EP2392976B1 - Mechanism for indication of the lunar phases - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon, in particular for a mechanical watch, comprising a moon disc and a dial comprising a window of substantially semi-circular shape, the moon disc being rotated in such a manner. to display the indications inscribed on the moon disc through the aperture to indicate the phases of the moon. The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such an indication mechanism.

The devices for indicating the phases of the moon of the type mentioned above have been around for a very long time and traditionally have a moon disc on which two circles of yellow or generally light color symbolizing the moon are drawn on a dark background, while that said aperture of substantially semi-circular shape in the dial comprises a base separated into two concave parts, all of which are well known to those skilled in the art. During the rotation of this kind of moon disc under the window, the different phases of the moon are displayed symbolically. In particular, the new moon is represented by the dark background when none of the light circles appear in the window, the waxing and waning moon by a part of the clear C-shaped circle more or less thick when one of the circles is visible. but partially hidden by one of said concave parts of the window, and the full moon by one of the circles fully visible through the window.

This representation, however, does not correspond to the actual appearance of the phases of the moon throughout the duration of the lunation. In particular, the fact that all the phases of growth and decrease of the visible part on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon are represented only by a symbol of generally concave shape does not conform to reality. Indeed, the natural aspect of the phases of the moon, that is to say the shape of the visible part on earth of the surface of the moon illuminated by the sun, depends, while generalizing somewhat, on the geometric constellation between three points, namely where the observer is on the earth, the position of the moon in relation to the earth, and the position of the sun in relation to the earth and the moon. Depending on this geometric constellation, the observer can see all, only part, or nothing of the half of the surface of the moon that is illuminated by the sun, neglecting the specific cases where the moon is in shadow. of the globe.

During the phases of growth and decrease of the visible part on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon, this visible part can also take a D-shape, in particular during the phases of the lunation known as the first and last quarters, and a shape convex, during the phases of the lunation known as the waxing or even waning gibbous moon. This appearance of the moon phases is therefore not taken into account by the traditional moon phase indicating devices mentioned above. Apart from electronic devices taking into account in more detail the actual shape of the part visible on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon, the prior art apparently does not yet yet include a mechanism which allows, using relatively simple means of representing the lunation in a more real way in the aforementioned sense.

The documents US 4,684,260 A , US 4,853,908 A and DE 86 10 323 U describe mechanisms for indicating the phases of the moon for a mechanical watch, each comprising a moon disk and a dial comprising a window of substantially semi-circular shape, the moon disk being rotated so as to display the indications inscribed on it. the moon disc through the aperture to indicate the phases of the moon.

These mechanisms are particularly suitable for displaying, simultaneously with the display of the phases of the moon, the position on the horizon of the moon, the rising and setting of the moon, or the time of high and low tides, which implies a structure of the corresponding devices allowing the display of the phases of the moon only approximately, in the manner of the state of the prior art mentioned above.

In view of the currently known prior art, there is then the need to have a mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon for timepieces which makes it possible to display in a more real way the part visible on earth of the moon. surface of the moon illuminated by the sun, while maintaining a classic display mode.

The aim of the present invention is therefore to remedy the drawbacks of known moon phase indication devices and to achieve the aforementioned advantages, in particular to allow the production of a moon phase indication mechanism for parts of the moon. watchmaking in which the display of the phases of the moon corresponds better to reality without too much increasing the complexity, the volume occupied, or even the production cost of the mechanism.

To this end, the present invention provides a mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon of the aforementioned type, in particular for a mechanical timepiece, which is distinguished by the characteristics set out in claims 1 to 5, or even a corresponding timepiece. . In particular, an indication mechanism according to the present invention comprises at least a first occultation disc housed in a rotatable manner at least partially between said disc.

moon and said dial, and a drive train driving said at least first occultation disc so that the indications inscribed on the moon disc are at least partially obscured during certain phases of the operation of the mechanism so that that the indications appearing through the aperture correspond substantially to the natural appearance of the moon throughout the duration of the lunation.

By these measurements, a mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon is obtained for timepieces, in particular mechanical watches, which offers a display corresponding more realistically to the real appearance of the part visible on earth of the moon. surface of the moon illuminated by the sun, this for the duration of the lunation. Compared to the devices of the prior art, the mechanism according to the present invention has the advantage of representing in particular the phases of the moon of the first and last quarter as well as the waxing and waning gibbous moon in a manner more consistent with reality than previously.

Variants of the mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon according to the present invention make it possible to have either one or more occultation discs, which can moreover be housed in a concentric or non-concentric manner with respect to the disc of moon, according to the needs concerning the display of the phases of the moon and / or the technical design of the watch in which the mechanism is to be integrated. Likewise, the arrangement of the or even of the concealing disks themselves may vary as a function of these parameters. Consequently, the mechanism can be declined in several embodiments and therefore has great flexibility.

In addition, the drive train which drives said at least first occultation disc in rotation normally comprises a first program wheel integral with the moon disc, a second program wheel, and at the same time. at least one third program wheel which are arranged, depending on the arrangement of the concealment disks according to the aforementioned variants, so that these concealment disks are driven intermittently so as to free the view on the inscribed indications on the moon disc or even to partially hide them, depending on the phase of the moon to be displayed. The mechanism can then be produced while remaining technically relatively simple and inexpensive as regards its production.

