, which consists of two glass bulbs placed one on top of the other and connected by a thin tube or diaphragm. Sand is introduced into the assembly, and when the bulbs are placed one on top of the other, the sand flows from the upper bulb to the lower bulb by the effect of gravity. Once all the sand has flowed into the lower bulb, the predetermined time has elapsed, and the hourglass can be turned over to measure another period of time.

[0006] Such a traditional hourglass can be aesthetically adapted in many ways, and allows the visualization of the passage of time by several people, like a clock.

[0007] However, hourglasses are calibrated for a fixed period of time corresponding to the flow of all the sand from one bulb to the other. Therefore, if one wants to increase the period, one must turn the hourglass as many times as necessary, which involves repeated manipulation and vigilance regarding the end of the flow from one bulb to the other.

[0008] We therefore understand that traditional hourglasses are not intended to be modular and adaptable in terms of the duration of time that we wish to visualize.

[0009] Among the devices that allow you to visualize the passage of time using a mechanically movable cursor, we also know of course mechanical watches and clocks. Classically, mechanical watches or clocks include:

[0010] - a case integrating all the mechanisms intended to mechanically move one or more hands (all of these mechanisms being designated by the term “movement” in watchmaking);

[0011] - a dial bearing numbers or markers allowing the time or duration to be read according to the positions of the hand(s).

[0012] The needle(s) as such are each fixed on a pinion coming from the “movement” through a hole in the dial.

[0013] Watches and clocks are therefore essentially intended to display the time and not the elapsed time.

[0014] Also, there are, according to the same mechanism, stopwatches designed to allow the counting of a pre-set duration.

[0015] However, watches, clocks and chronometers of the mechanical movement type offer little opportunity for aesthetic presentation when it comes to the dial and hands.

[0016] In the field of measuring and / or displaying time or duration, another category of instruments uses electronic or equivalent type displays.

[0017] These instruments do not directly concern the invention, the subject of which is the instruments implementing, in the measurement of a time interval, a mechanically movable cursor.

[0018] The invention aims to propose a mechanical hourglass using a mechanically movable cursor, intended to allow the visualization of an interval of time which is passing, and easily adjustable in order to vary the interval of time to be visualized.

[0019] The invention also aims to provide such a mechanical hourglass which proposes a new approach to the aesthetic presentation of the mechanically movable cursor and the movement of the latter. These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which has as its subject a mechanical hourglass intended to visualize an elapsed time T, of the type comprising:

[0020] - a movable cursor;

[0021] - means for driving the mobile cursor, driven by motor means at a driving speed V, characterized in that it comprises:

[0022] - a base and at least one track carried by the base, the movable cursor being intended to be moved on said track by the drive means;

[0023] - means of selecting time T;

[0024] - means for calculating an equation VA = D / T, where VA is an average driving speed of the mobile cursor on the track, and D is a distance to be materialized by the track;

[0025] - a device for controlling the motor means with a drive speed setpoint V substantially equal to VA.

[0026] Thus, the invention proposes a mechanical hourglass proposing a principle of visualizing time passing over a predetermined duration completely different from what is proposed by the instruments of the prior art.

[0027] According to the prior art, the operating principle is as follows: the desired time interval duration is predetermined by manually positioning the movable cursor at a position on the dial corresponding to the desired duration. Activation of the countdown triggers the return of the movable cursor to a zero point at which the entire predetermined time interval has elapsed. Regardless of the predetermined time interval, the speed of movement of the movable cursor around the dial is that of a standard clockwork, namely one revolution in 60 seconds for a seconds hand, one revolution in 60 minutes for the minutes hand and one revolution in 12 hours for the hours hand.

[0028] It is understood that with such a system, the distance to be covered by the mobile cursor is varied to obtain a determined time interval. The approach of the invention is therefore fundamentally different from that described with reference to the prior art.

[0029] With the invention, whatever the predetermined time interval for which one wishes to visualize the flow, the distance D traveled by the mobile cursor is constant and it is the speed of movement of the mobile cursor which varies to travel the fixed distance D and reach the final end of the latter which materializes the end of the predetermined duration (in other words, at the end of time T).

