CH716547A2 - Mechanism for animating an object for a piece of jewelry or jewelry, such as a timepiece. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanism (1) for animating an object (11) for a piece of jewelery or portable jewelery (3), comprising: a manual motor source (5) capable of being driven directly or indirectly by an action from a user and arranged to cause a transmission (9) as a result of a user action; a support system (13) carrying the object (11) intended to be driven according to a rotation around a first axis of rotation under the effect of said manual motor source (5) via said transmission (9) . The support system (13) includes a first frame pivotally mounted on a frame member about said first axis of rotation, and an inner frame pivotally mounted in said first frame about a second pivot axis which is substantially orthogonal to to said first pivot axis. The object (11) is arranged to be driven by an eccentric drive element integral in rotation with a drive wheel set arranged to be driven by said transmission (9). In a particular case, the piece of jewelry or jewelry (3) is a timepiece, such as a wristwatch.

Description

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of jewelry and jewelry. It relates, more particularly, to a mechanism for animating an object such as a piece of jewelry, a precious or semi-precious stone, a sculpture or any other miniature object, the mechanism being adapted to be integrated into a piece of jewelry or jewelry store.

State of the art

[0002] The document CH708902 describes an animation mechanism comprising a rotating support which can carry, among other possibilities, a jewel. An action by a user makes it possible to rotate the support by means of an actuating member and a drive mechanism interposed between the latter and the jewel.

[0003] However, the rotation of the jewel is monotonous, since it takes place around a single axis, which thus limits its visibility. The solution proposed in this document in order to better visualize the jewel is to provide an optical device comprising an assembly of concave mirrors mounted face to face, similar to that described in the document JP 59-075 182. Inside this optical device is finds the jewel, in solidarity with it. The jewel thus appears "floating" above a central opening in the upper mirror, which lets the jewel appear.

[0004] In this construction, the jewel appears only virtually to the observer, as an optical illusion, and the observer can hardly observe it directly. Indeed, the only visible part is its crown, visible at the bottom of the mirror assembly from a relatively narrow range of angles. Moreover, thanks to this arrangement, its scintillation is not optimal.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a mechanism for animating an object in which the aforementioned defects are at least partially overcome.

Disclosure of Invention

More specifically, the invention relates to a mechanism for animating an object such as a jewel, a precious or semi-precious stone, a sculpture or any other miniature object for a portable piece of jewelry. This mechanism includes:

- a manual motor source arranged to drive a transmission following a direct or indirect action of a user, said transmission possibly comprising, for example, toothed organs, one or more belts, chains or the like or a combination of such elements;

- a support system carrying an object intended to be driven according to a rotation around a first axis of rotation under the effect of said manual driving source and by means of said transmission.

[0007] According to the invention, said support system comprises a first frame pivotally mounted on a frame element around said first axis of rotation, as well as an inner frame pivotally mounted in said first frame around a second axis. pivot which is substantially orthogonal to said first pivot axis.

[0008] Said object is arranged to be driven by an eccentric drive element, such as a lever or a crank, integral in rotation with a mobile drive unit arranged to be driven by said transmission.

[0009] By these means, the object is animated by a compound movement directly or indirectly following an action by the user, the movement being defined by rotations back and forth around each of the two axes of rotation. , which gives it two degrees of rotational freedom. The movement generated thus represents a rotary tilt, which increases the visibility of the object, as well as improved scintillations in the case where the latter is a jewel or a precious or semi-precious stone.

[0010] Advantageously, said object is carried by a shaft mounted pivoting in said inner frame around a third axis of rotation, said shaft being integral in rotation with a pinion meshing with a fixed or rotary toothing which is coaxial with said mobile d 'coaching. In so doing, the object is animated by a compound movement defined by the three axes of pivoting, and pivots not only according to the aforementioned rotary leaning but also also around the third axis according to a continuous movement.

[0011] Advantageously, said manual drive source comprises a gripping member arranged to be moved by an action by a user. This gripping device can be, for example, a crown fixed to a stem, a bezel or revolving bottom, a lever, a bolt or any other device capable of being manipulated directly by the user.

[0012] Alternatively, said manual drive source may comprise an oscillating mass comprising an unbalance, which is actuated by a pivoting or leaning of the entire mechanism (in particular by a pivoting of the piece of jewelry or jewelry in which it is integrated), this which generates a displacement of the oscillating mass and thus drives the object in motion.