Other characteristics, as well as the corresponding advantages, will emerge from the dependent claims, as well as from the description which explains the invention in more detail below.

The accompanying drawings schematically represent the state of the prior art as well as, by way of example, several embodiments of the invention.

The figures 1a to 1c schematically show the indication of the phases of the moon by a conventional device of the prior art.

The figures 2a to 2h schematically represent the actual appearance of the visible part on earth of the surface of the moon illuminated by the sun during several phases of the lunation.

The figure 3a is a top view of an embodiment of a moon disk according to the present invention; the figure 3b is a top view of an embodiment of a concealment disc according to the present invention; the figures 3c, 3d , and 3rd show a top view, a side view respectively a perspective view of a first embodiment of an indication mechanism according to the present invention using a moon disk and occultation disks illustrated in figures 3a respectively 3b, some parts being illustrated transparently in order to facilitate understanding.

The figures 4a to 4h schematically illustrate the operation of the first embodiment of the indication mechanism according to the present invention by showing the indication displayed by the mechanism during eight different phases of the lunation, certain parts being illustrated in a transparent manner in order to facilitate comprehension.

The embodiments according to figures 3a to 4h are covered by the object of the appended claim 1.

The figures 5a, 5b and 5c represent top views of a second embodiment of the indication mechanism according to the present invention, certain parts being illustrated in a transparent manner in order to facilitate understanding, and schematically illustrate its operation by showing the indication displayed by the mechanism during three different phases of the lunation; the figure 5d is a side view of this second embodiment of the mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon; the figure 5e is a view of above a concealment disc according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is covered by independent claim 2 attached hereto.

The figures 6a and 6b represent top views of a third embodiment of the indication mechanism according to the present invention, certain parts being illustrated in a transparent manner in order to facilitate understanding, and schematically illustrate its operation by showing the indication displayed by the mechanism during two different phases of the lunation; the figure 6c is a side view of this third embodiment of the mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon; the figure 6d is a top view of a concealment disc according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is covered by independent claim 3 attached hereto.

The figures 7a, 7b, and 7c represent top views of a fourth embodiment of the indication mechanism according to the present invention, certain parts being illustrated in a transparent manner in order to facilitate understanding, and schematically illustrate its operation by showing the indication displayed by the mechanism during three different phases of the lunation; the figure 7d is a side view of this fourth embodiment of the mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon; the figure 7e is a top view of a concealment disc according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is covered by independent claim 4 attached hereto.

The figures 8a, 8b, and 8c represent top views of a fifth embodiment of the indication mechanism according to the present invention, certain parts being illustrated transparently in order to facilitate understanding, and schematically illustrate its operation by showing the indication displayed by the mechanism during three different phases of the lunation; the figure 8d is a side view of this fifth embodiment the moon phase indication mechanism; the figures 8e and 8f show top views of the occultation disks according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is covered by the appended independent claim 5.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating by way of example several embodiments of the invention.

In order to better illustrate the drawbacks of the devices of the prior art, reference is first made to the figures 1a to 1c and 2a to 2h . As mentioned in the introduction, conventional moon phase indicating devices often include a moon disc 1 on which two circles 1.1, 1.2 of a light color symbolizing the moon are inscribed on a dark background 1.3 symbolizing the sky , while a dial 3 has a window 3.1 of substantially semi-circular shape with a base having two concave parts. When the moon disc 1 is rotated under window 3.1, the different phases of the moon are displayed symbolically as shown schematically for three phases of the moon at figures 1a, 1b, and 1c . In this type of device, the indication displayed is generally always concave in shape, except for the new moon and the full moon.

As is very clear from the figures 2a to 2h , which schematically show the eight main different silhouettes of the lunation, namely in order the new moon, the crescent, the first quarter, the waxing gibbous moon, the full moon, the waning gibbous moon, the last quarter, and the last crescent, this representation does not however correspond to the real appearance of the phases of the moon during all the duration of the lunation. In particular, conventional moon phase indication devices as illustrated in figures 1a to 1c can represent in a more realistic way the four typical silhouettes of the moon according to the figures 2a (new moon), 2b (first crescent), 2nd (full moon) and 2h (last crescent). However, they cannot realistically display the other four typical silhouettes of the moon, namely the phases of the moon shown schematically in figures 2c (first quarter), 2d (waxing gibbous moon), 2f (waning gibbous moon) and 2g (last quarter). As already mentioned in the introduction, the reason for this lies in the fact that in conventional devices all the phases of growth and decrease of the part visible on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon are represented only by a shape symbol generally concave. This is not in accordance with reality because, during the phases of growth and decrease of this visible part on earth, it can take a concave shape, a D shape having a substantially straight edge, and a convex shape, even figures 2a to 2h . The prior art apparently does not yet include a mechanism making it possible, using relatively simple means, to represent all the phases of the moon in a more real way.

A mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon according to the present invention is intended to overcome these drawbacks and to make it possible to realistically display the part visible on earth of the surface of the moon illuminated by the sun for the entire duration of the moon. the lunation. As shown schematically in figures 3a to 3e and 4a to 4h , the mechanism comprises for this purpose, in principle, the parts of a conventional device, namely a moon disc 1 and a dial 3 comprising, according to a first embodiment, a window 3.1 of substantially semi-circular shape, possibly but not necessarily with a base separated into two concave parts. Likewise, the moon disc 1 may comprise two or even more circles 1.1, 1.2 of light color or any other such inscription making it possible to represent the moon on a dark background 1.3 illustrating the sky, such as the moon disc 1 in its preferred variant represented at the figure 3a . It is rotated so as to display the indications 1.1, 1.2 inscribed on the moon disc 1 through the aperture 3.1 to indicate the phases of the moon. Given that the mechanism is intended to be integrated into a timepiece, in particular in a mechanical watch, the drive of the moon disc 1 is normally provided by the base movement in a manner known to those skilled in the art, the more often at the rate of one step per day so that it performs, for example for the case that it has two inscriptions 1.1, 1.2, a rotation of 180 ° per period of lunation, in other words two lunations per rotation cycle. It is clear that those skilled in the art will know how to adapt this for other arrangements of the moon disc, for example if the latter has three or more inscriptions.

As emerges more particularly from figures 3b to 3e , an indication mechanism according to the present invention differs in general from the devices of the prior art in that it comprises at least one occultation disc 2. This at least first occlusion disc 2.1 is housed so rotating and is located, in general, at least partially between said moon disc 1 and said dial 3 so as to be able to be superimposed on the moon disc, depending on its position. A drive gear 4 makes it possible to drive, from the moon disc 1, said at least first concealment disc 2.1 so that the indications 1.1, 1.2 written on the moon disc 1 are at least partially obscured during certain phases of the operation of the mechanism, so that the indications 1.1, 1.2 appearing through the aperture 3.1 correspond substantially to the natural appearance of the moon throughout the duration of the lunation. In addition, said at least first concealment disc 2.1 is arranged, depending on its position in the mechanism and / or the shape of the window 3.1 formed in the dial 3 or even other parameters, by being provided with the branches 2.3 and / or 2.5 counters of a particular shape.

Such an indication mechanism according to the present invention can be broken down into several embodiments, some of which will subsequently be explained in more detail in order to illustrate concretely and by way of example the general provision mentioned in the previous paragraph. Besides several parameters and other details which can be varied, these embodiments of the mechanism are distinguished in particular, on the one hand, as regards the axis of rotation of said or even of said concealment discs 2 which can be arranged concentrically or even non-concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the moon disc 1, and, on the other hand, as regards the number of occultation discs 2 which may be one in number, of two or even more. Obviously, the shape of the concealment discs 2 will be chosen accordingly.

A first embodiment of a mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon according to the present invention schematically illustrated in figures 3a to 3e and 4a to 4h is an example of such a mechanism comprising two occultation discs 2.1, 2.2 which are arranged non-concentrically with respect to the moon disc 1. This mechanism comprises in particular a first occultation disc 2.1 and a second occultation disc 2.2 housed substantially on either side of the moon disc 1, as can be seen at figure 3c . The axes of rotation of these occultation discs 2.1, 2.2 are located close to the periphery of the moon disc 1 and form, in this embodiment of the mechanism, substantially an angle comprised in the range of approximately 90 ° to 180 ° , preferably from 120 ° to 140 °, with the axis of the moon disc 1, depending on the geometric arrangement and the arrangement of the various elements. Thus, each occultation disc 2.1, 2.2 is interposed between the moon disc 1 and the substantially semi-circular aperture 3.1 and can, because of its arrangement and depending on its angular position, hide or not all or part of the indication 1.1, 1.2 inscribed on the moon disc 1 which is intended to be visible in a desired form through the aperture 3.1 formed in the dial 3.

For this purpose, said first - 2.1 and second concealment discs 2.2 used in this embodiment of the mechanism each comprise at least two branches 2.3 which have, seen in their direction of rotation, a front part 2.4 of a convex shape. , respectively right. Preferably and as shown schematically on figure 3b , each of these occultation discs 2.1, 2.2 comprises three branches 2.3 having a front part 2.4 convex, straight, respectively concave. Indeed, as will also emerge clearly below in the context of the description of other embodiments of the mechanism, the third branch comprising a concave front part can be omitted if the window 3.1 of the dial 3 is not exactly semi-circular in shape but has a base having two parts of concave shape which can take the function of this third branch of the concealment disc 2 concerned. Furthermore, it is noted in this embodiment that the two discs 2.1, 2.2 are preferably identical, but are mounted symmetrically with respect to one another.

