CH714554A2 - Watch movement comprising a mechanism for displaying information relating to the movement of the moon. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a watch movement (4), comprising a mechanism for displaying information relating to the movement of the Moon in reference to the Earth, comprising a representation of the Moon (54) substantially spherical and carried by a tree substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of a first display member (24) on itself, the latter symbolizing the Earth. The representation of the Moon (54) has a light half and a dark half respectively symbolizing the illuminated face of the moon and its hidden face, the watch movement (4) comprising an angular compensation device arranged to act on the shaft and ensure that the representation of the Moon (54) has a single angular orientation with reference to the watch movement frame (4) when it is rotated about the first display member (24), to symbolize the illumination of the Moon by the Sun. The invention also relates to a timepiece (1) comprising a box (2) housing such a watch movement (4).

Description

Description

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a watch movement comprising a mechanism for displaying information relating to the movement of the Moon in reference to the Earth, sometimes called Tellurium or Orrery, comprising a first display member symbolizing the Earth and a second display member symbolizing the Moon, the second display member being arranged on a mobile display of the Moon, rotated in reference to the frame of the watch movement, around the first display member and following a first axis of rotation, by a driving motive of the watch movement, such that it performs a complete turn substantially in a lunar cycle.

The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a watch movement.

State of the art [0003] Watchmaking movements of this type are already known from the state of the art. Thus, for example, US Pat. No. 9,268,309 B2 describes a watch movement for making a display representing the movement of the Moon around the Earth and a display of the phases of the Moon, the pendulum of the watch movement symbolizing the position of the Sun. The Earth is represented by a first dome-shaped display organ and driven by the movement to turn on itself in twenty-four hours. The Moon is represented by a first disk arranged around the Earth to make a turn in a lunar cycle, a little more than 29.5 days. This first disk has a circular window through which a portion of an additional disk is visible, the latter being rotatably mounted on the first disk, with an axis of rotation different from that of the first disk. The additional disc has a clear background and two dark discs, diametrically opposed, to display the phases of the moon, in a conventional manner, by cooperation with the window of the first disc. A gear train drives the additional disk in such a way that it performs a turn on itself in two lunar cycles.

Thus, by a relatively complex construction, the watch movement described in this document of the prior art allows to simultaneously display several information relating to the movement of the Moon around the Earth and its illumination by the Sun, in a clutter that remains rather reasonable.

However, the display mode used for the phases of the Moon imposes a significant diameter for the first display disk of the Moon which must be able to accommodate the additional disk in its radius, which implies a congestion anyway important, in the display plan, which can be problematic to make timepieces that would include other complications to display.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [0006] A main object of the present invention is thus to propose an alternative construction to that which has just been described for producing a realistic or even spectacular mechanism for displaying the movement of the moon, while by having a congestion measured in the main plane of the corresponding display.

For this purpose, the present invention relates more particularly to a watch movement, of the type mentioned above, characterized in that the second display member comprises a substantially spherical representation of the Moon and carried by a shaft substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation and arranged on the mobile display of the Moon so as to be pivoted with reference to the latter, the representation of the Moon having a clear half and a dark half respectively symbolizing the illuminated face of the Moon and its face hidden, and in that the watch movement comprises an angular compensation device arranged to act on the shaft bearing the representation of the Moon and ensure that the latter has a single and identical angular orientation with reference to the frame regardless of the position the second display member around the first display member, to symbolize the illumination e of the Moon by the Sun.

With these characteristics, we obtain a mechanism for displaying the movement of the Moon around the Earth very realistic. Even though the reading is less obvious than with the display of the aforementioned prior art, it is also possible to know the phase of the Moon at each moment by observing its spherical representation from the center of the first display member representing Earth. Also, the watch movement according to the invention is not intended to provide a mechanism for displaying the movement of the moon with improved reading accuracy but rather to provide a more spectacular display mechanism and whose reading is more intuitive since closer to the reality from the point of view of the presentation.

Preferably, the angular compensation device comprises at least a first groove formed in a frame member and defining a first closed loop around the first display member, and a plate secured to the shaft, arranged next to of the frame member and carrying at least a first finger, eccentric on the plate with reference to the position of the shaft and at least partially engaged in the first groove, so that a rotation of the display unit causes a displacement of the first finger along the first groove and is therefore likely to cause a rotation of the shaft on itself to maintain the angular orientation of the representation of the Moon.