[0013] Advantageously, said transmission comprises a clutch arranged to be actuated manually in order to move between an engaged state, in which said manual driving source is in kinematic connection with said object, and a disengaged state, in which said manual driving source is disengages said object, which is thus free to move according to the constraints of its support system. The manual control of the clutch can take place, for example, by means of a tappet, a pull rod system or any other similar arrangement.

[0014] In another variant, in which the manual drive source comprises a gripper member as well as an oscillating mass, said transmission comprises a clutch arranged to be actuated manually in order to move between a first state, in which said member grip is in kinematic connection with said object, and a second state, in which said oscillating mass is in kinematic connection with said object. The entrainment of the object from the gripping member or from the oscillating mass can therefore be determined by the user. A third state, neutral, can also be provided.

Advantageously, the mechanism further comprises an energy accumulator located kinematically in said transmission. This energy accumulator can advantageously be a spiral spring extending between an input wheel arranged to be driven by said manual drive source and an output wheel set arranged to drive said object. In such a case, said transmission may comprise a brake system interposed kinematically between said output mobile and said object, said brake system being arranged to be actuated manually, for example by means of an ad hoc control member such as than a pusher. By doing so, the energy accumulator can be wound up manually, and then the object can be driven according to the will of the user. The energy accumulator could also be a coil spring or any other type of elastic element, but also any element capable of storing energy in any way and restoring it.

[0016] Advantageously, at least a portion of said animated object overflows outside of all of said frames, thus maximizing its visibility. In other words, at least part of said animated object is further away from the mobile drive than all of said frames.

[0017] This mechanism is, of course, intended to be integrated into a piece of jewelery or jewelery comprising a mechanism according to one of the preceding claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Other details of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first variant of a mechanism according to the invention, seen in plan etlateralement;

- Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a second variant of a mechanism according to the invention, seen in plan etlateralement;

- Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a third variant of a mechanism according to the invention, seen in plan etlateralement;

- Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of a fourth variant of a mechanism according to the invention, seen in plan in its entirety and in partial side view in a state where an oscillating mass is in kinematic connection with the animated object;

- Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of a fourth variant of a mechanism according to the invention, seen in plan in its entirety and in partial side view in a state where a rod is in kinematic connection with the animated object;

- Figure 5 is an isometric view of the assembly comprising the animated object, the support system, the mobile drive and the fixed teeth; And

- Figure 6 is an isometric sectional view of the assembly shown in Figure 5.

Embodiments of the Invention

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates in plan and side view a first embodiment of a mechanism 1 for animating an object 11 such as a jewel, a precious or semi-precious stone, a sculpture or any other object miniature, said mechanism being capable of being integrated into a piece of jewelery or jewelery 3. The latter may be, for example, a piece of jewelery intended to be worn as a bracelet, necklace, brach or to be placed on a surface like a table. In these figures, some of the kinematic and/or functional connections are represented simply by arrows; the person skilled in the art knows how to arrange cogs, belts, chains or the like in order to create the connections indicated. In addition, several dentate organs have been represented by their primitive circles.

The mechanism 1 includes a manual drive source 5, arranged to be driven directly by an action of a user on a gripping member 5a. In the illustrated variant, the gripping member 5a of the manual drive source 5 is a crown 5a, which is integral in rotation with a rod 5b, but other possibilities are possible, such as a rotating bezel, a bolt , a revolving floor or any other maneuvering member capable of being driven in rotation and/or in translation by a user. If the piece of jewelery or jewelery is a wristwatch or pocket watch, the crown 5a can also be the one which winds and/or sets the time of the piece.

[0021] The manual driving source 5 is in kinematic connection with an object 11 to be driven by means of a transmission 9 which comprises a plurality of toothed members 9a, 9b, 9c each constituted by one or more wheels and/or toothed pinions, which mesh with each other and which are driven by the rod 5b via a clutch 19 of any shape, the clutch 19 forming part of said transmission. A horizontal clutch is illustrated, but vertical clutches, with leaning sliding pinion or with differential are also possible, all of these clutches being in particular known in chronograph mechanisms, which should therefore not be described in detail here. A sliding pinion arrangement as known in time-setting and/or winding systems for watches is also possible.

[0022] In any case, the state of the clutch 19 is controlled according to the axial position of the rod 5b by means of a conventional pull rod system or by any other similar arrangement controlled by the rod 5b or by another control member such as a lever, a pusher or the like.

[0023] Instead of a cog, the transmission 9 may comprise one or more belts, chains or the like or a combination of a cog and Tun or more of these elements.