The drive train 4 which makes it possible, in general, to drive said at least first concealment disc 2.1 will subsequently be described in more detail and by way of example in the context of the description of this first form of execution of the mechanism, but it is obvious that a person skilled in the art will know how to adapt it, in view of the present technical instruction, in a similar manner for the other embodiments which will be described below. As shown schematically in figures 3c, 3d , and 3rd which show a top view, a side view respectively a perspective view of the first embodiment of an indication mechanism according to the present invention using a moon disc 1 and occultation discs 2.1, 2.2 according to the figures 3a respectively 3b, certain parts being illustrated in a transparent manner figure 3c in order to facilitate understanding, the drive train 4 comprises a first program wheel 4.1 integral with the moon disc 1. The latter being driven normally at a rate of one step per day by the basic movement, the first program wheel 4.1 performs the same rotary movement and thus drives via at least one intermediate pinion, in this case by the intermediate of a first intermediate pinion 4.2 and of a second intermediate pinion 4.3, a second program wheel 4.4. The intermediate gears make it possible, via the arrangement of their teeth, to choose the angular drive ratio between the first - 4.1 and the second program wheel 4.4, therefore to adapt the gear train according to requirements, for example according to the 'arrangement of the concealment discs 2. The toothing of the program wheel 4.4, the latter being in the example illustrated in the figures integral with the second intermediate pinion 4.3, can mesh with at least one program pinion 4.5 of a third wheel program 4.6. In the case of the drive train 4 of the first embodiment of an indication mechanism illustrated in figures 3c to 3e , the second program wheel 4.4 can mesh with two program pinions 4.5 each carrying a third program wheel 4.6 which are housed rotatably on either side of the second program wheel 4.4. Each of these third program wheels 4.6, like the other wheels if desired, can be blocked against any unintentional rotation, for example using the corresponding locking springs well known to those skilled in the art and can, if it is driven to in turn by the second program wheel 4.4, drive with the aid of its teeth a concealment pinion 4.7 which carries a concealment disc 2.1, 2.2.

More particularly, in the case of the drive train 4 of the first embodiment of an indication mechanism illustrated in figures 3c to 3e and for a moon disc 1 which performs two lunations per cycle of rotation, therefore comprising two indications 1.1, 1.2 inscribed on its upper surface representing the moon, the first program wheel 4.1 of a corresponding drive train 4 can for example include 12 distributed teeth on four identical sectors with three teeth and separated by four non-toothed sectors along its periphery. In this case, three of the non-toothed sectors are identical, while the fourth non-toothed sector is slightly shorter. The second program wheel 4.4 comprises in this case three teeth distributed in a non-homogeneous manner around its periphery and separated by three non-toothed sectors, two of which are identical, as can be seen in particular at the bottom. figure 3c . The third program wheel 4.6 has three teeth distributed homogeneously around its periphery and separated by three identical non-toothed sectors.

Thus, it is easy to understand the operation of this embodiment of the mechanism using the figures 3c to 3e and 4a to 4h . The first program wheel 4.1, driven by the basic movement like the moon disc 1, triggers with each passing tooth the rotation of the intermediate gears 4.2, 4.3 and therefore of the second program wheel 4.4. The latter, having three teeth distributed in a non-homogeneous way around its periphery, first drives, intermittently and via the corresponding program pinion 4.5, three times in a row the third program wheel 4.6 located on one side of the second program wheel 4.4 and then, analogously, three times in succession the third program wheel 4.6 located on the other side of the second program wheel 4.4. The second program wheel 4.4 thus performs one revolution for the duration of a lunation; the third program wheel 4.6 which is not driven remains stationary due to its immobilization mentioned above. Whenever one or the other of the two third program wheels 4.6 is driven intermittently via the second - 4.4 and the first program wheel 4.1, i.e. for each tooth of the second program wheel program 4.4, the third program wheel 4.6 being activated in the kinematic chain obviously drives the corresponding concealment pinion 4.7 so that either the first concealment disc 2.1 or the second concealment disc 2.2 performs a rotation of 120 °.

Thanks to the above-mentioned arrangement of the occultation discs 2.1, 2.2, the operation described above of this first embodiment of the mechanism thus produces a succession of the silhouettes of the moon as shown schematically in figures 4a to 4h . Indeed, if we take the new moon as a starting point, the moon disc 1 of the mechanism according to the present invention is during this phase in a position where none of its inscriptions is visible through the window 3.1 in the dial 3, see figure 4a . The two concealment discs 2.1, 2.2 are then located, if they have as illustrated in figures 4a to 4h three branches 2.3, each in an angular position where the branch 2.3 having a front part of concave shape conceals the moon disc 1 and thus completes the shape of the window 3.1. Obviously, the upper surface of the concealment discs 2.1, 2.2 is for this purpose arranged similarly to the surface of the dial 3 around the window 3.1. In this case, the window 3.1 can have a strictly semi-circular shape. Alternatively and as already mentioned, the window 3.1 can also have a substantially semi-circular shape but having two concave parts on its base, so that the concealment discs 2.1, 2.2 can, in this case and if desired , have only two branches with a convex part, respectively straight. As moon disk 1 advances each day, one of the inscriptions 1.1, 1.2 on moon disk 1 partially appears in a C-shape under the first occultation disk 2.1 to display the first crescent moon, as shown schematically on figure 4b . At the time of the first quarter, the drive train 4 described above rotates, here in the clockwise direction, the first concealing disc 2.1 by 120 ° so that its branch 2.3 comprising a right front part partially obscures that of the inscriptions 1.1, 1.2 of the moon disc 1 appearing through window 3.1, see figure 4c . Shortly afterwards, the drive train 4 again rotates the first concealment disc 2.1 by 120 ° so that its branch 2.3 comprising a part front convex partially obscures that of inscriptions 1.1, 1.2 of moon disc 1 appearing through aperture 3.1, see figure 4d , so that the mechanism realistically displays the waxing gibbous moon. Then, the first occultation disc 2.1 remains stationary and the drive gear 4 rotates the second occultation disc 2.2 in a row three times in a row as illustrated in figures 4e, 4f, 4g, and 4h . Thus, the second occultation disc 2.2 ensures during this operating phase of the mechanism that that of the branches 2.3 having either a convex, straight or concave front part partially obscures that of the inscriptions 1.1, 1.2 of the moon disc 1 appearing through window 3.1 to display the full moon, the waning gibbous moon, the last quarter and the last crescent. Finally, the second occultation disc 2.2 remains stationary again and the cycle begins again with the rotation of the first occultation disc 2.1 in its position where its concave front part obscures the moon disc 1. As is evident from the view of The above description, the opportune moment of the rotation of the blanking discs 2.1, 2.2 can advantageously be chosen by placing the teeth correspondingly on the periphery of the second program wheel 4.4, their angle of rotation by l arrangement of the or even of the third program wheels 4.6, which makes it possible to easily adapt the mechanism for other embodiments.