[0030] Thus, with the invention, the perception of time passing turns out to be different from that generated with classical instruments.

[0031] Furthermore, as will become apparent later, a mechanical hourglass according to the invention may be designed to have aesthetic characteristics very different from those of one or more hands moving around a dial, which may cause a more pleasant or, at the very least, less boring feeling of the passing of time.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, the motor means comprise a stepper motor, the calculation means being configured to convert the average speed to be applied VA into a number N of steps per second, the motor means being controlled by the control device with the number N of steps per second.

[0033] In this way, using a stepper motor provides a simple and effective way to achieve variable speed movement of the moving cursor along the fixed distance D.

[0034] According to a preferred solution, the track extends between two distant stations, and the cursor is movable in contact with the track.

[0035] Thus, the hourglass according to the invention offers a visualization of the movement of the mobile cursor from one point to another.

[0036] That being said, it is also possible to design the hourglass according to the invention with a loop track. In this case, the moving cursor "circles" the track from a point on the track that it leaves when triggered to return to it once the predetermined time has elapsed. It should be noted that, in such a case, the moving cursor is indeed moved between two positions insofar as the point that it leaves and that it reaches constitutes both a starting and arrival position for the cursor.

[0037] Advantageously, the cursor takes the form of a revolution element.

[0038] Such a slider, in addition to its particularly aesthetic shape, provides low resistance to its movement on the track.

[0039] Preferably, the drive means comprise a plurality of pads movable between at least two positions:

[0040] - an active position, in which the studs protrude above the track;

[0041] - an inactive position, in which the pads are retracted under the track, the drive means further comprising a master member for moving the pads from the inactive position to the active position, the master member being movable under the track along the latter.

[0042] Such architecture thus gives an impression of the dynamism of time passing.

[0043] In fact, the mobility of the pads allows you to create a wave movement, or any other movement, for example a form of walking, ensuring the movement of the cursor.

[0044] Thus, for a user, in addition to the movement of the cursor, the aspect of dynamism can therefore be perceived by the movement of the plots.

[0045] For this, the drive means preferably comprise a series of transverse lines of studs parallel to each other and succeeding each other over the entire length of the track, the studs extending in longitudinal lines parallel to each other.

[0046] Such transverse lines allow the cursor to move along the entire track by creating a regular matrix of plots in an orthonormal frame of reference across the entire track. Indeed, by positioning the plots high or low, the transverse lines can allow or even cause the cursor to move or, on the contrary, prevent it from moving.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment of the pad arrangement, the pads extend along parallel lines and are staggered with each other. In this case, the axes of the resulting matrix form an angle, typically 45°. However, any other angle in the range 0-90° is usable.

[0048] Furthermore, the arrangement of the plots on the track can be random or pseudo-random, provided that the cursor can be trained.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the pads are slidably mounted in housings provided under the track, each housing including a return spring in the inactive position of the corresponding pad.

[0050] Without cooperation with the master organ, the pads therefore remain in their inactive position, which frees up the track.

[0051] A refined effect of the track is therefore perceptible by the user, which reinforces the aesthetics of the mechanical hourglass according to the invention.

[0052] According to an advantageous aspect, each housing incorporates a barrel crossed by a rod of the stud, the stud also comprising a bell associated with the rod, the bell having a peripheral rim with which the return spring cooperates.

[0053] The presence of the barrel ensures guidance of the stud when it moves between its inactive position and its active position.

[0054] Therefore, the risks of the plots buckling are reduced, or even eliminated.

[0055] Thanks to the peripheral edge of the bell, the return spring is held captive between the housing and the bell so as to return the stud to its inactive position when the rod is not pushed back by the master member. Advantageously, the master member has at least two bosses each intended to move at least one stud into the active position, the two bosses being spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the track so as to be placed on either side of the slider.

[0056] The bosses of the master organ allow the studs positioned in their active position to be located on either side of the ball, in said longitudinal direction, to control the movement of the cursor, in this case the ball.