[0024] When the clutch 19 is in the engaged state, a pivoting of the crown 5a will cause the object 11 to move; on the other hand, when the clutch is in a disengaged state, the object 11 is free to move under the effect of gravity, according to the freedom conferred by the support system 13 which supports it. With regard to the latter, we will return to this point below in detail. It should also be noted that the kinematic links may have relatively large clearances and/or comprise elastic elements such as elastic straps or the like, in order to allow the animated object 11 to "float" to a certain extent under the effect of movements of the piece 3.

The embodiment of Figure 2 differs from that of Figure 1 in that the manual drive source 5 is an oscillating mass 5c having an imbalance, the mass 5c being integral in rotation with a toothed member 5d arranged coaxially ä Turnover tax 5f from mass 5c. If the part is rotated manually by the user, the mass 5c will rotate, which will cause the displacements of the animated object 11 as long as the clutch 19 is in the engaged state. If the clutch 19 is in a disengaged state, the animated object is free to move as mentioned above.

[0026] In this variant, the clutch state is controlled by means of a manual control device 23, such as a push button or any other appropriate control device.

The embodiment of Figure 3 differs from that of Figure 2 in that an energy accumulator 25 is interposed in the transmission 9 between the manual drive source 5 and the moving object 11, in particular kinematically in downstream of the clutch 19. The energy accumulator 25 comprises a spiral spring 25a whose first end is attached to an input mobile 25b arranged to be driven by the rod 5b via the clutch 19, as well as a second end attached to an output mobile 25d. So that the entry mobile 25b cannot pivot in the wrong direction, which would have the harmful effect of the spring 25a unwinding through the entry 25b, a one-way pawl 25c is provided so that the mobile entry 25b can pivot exclusively in the direction of winding of the spring 25a. Other forms of accumulators are also possible, such as a coil spring or any other type of elastic element, but also any element capable of storing energy in any way and restoring it.

The mechanism also includes a brake system 27, including a mobile brake 27a is located in the transmission 9 and which cooperates with a brake 27b. The brake wheel set 27a is therefore kinematically interposed between said output wheel set 25d and the moving object 11. The state of the brake system 27 is controlled by an operating member 23 which controls the position of the brake 27b so that it can evolve between a braked state, in which the part of the transmission 9 downstream of the spring 25a is blocked and the animated object is blocked, and an unbraked state in which the animated object 11 is driven by the spring 25a .

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the brake 27 comprises a pivoting rocker which comprises a beak 27c at its free end, the beak 27c being able to cooperate with a set of teeth 27d that comprises the mobile brake 27a. In the unbraked state (solid lines), the beak 27c is away from the toothing 27d, while, in the braked state (broken lines), the beak 27c enters said toothing 27d in order to prevent any rotation of the mobile brake 27d.

[0030] By these means, the user can wind the spring 25a and then trigger the animation of the animated object 11 at will.

In an unillustrated variant based on that of Figure 3, the rod 5b and the crown 5a can be replaced by an oscillating mass 5c as in the embodiment of Figure 2.

[0032] Even if the embodiments described so far each include a clutch 19 in the kinematic chain extending between the manual power source 5 and the object 11, this clutch may not be present. It should also be noted that the mechanism 1 according to the invention is free of any regulating system whatsoever serving to moderate the speed of rotation of the object 11.

[0033] Figures 4a and 4b further illustrate an embodiment of the invention, which combines the characteristics of Figures 1 and 2. In these figures, all of the reference signs have not been reproduced, in order not to not overload them unnecessarily.

[0034] In this variant, the clutch 19 is arranged to establish a kinematic connection between, on the one hand, the rod 5b, the oscillating mass 5c and, on the other hand, the animated object 11. To this end, the clutch comprises a first sliding pinion 19a, arranged to make a kinematic connection between the oscillating mass 5c and the rest of the cog 9 (as illustrated in FIG. 4a), as well as a second sliding pinion 19b arranged to make a kinematic connection between the stem 5b and the rest of the gear train 9 (as illustrated in FIG. 4b). These two pinions 19a, 19b are carried by a rocker 19c, the position of which is controlled by a pull rod 21 or other control device.

[0035] Consequently, depending on the state of rocker 19c, animated object 11 can be driven in motion either by oscillating mass 5c (FIG. 4a) or by rod 5b (FIG. 4b). It is also noted that the clutch 19 can also be arranged to be able to occupy a third position, disengaged, in which no manual driving source 5 is in kinematic connection with the animated object 11.