A second embodiment of an indication mechanism according to the present invention is illustrated schematically, by top views and a side view, at figures 5a to 5e , some parts being illustrated in a transparent way. figures 5a to 5c in order to facilitate understanding, and represents an example of such a mechanism comprising a single concealment disc 2.1. In this embodiment, the occultation disc 2.1 is also positioned non-concentrically with respect to the moon disc 1. In fact, the first and only occultation disc 2.1 is in this case housed on one side of the moon disc 1 and has at least two apertures 2.5 having a circular interior shape, respectively substantially triangular with its edge oriented towards the axis of the circular disc. Preferably and as illustrated in figures 5a to 5c and 5th, this concealment disc 2.1 comprises three windows 2.5 having a circular interior shape, substantially triangular with its circular central edge, respectively substantially semi-circular with a base separated into two concave parts. In the latter case, the window 3.1 in the dial 3 can have an effectively semi-circular shape because it is not used to hide the inscriptions 1.1, 1.2 intended to be displayed through this window 3.1, this role being entirely fulfilled by the windows 2.5 formed in the concealment disc 2.1. In the first case of only two apertures 2.5 of circular interior shape, respectively substantially triangular, in the concealment disc 2.1, the aperture 3.1 formed in the dial 3 preferably has a semi-circular shape but has two concave parts on its base. . These two concave parts are then used to obscure the inscriptions 1.1, 1.2 on the moon disc 1 during certain operating phases of the mechanism, in particular in order to display the first crescent and the last crescent of the moon. With regard to the drive train 4 for this embodiment of the indicating mechanism, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they will only need a single third programming wheel which is suitable. to adapt the toothing in a corresponding manner in order to ensure the driving of the occultation disc 2.1 at the desired moment in order to obtain, similarly to the first embodiment of the mechanism, an adequate masking of the moon disc as a function of the phase of the moon to be displayed. Likewise, the person skilled in the art will know, in view of the present technical instruction, how to modify the other parts of the drive train 4 correspondingly to ensure this result, given that this second embodiment is moreover arranged by complete analogy with the first embodiment of the mechanism. In addition, it is obvious that the drive train 4 can also be adapted to the case where the moon disc 1 is arranged differently, for example by being arranged for perform three or even more lunations per rotation cycle, which is also within the abilities of those skilled in the art in view of the present description. Thus, this second embodiment of a mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon according to the present invention also makes it possible to realistically display all the eight different and main phases of the lunation, as shown schematically and by way of illustration. example to figures 5a, 5b, and 5c . The side view of the figure 5d shows the superposition of the three levels formed by the moon disc 1, the occultation disc 2.1, and the dial 3.

The figures 6a to 6d represent top and side views, some parts being shown transparently to figures 6a and 6b in order to facilitate understanding, of a third embodiment of an indication mechanism according to the present invention which forms an example of a mechanism in which said at least first concealment disc 2.1, 2.2 is arranged concentrically by in relation to the moon disc 1. In addition, the mechanism in this third embodiment comprises only one occultation disc 2.1. In this case, and as visible for example to figures 6a and 6b as well as figure 6d , said first concealing disc 2.1 comprises at least two branches 2.3 each having, on one side and oriented towards each other, a first part 2.6 of a concave shape, and, on the other side and oriented one towards the other, a second part 2.7 of a convex shape. Obviously, this disc 2.1 could also be produced using a disc comprising windows of a corresponding shape, instead of the branches. Consequently, the aperture 3.1 formed in the dial 3 is not used to obscure the inscriptions 1.1, 1.2 on the moon disc 1 intended to be displayed through this aperture and can therefore have a shape either strictly semi-circular or with a base of different shape. With regard to the drive train 4 for this embodiment of the indicating mechanism, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that he will again only need a single third programming wheel which can for example be in solidarity with the axis of rotation of the concealment disc 2.1 and the toothing of which must be adapted accordingly. The other parts of the drive train 4 can also be modified in a similar manner by a person skilled in the art in order to obtain adequate masking of the moon disc 1 as a function of the phase of the moon to be displayed. Given that the occultation disc 2.1 does not include in this embodiment any part having a straight shape, this third embodiment of a mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon according to the present invention makes it possible to realistically display all the different and main phases of the lunation except the first and last quarter phases. Again, the principle of operation and the result in terms of the display obtained are illustrated schematically and by way of example in figures 6a and 6b , the figure 6c shows the superposition of the three levels formed by the moon disc 1, the occultation disc 2.1, and the dial 3.

The figures 7a to 7e represent top and side views, some parts being shown transparently to figures 7a to 7c in order to facilitate understanding, of a fourth embodiment of an indication mechanism according to the present invention which forms another example of a mechanism in which said at least first concealment disc 2.1, 2.2 is arranged concentrically with respect to the moon disk 1. As in the embodiment described above, the mechanism in this fourth embodiment comprises only a single occultation disk 2.1. In this case, and as visible for example to figures 7a, 7b and 7c as well as figure 7e , said first concealment disc 2.1 has as a whole substantially a semi-circular shape and comprises at least two third parts 2.8 of a straight shape, located on the linear edge of the occultation disc 2.1, and a window 2.5 of shape substantially circular, located towards the middle of the semi-circular shape of the occultation disc 2.1. The window 3.1 of substantially semi-circular shape formed in the dial 3 of the mechanism has in this embodiment of the mechanism, preferably a base separated into two concave parts in order to allow it to be used to conceal, during certain operating phases of the mechanism, the inscriptions 1.1, 1.2 on the moon disc 1 intended to be displayed through this counter. As regards the drive train 4 of this embodiment of the indicating mechanism, those skilled in the art will know how to adapt the teeth of the only third programming wheel necessary in this case in view of the present technical instruction. Likewise, the other parts of the drive train 4 could be modified in a similar manner by a person skilled in the art in order to obtain adequate masking of the moon disc 1 as a function of the phase of the moon to be displayed. Since, in this embodiment of the mechanism, the occultation disc 2.1 comprises parts of convex shape and of straight shape, while the aperture 3.1 formed in the dial 3 has a part of concave shape, this fourth shape Execution of a mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon according to the present invention makes it possible to display in a realistic manner all the different and main phases of the lunation. The figures 7a, 7b, and 7c illustrate schematically and by way of example the operation and the result in terms of the display obtained by this mechanism, while the figure 7d shows the superposition of the three levels formed by the moon disc 1, the occultation disc 2.1, and the dial 3.

The figures 8a to 8f represent top and side views, some parts being shown transparently to figures 8a to 8c in order to facilitate understanding, of a fifth embodiment of an indication mechanism according to the present invention which forms yet another example of a mechanism in which said at least first concealment disc 2.1, 2.2 is arranged concentrically with respect to the moon disc 1. Unlike the embodiment described above, this mechanism comprises a first occultation disc 2.1 and a second occultation disc 2.2 housed rotatably and coaxially on each other. 'other, forming two levels of occultation discs between the moon disc 1 and the aperture 3.1 formed in the dial 3. In this embodiment, and as visible for example at figures 8a, 8b and 8c , said first concealment disc 2.1 comprises at least two third parts 2.8 of a straight shape, preferably oriented towards one another. As can be seen, for example, from figures 8b and 8f , this first concealment disc 2.1 may have as a whole substantially a semi-circular shape and comprise a window of substantially triangular shape, the two radial sides of which form said third parts 2.8 of a straight shape. The second concealment disc 2.2 may also have as a whole substantially a semi-circular shape and comprises a window 2.5 of substantially circular shape, located towards the middle of the semi-circular shape of the occultation disc 2.2, as illustrated. schematically at the figure 8e . It is not important to determine which of the two blanking discs 2.1, 2.2 is on the other. Again, the window 3.1 of substantially semi-circular shape formed in the dial 3 of the mechanism preferably has a base separated into two concave parts in order to allow it to be used to conceal, during certain phases of operation of the mechanism. , partially or completely the inscriptions 1.1, 1.2 on the moon disc 1, inscriptions intended to be displayed through this window 3.1. Alternatively, this base separated into two concave parts could also be placed on one of the discs 2.1, 2.2. As regards the drive train 4 of this embodiment of the indication mechanism, those skilled in the art will know how to adapt the teeth of the two third programming wheels necessary in this case in view of the present technical instruction. Likewise, the other parts of the drive train 4 can be modified in a similar manner by a person skilled in the art in order to obtain adequate concealment of the moon disc 1 as a function of the phase of the moon to be displayed. Since, in this fifth embodiment of the mechanism, the first - 2.1 and second concealment discs 2.2 have parts of convex shape and straight shape, while the aperture 3.1 formed in the dial 3 has a part of form concave, this fifth embodiment of a mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon according to the present invention also makes it possible to display in a realistic manner all the different and main phases of the lunation. The figures 8a, 8b, and 8c illustrate schematically and by way of example the operation and the result in terms of the display obtained by this mechanism, while the figure 8d shows the superposition of the four levels formed by the moon disc 1, the first occultation disc 2.1, the second occultation disc 2.2, and the dial 3.

