CH714554B1 - 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 with reference to the Earth, comprising a representation of the Moon (54) which is substantially spherical and carried by a shaft. 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 symbolizing respectively 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 one and the same angular orientation with reference to the frame of the watch movement (4) when it is rotated around the first display member (24), to symbolize the lighting of the Moon by the Sun. The invention also relates to a timepiece (1) comprising a case (2) housing such a watch movement (4).

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a watch movement comprising a mechanism for displaying information relating to the movement of the Moon with 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 moon display mobile, driven in rotation with reference to the frame of the watch movement, around the first display member and following a first axis of rotation, by a mobile for driving the watch movement, in such a way that it performs a complete revolution substantially in a lunar cycle.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a watch movement.

State of the art

[0003] Watch movements of this type are already known from the state of the art. Thus, for example, US Pat. No. 9,268,309B2 describes a watch movement making it possible to produce a display representing the movement of the Moon around the Earth as well as a display of the phases of the Moon, the balance of the watch movement symbolizing the position of the Sun. . The Earth is represented by a first dome-shaped display member driven by motion to turn on itself in twenty-four hours. The Moon is represented by a first disc arranged around the Earth to make a turn in a lunar cycle, that is to say a little more than 29.5 days. This first disc has a circular window through which a portion of an additional disc is visible, the latter being rotatably mounted on the first disc, with an axis of rotation different from that of the first disc. The additional disc has a light 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 disc in such a way that it performs one revolution on itself in two lunar cycles.

[0004] Thus, by a relatively complex construction, the watch movement described in this prior art document makes it possible to simultaneously display several information relating to the movement of the Moon around the Earth and to its illumination by the Sun, in a size which remains rather reasonable.

[0005] However, the display mode chosen for the phases of the Moon imposes a non-negligible diameter for the first display disc of the Moon which must be able to accommodate the additional disc within its radius, which nevertheless involves a bulk. important, in the display plane, which can prove to be problematic for producing timepieces which would have other complications to be displayed.

Disclosure of the invention

[0006] A main aim of the present invention is therefore to provide an alternative construction to that which has just been described in order to produce a realistic, or even spectacular display mechanism, of the movement of the Moon, while having a measured size. in the main plane of the corresponding display.

[0007] To this end, the present invention relates more particularly to a watch movement, of the type mentioned above, characterized in that the second display member comprises a representation of the Moon which is substantially spherical and carried by a shaft substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation and arranged on the Moon display mobile so as to be able to pivot with reference to this last, the representation of the Moon having a light half and a dark half symbolizing respectively the illuminated face of the Moon and its hidden face, and by the fact 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 one and the same angular orientation with reference to the frame regardless of the position of the second member display around the first display member, to symbolize the illumination of the Moon by the Sun.

[0008] Thanks to these characteristics, a very realistic display mechanism of the movement of the Moon around the Earth is obtained. 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 any 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 display mechanism for the movement of the Moon offering improved reading precision but rather to provide a more spectacular display mechanism, the reading of which is more intuitive. since closer to reality from the point of view of the presentation.

[0009] Preferably, the angular compensation device comprises at least a first groove formed in a frame element and defining a first closed loop around the first display member, and a plate integral with the shaft, arranged facing the frame element 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 so that a rotation of the display mobile causes a displacement of the first finger along the first groove and is therefore capable of causing 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 footprint, 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 variant embodiment, provision can be made for the angular compensation device to include a second groove formed in the frame element 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, one can more particularly provide 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, such that a given finger cannot engage in the associated groove on the other finger.

In general, one can advantageously provide that the drive mobile is arranged to drive the display mobile by periodic jumps.

In this case, the driving mobile is preferably arranged to drive the display mobile once every twenty-four hours so that it advances by a step representing approximately 1 / 29.5 <th > of a turn, preferably 1 / 29.53125 <th> of a turn.

In general, provision can be made for the watch movement to preferably include a ring arranged around the display mobile 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.

[0016] Thus, the phase of the Moon can be determined at any time without having to position itself at 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 feature, the phase of the Moon can be read in two different ways at the user's choice, without compromising the realism of the display obtained.

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

In addition, in this case, we can preferably 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 mark with reference to the frame .