[0036] In a variant not illustrated, an energy accumulator can also be incorporated in the transmission 9, in a manner analogous to FIG.

As illustrated more clearly in Figures 5 and 6, the animated object 11 is supported by a very special support system 13, which connects it to a frame element (not shown) by means of a pair of pivots 13a doors by fixed supports 13m on the latter.

These pivots 13a define a first pivot axis A1, around which is pivoted a first frame 13b constituted by an annular ring of generally circular shape. Other shapes (oval, square, rectangular, etc.) are also possible. This frame 13b carries a pair of intermediate pivots 13d, which define a second axis of rotation A2, which is substantially orthogonal with respect to said first axis A1. An interior frame 13f is pivotally mounted around this second axis A2 inside the first frame 13b and is secured to a base 13g which directly or indirectly carries the animated object 11. The interior frame 13f consists of a part having a substantially circular shape, as well as two arms 13f 1 which connect the pivots 13d to the base 13g. It goes without saying that other shapes are also possible and it is not even mandatory that the frame 13f includes the annular part. Indeed, the base 13g can simply be connected to the pivots by the arms 13f1 or by another ad hoc arrangement.

At least Tun of the frames 13b, 13f can be provided with any decor, for example enamelling, precious or semi-precious stones or any other desired decor. Furthermore, at least one of the shafts of the pivots 13d, 13a can exceed the surface of the element that it passes through, that is to say the outer surface of the first frame 13b for the pivots 13 or the outer surface of the support 13m in the case of pivots 13a, and can carry a decoration such as a precious or semi-precious stone. The movement of this stone will therefore generate flickers which will accentuate the perception of the pivoting of the frame to which the stone is integral in rotation.

[0040] It should also be noted that none of the frames 13b, 13f is superimposed on the animated object 11, which overflows these latter 13b, 13f and is thus projecting, thus maximizing its visibility. In other words, at least a part of said object 11 is farther from the mobile drive 15 than all of the frames 13b, 13f.

In the illustrated embodiment, the animated object 11 is supported by a shaft 13h, which passes through the base 13g and which is integral with a support 13j in which the animated object 11 is fixed by crimping. Alternatively, the object 11 can be fixed therein by gluing, screwing, welding, driving in or the like, depending on the nature of the object 11 and of the support 13j, and it is noted that the animated object 11 can be coaxial with the shaft. 1:00 p.m. or may be off-center from the latter. Furthermore, the connection between the animated object 11 and the inner frame 13f may comprise a flexible element, for example made of elastomer, to allow a slight "floating" of the object under the effect of the movement of the part.

[0042] The shaft 13h is mounted in bearings 13k provided in the base 13g of such type that said shaft 13h can pivot relative to the latter.

[0043] From the above, it is clear that the support system defines a gimbal support, which gives the animated object 11 two degrees of freedom in rotation, and, substantially, no degree of freedom in translation. . The pivoting of the shaft 13h in the base 13g confers a third degree of freedom in rotation on the animated object 11 around a third axis A3, which corresponds to the geometric axis of the shaft 13h. However, this third degree of freedom is not mandatory, as explained below, in which case the support 13j can be integrated into the inner frame or vice versa.

[0044] The driving of the animated object 11 around the third axis A3 is ensured by the cooperation between a pinion 131 consisting of a toothing that comprises the shaft 13h and a conical toothing 17 which is coaxial with the mobile d drive 15 and is fixed in the illustrated construction. Other forms of teeth are also possible, such as for example an internal conical toothing carried by a crown or other ad hoc gears.

[0045] In order to animate the object 11, the mechanism further comprises a mobile drive 15, which comprises a toothed wheel 15a arranged to be driven by an element of, or kinematically linked to, the transmission 9 and thus serving of power take-off. Of course, the interposition of additional toothed mobiles and/or other forms of kinematic connection such as belts or chains are also possible. The axis of rotation of the mobile drive 15 is arranged to substantially cross the intersection of the axes A1 and A2, but in certain configurations a certain offset is also permitted, which can make the movement of the object 11 non-symmetrical.