[0057] In this case, the bosses advantageously have a summit and, in a longitudinal direction of the track, a ramp upstream and a ramp downstream of the summit.

[0058] The ramps facilitate the transition of the plots from their inactive position to their active position, or vice versa, in a smooth manner.

[0059] When the studs come into contact with the ball by their movement via the master organ, they then cause the ball to move to change the elapsed time.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the mechanical hourglass comprises a worm screw mounted under the track and driven by the stepper motor, the master member being coupled to a base having a thread cooperating with the worm screw.

[0061] The movement of the stepper motor is thus transmitted to the worm screw which allows the base, and therefore the master organ, to move.

[0062] The movement of the master organ, and therefore of the plots, is then ensured in a smooth manner so that the movement of the mobile cursor, that is to say of the ball, corresponds to the selected duration.

[0063] Advantageously, at least one of the mobile stations has a cavity capable of accommodating the cursor, said station being movable in height relative to the base between two positions:

[0064] - an upper position in which the bottom is located flush with or above the track;

[0065] - a lower position in which the bottom is located below the track. The cavity allows the cursor to be stored when the mechanical hourglass is not in use and the station that presents the cavity is in its lower position.

[0066] Furthermore, in their lower position, the positions may not be perceptible to the user, making the design of the mechanical hourglass particularly refined.

[0067] This also makes it easier to transport since the posts do not protrude above the track.

[0068] Preferably, the master member is movable under the track to a position under the movable station.

[0069] Thus, the master organ can take charge of the cursor so as to drive it from its position at the mobile station, until it reaches the level, if necessary (in the case where the track extends between two mobile stations), of another mobile station.

[0070] According to an advantageous embodiment, the mechanical hourglass comprises a position detector of the master member under the mobile station, the calculation means being programmed to move the master member by following the movement of the mobile station from its upper position to its lower position, and vice versa.

[0071] This initiates a cursor movement cycle.

[0072] In fact, moving the master organ allows the movement of a part of the stations from their lower position to their upper position to control the movement of the cursor, in this case the ball, to make it correspond to the time selected by the user.

[0073] Moving the master organ therefore frees up space under the mobile station and therefore prevents the master organ from obstructing the mobility of the station.

[0074] Certain aspects of the invention are based on the idea of ​​providing a device for representing the flow of time according to scales specific to the needs of users. Another idea underlying the invention is to represent the flow of time according to the international measurement system and its reference unit, the second, or hour noted hh and / or minute noted mm and / or second noted ss. Thus, such an hourglass can comprise several coupled tracks, for example two tracks to represent a minute, second pair noted mm:ss.

[0075] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

[0076] - figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a mechanical hourglass according to the invention;

[0077] - figure 2 is a perspective view of a master member for moving a cursor of the mechanical hourglass according to the invention;

[0078] - Figure 3 is a view of a detail in longitudinal section illustrating the mechanical hourglass according to the invention, in an inactive state;

[0079] - figure 4 is a view of a detail in longitudinal section illustrating the mechanical hourglass according to the invention, in a first state of movement of the cursor;

[0080] - figure 5 is a view of a detail in longitudinal section illustrating the mechanical hourglass according to the invention, in the second state of movement of the cursor;

[0081] - figure 6 is a view of a detail in longitudinal section illustrating the mechanical hourglass according to the invention, in a third state of movement of the cursor;

[0082] - figure 7 is a detail view illustrating part of the means for driving the movable cursor of the mechanical hourglass according to the invention;

[0083] - figure 8 is a schematic representation of the means for driving the slider of the mechanical hourglass according to the invention; - figure 9 is a detailed view in longitudinal section of the mechanical hourglass according to the invention,

[0084] - figure 10 is a schematic representation of part of the motor means for driving the cursor of the mechanical hourglass according to the invention,

[0085] - figure 11 is a schematic representation in perspective from above of a master organ of the mechanical hourglass according to the invention.

[0086] Figures 1 to 10 illustrate a mechanical hourglass 1 according to the invention.

[0087] The Mechanical Hourglass 1 includes:

[0088] - a base 2;

[0089] - a mobile cursor 3 on the base 2;

[0090] - means of selecting 4 a time to be viewed;

[0091] - means 5 for driving the mobile cursor 3;

[0092] - calculation means 6;

[0093] - a device 7 for controlling motor means 8 of the drive means 5.

[0094] The means 4 for selecting a time to be displayed may take the form of one or more physical or tactile buttons, or a computer application downloaded into a portable digital device to which the mechanical hourglass 1 is connected. The mechanical hourglass 1 then comprises wireless communication means making it possible to create a communication path with the selection means 4 when these take the form of a portable digital device as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0095] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the movable cursor 3 takes the form of a revolution element. The revolution element may be a sphere, and more particularly a ball 31. Alternatively, the cursor 3 could take the form of a cylinder for example.

[0096] More precisely, as illustrated in Figure 1 in particular, the base 2 defines a space 21 and at least one track 22 on which the mobile cursor 3 is intended to circulate. The track 22 defines a distance D and forms a circulation path for the mobile cursor 3.

[0097] More particularly, the track 22 extends between two distant mobile stations 9 materializing a starting point 91 and an arrival point 92 of the mobile cursor 3.

[0098] The runway 22 may extend in a straight line or in a curved line. Furthermore, the runway 22 may extend in three dimensions, i.e., it may undulate to form at least one ascent and one descent.

[0099] Finally, the distance D can be defined as the distance between the two stations 9 or as being less than the distance between the two stations 9 or, on the contrary, as being one or more round trips between the two stations. In other words, the distance D is adjustable between the two stations 9.

[0100] Furthermore, runway 22 may include several taxiways for cursor 3.

[0101] At least one of the stations 9 has a cavity 93 capable of receiving the slider 3 as explained below. Preferably, each station 9 has such a cavity 93.

[0102] The or each cavity 93 has an inclined bottom 94 allowing the ball 31 to exit the cavity 93 as explained below.

[0103] Each post 9 is also movable in height relative to the base 2 between two positions:

[0104] - an upper position in which the bottom 94 is located flush with or above the runway 22;

[0105] - a lower position in which bottom 94 is located below runway 22.

[0106] As illustrated by Figures 3 to 6, 9 and 10, the movement of the stations 9 between their upper and lower position is ensured by sensors 95 configured to detect the upper position and the lower position of the stations 9. The sensors 95 allow in particular the control of a drive unit 98 which, by gearing, ensures the movement of the stations 9 between their upper position and their lower position. Each station 9 then carries a nut 96 cooperating with a threaded rod 97, forming a worm screw, driven in rotation by said drive unit 98. The sensors 95 are in particular triggered by the nut 96 when the station 9 is in its upper position or in its lower position.

[0107] The space 21 integrates the motor means 8, the drive means 5 of the mobile cursor 3, the calculation means 6, as well as the device 7 for controlling the motor means 8.

[0108] Furthermore, the mechanical hourglass 1 being intended to be a mobile object, or at least transportable, it incorporates at least one battery 10 allowing it to operate completely autonomously, that is to say without being connected to a fixed electrical power source, as illustrated by figures 6 and 9.

[0109] Battery 10 is also located in space 21.

[0110] With reference to Figure 10, the motor means 8 comprise a stepper type motor 81 and a worm screw 82 rotated by the motor 81.

[0111] The motor 81 is advantageously powered by the battery 10 and controlled by the control device 7 as explained below.

[0112] The control device 7 receives information from the calculation means 6 which determine the speed of movement of the mobile cursor 3 as a function of the time desired by a user and transmitted to the mechanical hourglass 1 via the time selection means 4.

[0113] More precisely, the calculation means 6 are configured to calculate the equation VA = D / T where VA is an average driving speed of the cursor 3 moving on the track 22, and D is a distance to be materialized by the track 22.

[0114] In other words, according to one calculation method, the average speed to be applied VA is equal to the distance D from the runway 22 divided by the time T selected by the user via the selection means 4. It is specified that the speed VA is an average speed which does not necessarily take into account the acceleration and deceleration phases which may exist at the end of the runway 22 (in particular). Generally speaking, two of the three parameters of the equation are modifiable.

[0115] In other words, the user can either define a distance D and time T pair, or define a distance D and average speed VA pair, or define an average speed VA and time D pair.

[0116] Therefore, the calculation means 6 are configured to solve the equation VA = D / T, and therefore determine the unknown parameter.

[0117] Distance D can be defined as a single trip between the two positions 9 or as one or more round trips between the two positions 9. In other words, distance D can correspond to a single trip of runway 22 or to several trips of runway D.

[0118] With reference to figures 2 to 9, the drive means 5 comprise:

[0119] - 51 mobile plots,

[0120] - a master member 52 movable under the track 22, along the latter, and intended to allow the movement of the movable pads 51 as explained below.

[0121] More precisely, the movable pads 51 are movable between at least two positions:

[0122] - a high position in which the pads 51 protrude above runway 22,

[0123] - a low position in which the plots 51 are retracted under the runway 22.

[0124] More specifically, by “low position”, it is understood that the pads 51 can either be entirely under the runway 22, or flush with the runway 22 in which case, an upper portion of the pads 51 forms a portion of the runway 22.

[0125] For this, as illustrated by figure 7, the pads 51 are slidably mounted in housings 23 provided under the track 22.

[0126] As illustrated in Figure 7, each housing 23 includes a spring 231 for returning the corresponding stud 51 to the low position. Thus, in the absence of stress from the master member 52, the studs 51 are held in their low position.

[0127] Alternatively, the spring 231 can be replaced by any solution that achieves the same technical effect, such as a solution using gravity or a solution using magnetic forces.

[0128] Each pad 51 comprises a bell 511 and a rod 512 associated with the bell 511.

[0129] The bell 511 door has a peripheral rim 513 extending radially outwards and forming a zone of cooperation of the stud 51 with the return spring 231.

[0130] As illustrated in Figure 7, each housing also incorporates a barrel 232 allowing the rods 512 to be guided.

[0131] More particularly, the barrels 232 are secured to a plate 233 closing each of the housings 23.

[0132] To ensure precise guidance of the ball 31 along the track 22, the drive means 5 comprise a series of transverse lines of studs 51 parallel to each other and succeeding one another over the entire length of the track 25.

[0133] Furthermore, the pads 51 extend in longitudinal lines parallel to each other.

[0134] More precisely, the rows are rows transverse to the longitudinal direction of extension of runway 22.

[0135] When the ball 31, that is to say the cursor 3, moves on the track 22, it is driven in movement by the rows of studs 51 which, in passing from their inactive position to their active position, push the ball 31 towards a following row, along the track 22.

[0136] With reference to Figure 8, the master member 52, during its movement, thus makes it possible to position the pads 51 either in their active position or in their inactive position. More particularly, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 8, the master member 52 has at least two bosses 521 each intended to move at least one pad 51 into the active position, the two bosses 521 being spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the track 22 so as to be placed on either side of the ball 31. For the purpose of simplifying the master member, the two bosses 521 are joined so as to form a crown inside which a crater extends.

[0137] As illustrated in Figure 3 and Figure 7, the bosses 521 each have a top 522 and, in a longitudinal direction of the runway 22, a ramp 523 upstream and a ramp 524 downstream of the top 522.

[0138] More precisely, during its movement, the master member 52 cooperates with the pads 51 so as to allow their change of position between their inactive position and their active position by cooperation with the upstream ramp 523, the top 522 and the downstream ramp 524 of the bosses 521.

[0139] Preferably, the two bosses 521 of the master member 52 are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the diameter of the ball 31, or almost.

[0140] Thus, when the master member 52 is moved, the two bosses 521 position the studs 51 in their active position, so as to trap the ball 31 between them, as illustrated in figure 8.

[0141] The ball 31 is then surrounded and driven in movement by the studs 51 so as to follow the movement of the master member 52, at a speed V imposed by the master member 52.

[0142] To allow the pads 51 to move from their inactive position to their active position, the master member 52 is coupled to the motor means 8.

[0143] More particularly, the master member 52 is coupled to a base 53 having a thread intended to cooperate with the endless screw 82 of the motor means 8. Thus, when the stepper motor 81 is running, the thread of the base 53 cooperates with the endless screw 82 to allow the movement of the master member 52 and therefore the change of position of the pads 51 from their inactive position to their active position or vice versa.

[0144] By cooperation between the base 53 and the endless screw 82, the master member 52 is thus movable under the track 22 to at least one position under one of the movable stations 9.

[0145] The base 53 comprises at least one finger 531 and the master member 52 has at least one groove 525 for receiving the finger 531 of the base 53. Preferably, the base 53 comprises two fingers 531 and the master member 52 has two grooves 525 for receiving one of the fingers 531.

[0146] The finger 531 is intended to slide in the groove 525 to allow the master member 52 to be moved following the movement of the movable station 9 from its upper position to its lower position, and vice versa.

[0147] In other words, the master member 52 is moved away from the track 22 as the movable station 9 is moved from its upper position to its lower position, and moved closer to the track 22 when the movable station 9 is moved from its lower position to its upper position.

[0148] Thus, the master member 52 does not form an obstacle to the mobile station 9 when it is moved from its upper position to its lower position.

[0149] The calculation means 6 are thus programmed to move the master member 52 by following the movement of the mobile station 9 from its upper position to its lower position, and vice versa.

[0150] This movement is carried out by actuating the stepper motor 81 so that the base 53, which is at the end of its travel on the worm screw 82, pivots with the worm screw 82 and drives, by cooperation of the finger(s) 531 with its groove 525; the master member 52 in movement. The calculation means 6 are also configured to convert the average speed VA to be applied into a number N of steps per second, the motor means 8 then being controlled by the control device 7 with the number N of steps per second. The conversion will be applied according to the type of motor used in the motor means 8.

[0151] Thus, depending on the time selected, the worm screw 82 is rotated so that the movement of the master member 52 under the track 22 corresponds to the time desired by the user.

[0152] In operation, the user selects the duration of the time to be materialized via the selection means 4, then the calculation means 6 define the average speed to be applied VA to the movement of the master member 52.

[0153] The control device 7 then controls the motor means 8 from the data provided by the calculation means 6.

[0154] One of the stations 9 containing the ball 31 in its cavity 93, and which forms the starting point 91, is then positioned in an intermediate position so that the ball 31 is blocked in the cavity by the track 22.

[0155] The master member 52 then follows the mobile station 9 then, when each finger 531 is at the bottom of its groove 525, then the master member 52 is moved along the track 22, under the latter, and can thus cooperate with the pads 51.

[0156] More precisely, the master member 52 is moved along the track to position a portion of the pads 51 in their active position, the pads 51 in question being those of a transverse row close to the mobile station 9 housing the ball 31.

[0157] The movable station 9 which is in its intermediate position is then placed in its upper position so that the ball 31 rolls on the inclined bottom 94 of the cavity 93, up to the track 22 to come into contact with the studs 51 in their active position, the studs 51 then forming a stop for the ball 31. In this position, and as illustrated by FIG. 4, the cursor 3, that is to say the ball 31, is positioned so that its center of gravity is located downstream, according to the direction of movement of the ball 31 on the track 22, of a row of studs 51 closest to the movable station 9 from which the ball 31 comes.

[0158] The movement of the master member 52 then causes the ball 31 to move by cooperation with the studs 51 to move them from their inactive position to their active position.

[0159] The master member 52 is then moved under the track 22 until the ball 31 reaches the arrival point 92 formed by the second mobile station 9.

[0160] Shortly before the arrival of the ball 31, the second mobile station 9 is positioned in its upper position so that its cavity 93 is accessible to the ball 31.

[0161] When the ball 31 is in the cavity 93, the movable station 9 initiates a movement towards its lower position so that the ball 31 is blocked in the cavity 93 by the track 22 which then forms a stop.

[0162] The master organ 52 is then moved under the second station 9 by the base 53.

