EP3561610B1 - Mechanism for animating a decorative element of a timepiece - Google Patents

Mechanism for animating a decorative element of a timepiece Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3561610B1
EP3561610B1 EP18169954.7A EP18169954A EP3561610B1 EP 3561610 B1 EP3561610 B1 EP 3561610B1 EP 18169954 A EP18169954 A EP 18169954A EP 3561610 B1 EP3561610 B1 EP 3561610B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
decorative element
arbor
moving mechanism
axis
drive element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP18169954.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3561610A1 (en
Inventor
Julien Leskerpit
Bernat Monferrer
Julien FEYER
Pierre Isambert
Edmond Capt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Montres Jaquet Droz SA
Original Assignee
Montres Jaquet Droz SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Montres Jaquet Droz SA filed Critical Montres Jaquet Droz SA
Priority to EP18169954.7A priority Critical patent/EP3561610B1/en
Priority to JP2019065798A priority patent/JP6828078B2/en
Priority to US16/377,945 priority patent/US11604437B2/en
Priority to CN201910343704.1A priority patent/CN110412857B/en
Publication of EP3561610A1 publication Critical patent/EP3561610A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3561610B1 publication Critical patent/EP3561610B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B25/00—Indicating the time by other means or by combined means
    • G04B25/06—Indicating the time by other means or by combined means by moving figures, e.g. cuckoo clocks, trumpet clocks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B45/00—Time pieces of which the indicating means or cases provoke special effects, e.g. aesthetic effects
    • G04B45/0038—Figures or parts thereof moved by the clockwork
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B9/00—Supervision of the state of winding, e.g. indicating the amount of winding

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a mechanism for animating a decorative element of a timepiece.
  • the invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such an animation mechanism.
  • the decorative element consists of a mechanical bird arranged so that its body rotates on itself around an axis perpendicular to the dial, while the head, tail and wings rotate around non-rotating axes. perpendicular.
  • the animation mechanism proposed in the patent EP 2,880,498 is designed specifically for a decorative element or bird-type automaton installed on a perch.
  • Other animation mechanisms are being sought in order to be able to offer a timepiece that can implement decorative elements or automata animated according to complex combined movements, different from those of a bird on a perch.
  • the document JPH0716192 offers a mechanism for animating a decorative element for a table clock.
  • the decorative element is mounted movable in rotation and in translation respectively around and along its axis by virtue of a cam system.
  • the invention relates to a mechanism for animating a decorative element of a timepiece.
  • said animation mechanism comprises a circular driving element arranged to be movable in rotation about a central axis, said decorative element being mounted on the driving element by means of an axis integral with said decorative element and parallel to it. to the central axis, and first means for driving said decorative element according to a rotational movement around its own axis and according to a translational movement along its own axis, said first means for driving the decorative element being mounted on the element circular driver and arranged to cooperate with fixed actuating means provided in the periphery of the circular driver element so that said decorative element rotates about its axis and moves along its axis while rotating about the axis central.
  • the first means for driving the decorative element according to said translational movement along its own axis can comprise a gear train comprising at least a first mobile arranged to cooperate with first actuating means. fixed provided in the periphery of the driving element, and a last mobile, said last mobile and the axis of the decorative element being arranged to form a screw-nut system, the axis of the decorative element being further arranged at least to have a rotation around itself limited or even blocked at least when the first mobile cooperates with the first fixed actuating means so that the rotation of the gear train causes the translation of the axis of the element decorative.
  • the first means for driving the decorative element according to a rotational movement about its own axis comprise a radial feeler secured at least in rotation to the axis of the decorative element, the axis of the decorative element and the radial feeler being mounted to rotate freely on the circular driving element, said radial feeler being arranged to cooperate with second fixed actuating means provided in the periphery of the driving element and arranged to modify the distance between the radial probe and the central axis.
  • the animation mechanism of the invention comprises the first means for driving the decorative element according to a translational movement along its own axis and the first means for driving the decorative element in a rotational movement about its own axis, as well as the first and second fixed actuating means.
  • the animation mechanism of the invention allows a decorative element to be able to move in different combined movements, thus creating a complex animation.
  • the animation mechanism 1 of a decorative element 2 of a timepiece comprises a circular driving element 3, arranged to carry said decorative element 2.