Claims (12)

The mobile drive 15 also comprises an eccentric drive element 15b, which is integral in rotation with said toothed wheel 15a and is linked thereto by a shaft 15d. The eccentric drive element 15b as illustrated takes the form of an elbow lever or crank fixed on the shaft 15d, the free end of the eccentric element 15b cooperating with the end of the rod 13h in order to drive it along a substantially circular path. In doing so, when the mobile drive 15 rotates, the object 11 performs a compound movement having two degrees of freedom in rotation, the amplitude of which is defined by the geometry of the support system 13 as well as the radius of the element drive eccentric 15b. This movement is back and forth around each of the axes A1 and A2, which creates an inclined orbital movement. At the same time, the toothing 131 of the shaft 13h rolls on the fixed toothing 17, which rotates the animated object 11 around the third axis A3. [0048] By these means, the animated object 11 pivots around the three axes A1, A2, A3, and its movements make it more visible to the observer than in the case of the prior art. Consequently, the observer no longer has to observe it at acute angles in order to directly see more than its front face. It goes without saying that other constructions for the eccentric drive 15b are possible and that the gear ratios can be adapted to the needs of the manufacturer in order to animate the object 11 with a desired speed of rotation. around the three axes of rotation. As mentioned above, a rotation of the object 11 around the third axis A3 is not mandatory. In such a case, the fixed toothing 17 as well as the pinion 131 of the shaft 13h can be unforeseen, the movement of the animated object 11 thus being defined exclusively by rotations back and forth around the two axes A1 and A2. In such a case, the object 11 can be integral in rotation with the shaft 13h and/or the base 13g. [0051] In order to allow the illumination of the object 11 from below (i.e. from the direction of the mobile drive 15), the support system 13 can be inside or outside. Superposition of a polished well (not illustrated), which can take for example the form of a goblet, a parabolic, elliptical, hemispherical or similar mirror, which is arranged to direct the ambient light onto the lower face of the object. Still alternatively, a light source (for example a tritium element, one or more LEDs or the like) can be placed below the object and the frames 13b, 13f. By these means, if the object 11 is a stone, its scintillations can be enhanced. The mechanism 1 described above can not only represent the only mechanism in a piece of jewelery or jewelery 3, but can for example be combined with a mechanical or electric watch movement, in the case where the piece of jewelery or jewelry 3 is a timepiece such as a wristwatch, pocket watch or similar. Although the invention has been previously described in connection with specific embodiments, other additional variants are also possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Claims 1. Mechanism (1) for animating an object (11) for a portable piece of jewelery (3), comprising: - a manual motor source (5) capable of being driven directly or indirectly by an action by a user and arranged to drive a transmission (9) following an action by a user; - a support system (13) carrying an object (11) intended to be driven according to a rotation around a first axis of rotation (A1) under the effect of said manual motor source (5) by means of said transmission (9), characterized in that said support system (13) comprises a first frame (13b) pivotally mounted on a frame element around said first axis of rotation (A1), as well as an inner frame (13f) pivotally mounted in said first frame (13b) about a second pivot axis (A2) which is substantially orthogonal to said first pivot axis (AI); and in that said object (11) is arranged to be driven by an eccentric drive element (15b) integral in rotation with a drive wheel set (15) arranged to be driven by said transmission (9). 2. Mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said object (11) is carried by a shaft (13h) pivotally mounted in said inner frame (13f) about a third axis of rotation (A3), said shaft ( 13h) being integral in rotation with a pinion (131) meshing with a toothing (17) which is coaxial with said driving wheel set (15), said toothing (17) being fixed or arranged to be driven in rotation. 3. Mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said eccentric drive element (15b) is a crank or a lever. 4. Mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said manual drive source (5) comprises a gripping member arranged to be moved by an action of a user. 5. Mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said manual drive source (5) comprises an oscillating mass 6. Mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said transmission comprises a clutch (19) arranged to be actuated manually in order to move between an engaged state, in which said driving source manual (5) is in kinematic connection with said object (11), and a disengaged state, in which said manual drive source (5) is disengaged from said object (11). 7. Mechanism (1) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein said transmission comprises a clutch (19) arranged to be actuated manually in order to move between a first state, in which said gripping member (5a) is in connection kinematics with said object (11), and a second state, in which said oscillating mass (5) is in kinematic connection with said object (11). 8. Mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an energy accumulator (25) located in said transmission (9). 9. Mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said energy accumulator (25) is a spiral spring (25a) extending between an input mobile (25b) arranged to be driven by said manual drive source ( 5) and an output mobile (25d) arranged to drive said object (11). 10. Mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said transmission comprises a brake system (27) kinematically interposed between said output mobile (25d) and said object (11), said brake system (27) being arranged to be operated manually. 11. Mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of said object (11) projects beyond all of said frames (13b, 13f). 12. Piece of jewelry or jewelry (3) comprising a mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims.