CH714979A2 - Mechanism for displaying moon phases for a timepiece. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a moon phase display mechanism for a timepiece, comprising: a solar display mobile (10), comprising a representation of the sun (S), rotatable about an axis of rotation; rotation, a lunar display mobile (20), comprising a representation of the moon (L), rotatable about the axis of rotation with a phase shift relative to the solar display mobile (10) of 1 turn per lunation, a representation of the earth (T), centered on the axis of rotation, and a representation of the horizon (51), passing through the representation of the earth (T) and symbolically defining the part of the sky visible to a user, characterized in that the representation of the sun (S) and the representation of the moon (L) each have a specific radial position with respect to the representation of the earth (T), so as to correspond to a real relative position of the sun and moon by rappo rt to the earth and in relation to the representation of the horizon (51).

Description

Description: [0001] The present invention relates generally to a display mechanism for a timepiece, and in particular a display mechanism for indicating to a user the moon phase (or the state of the lunation) in Classes.

Are known in the prior art display devices or mechanisms for indicating a moon phase in progress, such as that disclosed by the document CH 706 600 A1. The disclosed display mechanism includes a central representation of the earth, a first disc with a representation of the sun and a representation of the illuminated parts of the moon, and a second perforated disc with a representation of the moon. However, the disclosed system has the particular disadvantage of not being easy to read and understand, due in particular to the dimensions of the representation of the moon, and the superposition between the representation of the moon with the representation of the lighted parts of the moon. In addition, the second perforated disc is complex to manufacture.

Furthermore, document JP 5 141 308 B2 discloses a moon phase display mechanism which comprises an openwork movable disc pivoting above a bottom disc carrying a dark portion, so as to indicate the phase moon in progress. However, this system is also difficult to read, due in part to the presence of hour and minute hands, which can partially obscure the moon phase display. Finally, as for the first document cited above, it is difficult to estimate the current moon phase, because the variation or portion of the lit part can lead to confuse a crescent with a quarter of a moon, especially when the moon phase evolves between these two phases. It is difficult to determine when exactly a specific moon phase occurs.

An object of the present invention is to respond to the drawbacks of the documents of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose a moon phase display mechanism which is simple to construct and which offers an easy to read indication of the current moon phase.

For this, a first aspect of the invention relates to a moon phase display mechanism for a timepiece, comprising:

- a solar display mobile, comprising a representation of the sun, mobile in rotation around an axis of rotation,

- a lunar display mobile, comprising a representation of the moon, mobile in rotation around the axis of rotation with a phase shift relative to the solar display mobile by 1 turn per lunation,

- a representation of the earth, centered on the axis of rotation,

- a representation of the horizon, passing through the representation of the earth (T) and symbolically defining the part of the sky visible to a user, characterized in that the representation of the sun and the representation of the moon each have a specific radial position with respect to the representation of the earth, so as to correspond to an actual relative position of the sun and the moon with respect to the earth and with respect to the representation of the horizon.

According to the above implementation, the display mechanism comprises two mobiles, and the representation of the moon and the representation of the sun are arranged in radial positions so that the relative positions of the representations of the earth, of the moon and the sun correspond to the actual relative positions of the stars. In other words, during the new moon, the representations of the earth, the moon and the sun will be aligned, with the representation of the moon arranged between the representation of the earth and the representation of the sun (the moon and sun are in conjunction with the earth). In addition, during the full moon, the representations of the earth, the moon and the sun will be aligned, with the representation of the earth arranged between the representation of the moon and the representation of the sun (the stars moon and sun are in opposition to the earth). Finally, during the first and last quarter, the representation of the moon and the representation of the sun are each carried by a straight line which passes through the representation of the earth, and which are perpendicular. Thus, the reading and understanding of the respective positions of the stars and the earth are greatly facilitated, and the display mechanism remains however simple with two mobiles rotating around the same axis of rotation.

Advantageously, the representation of the sun is arranged on a first radius of rotation, and the representation of the moon is arranged on a second radius of rotation, less than the first radius of rotation. This arrangement allows a user to quickly identify the representations of the stars, because the representations are positioned with respect to the representation of the earth with a difference in radius corresponding or similar to reality.

Advantageously:

- one of the solar display mobile or the lunar display mobile includes pictograms forming distinct representations of moon phases,

- the other of the solar display mobile or the lunar display mobile includes a lunar marker arranged to indicate a current moon phase, pointing to one of the pictograms. Such separate pictograms allow you to quickly identify the current moon phase. In addition, the lunar reference makes it possible to know precisely what is the current moon phase, or that to come.

Advantageously, the pictograms are on board the solar display mobile, and a pictogram representing the new moon is radially aligned, superimposed or confused with the representation of the sun.

Advantageously, the pictograms are each arranged on a radius of rotation greater than a radius of rotation of the representation of the moon, and the representation of the moon is arranged between the lunar reference and the representation of the earth.

CH 714 979 A2 Advantageously, the pictograms are each arranged on a radius of rotation less than a radius of rotation of the representation of the moon, and the representation of the earth is arranged between the lunar reference and the representation of the moon .

Advantageously, the solar display mobile includes:

- a first plate comprising the pictograms, with a radius less than the radius of rotation of the representation of the moon,

- a needle bearing the representation of the sun. The needle is embedded on the first plate and therefore carries the representation of the sun which is therefore positioned on a diameter or a radius larger than that of the representation of the moon.

Advantageously, the lunar reference is radially aligned, coincident or superimposed with the representation of the moon.

Advantageously, the lunar display mobile forms a needle.

Alternatively, the lunar display mobile is a second, partly transparent plate, carrying a pictogram forming the representation of the moon.

Advantageously, the solar display mobile includes a solar marker arranged to indicate an hour on a fixed dial.

Advantageously, the solar reference is radially aligned, coincident or superimposed with the representation of the sun. Such a solar reference can be a needle, or one of the rays of the representation of the sun, larger than the other rays of the representation of the sun.

Advantageously, the display mechanism comprises a friction mechanism, arranged to adjust an angular position between the solar display mobile and the lunar display mobile. Such a friction mechanism makes it possible to carry out an adjustment phase, and then to guarantee a slip-free engagement during the normal operating phase of the display mechanism.

Advantageously, the display mechanism comprises at least two wheels arranged to distribute a driving movement towards the solar display mobile and the lunar display mobile, and the friction mechanism is arranged between the two wheels.

Advantageously, the two wheels are mounted on a shaft (or a hub) and are arranged to be driven by a clockwork movement, and:

- a first wheel is engaged with the solar display mobile according to a first drive ratio,

- a second wheel is engaged with the lunar display mobile according to a second drive ratio, and a ratio between the second drive ratio and the first drive ratio is 0.96613 ± 0.00001.

We thus obtain a shift of the order of 1d in 150 years, with a number (that is to say the number of teeth of the mobiles) limited, the mobile having the most tooth having only 64 .

Advantageously, the display mechanism comprises a manual control member for deflection and a deflection, arranged to receive a manual reversal command and reverse the direction of rotation of the solar display mobile and of the lunar display mobile. . Such a control member is coupled to the gear (typically a sliding pinion movable between a free position and a position in which it is engaged in series in the drive chain of the display mechanism) to allow a user to reverse the direction of rotation of the first and of the lunar display mobile, when changing the hemisphere. We can provide a hemisphere marker (North / South), to indicate on which hemisphere the display mechanism is set.

Advantageously, the display mechanism includes a fixed mask arranged to indicate night hours. Such a mask therefore indicates hours of night, or part of the night sky.

Advantageously, the mask is a translucent cover.

Advantageously, the mask covers at least part of an angular sector delimited by an axis 9 h-3 h. in other words, the mask covers, indicates or separates a lower half of the dial from the display mechanism.

Advantageously, the solar display mobile has a rotation speed of 1 revolution per day.

Advantageously, the display mechanism comprises a fixed dial graduated over 24 hours, and in which the solar display mobile comprises a solar mark arranged to indicate an hour on the dial.

Advantageously, the dial has an external diameter less than or equal to 50 mm. In particular, the display mechanism is dedicated to a wristwatch. The simplicity and low number of components / information displayed make the display mechanism well suited for a small timepiece, compared to a pendulum or clock.

Advantageously, the dial is secured to a plate, which also carries the solar display mobile and the lunar display mobile.

CH 714 979 A2 [0030] A second aspect of the invention relates to a movement, comprising a display mechanism according to the first aspect of the invention.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a timepiece, such as a watch, in particular a wristwatch, comprising a display mechanism according to the first aspect of the invention.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of two embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a front view of a display part of a first embodiment of a display mechanism according to the invention;

fig. 2 shows a top view of a solar display mobile part of the display mechanism according to the first embodiment;

fig. 3 shows a bottom view of the solar display mobile of FIG. 2;

fig. 4 shows a view of a lunar display mobile forming part of the display mechanism according to the first embodiment;

fig. 5 shows a view of an input mobile part of the display mechanism according to the first embodiment;

fig. 6 shows a view of a fixed dial of the display mechanism according to the first embodiment;

fig. 7 shows a perspective section of the display mechanism according to the first embodiment;

fig. 8 shows a view of the display part of the display mechanism of FIG. 1 in a first position;

fig. 9 shows a view of the display part of the display mechanism of FIG. 1 in a second position;

fig. 10 shows a display part of a second embodiment of a display mechanism according to the invention.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a device for displaying the moon phases, in front view. The display device comprises in particular a solar display mobile 10 and a lunar display mobile 20. In this embodiment, the solar display mobile 10 has a general form of plate or disc and carries a representation of the sun S and moon phase pictograms P. The lunar display mobile 20 has a needle shape and carries a representation of the moon L, as well as a lunar reference 21 arranged to point successively towards the pictograms P, for indicate a moon phase in progress. A representation of Earth T is located in the center of the display mechanism.

The solar display mobile 10 and the lunar display mobile 20 are both mounted in pivot connection on a fixed plate. In the proposed embodiment, the plate is integral with an hour turn, graduated over 24 hours, or a fixed dial 40, arranged around the same central axis, centered on the representation of the earth T. relative positions of the representation of the earth T, of the representation of the moon L, and of the representation of the sun S are determined to correspond to an actual relative position of the sun and the moon with respect to the earth. In particular, the distance between the representation of the earth T and the representation of the sun S is greater than the distance between the representation of the earth and T the representation of the moon L.

The solar display mobile 10 rotates around its axis at the rate of one revolution per day, and therefore includes the representation of the sun S, as well as a time mark 11 which indicates an hour on hourly graduations of the dial. fixed 40.

The lunar display mobile 20 rotates around its axis with a slight phase shift relative to the solar display mobile 10, at the rate of one revolution per lunation, and therefore performs 0.96613 revolutions per day. The lunar display mobile 20 therefore includes the representation of the moon L, as well as a lunar reference 21 which indicates a moon phase by pointing to one of the pictograms P arranged on the solar display mobile 10.

Indeed, as seen in FIG. 1 and also in FIG. 2, the solar display mobile 10 includes eight distinct pictograms P which are distributed along a circle. Preferably, the circle passes through the representation of the sun S. By turning counterclockwise, starting from the representation of the sun S, each of the pictograms P represents:

- the new moon (dark pictogram confused with the representation of the sun S),

- the first croissant,

- the first district,

CH 714 979 A2

- the growing gibbous moon,

- the full moon (pictogram diametrically opposite to the representation of the sun S),

- the waning gibbous moon,

- the last quarter,

- the last croissant.

During a lunation (approximately 29.53 days), the lunar reference 21 successively points to each of the pictograms P to indicate what is the current moon phase.

The display device also includes a mask 50 which covers the lower half of the display part, to represent a horizon line 51 for a user.

Typically, the mask 50 covers at least part of the angular sector situated under an axis 9 am to 3 am (which passes through the 6 o'clock and 6 o'clock graduations of the hour turn graduated in 24h), as shown by fig. 1 and 10. One can provide a translucent cover attached to the fixed dial 40, or directly formed on a crystal which covers the display device. The edge of the cover 50, passing through the axis of rotation of the mobiles, also forms a representation of the horizon 51. The horizon 51 can also be formed by another type of representation, a line, a wire or other representation of the same type.

Thus, as will be detailed below, the representation of the horizon 51 provided by the mask 50 also allows a user to locate in the sky, the moon relative to the sun, and to know where the moon, including in the daytime sky, even if it is hidden by clouds.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from above of the solar display mobile 10, and FIG. 3 shows a perspective view from below of the solar display mobile 10, essentially formed by a disc which carries the pictograms P and the representation of the sun S. The disc is secured to a toothed wheel 12 to allow the mobile to be driven solar display 10.

[0042] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the lunar display mobile 20, which typically includes a needle which carries the representation of the moon L, and the lunar reference mark 21. The needle is secured to a toothed wheel 22 by means of 'an axis 23.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows an input mobile 30 which comprises a first toothed wheel 31 and a second toothed wheel 32, both on board the same hub. Typically, the input mobile 30 is driven by a motor member of a clockwork movement (not shown). As will be explained below, there can be a friction mechanism arranged on the input mobile 30, between the first gear 31 and the second gear 32 to allow adjustment.

As shown in fig. 7, the solar display mobile 10 and the lunar display mobile 20 are all two mounted pivotally on a first shaft 41, integral with the plate. To rotate the solar display mobile 10 and the lunar display mobile 20, the display mechanism includes the input mobile 30 mounted in pivot connection on a second shaft 42, also integral with the plate. Typically, the input mobile 30 is driven by a motor member of a clockwork movement (not shown), and the first toothed wheel 31 is engaged with the toothed wheel 12 of the solar display mobile 10, and the second toothed wheel 32 is engaged with the toothed wheel 22 of the lunar display mobile 20. The reduction ratios between the toothed wheels are provided to impose the phase shift of the lunar display mobile 20 by one revolution per lunation relative to the mobile d solar display 10.

To make an initial adjustment or during use, it may be necessary to modify the relative angular position of the solar display mobile 10 and the lunar display mobile 20. For this purpose, provision may be made for act on the friction mechanism arranged on the input mobile 30, between the first toothed wheel 31 and the second toothed wheel 32.

FIG. 8 shows the display device during the full moon. The representation of the sun S, the representation of the moon L and the representation of the earth T are aligned, with the representation of the earth T placed between the representation of the sun S and the representation of the moon L, which corresponds to the position actual relative size of the stars during the full moon: the Moon and the Sun are in opposition to the Earth.

[0047] FIG. 9 shows the display device during the new moon. The representation of the sun S, the representation of the moon L and the representation of the earth T are aligned, with the representation of the moon L placed between the representation of the sun S and the representation of the earth T, which corresponds to the position real relative of the stars during the new moon: the Moon and the Sun are in conjunction with respect to the Earth.

In particular, fig. 8, the solar mark 11 points at 2 p.m., in an area outside the mask 50, which confirms that it is daylight, but the moon phase in progress is the full moon. Given that it is located under the representation of the horizon 51, that is to say under the mask 50, this means that the front page is not visible in the daytime sky, but that it will be visible at during the night. Fig. 9, the solar reference 11 points to 8:30 am, so it is daylight, and the moon being new, it will not be, or practically not, visible. It is however located in the visible part of the sky, for the user.

The use of pictograms arranged on a mobile makes it possible to have a coherent display of the parts, whether lit or not, relative to the respective positions of the stars.

CH 714 979 A2 [0050] FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of a display mechanism according to the invention, and only the elements which differ from the first embodiment will be described in detail.

In particular, the moon phase pictograms P are arranged on a smaller radius than the representation of the moon L, and are carried by a first plate of a mobile solar display 10A. The solar display mobile 10A includes a needle which carries the representation of the sun S, always placed on a first radius of rotation greater than the second radius of rotation of the representation of the moon L.

The representation of the earth T is always at the center of the display part of the display mechanism, but the lunar reference 21A is a needle which is carried on a lunar display mobile 20A, and which is placed in opposition to the representation of the moon L, compared to the representation of the earth T, to correctly indicate the current moon phase, by pointing to one of the pictograms P. In other words, according to this second embodiment, the moon phase pictograms P are placed between the representation of the moon L and the representation of the earth T, and the representation of the earth T is arranged between the lunar frame 21A and the representation of the moon L. The position of the representations solar and lunar with respect to the horizon line 51 formed by the edge of the mask 50, always gives the position of the stars in the day or night sky.

It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. In particular, a function can be provided which makes it possible to reverse the direction of rotation of the solar display mobile and the lunar display mobile, when the user changes hemisphere. For this purpose, the display mechanism may include a manual control member, coupled to a gear (a sliding pinion) which can be inserted on demand in the transmission chain to reverse the directions of rotation.

Claims (14)

claims 1. Moon phase display mechanism for a timepiece, comprising: - a solar display mobile (10; 10A), comprising a representation of the sun (S), mobile in rotation around an axis of rotation, - a lunar display mobile (20; 20A), comprising a representation of the moon (L), mobile in rotation around the axis of rotation with a phase shift relative to the solar display mobile (10; 10A) of 1 turn per lunation, - a representation of the earth (T), centered on the axis of rotation, and - a representation of the horizon (51), passing through the representation of the earth (T) and symbolically defining the part of the sky visible to a user, characterized in that the representation of the sun (S) and the representation of the moon (L) each have a specific radial position in relation to the representation of the earth (T), so as to correspond to an actual relative position of the sun and the moon in relation to the earth and in relation to the representation of the horizon (51). 2. Display mechanism according to the preceding claim, in which the representation of the sun (S) is arranged on a first radius of rotation, and in which the representation of the moon (L) is arranged on a second radius of rotation, lower at the first radius of rotation. 3. Display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, in which: - one of the solar display mobile (10; 10A) or the lunar display mobile (20; 20A) includes pictograms (P) forming distinct representations of the moon phases, - the other of the solar display mobile (10; 10A) or the lunar display mobile (20; 20A) includes a lunar reference (21; 21 A) arranged to indicate a current moon phase, pointing towards one of the pictograms (P). 4. Display mechanism according to the preceding claim, in which the pictograms (P) are on board the solar display mobile (10; 10A), in which the pictograms (P) are each arranged on a radius of rotation greater than a radius of rotation of the representation of the moon (L), and in which the representation of the moon (L) is arranged between the lunar reference (21; 21 A) and the representation of the earth (T). 5. Display mechanism according to claim 4, in which the pictograms (P) are on board the solar display mobile (10; 10A), in which the pictograms (P) are each arranged on a radius of rotation less than a radius of rotation of the representation of the moon (L), and in which the representation of the earth (T) is arranged between the lunar reference (21; 21 A) and the representation of the moon (L). 6. Display mechanism according to the preceding claim, in which the solar display mobile (10; 10A) comprises: - a first plate comprising the pictograms (P), with a radius less than the radius of rotation of the representation of the moon (L), - a needle bearing the representation of the sun (S). 7. Display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, in which the mobile lunar display (20; 20A) forms a needle. CH 714 979 A2 8. Display mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the lunar display mobile (20; 20A) is a second partly transparent plate, carrying a pictogram forming the representation of the moon (L). 9. Display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a friction mechanism, arranged to allow an angular position to be adjusted between the solar display mobile (10; 10A) and the lunar display mobile (20; 20A). 10. Display mechanism according to the preceding claim, comprising at least two wheels (31,32) arranged to distribute a drive movement towards the solar display mobile (10; 10A) and the lunar display mobile (20 ; 20A), in which the friction mechanism is arranged between the two wheels (31,32). 11. Display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a manual return control member and a return, arranged to receive a manual reversal command and reverse the direction of rotation of the solar display mobile (10; 10A) and the lunar display mobile (20; 20A). 12. Display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the representation of the horizon line is a mask (50). 13. Display mechanism according to the preceding claim, wherein the mask (50) is a translucent cover. 14. Watch movement comprising a display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims. CH 714 979 A2