[0163] The second mobile station 9 can then be positioned in its lower position to confine the ball 31 in the base 2.

[0164] According to another embodiment not illustrated, the drive means comprise at least one annular magnet and the ball is made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0165] Thus, by magnetic cooperation between the ball and the master member, the ball remains held inside the annular magnet while circulating above the track while the master member remains located below the track.

[0166] The ball is then moved by the magnetic fields exerted by the ring magnet, so that the ball follows the movement of the master organ. This has the advantage of being invisible to the user since no stud protrudes from the track.

[0167] The movement of the ball is thus done invisibly, creating for example a magical effect for the user.

[0168] According to another embodiment illustrated by FIG. 11, the master member 52 has at least one row 5200 of bosses 521 arranged transversely relative to the track 22, each boss 521 of the row being intended to act on the pads 51 of a longitudinal line of pads 51.

[0169] More specifically, the master member 52, according to this other embodiment, comprises a series of rows 5200 of bosses 521, giving a general striated appearance to the master member.

[0170] Preferably, the master member 52 is movable transversely relative to the track 22 between two positions: a drive position in which the bosses 521 are aligned with the longitudinal lines of pads 51; a neutral position in which the bosses 521 are positioned between the longitudinal lines of pads 51.

[0171] To enable this transverse movement, the mechanical hourglass 1 comprises an actuating member which ensures the movement of the master member 52.

[0172] Thus, when the pads 51 are not intended to be positioned in their active position, the master member 52 can be positioned in its neutral position to be able to circulate under the track 22 without cooperating with the pads 51.

[0173] To control the movement of the master member 52, the mechanical hourglass 1 also comprises a position detector of the master member 52 under one of the mobile stations 9. The calculation means 6 are programmed to move the master member 52 back when the detector detects the master member 52 under a mobile station 9. For example, this makes it possible to position the mobile station 9 in its lower position when the mechanical hourglass 1 is not in use, the master member 52 then being positioned in its neutral position so that it can be moved under the track 22 without acting on the pads 51 and position them in their active position.

[0174] This is useful, for example, when a mobile station 9 can accommodate two balls 31, each ball giving an indication of half the total time to be represented.

[0175] The master organ 52 can then move under the track 22 without actuating the pads 51 to start a new cycle with a new ball 31.

[0176] A device for emitting a laser beam could also be provided to illuminate the ball 31 and create a luminous halo around the latter. For this, the choice of the material constituting the ball 31 will be based on a material allowing the generation of a halo, such as rose quartz for example.

[0177] Furthermore, each station 9 can carry a screen allowing the display of information for the user.

[0178] According to alternative embodiments not illustrated by the figures, the movement, and consequently the position, of each station 9 is monitored by the calculation means 6 using a limit switch or a limit sensor in the low position of the corresponding station 9, and an angular sensor. The calculation means 6 count the number of motor revolutions performed and therefore applied to the screw 97. The calculation means 6 then determine the distance of movement performed by the station 9 in question, based on the number of revolutions and the pitch (or reduction ratio) of the screw 97.

[0179] Likewise, the position of the master member 52 is controlled by the calculation means 6, using a limit switch at each end of the actuating screw 82. As previously, this assembly is also completed by an angular sensor, thus making it possible to control the longitudinal position of the master member 52 under the track 22. Thus, the calculation means 6, associated with the device 7 for controlling the motor means 8, are able to determine and control the relative position of the master member 52 with respect to the station 9 and avoid the collision of the two elements.

[0180] In variants of the embodiments of the invention detailed above, it may also be provided:

[0181] - to use the selection means 4 to define or configure other parameters, in particular the average speed of movement VA and therefore in other words the time to cover a length of the track 22;

[0182] - to define a distance between the two bosses 521 as a function of the diameter of the ball 31, the diameter of the studs 51, the travel of the studs 51 or even the shape of the studs 51 at the end of contact with the ball 31, so as to guide the ball without it escaping from the imprint formed under the action of the master member;

[0183] - to use as motor means a linear motor, a direct current motor, or a brushless motor known by the English terminology of "brushless", associated with parameterized calculation means to convert the average speed to be applied into the number of motor revolutions;

[0184] - to use a belt, a cable or even a rack as drive means;

[0185] - to replace the spherical ball serving as a cursor, with other shapes capable of being moved and / or set in motion like any form of revolution, in particular cylindrical portions.