It remains to be seen that, of course, many other equivalent embodiments, not illustrated in the figures, of a mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon according to the present invention can be imagined, for example by varying the position of the moon. or even the occultation discs 2.1, 2.2, in particular by adding yet another level with the aid of a third occultation disc, by modifying the shape, the arrangement or the direction of rotation of the or even the discs of occultation 2.1, 2.2 and / or of the moon disc 1, by modifying the window 3.1 formed in the dial 3 in order to adapt the mechanism for example for the display of phases of the moon for the southern hemisphere instead of displaying them for the northern hemisphere as illustrated in the figures, or by modifying the drive train 4, in particular the toothing of the program wheels or the corresponding pinions, this without however the overall operation or the result in terms of display differ substantially from what has been disclosed above. All these embodiments are in fact, without it being possible to describe them all here in detail, within the reach of those skilled in the art having the technical instruction according to the present description.

Thus, it is clear that an indication mechanism comprising the characteristics mentioned above according to the present invention has the important advantage of being able to realistically display all the phases. different and principal of the lunation, that is to say to display at any time in a more real way the visible part on earth of the surface of the moon illuminated by the sun. In addition, such a mechanism has great flexibility owing to the fact that it can be declined in several variants depending on technical or aesthetic requirements. An indication mechanism according to the present invention can cooperate in a conventional manner with the other parts of the timepiece in which it is intended to be integrated, in particular with its base movement, so that the mechanism can easily be integrated into existing timepieces without requiring too much adjustment or even a major redesign of these parts. Moreover, these advantages are obtained without increasing the complexity, the volume occupied, or even the production cost of the mechanism too much. Finally, the mechanism according to the present invention is ideally suited to be visually enhanced on the dial of the timepiece, thus contributing significantly to the aesthetics of such a timepiece.

In view of the detailed description given above, it is clear that the present invention also encompasses a timepiece, in particular a mechanical watch, which comprises a mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon according to one of its forms. execution, said moon disc 1 being normally driven at a rate of one step per day by the basic movement of said timepiece.

Claims (10)

1. A mechanism for indication of the lunar phases, in particular for a mechanical watch, comprising a moon disk (1) and a dial (3) comprising a substantially semi-circular aperture (3.1), the moon disk (1) being driven rotatably in such a way as to display the indications (1.1, 1.2) inscribed on the moon disk (1) through the aperture (3.1) in order to indicate the lunar phases, at least one first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) housed rotatably, at least in part, between said moon disk (1) and said dial (3), and a gear train (4) which drives said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) in such a way that the indications (1.1, 1.2) inscribed on the moon disk (1) are obscured, at least in part, during specific phases of operation of the mechanism, said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) being configured, depending on its position in the mechanism and/or the shape of the aperture (3.1) in the dial (3), so as to be provided with arms (2.3) and/or supplementary apertures (2.5) of a specific shape, said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) being arranged non-concentrically relative to the moon disk (1), and the mechanism for indication comprising said first occultation disk (2.1) and a second occultation disk (2.2) which are housed substantially on either side of the moon disk (1), said first (2.1) and second occultation disks (2.2) each comprising at least two of said arms (2.3) having a convex and straight front portion (2.4) respectively, viewed in their direction of rotation, preferably three arms (2.3) having a convex, straight and concave front portion (2.4) respectively, in such a manner that the indications (1.1, 1.2) appearing through the substantially semi-circular aperture (3.1) correspond substantially to the natural appearance of the moon during the entire lunation.
2. A mechanism for indication of the lunar phases, in particular for a mechanical watch, comprising a moon disk (1) and a dial (3) comprising a substantially semi-circular first aperture (3.1), the moon disk (1) being driven rotatably in such a way as to display the indications (1.1, 1.2) inscribed on the moon disk (1) through the aperture (3.1) in order to indicate the lunar phases, at least one first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) housed rotatably, at least in part, between said moon disk (1) and said dial (3), and a gear train (4) which drives said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) in such a way that the indications (1.1, 1.2) inscribed on the moon disk (1) are obscured, at least in part, during specific phases of operation of the mechanism, said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) being configured, depending on its position in the mechanism and/or the shape of the aperture (3.1) in the dial (3), so as to be provided with arms (2.3) and/or supplementary apertures (2.5) of a specific shape, said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) being arranged non-concentrically relative to the moon disk (1), and the mechanism for indication only comprising one first occultation disk (2.1) housed on one side of the moon disk (1) and comprising at least two of said supplementary apertures (2.5), which are internally circular and substantially triangular respectively, preferably three supplementary apertures (2.5), which are internally circular, substantially triangular and substantially semi-circular with a base which is separated into two concave portions respectively, in such a manner that the indications (1.1, 1.2) appearing through said substantially semi-circular first aperture (3.1) correspond substantially to the natural appearance of the moon during the entire lunation.
3. A mechanism for indication of the lunar phases, in particular for a mechanical watch, comprising a moon disk (1) and a dial (3) comprising a substantially semi-circular aperture (3.1), the moon disk (1) being driven rotatably in such a way as to display the indications (1.1, 1.2) inscribed on the moon disk (1) through the aperture (3.1) in order to indicate the lunar phases, at least one first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) housed rotatably, at least in part, between said moon disk (1) and said dial (3), and a gear train (4) which drives said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) in such a way that the indications (1.1, 1.2) inscribed on the moon disk (1) are obscured, at least in part, during specific phases of operation of the mechanism, said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) being configured, depending on its position in the mechanism and/or the shape of the aperture (3.1) in the dial (3), so as to be provided with arms (2.3) and/or supplementary apertures (2.5) of a specific shape, said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) being arranged concentrically relative to the moon disk (1), and said first occultation disk (2.1) comprising at least two of said arms (2.3) each having, on one side and orientated towards one another, a first concave portion (2.6) and, on the other side and orientated towards one another, a second convex portion (2.7), in such a manner that the indications (1.1, 1.2) appearing through the substantially semi-circular aperture (3.1) correspond substantially to the natural appearance of the moon during the entire lunation.
4. A mechanism for indication of the lunar phases, in particular for a mechanical watch, comprising a moon disk (1) and a dial (3) comprising a substantially semi-circular aperture (3.1), the moon disk (1) being driven rotatably in such a way as to display the indications (1.1, 1.2) inscribed on the moon disk (1) through the aperture (3.1) in order to indicate the lunar phases, at least one first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) housed rotatably, at least in part, between said moon disk (1) and said dial (3), and a gear train (4) which drives said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) in such a way that the indications (1.1, 1.2) inscribed on the moon disk (1) are obscured, at least in part, during specific phases of operation of the mechanism, said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) being configured, depending on its position in the mechanism and/or the shape of the aperture (3.1) in the dial (3), so as to be provided with arms (2.3) and/or supplementary apertures (2.5) of a specific shape, said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) being arranged concentrically relative to the moon disk (1), and said first occultation disk (2.1) comprising at least two straight third portions (2.8) and one of said supplementary apertures (2.5) which is substantially circular, the substantially semi-circular aperture (3.1) formed in the dial (3) of the mechanism preferably having a base which is separated into two concave portions, in such a manner that the indications (1.1, 1.2) appearing through this substantially semi-circular aperture (3.1) correspond substantially to the natural appearance of the moon during the entire lunation.
5. A mechanism for indication of the lunar phases, in particular for a mechanical watch, comprising a moon disk (1) and a dial (3) comprising a substantially semi-circular aperture (3.1), the moon disk (1) being driven rotatably in such a way as to display the indications (1.1, 1.2) inscribed on the moon disk (1) through the aperture (3.1) in order to indicate the lunar phases, at least one first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) housed rotatably, at least in part, between said moon disk (1) and said dial (3), and a gear train (4) which drives said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) in such a way that the indications (1.1, 1.2) inscribed on the moon disk (1) are obscured, at least in part, during specific phases of operation of the mechanism, said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) being configured, depending on its position in the mechanism and/or the shape of the aperture (3.1) in the dial (3), so as to be provided with arms (2.3) and/or supplementary apertures (2.5) of a specific shape, said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) being arranged concentrically relative to the moon disk (1), and the mechanism for indication comprising a first occultation disk (2.1) and a second occultation disk (2.2) which are housed rotatably one on top of the other, said first occultation disk (2.1) comprising at least two straight third portions (2.8), preferably orientated towards one another, the second occultation disk (2.2) comprising one of said supplementary apertures (2.5) which is substantially circular, the substantially semi-circular aperture (3.1) formed in the dial (3) of the mechanism preferably having a base which is separated into two concave portions, in such a manner that the indications (1.1, 1.2) appearing through this substantially semi-circular aperture (3.1) correspond substantially to the natural appearance of the moon during the entire lunation.
6. Indication mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said gear train (4) which drives said at least first occultation disk (2.1, 2.2) comprises a first program wheel (4.1) which is mounted fixedly to the moon disk (1) and drives, via at least one intermediate pinion (4.2, 4.3), a second program wheel (4.4) which meshes with at least one third program wheel (4.6), each driving an occultation pinion (4.7) carrying an occultation disk (2.1, 2.2).
7. Indication mechanism according to the preceding claim and claim 1 or 5, characterised in that said gear train (4) comprises two third program wheels (4.6) which each drive an occultation pinion (4.7) carrying an occultation disk (2.1, 2.2).
8. Indication mechanism according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said first program wheel (4.1) comprises 12 teeth distributed over four identical sectors which are separated by four untoothed sectors along its circumference, in that said second program wheel (4.4) comprises three teeth distributed non-homogeneously over its circumference and separated by three untoothed sectors, of which two are identical, and in that said third program wheel (4.6) comprises three teeth distributed homogeneously over its circumference and separated by three identical untoothed sectors.
9. Indication mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said moon disk (1) comprises at least two indications (1.1, 1.2) inscribed on its upper surface representing the moon.
10. A watch piece, in particular a mechanical bracelet watch, characterised in that it comprises a mechanism for indication of the lunar phases according to any one of the preceding claims, said moon disk (1) being driven at a rate of one step per day by the basic movement of the watch piece.

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