Such an approach makes it possible to achieve a realistic display of the movement of the Moon with a relatively small bulk, more particularly between the axis of rotation of the first display member representing the Earth and the axis of rotation of the shaft. bearing the representation of the Moon. Indeed, typically a gear train is arranged in this space, in which it must rotate around the representation of the Earth, to follow the display member representing the Moon.

According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the angular compensation device comprises a second groove formed in the frame member and defining a second closed loop around the first display member, and a second finger integral with the plate, eccentric on the plate with reference to the position of the shaft and at least partially engaged in the second groove to improve the guidance obtained by the cooperation between the first finger and the first groove.

In addition, in this case, it may more particularly be provided that the first and second grooves have two intersections, and that they have different depths and widths, the first and second fingers having different heights and diameters, adapted to the dimensions of the first and second grooves, so that a given finger can not engage in the groove associated with the other finger.

In general, it can be advantageously provided that the driving wheel is arranged to drive the display mobile periodic leaps.

In this case, the drive wheel is preferably arranged to drive the display unit once every twenty-four hours so that it advances by a step substantially representing 1 / 29.5th lap preferably 1 / 29.53125th of a turn.

In general, it can be provided that the watch movement preferably comprises a ring arranged around the mobile display of the Moon and bearing illustrations relating to the phases of the Moon arranged in such a way that at each moment the phase of the Moon is deductible from the position of the second display member with reference to the ring.

Thus, the phase of the Moon can be determined at any time without having to position itself in the center of the first display member representing the Earth as is the case with the construction of the prior art mentioned above. Thanks to this characteristic, the moon phase can be read in two different ways at the user's choice, without affecting the realism of the display obtained.

In general, it is advantageously provided that the driving mobile of the mobile display of the Moon is also arranged to drive the first display member so that it has a rotational movement whose period is twenty-four hours to symbolize the rotation of the Earth on itself.

In addition, in this case, it is preferable to provide that the first display member carries hour graduations, over twenty-four hours, to be able to display the current time in relation to a fixed reference with reference to the frame. .

The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a box housing a watch movement meeting the above characteristics.

According to a preferred embodiment, the timepiece may comprise a substantially circular member carrying a symbolizing the Sun and arranged in a fixed position with reference to the frame of the watch movement. This member can indifferently be arranged on the watch movement or on the timepiece box. In particular, it is possible to provide, in a variant of preferred embodiment, that this member is a wheel forming part of a vortex mechanism.

In general, when the watch movement comprises a ring arranged around the mobile display of the Moon and bearing illustrations relating to the phases of the Moon, it is advantageous that this ring has a clear half and a dark half to symbolize the dividing line of daytime hours and nighttime hours in relation to the first display member. In particular, when the timepiece comprises a member bearing a decoration symbolizing the Sun, it is preferably provided that the line of separation between the light and dark halves of the ring is substantially perpendicular to a line passing through the centers of the first display organ and organ symbolizing the Sun.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0022] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples. in which: FIG. 1 shows a front view of a timepiece according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; fig. 2 represents a simplified perspective view of a detail of the watch movement of the timepiece of FIG. 1; fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a construction detail of the watch movement of the timepiece of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 4a to 4d show a partial front view of the timepiece of FIG. 1, in different configurations taken at different times during a lunar cycle.

Embodiment (s) of the Invention [0023] FIG. 1 represents a timepiece 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in front view of the dial side.

The timepiece 1 is illustrated by way of nonlimiting illustration and will not be described fully in detail in that many of its features are not important for the implementation of the present invention.

The timepiece 1 comprises a box 2 containing a watch movement 4 according to the present invention.

The box 2 comprises horns 6 for fixing a bracelet not shown, and a ring 8 winding and setting time, positioned at three o'clock, and a correction pusher 10, positioned at noon whose function will not be discussed here.

Furthermore, the box 2 comprises four external control members 11, 12, 13 and 14, commonly called correctors, the outer surface of each is located substantially flush with the surface of the box 2. The function of these external control members will not be presented here as it has no direct connection with the implementation of the present invention.

The construction of the watch movement 4 will not be exposed in all its details since much of the movement has no direct link with the present invention.

The watch movement 4 comprises a source of mechanical energy (not visible) arranged to maintain the oscillations of a mechanical oscillator defining a time base for the operation of the watch movement 4, the time base here presenting the form of a flying tourbillon 16 positioned at six o'clock, illustratively non-limiting.