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

[0020] According to a preferred variant embodiment, the timepiece may include a substantially circular member bearing a decoration 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 case of the timepiece. Provision can in particular be made, in a preferred variant embodiment, for this member to be a wheel forming part of a tourbillon mechanism.

In general, when the watch movement comprises a ring arranged around the display mobile of the Moon and bearing illustrations relating to the phases of the Moon, one can advantageously provide that this ring has a light half and a dark half to symbolize the dividing line between 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, provision is preferably made for the separation line situated between the light and dark halves of the ring to be substantially perpendicular to a line passing through the centers of the first. display organ and organ symbolizing the Sun.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which : FIG. 1 represents 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; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a construction detail of the watch movement of the timepiece of Figure 1, and FIGS. 4a to 4d represent a partial front view of the timepiece of FIG. 1, in different configurations taken at different times during a lunar cycle.

Mode (s) for carrying out the invention

[0023] FIG. 1 represents a timepiece 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in a front view from the dial side.

The timepiece 1is illustrated by way of non-limiting illustration and will not be described entirely in detail insofar as many of its characteristics are not important for the implementation of the present invention.

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

The box 2 comprises horns 6de fixing a bracelet not shown, as well as a winding and time-setting crown 8, positioned at three o'clock, and a correction pusher 10, positioned at noon, of which the function will not be discussed here.

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

The construction of the watch movement 4 will not be explained in all its details since a good part 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 having the form of a flying tourbillon 16 positioned at six o'clock, by way of non-limiting illustration.

The watch movement 4 is arranged in such a way that it can ensure the training of different display members, via suitable training mobiles, in particular: a display hand 18 of the power reserve of the source of mechanical energy, positioned at three o'clock, with a rounded ring 20 and positioned at noon to indicate the current time over twenty-four hours, in relation to a fixed mark 22 and with a spherical cap 24 bearing a representation of the Earth 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 hand 28 for the retrograde display of the current minute , positioned at nine o'clock, and a date display mechanism 30 positioned between seven and eight o'clock, cooperating with a date disc 32.

The watch movement 4illustrated without limitation is here of the perpetual calendar type. However, the type of calendar used in timepiece 1 has no effect on the implementation of the present invention and those skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the present teaching to watch movements exhibiting 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 which does not include a date display.

FIG. 2 represents a simplified perspective view of a construction detail of the watch movement 4 of the timepiece 1, in particular of 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 made integral with a main plate (not visible) of the watch movement 4 and to carry the components of the display mechanism of the movement of the Moon.

The plate 40 carries a wheel 42 of twenty-four hours 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 of rotation in the view of FIG. 2, by 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 teeth of a mobile for displaying the movement of the Moon having the shape of a ring 50, to make turn it counterclockwise. A jumper spring 51 co-operates with the star 44 to define stable discrete positions, in a conventional manner.

It will be noted that the wheel 42de twenty-four hours is advantageously arranged here to also drive the spherical cap 24 in rotation, in a nonlimiting manner (and in a manner which is not shown here since it does not have to (direct impact on the implementation of the present invention).

The ring 50est guided here by five stones 53 carried by the plate 40, by way of non-limiting illustration, to be able to turn on the plate 40suite to an action of the finger carried by the wheel 42 on the star 44.

The ring 50 carries a display member 52 comprising 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 FIG. 3, produced according to the plane 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 integral with a plate 60situé on the other side of the ring 50, that is to say on the side of the plate 40 .

The plate 60porte first and second fingers 62et 64, eccentric, substantially cylindrical and having heights and diameters different from each other.

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

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

It can be seen in Figure 2 that the grooves 66 and 68 have two intersections 70 and 72 resulting in 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 such 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 one and the same angular orientation with reference to the plate 40, regardless of the position of the moon. 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 makes it possible to consider that its rays are parallel to each other in all positions of the moon.

Note, in Figure 1, that a tourbillon wheel 16porte a decoration as it symbolizes the Sun, thus defining the incident direction of its rays. The representation of the Moon 54 is therefore oriented such 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 vortices. incident rays of the Sun.

It will be noted that, preferably, the gear ratio between the wheel 42 and the ring 50 is such that the latter advances by a pitch substantially representing 1 / 29.5 <th> turn, preferably 1/29 , 53125 <th> of a turn, at each action of the wheel 42 on the star 44. Thus, the ring will have made 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 (within seconds).