Claims

Claims 1. Mechanical hourglass (1) intended to display an elapsed time T, of the type comprising: a movable cursor (3); means (5) for driving the movable cursor (3), driven by motor means (8) at a driving speed V, characterized in that it comprises: a base (2) and at least one track (22) carried by the base (2), the movable cursor (3) being intended to be moved on said track (22) by the driving means (5); means (4) for selecting the time T; means (6) for calculating an equation VA = D / T, where VA is an average driving speed of the movable cursor (3) on the track (22), and D is a distance to be materialized by the track (22); a control device (7) for the motor means (8) with a driving speed V setpoint substantially equal to VA.

2. Mechanical hourglass (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the motor means (8) comprise a stepper motor (81), the calculation means (6) being configured to convert the average speed to be applied VA into a number N of steps per second, the motor means (8) being controlled by the control device (7) with the number N of steps per second.

3. Mechanical hourglass (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the track (22) extends between two distant mobile stations (9), and in that the cursor (3) is movable in contact with the track (22).

4. Mechanical hourglass (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cursor (3) takes the form of a revolution element.

5. Mechanical hourglass (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the drive means (5) comprise a plurality of studs (51) movable between at least two positions: an active position, in which the studs (51) protrude above the track (22); an inactive position, in which the studs (51) are retracted under the track (22), the drive means (5) further comprising a master member (52) for moving the pads (51) from the inactive position to the active position, the master member (52) being movable under the track (22) along the latter.

6. Mechanical hourglass (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the drive means (5) comprise a series of transverse lines of studs (51) parallel to each other and succeeding each other over the entire length of the track (22), the studs (51) extending in longitudinal lines parallel to each other.

7. Mechanical hourglass (1) according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the studs (51) are slidably mounted in housings (23) provided under the track (22), each housing (23) including a spring (231) for returning the corresponding stud to the inactive position.

8. Mechanical hourglass (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each housing (23) incorporates a barrel (232) crossed by a rod (512) of the stud (51), the stud (51) also comprising a bell (511) associated with the rod (512), the bell (511) having a peripheral rim (513) with which the return spring (231) cooperates.

9. Mechanical hourglass (1) one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the master member (52) has at least two bosses (521) each intended to move at least one stud (51) into the active position, the two bosses (521) being spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the track so as to be placed on either side of the cursor (3).

10. Mechanical hourglass (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the bosses (521) have a top (522) and, in a longitudinal direction of the track, an upstream ramp (523) and a downstream ramp (524) of the top (522).

11. Mechanical hourglass (1) claim 2 and any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a worm screw (82) mounted under the track (22) and driven by the stepper motor (81), the master member (52) being coupled to a base (53) having a thread cooperating with the worm screw (82).

12. Mechanical hourglass (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that at least one of the stations (9) has a cavity (93) capable of receiving the cursor (3), said cavity having a bottom (94) intended to receive the cursor (3), said station (9) being movable in height relative to the base (2) between two positions: an upper position in which the bottom (94) is located flush with or above the track (22); a lower position in which the bottom (94) is located below the track (22).

13. Mechanical hourglass (1) according to claims 5 and 12, characterized in that the master member (52) is movable under the track (22) to a position under the movable station (9).

14. Mechanical hourglass (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a detector of the position of the master member (52) under the mobile station (9), and in that the calculation means (6) are programmed to move the master member (52) by following the movement of the mobile station (9) from its upper position to its lower position, and vice versa.

15. Mechanical hourglass (1) according to claims 11 and 14, characterized in that the base (53) comprises at least one finger (531) and the master member (52) has a groove (525) for receiving the finger (531) of the base (53), the finger (531) being slidably mounted in the groove (525) to allow the master member (52) to be moved following the movement of the movable station (9) from its upper position to its lower position, and vice versa.

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