The watch movement 4 is arranged in such a way that it can ensure the driving of different display members, via suitable driving mobiles, in particular: a display needle 18 of the power reserve of the source of mechanical energy, positioned at three o'clock, of a curved ring 20 and positioned at noon to indicate the current time over twenty-four hours, in relation to a fixed reference point 22 and with a spherical cap 24 carrying a representation of the Earth as seen from the North Pole, a display mechanism 26 representative of the movement of the Moon around the Earth and its illumination by the Sun, arranged around the ring 20, a needle 28d retrograde display of the current minute, positioned at nine o'clock, and a date display mechanism positioned between seven and eight hours, cooperating with a date disc 32.

The watch movement 4 illustrated in a non-limiting manner is here perpetual calendar type. However, the type of calendar implemented in the timepiece 1 has no impact on the implementation of the present invention and the skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to adapt the present teaching to watch movements with different functions, for example a secular calendar, an annual calendar or even a simple calendar with or without display of the days of the week. It is also possible, of course, to implement the present invention in a timepiece that does not include date display.

FIG. 2 represents a simplified perspective view of a construction detail of the watch movement 4 of the timepiece 1, in particular the display mechanism 26 of information related to the movement of the Moon around the Earth and to its illumination by the Sun.

The display mechanism 26 comprises a plate 40 intended to be secured to a main plate (not visible) of the watch movement 4 and to wear the components of the display mechanism of the movement of the moon.

The plate 40 carries a twenty-four hour wheel 42 preferably driven from the finishing gear of the watch movement 4. The wheel 42 carries a finger (not visible) arranged to drive a first mobile of the display mechanism of the movement of the Moon, in the clockwise direction as seen in fig. 2, cooperating with its star 44 with seven branches. The wheel 46 of this mobile, integral with the star 44, in turn acts on a reference 48 arranged in engagement with the internal toothing of a mobile display of the movement of the Moon having the shape of a ring 50, to rotate it in the anti-clockwise direction. A jumper spring 51 cooperates with the star 44 to define stable discrete positions in a conventional manner.

Note that the wheel 42 of twenty-four hours is advantageously arranged here to also drive the spherical cap 24 in rotation, without limitation (and in a manner that is not shown here since it has not no direct impact on the implementation of the present invention).

The ring 50 is guided here by five stones 53 carried by the plate 40, by way of nonlimiting illustration, to be able to rotate on the plate 40 following an action of the finger carried by the wheel 42 on the star 44.

The ring 50 carries a display member 52 having a representation of the Moon 54 carried by a shaft 56 passing through a hole 58 adapted to the ring 50, as is more particularly apparent from the simplified sectional view of the fig. 3, carried out according to the plan of separation between the light half and the dark half of the representation of the Moon 54.

The representation of the Moon 54 is integral with the shaft 56, the latter also being secured to a plate 60 located on the other side of the ring 50, that is to say on the side of the platinum 40.

The plate 60 carries first and second fingers 62 and 64, eccentric, substantially cylindrical and having different heights and diameters from one another.

The first and second fingers 62, 64 are engaged in respective first and second grooves 66, 68 formed in the plate 40 facing the ring 50.

It is understood that the grooves 66, 68 thus constitute guide tracks for the fingers 62, 64 when the ring 50 is rotated once a day from the wheel 42.

It is noted in FIG. 2 that the grooves 66 and 68 have two intersections 70 and 72 causing a reversal of the respective positions of the two fingers 62, 64 with reference to the spherical cap 24. The grooves 66, 68 are arranged in such a way that with the fingers 62, 64 and the plate 60, they define an angular compensation device arranged to act on the shaft 56 and ensure that the representation of the Moon 54 has a single angular orientation with reference to the plate 40, regardless of the position of the display member 52 around the spherical cap 24 symbolizing the Earth, to symbolize the illumination of the Moon by the Sun, in particular the fact that the distance from the Sun allows to consider that its rays are parallel to each other in all positions of the Moon.

Note, in FIG. 1, that a wheel of the vortex 16 carries a decoration such as it symbolizes the Sun, thus defining the incident direction of its rays. The representation of the Moon 54 is therefore oriented in such a way that the plane of separation between its light and dark faces is perpendicular to the line passing through the center of the vortex 16 and the center of the spherical cap 24, the latter defining the direction of the incident rays of the Sun.

Note that, preferably, the gear ratio between the wheel 42 and the ring 50 is such that the latter advances by a step substantially 1 / 29.5 of a turn, preferably 1/29, 53125th of a turn, with each action of the wheel 42 on the star 44. Thus, the ring will have performed slightly more than one complete turn every thirty days to respect the period of the lunar cycle which is 29 days 12 hours and 44 minutes (to a few seconds).

Figs. 4a to 4d illustrate the movement of the display member 52 around the spherical cap 24 during a lunar cycle by presenting the configuration of the display mechanism 26 according to the present invention on the first day of a lunar cycle. in fig. 4a, the fourth day in fig. 4b, the fourteenth day in fig. 4c, and on the twenty-ninth day in fig. 4d.

It will be noted that if the display of the movement of the Moon is not very accurate since it is made by daily jumps, its calculation remains accurate and precise.

It is also apparent from FIGS. 4a to 4d that the display mechanism 26 comprises a ring 74 arranged partially on the ring 50 outside the circular path traveled by the display member 52 of the Moon. The ring 74 carries two complementary information.

On the one hand, the ring 74 comprises eight sectors regularly distributed over its length, each of which bears an indication relative to a given moon phase. Thus, the position of the display member 52 opposite the ring 74 makes it possible to evaluate which phase of the Moon is in progress at a given instant. Fig. 4a illustrates the configuration at full moon output, FIG. 4b illustrates a gibbous Moon phase, FIG. 4c illustrates a phase input of new Moon and FIG. 4d illustrates the entry into a new phase of full moon.

Note that these indications of phases of the Moon are optional but simplify the reading of this information. Indeed, the reading of the phase of the current Moon can also be performed approximately by placing itself in the center of the spherical cap 24 to observe the representation of the Moon 54 along the radius passing through the center of the spherical cap 24 and the center of the representation of the Moon 54.

On the other hand, the ring 74 has two shades, more precisely a light half and a dark half, to define the dividing line of the daytime hours and night hours in relation to the spherical cap 24. Of course, the position of the Sun being fixed, so is the line of separation. This line of separation is therefore also perpendicular to the line passing through the center of the spherical cap 24 symbolizing the Earth and the center of the vortex 16 symbolizing the Sun.

With the characteristics that have just been presented, we get a display of the movement of the Moon around the Earth spectacular and true to reality. The construction of the watch movement 4, in particular of its part relating to the display of the movement of the moon, is relatively compact and makes it possible to implement this display in a timepiece of small dimensions, in particular in a pocket watch. or in a wristwatch. In particular, it is apparent from FIG. 1 such a wristwatch 1 may even include other complications. The size of the display mechanism 26 as it appears from FIG. 1 could even be reduced by reducing the dimensions of the spherical cap 24, if necessary, the own size of the display mechanism of the Moon being itself advantageously very limited.

The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration and, the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular features which have just been described, as for example the number or the nature of the quantities displayed by the timepiece just described or the manner in which the display member of the Moon is driven from the watch movement. In particular, it can be provided that the drive mechanism of the display member of the Moon has a common portion with a date display mechanism. One could also provide that the timepiece comprises a specific correction member for acting on the display member of the moon and / or a combined correction member acting simultaneously on it and on a date display member, without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, provision may be made for the external control member 14 to actuate a lever (not visible) arranged to act directly on the star 44 and to rotate it by one step at each pressure on the external control member 14.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide only one groove in the plate, associated with a single finger, to ensure the maintenance of the angular orientation of the moon. In addition, the drive of the display member of the Moon could be dragging without departing from the scope of the invention and the period selected for the lunar cycle displayed could be only approximate, for example between 29.5 and 30 days, without departing from the scope of the invention. The appearance described and illustrated for the display member representing the Moon is also not limiting, as is the location of the ring 74 which could be positioned within the trajectory described by FIG. display member of the Moon rather than outside without departing from the scope of the invention.

In general, the skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to adapt the present teaching according to his own needs and achieve a watch movement for the implementation of a Tellurium-type display as it has just been described without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (14)

claims A watch movement (4) comprising a mechanism for displaying information relating to the movement of the moon with reference to the earth, comprising a first display member (24) symbolizing the earth and a second display member (52). ) symbolizing the Moon, said second display member (52) being arranged on a mobile display (50) of the Moon, rotated in reference to the frame of the watch movement (4), around said first display member (24) and along a first axis of rotation, by a driving wheel (42) of the watch movement (4), such that it performs a complete turn substantially in a lunar cycle, characterized in that said second member display device (52) comprises a substantially spherical representation of the Moon (54) carried by a shaft (56) substantially parallel to said first axis of rotation and arranged on said display unit (50) of the Moon so as to be able to rotate in ref erence to the latter, said representation of the Moon (54) having a light half and a dark half respectively symbolizing the illuminated face of the Moon and its hidden face, and in that the watch movement (4) comprises an angular compensation device (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) arranged to act on said shaft (56) and ensure that said representation of the Moon (54) has a single angular orientation with reference to said frame regardless of the position of said second member display (52) around said first display member (24), to symbolize the illumination of the Moon by the Sun. Clockwork movement (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that said angular compensation device (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) comprises at least a first groove (66) formed in a frame element (40). and defining a first closed loop around said first display member (24), and a plate (60) integral with said shaft (56), arranged facing said frame member (40) and carrying at least one first finger (62) , eccentric on said plate (60) with reference to the position of said shaft (56) and at least partially engaged in said first groove (66), so that a rotation of said display unit (50) causes a displacement of said first finger (62) along said first groove (66) and is therefore capable of causing a rotation of said shaft (56) on itself to maintain the angular orientation of said representation of the Moon (54). Clock movement (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said angular compensation device (60, 62, 64, 66, 68) comprises a second groove (68) formed in said frame member (40). and defining a second closed loop around said first display member (24), and a second finger (64) integral with said platen (60), eccentric on said platen (60) with reference to the position of said shaft (56) and least partially engaged in said second groove (68) to improve the guidance obtained by the cooperation between said first finger (62) and said first groove (66). 4. watch movement (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that said first and second grooves (66, 68) have two intersections (70, 72), and in that they have different depths and widths, said first and second fingers (62, 64) having different heights and diameters, adapted to the dimensions of said first and second grooves (66, 68), so that a given finger can not engage the groove associated with the first and second grooves (66, 68); other finger. 5. Watch movement (4) according to claim 4, characterized in that said drive wheel (42) is arranged to drive said display mobile (50) by periodic jumps. 6. watch movement (4) according to claim 5, characterized in that said drive wheel (42) is arranged to drive said display unit (50) once every twenty-four hours in such a way that advance of one step representing substantially 1 / 29.5th of a turn, preferably 1 / 29.53125th of a turn. 7. watch movement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a ring (74) arranged around said mobile display (50) of the Moon and bearing illustrations relating to the phases of the Moon arranged in such a way that at each instant the phase of the Moon is deductible from the position of said second display member (52) with reference to said ring (74). 8. watch movement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said drive wheel (42) is also arranged to drive said first display member (24) in such a manner that it presents a movement of rotation whose period is twenty-four hours to symbolize the rotation of the Earth on itself. 9. watch movement (4) according to claim 8, characterized in that said first display member (24) carries hour graduations, over twenty-four hours, to be able to display the current time in relation to a fixed reference (22) with reference to said frame. 10. Timepiece (1) comprising a box (2) housing a watch movement (4) according to one of claims 1 to 9. 11. Timepiece (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a substantially circular member carrying a decoration symbolizing the Sun and arranged in a fixed position with reference to the frame of said watch movement (4). 12. Timepiece (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said member is a wheel forming part of a vortex mechanism (16). 13. Timepiece (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, said watch movement (4) having a ring (74) arranged around said mobile display (50) of the Moon and bearing illustrations relating to phases of the Moon arranged in such a way that at each instant the phase of the Moon is deductible from the position of said second display member (52) with reference to said ring (74), characterized in that said ring (74) presents a light half and a dark half to symbolize the dividing line of daytime hours and nighttime hours in relation to the first display member (24). 14. Timepiece (1) according to one of claims 11 or 12, said watch movement (4) having a ring (74) arranged around said mobile display (50) of the Moon and bearing illustrations relating to phases of the Moon arranged in such a way that at each instant the phase of the Moon is deductible from the position of said second display member (52) with reference to said ring (74), characterized in that said ring (74) presents a light half and a dark half to symbolize the dividing line of daytime and nighttime hours in relation to the first display member (24), and in that the dividing line between said light and dark halves is substantially perpendicular to a line passing through the centers of said first display member (24) and said body symbolizing the Sun.