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

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

It also emerges from Figures 4a to 4d that the display mechanism 26comporte 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 additional pieces of information.

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

It is noted that these indications of phases of the Moon are optional but simplify the reading of this information. Indeed, the reading of the current phase of the Moon can also be carried out approximately by placing oneself in the center of the spherical cap 24 to observe the representation of the Moon 54 following 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 carries two shades, more precisely a light half and a dark half, to define the line of separation of the daytime hours and the nighttime hours in relation to the spherical cap 24. Of course, the position of the Sun being fixed, the line of separation is also. This separation line 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.

Thanks to the characteristics which have just been presented, we obtain a display of the movement of the Moon around the Earth spectacular and faithful 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 reduced dimensions, in particular in a pocket watch. or in a wristwatch. It emerges in particular from FIG. 1 that such a wristwatch 1 can even still include other complications. The size of the display mechanism 26 as it appears in FIG. 1 could even be further reduced by reducing the dimensions of the spherical cap 24, if necessary, the specific size of the moon display mechanism itself being advantageously very limited.

The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of nonlimiting illustration and the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular characteristics which have just been described, such as, for example, the number or the nature of the quantities displayed by the timepiece which has just been described or the way in which the display unit of the Moon is driven from the watch movement. In particular, provision can be made for the drive mechanism of the Moon display member to have a portion in common with a date display mechanism. Provision could also be made for the timepiece to include a specific correction member to act on the Moon display member and / or a combined correction member acting simultaneously on it and on a date display member, without departing from the scope of the invention. Provision can in particular be made for the external control member 14 to actuate a lever (not visible) arranged to act directly on the star 44 and make it rotate by one step each time the external control member 14 is pressed.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide only one groove in the plate, associated with a single finger, to ensure that the angular orientation of the Moon is maintained. In addition, the drive of the Moon display unit could be dragging without departing from the scope of the invention and the period retained for the displayed lunar cycle 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 not limiting either, as is the location of the ring 74 which could be positioned within the path described by the member. display of the Moon rather than outside without departing from the scope of the invention.

In general, a person skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the present teaching according to his own needs and producing a watch movement allowing the implementation of a Tellurium type display such as it is. has just been described without departing from the scope of the present invention defined in the independent claims.

Claims (14)

1. 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 display mobile (50) of the Moon, driven in rotation with 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 set (42) of the watch movement (4), in such a way that it performs a complete revolution substantially in a lunar cycle, characterized in that said second display member (52) comprises a representation of the Moon (54) which is substantially spherical and carried by a shaft (56) substantially parallel to said first axis of rotation and arranged on said display mobile (50) of the Moon so as to be able to pivot with reference 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 one and only one same angular orientation with reference to said frame regardless of the position of said second display member (52) around said first display member (24), to symbolize the illumination of the Moon by the Sun. 2. Watch 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 element (40) and carrying at least a 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), such that a rotation of said display mobile (50) causes a movement of said first finger (62) along said first groove (66) and is therefore susceptible to cause a rotation of said shaft (56) on itself to maintain the angular orientation of said representation of the Moon (54). 3. Watch movement (4) according to claim 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 plate (60), eccentric on said plate (60) with reference to the position of said shaft (56) and at 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 said first and second grooves (66, 68) 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 cannot engage in the groove associated with the other finger. 5. Watch movement (4) according to claim 4, characterized in that said driving wheel (42) is arranged to drive said display wheel (50) by periodic jumps. 6. Watch movement (4) according to claim 5, characterized in that said driving wheel (42) is arranged to drive said display wheel (50) once every twenty-four hours so that it advance by a step substantially representing 1 / 29.5 <th> of a turn, preferably 1 / 29.53125 <th> 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 display mobile (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 driving wheel (42) is also arranged to drive said first display member (24) in such a way that it has 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 mark. (22) with reference to said frame. 10. Timepiece (1) comprising a case (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 bearing 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 tourbillon mechanism (16). 13. Timepiece (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, said watch movement (4) comprising a ring (74) arranged around said display mobile (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), characterized in that said ring (74) has a light half and a dark half to symbolize the line of separation of daytime hours and nighttime hours in relation to the first display member (24). 14. Timepiece (1) according to claim 11 or 12, said watch movement (4) comprising a ring (74) arranged around said display mobile (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), characterized in that said ring (74) has 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 member symbolizing the Sun.