  • the circular driving element 3 is dimensioned to match the dial of the timepiece. It is obvious that, in another variant not shown, the circular drive element could be sized to occupy only part of the dial of the timepiece. In the variant shown, the circular drive element 3 is hollowed out at its center to be annular in shape. Therefore, in the remainder of the present description, the expression “circular drive element” or “annular drive element” will be used interchangeably to denote the reference part 3.
  • the circular drive element 3 comprises a movable dial 4, a drive ring 6, as well as a rotor 8 and a rotor bridge 10, of annular shape, as shown more particularly by figures 4 to 6 .
  • the rotor 8, the rotor bridge 10, the driving ring 6 and the mobile dial 4 are superimposed and are mounted in solidarity with each other.
  • the drive ring 6 is disposed between the movable dial 4 and the rotor bridge 10.
  • the circular driving element 3 comprises an automaton bridge 11 assembled under the rotor bridge 10, the rotor bridge 10 and the automaton bridge 11 being arranged to carry the decorative element 2 as well as its driving means in rotation around its own axis and in translation along its own axis, called first drive means, as will be described below.
  • the automaton bridge 11 is fixed under the rotor bridge and has a shape concentric with the rotor 8, in order to be able to be as close as possible to the fixed actuation means provided on the frame in the periphery of the drive element 3, as this will be described below.
  • the drive ring 6 has internal teeth 12 arranged on its internal peripheral edge, the role of which will be described below.
  • the hollowed out center of the annular driving element 3 is filled by a fixed dial 14 (cf. figure 9 ), integral with the frame, and crossed by the axis of the hand (not shown), making it possible to display the hours and minutes.
  • the fixed dial 14 can bear fixed decorative elements 15, positioned entirely on the fixed dial 14 or so as to be partially above the annular driving element 3.
  • the circular driving element 3 is arranged to be movable in rotation about its axis which is perpendicular to the plane defined by the circular driving element, said axis being called the central axis.
  • the central axis is preferably parallel to the axis of the switch and it may be different from the axis of the case of the timepiece.
  • the circular drive element 3 is pivotally mounted on the frame of the timepiece.
  • the circular drive element 3 is held radially on the frame by at least two rollers mounted on the frame, one of the rollers being fixed, the other roller being mobile.
  • three rollers 50, 52 are provided, positioned inside the annular drive element 3 at approximately 120 °, two rollers 50 being fixed and the third roller 52 being movable.
  • the two fixed rollers 50 are pivotally mounted on a pin 54 fixed to the board 46, in contact with the rotor 8.
  • the third movable roller 52 is pivotally mounted, about an axis 55, on a support 56 of the movable roller.
  • Said movable roller support 56 is itself mounted to pivot on the board 46, around an axis 57, allowing the movable roller 52 to come into contact with the rotor 8.
  • a spring 58 of the movable roller is mounted on the frame, its free end resting on a support 60 provided on the mobile roller support 56.
  • the movable roller 52 makes it possible to take up the assembly play of the annular drive element 3, canceling any radial sloshing and guaranteeing optimum performance.
  • the circular drive element 3 is arranged to cooperate with drive means in rotation (called second drive means) around the central axis.
  • said second means for driving the circular drive element 3 in rotation around the central axis are arranged to cooperate with the drive ring 6. More precisely, the second means for driving the element in rotation.
  • circular drive 3 around the central axis comprise a mobile 24 of a finishing gear cooperating with a barrel (not shown), a source of energy for supplying the animation mechanism.
  • Said mobile 24 is preferably disposed on the frame near the inner peripheral edge of the drive ring 6 so as to be able to mesh with the inner toothing 12 and drive the drive ring 6 in rotation, and thus all of the first drive means of the annular drive element 3.
  • Said finishing reference 25 is arranged on the frame preferably close to the inner peripheral edge of the drive ring 6 so as to be able to mesh with the inner toothing 12 and regulate the speed of rotation of the drive ring 6, and thus all of the elements of the annular drive element 3 It is obvious that it is also possible to provide a main gear train going from the barrel to the speed regulator and a secondary gear train going from the main gear to the animation mechanism.
  • the decorative element 2 is a three-dimensional object, and comprises at least one body 2a mounted on the driving element 3 by means of an axis 16 secured to said decorative element 2. More specifically, the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 is freely mounted around a tube 17 coaxial with the axis 16 and mounted on the automaton bridge 11 of the drive element 3 parallel to the central axis. The axis 16 is therefore offset and parallel to the central axis. The axis 16 is therefore perpendicular to the plane defined by the driving element 3.
  • the body 2a of the decorative element is arranged so as to be above the mobile dial 4, on the user side.
  • the mobile dial 4, the drive ring 6 and the rotor bridge 10 respectively comprise an opening arranged to allow the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 to pass.
  • the decorative element 2 can represent any type of character, a flower, a stone, an animal, such as a fish.
  • the decorative element 2 comprises a one-piece body 2a.
  • the decorative element 2 is mounted to be movable in rotation about its own axis 16 and movable in translation along its own axis 16, while being movable in rotation about the central axis.
  • the decorative element 2 is driven in rotation about its axis 16 and in translation along its axis 16 by first drive means in rotation about its own axis 16 and in translation along its own axis 16, said first drive means in translation and in rotation of the decorative element 2 with respect to its own axis 16 being carried on the circular driving element 3 and arranged to cooperate with fixed actuating means provided in the periphery of the circular driving element 3 so that said decorative element 2 rotates around its axis 16 and moves around it. along its axis 16 while rotating around the central axis.
  • the first means for driving the decorative element 2 according to a translational movement along its own axis 16 comprise a gear train comprising, in the example shown, three moving parts, namely a first mobile 26 comprising a first pinion 26a and a first wheel 26b arranged to cooperate with first fixed actuating means, such as at least one rack with external teeth and one rack with internal teeth as will be described below, provided in the periphery of the drive element 3, an intermediate mobile 28 comprising an intermediate pinion 28a meshing with the first pinion 26a and an intermediate wheel 28b, and a last mobile 30 comprising a last pinion 30a meshing with the intermediate wheel 28b and a last wheel 30b arranged to cooperate with the axis 16 of the decorative element 2.
  • first fixed actuating means such as at least one rack with external teeth and one rack with internal teeth as will be described below
  • These three wheels 26, 28, 30 are pivotally mounted on the circular drive element 3, along axes pa parallel to the central axis and to the axis 16. More specifically, the three mobiles 26, 28, 30 are mounted between the automaton bridge 11 and the rotor bridge 10, so as to be on board on the drive element circular 3.
  • the last mobile 30 and the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 are arranged to form a screw-nut system.
  • the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 has an external threaded zone 32, for example with a rectangular profile
  • the last wheel 30b of the last mobile 30 has an internal thread corresponding to the threaded zone 32, also with a profile. rectangular, said last mobile 30 being mounted around the threaded zone 32 of the axis 16 of the decorative element 2.
  • the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 is arranged to have a rotation around itself limited or even blocked at least when the first mobile 26 cooperates with the first fixed actuating means so that the rotation of the train gear drives the translation of the axis 16 of the decorative element 2.
  • an assembly with a square is used, creating a slide mechanism, as will be described below.
  • the use of the screw-nut system and of a square makes it possible to transform a rotational movement into a translational movement according to which the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 moves along its axis 16 while said decorative element 2 rotates around the central axis.
  • the first means for driving the decorative element 2 in a rotational movement around its own axis 16 comprise a radial feeler 34 integral at least in rotation with the axis 16 of the decorative element 2, and comprising a support for feeler 34a with an axis parallel to the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 and a feeler element 34b mounted at the end of an arm 34c projecting radially from the base of the feeler support 34a.
  • the feeler element 34b may for example be a ruby driven out on a pin 34d fixed to the end of the arm 34c.
  • the sensor support 34a is mounted on the axis 16 of the decorative element by means of a square creating the slide mechanism, so that the radial sensor 34 is rotatably fixed to the axis 16 of the decorative element. 2 but not in translation, to allow the rotation of the decorative element 2 around its own axis 16 while allowing the translation of said decorative element 2 along its own axis 16, as already described above.
  • the base of the probe support 34a of the radial probe 34 is arranged around the last wheel 30b of the last mobile 30 so that the radial probe 34 and the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 are mounted to rotate freely on the element. trainer 3, around tube 17.
  • the feeler element 34b of the radial feeler 34 is arranged to cooperate with second fixed actuation means provided in the periphery of the drive element 3 and arranged to modify the distance between said second fixed actuation means and the axis 16 of the decorative element forcing the arm 34c to move by pivoting and thus rotate the radial sensor 34 and the axis 16 of the decorative element 2.
  • the second fixed actuating means comprise a cam 36 concentric with the drive element 3 and mounted fixed on the frame.
  • the cam 36 is integrated into a casing circle 22 inside which the clockwork movement comprising the animation mechanism of the invention will be positioned.
  • said cam 36 has a corrugated profile arranged to cooperate with the feeler element 34b of the radial feeler 34 so as to bring closer and then move away the point of contact of the feeler element 34b from the center of the cam 36 and thus create a movement of oscillatory rotation.
  • a radial feeler spring 38 cooperating with an intermediate lever 40 arranged to keep the feeler element 34b constantly in contact with the profile of the cam 36.
  • the intermediate lever 40 has at its free end a spout 42 arranged to press on the arm 34c of the radial feeler 34.
  • the radial feeler and the axis of the decorative element can be integral or in one piece.
  • the first fixed actuating means which cooperate with the first wheel 26b of the first mobile 26 are arranged to create an alternating translational movement.
  • the first actuation means fixed comprise at least a first internal rack 44 with external toothing, arranged as close as possible to the central axis, the external toothing being positioned in the direction of the first mobile 26, and a second external rack 45 with internal toothing, arranged as far from the central axis, the internal teeth being positioned in the direction of the first mobile 26.
  • the internal 44 and external 45 racks are concentric with the drive element 3 and fixedly mounted on a frame, that is here the fitting circle 22, in the periphery of the drive element 3 so as to be positioned on either side of the first mobile 26.
  • the internal 44 and external 45 racks are distributed alternately around the periphery of the fitting circle 22 so that their respective external and internal teeth alternately cooperate with the first wheel 26b of the first mobile 26 when the driving element rotates around the central axis so as to rotate the gear train in one direction and then in the other, so that the decorative element 2 approaches and alternately moves away from the driving element 3 in a translational movement along its own axis 16.
  • the toothing of the first wheel 26b is calculated so that at the end of the engagement with a rack, the first wheel 26b is in a good position for the engagement with the next rack.
  • a spring 48 arranged to rest on the first mobile 26 in order to brake it slightly permanently and thus avoid any sloshing due to the gear play.
  • the ratios of the three wheels 26, 28, 30 are chosen to multiply the angle of rotation effected by the first mobile 26. These ratios depend on the value of the axial travel of the decorative element 2 desired as well as on the length of the racks. .
  • the decorative element 2 comprises a body consisting of two elements, the body 2a in itself, as well as a head 2b.
  • the body 2a is driven by the reciprocating translational movement along its own axis and by the oscillatory rotational movement around its own axis, in the same way as the one-piece body 2a of the variant of figures 11 and 12 .
  • Identical elements are represented with the same references.
  • the head 2b comprises a platform 70 on which the body 2a is mounted to rotate freely, said platform 70 being inserted between the body 2a and the axis 16 of the decorative element, so that the platform 70 rests on the axis 16, still integral with the body 2a.
  • the head 2b also comprises an axis 72 parallel to the axis 16 and slidably mounted in an opening provided respectively in the movable dial 4, the drive ring 6 and the rotor bridge 10.
  • the tube 72 and said opening are preferably of circular shape, so as to prevent the rotation of the head 2b around the axis 72.
  • the head 2b is fixed in rotation relative to the body 2a, giving the impression that the body 2a is articulated relative to the head 2b when said body 2a is driven by the oscillatory rotational movement around its own axis.
  • the head 2b is only driven by the single reciprocating translational movement with respect to the axis 16, in association with the body 2a.
  • the axis 16 When the body 2a is driven in the reciprocating translational movement along its own axis 16 as described above, the axis 16, during its ascent, presses on the platform 70 and pushes it upwards, at the same time. time that the body 2a.
  • the head 2b rises concomitantly with the body 2a.
  • the axis 16 integral with the body 2a brings down said body 2a who presses on the platform 70 and pushes it down.
  • the head 2b descends concomitantly with the body 2a.
  • the driving element 3 of the animation mechanism can be supplied with energy by at least one autonomous energy accumulator, such as a barrel, independent of the energy accumulator of the movement, its speed being regulated by a regulator.
  • the barrel is arranged to be kinematically connected to the mobile 24 of the finishing gear train and the regulator is kinematically connected to the finishing gear 25.
  • the animation mechanism of the invention can be set in motion and stopped by a control mechanism independent of the movement of the timepiece.
  • control mechanism comprises control means arranged to perform two functions, namely first control means arranged to exercise a first function consisting in starting (GO) and stopping (STOP) the mechanism. animation at the request of a user, and second control means arranged to perform a second function consisting in stopping the animation mechanism when the energy of the autonomous energy accumulator is too low to guarantee good speed and proper functioning of the animation mechanism, and that the remaining energy reaches a determined energy threshold.
  • first control means arranged to exercise a first function consisting in starting (GO) and stopping (STOP) the mechanism.
  • second control means arranged to perform a second function consisting in stopping the animation mechanism when the energy of the autonomous energy accumulator is too low to guarantee good speed and proper functioning of the animation mechanism, and that the remaining energy reaches a determined energy threshold.
  • This second function allows the animation mechanism to stop by itself even if the user has not given a STOP command.
  • the first control means of the control mechanism can comprise a push crown provided with a STOP & GO push button, a column wheel able to move between a STOP position of the stop mechanism. 'animation and a GO position for starting the animation mechanism, said column wheel cooperating on the one hand with an actuating rocker actuated by the push button and on the other hand with a first locking lever arranged to feel the STOP and GO positions of the column wheel and move between a blocked position of the regulator, for example by blocking the finishing gear 25 kinematically connected to the regulator, when the STOP position of the column wheel is sensed, and an operating position in which said finishing gear 25 is not blocked, and therefore the regulator is free, when the GO position of the column wheel is sensed.
  • the second control means of the control mechanism can comprise, as shown in the figures. figures 15 and 16 , a second locking rocker 80 arranged to move between an operating position (cf. Figure 15 ) in which the finishing gear 25 kinematically connected to the speed regulator is not blocked, so that the regulator is free, when the energy of the accumulator is greater than a determined threshold, and a blocked position of the regulator (cf. Figure 16 ), for example by blocking said finishing return 25, when the energy of the accumulator reaches said determined threshold.
  • a power reserve finger 82 mounted integrally on a power reserve display mobile 84 kinematically connected to the energy accumulator, said power reserve finger 82 being arranged to press on a pin 86 provided on the second locking latch 80, when the determined energy threshold is reached.
  • the power reserve finger 82 presses on the pin 86 the second blocking lever 80 rocks around its axis 88 in the blocking position to come and block the finishing gear 25 as shown in FIG. figure 16 .
  • the control mechanism is actuated by pressing the push-button in the GO position.
  • the driving element 3 is then rotated by means of the mobile 24 supplied by the energy accumulator and meshing with the driving ring 6.
  • the driving element 3 carries the decorative element 2 with it, the first drive means 26, 28, 30 which actuate the decorative element according to a translational movement along its own axis 16 and the first drive means 34 which actuate the decorative element according to a rotational movement around its own axis 16.
  • the first wheel 26b of the gear train on board the drive element 3 passes in front of one of the internal racks 44, the first wheel 26b rotates in one direction, causing the rotation of the first pinion 26a, then of the mobiles 28 and 30
  • the rotation of the last wheel 30b causes the translation of the axis 16 in one direction and therefore the translation of the decorative element 2 in the same direction, due to the screw-nut system and the square.
  • the probing by rolling or friction of the feeler element 34b on the profile of the cam 36 causes the oscillatory rotation of the decoration element 2 around its axis 16, so that the decoration element 2 is driven by a complex combined movement comprising a translational movement in one direction along its own axis 16, an oscillatory rotational movement along its own axis 16, while rotating about the central axis.
  • the first wheel 26b of the gear train on board the driving element 3 passes in front of one of the external racks 45, the first wheel 26b rotates in the other direction, causing the rotation of the first pinion 26a, then of the mobiles 28 and 30.
  • the rotation of the last wheel 30b causes the translation of the axis 16 in the other direction and therefore the translation of the decorative element 2 in this other direction, due to the screw-nut system and the square.
  • the probing by rolling or friction of the feeler element 34b on the profile of the cam 36 causes the oscillatory rotation of the decoration element 2 around its axis 16, so that the decoration element 2 is driven by a complex combined movement comprising a translational movement in the other direction along its own axis 16, an oscillatory rotational movement along its own axis 16, while rotating about the central axis.
  • the axis 16 is no longer driven in translation, and the decorative element 2 is driven by a movement handset comprising an oscillatory rotational movement along its own axis 16, while rotating about the central axis.
  • the decorative element 2 is driven by a complex combined movement comprising several upward and downward movements along its own axis 16 and a movement of oscillatory rotation along its own axis 16.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention se rapporte à un mécanisme d'animation d'un élément décoratif d'une pièce d'horlogerie. L'invention se rapporte également à une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un tel mécanisme d'animation.The invention relates to a mechanism for animating a decorative element of a timepiece. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such an animation mechanism.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

Un tel mécanisme d'animation et une telle pièce d'horlogerie sont décrits par exemple dans le brevet EP 2 880 498 de la déposante. L'élément décoratif est constitué d'un oiseau mécanique agencé pour que son corps effectue une rotation sur lui-même autour d'un axe perpendiculaire au cadran, tandis que la tête, la queue et les ailes effectuent des rotations autour d'axes non perpendiculaires.Such an animation mechanism and such a timepiece are described for example in the patent EP 2,880,498 of the applicant. The decorative element consists of a mechanical bird arranged so that its body rotates on itself around an axis perpendicular to the dial, while the head, tail and wings rotate around non-rotating axes. perpendicular.

Le mécanisme d'animation proposé dans le brevet EP 2 880 498 est prévu spécifiquement pour un élément décoratif ou automate de type oiseau installé sur un perchoir. D'autres mécanismes d'animation sont recherchés afin de pouvoir proposer une pièce d'horlogerie qui puisse mettre en œuvre des éléments décoratifs ou automates animés selon des mouvements complexes combinés, différents de ceux d'un oiseau sur un perchoir.The animation mechanism proposed in the patent EP 2,880,498 is designed specifically for a decorative element or bird-type automaton installed on a perch. Other animation mechanisms are being sought in order to be able to offer a timepiece that can implement decorative elements or automata animated according to complex combined movements, different from those of a bird on a perch.

Le document JPH0716192 propose un mécanisme d'animation d'un élément décoratif pour une horloge de table. L'élément décoratif est monté mobile en rotation et en translation respectivement autour et le long de son axe grâce à un système de came.The document JPH0716192 offers a mechanism for animating a decorative element for a table clock. The decorative element is mounted movable in rotation and in translation respectively around and along its axis by virtue of a cam system.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

A cet effet, l'invention se rapporte à un mécanisme d'animation d'un élément décoratif d'une pièce d'horlogerie.To this end, the invention relates to a mechanism for animating a decorative element of a timepiece.

Selon l'invention, ledit mécanisme d'animation comprend un élément entraineur circulaire agencé pour être mobile en rotation autour d'un axe central, ledit élément décoratif étant monté sur l'élément entraineur au moyen d'un axe solidaire dudit élément décoratif et parallèle à l'axe central, et des premiers moyens d'entrainement dudit élément décoratif selon un mouvement de rotation autour de son propre axe et selon un mouvement de translation le long de son propre axe, lesdits premiers moyens d'entrainement de l'élément décoratif étant embarqués sur l'élément entraineur circulaire et agencés pour coopérer avec des moyens d'actionnement fixes prévus dans la périphérie de l'élément entraineur circulaire de sorte que ledit élément décoratif tourne autour de son axe et se déplace le long de son axe tout en tournant autour de l'axe central. Selon l'invention, les premiers moyens d'entrainement de l'élément décoratif selon ledit mouvement de translation le long de son propre axe peuvent comprendre un train d'engrenage comprenant au moins un premier mobile agencé pour coopérer avec des premiers moyens d'actionnement fixes prévus dans la périphérie de l'élément entraineur, et un dernier mobile, ledit dernier mobile et l'axe de l'élément décoratif étant agencés pour former un système vis-écrou, l'axe de l'élément décoratif étant en outre agencé pour au moins avoir une rotation autour de lui-même limitée voire bloquée au moins lorsque le premier mobile coopère avec les premiers moyens d'actionnement fixes de sorte que la rotation du train d'engrenage entraine la translation de l'axe de l'élément décoratif.According to the invention, said animation mechanism comprises a circular driving element arranged to be movable in rotation about a central axis, said decorative element being mounted on the driving element by means of an axis integral with said decorative element and parallel to it. to the central axis, and first means for driving said decorative element according to a rotational movement around its own axis and according to a translational movement along its own axis, said first means for driving the decorative element being mounted on the element circular driver and arranged to cooperate with fixed actuating means provided in the periphery of the circular driver element so that said decorative element rotates about its axis and moves along its axis while rotating about the axis central. According to the invention, the first means for driving the decorative element according to said translational movement along its own axis can comprise a gear train comprising at least a first mobile arranged to cooperate with first actuating means. fixed provided in the periphery of the driving element, and a last mobile, said last mobile and the axis of the decorative element being arranged to form a screw-nut system, the axis of the decorative element being further arranged at least to have a rotation around itself limited or even blocked at least when the first mobile cooperates with the first fixed actuating means so that the rotation of the gear train causes the translation of the axis of the element decorative.

D'une manière avantageuse, les premiers moyens d'entrainement de l'élément décoratif selon un mouvement de rotation autour de son propre axe comprennent un palpeur radial solidaire au moins en rotation de l'axe de l'élément décoratif, l'axe de l'élément décoratif et le palpeur radial étant montés libres en rotation sur l'élément entraineur circulaire, ledit palpeur radial étant agencé pour coopérer avec des deuxièmes moyens d'actionnement fixes prévus dans la périphérie de l'élément entraineur et agencés pour modifier la distance entre le palpeur radial et l'axe central.Advantageously, the first means for driving the decorative element according to a rotational movement about its own axis comprise a radial feeler secured at least in rotation to the axis of the decorative element, the axis of the decorative element and the radial feeler being mounted to rotate freely on the circular driving element, said radial feeler being arranged to cooperate with second fixed actuating means provided in the periphery of the driving element and arranged to modify the distance between the radial probe and the central axis.

De préférence, le mécanisme d'animation de l'invention comprend les premiers moyens d'entrainement de l'élément décoratif selon un mouvement de translation le long de son propre axe et les premiers moyens d'entrainement de l'élément décoratif selon un mouvement de rotation autour de son propre axe, ainsi que les premiers et deuxièmes moyens d'actionnement fixes.Preferably, the animation mechanism of the invention comprises the first means for driving the decorative element according to a translational movement along its own axis and the first means for driving the decorative element in a rotational movement about its own axis, as well as the first and second fixed actuating means.

Le mécanisme d'animation de l'invention permet à un élément décoratif de pouvoir se déplacer selon différents mouvements combinés, créant ainsi une animation complexe.The animation mechanism of the invention allows a decorative element to be able to move in different combined movements, thus creating a complex animation.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres particularités et avantages ressortiront clairement de la description qui en est faite ci-après, à titre indicatif et nullement limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un mécanisme d'animation selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective du dessous du mécanisme d'animation selon l'invention;
  • la figure 3 est une vue partielle en perspective du mécanisme d'animation selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective du pont de rotor ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue en perspective de la couronne d'entrainement ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue en perspective du rotor ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue de dessus du cercle d'emboitage, des crémaillères internes à denture extérieure et des crémaillères externes à denture intérieure ;
  • la figure 8 est une vue de dessus du mécanisme d'animation de l'invention;
  • la figure 9 est une vue en coupe du premier mobile engrenant avec une crémaillère interne à denture extérieure ;
  • la figure 10 est une vue en coupe du mécanisme d'animation selon une variante de l'invention ;
  • la figure 11 est une vue en coupe du mécanisme d'animation selon une autre variante de l'invention, l'élément décoratif étant en position basse;
  • la figure 12 est une vue en coupe du mécanisme d'animation selon la variante de la figure 11, l'élément décoratif étant en position haute;
  • la figure 13 est une vue de dessous de l'élément entraineur;
  • la figure 14 est une vue en coupe du galet mobile ;
  • la figure 15 est une vue des seconds moyens de commande du mécanisme de commande du mécanisme d'animation en position de fonctionnement ; et
  • la figure 16 est une vue des seconds moyens de commande du mécanisme de commande du mécanisme d'animation en position de blocage du régulateur.
Other features and advantages will emerge clearly from the description which is given below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view of an animation mechanism according to the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a perspective view from below of the animation mechanism according to the invention;
  • the figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the animation mechanism according to the invention;
  • the figure 4 is a perspective view of the rotor bridge;
  • the figure 5 is a perspective view of the drive crown;
  • the figure 6 is a perspective view of the rotor;
  • the figure 7 is a top view of the casing circle, internal racks with external teeth and external racks with internal teeth;
  • the figure 8 is a top view of the animation mechanism of the invention;
  • the figure 9 is a sectional view of the first mobile unit meshing with an internal rack with external teeth;
  • the figure 10 is a sectional view of the animation mechanism according to a variant of the invention;
  • the figure 11 is a sectional view of the animation mechanism according to another variant of the invention, the decorative element being in the low position;
  • the figure 12 is a sectional view of the animation mechanism according to the variant of the figure 11 , the decorative element being in the high position;
  • the figure 13 is a bottom view of the trainer element;
  • the figure 14 is a sectional view of the movable roller;
  • the figure 15 is a view of the second control means of the control mechanism of the animation mechanism in the operating position; and
  • the figure 16 is a view of the second control means of the control mechanism of the animation mechanism in the blocked position of the regulator.

Description détaillée des modes de réalisation préférésDetailed description of the preferred embodiments

En référence à la figure 1, le mécanisme d'animation 1 d'un élément décoratif 2 d'une pièce d'horlogerie comprend un élément entraineur circulaire 3, agencé pour porter ledit élément décoratif 2. Dans l'exemple représenté ici, l'élément entraineur circulaire 3 est dimensionné pour correspondre au cadran de la pièce d'horlogerie. Il est bien évident que, dans une autre variante non représentée, l'élément entraineur circulaire pourrait être dimensionné pour n'occuper qu'une partie du cadran de la pièce d'horlogerie. Dans la variante représentée, l'élément entraineur circulaire 3 est évidé en son centre pour être de forme annulaire. De ce fait, on utilisera dans la suite de la présente description indifféremment l'expression « élément entraineur circulaire » ou « élément entraineur annulaire », pour désigner la pièce de référence 3.With reference to the figure 1 , the animation mechanism 1 of a decorative element 2 of a timepiece comprises a circular driving element 3, arranged to carry said decorative element 2. In the example shown here, the circular driving element 3 is dimensioned to match the dial of the timepiece. It is obvious that, in another variant not shown, the circular drive element could be sized to occupy only part of the dial of the timepiece. In the variant shown, the circular drive element 3 is hollowed out at its center to be annular in shape. Therefore, in the remainder of the present description, the expression “circular drive element” or “annular drive element” will be used interchangeably to denote the reference part 3.

D'une manière avantageuse, l'élément entraineur circulaire 3 comprend un cadran mobile 4, une couronne d'entrainement 6, ainsi qu'un rotor 8 et un pont de rotor 10, de forme annulaire, comme le montrent plus particulièrement les figures 4 à 6. Le rotor 8, le pont de rotor 10, la couronne d'entrainement 6 et le cadran mobile 4 sont superposés et sont montés solidaires les uns aux autres. La couronne d'entrainement 6 est disposée entre le cadran mobile 4 et le pont de rotor 10. En outre, comme le montrent les figures 2, 3 et 9, l'élément entraineur circulaire 3 comprend un pont d'automate 11 assemblé sous le pont de rotor 10, le pont de rotor 10 et le pont d'automate 11 étant agencés pour embarquer l'élément décoratif 2 ainsi que ses moyens d'entrainement en rotation autour de son propre axe et en translation le long de son propre axe, appelés premiers moyens d'entrainement, comme cela sera décrit ci-après. Le pont d'automate 11 est fixé sous le pont de rotor et a une forme concentrique au rotor 8, afin de pouvoir être au plus près des moyens d'actionnement fixes prévus sur le bâti dans la périphérie de l'élément entraineur 3, comme cela sera décrit ci-après.Advantageously, the circular drive element 3 comprises a movable dial 4, a drive ring 6, as well as a rotor 8 and a rotor bridge 10, of annular shape, as shown more particularly by figures 4 to 6 . The rotor 8, the rotor bridge 10, the driving ring 6 and the mobile dial 4 are superimposed and are mounted in solidarity with each other. The drive ring 6 is disposed between the movable dial 4 and the rotor bridge 10. In addition, as shown in the figures. figures 2 , 3 and 9 , the circular driving element 3 comprises an automaton bridge 11 assembled under the rotor bridge 10, the rotor bridge 10 and the automaton bridge 11 being arranged to carry the decorative element 2 as well as its driving means in rotation around its own axis and in translation along its own axis, called first drive means, as will be described below. The automaton bridge 11 is fixed under the rotor bridge and has a shape concentric with the rotor 8, in order to be able to be as close as possible to the fixed actuation means provided on the frame in the periphery of the drive element 3, as this will be described below.

Dans la variante ici représentée, la couronne d'entrainement 6 présente une denture intérieure 12 disposée sur son bord périphérique intérieur, dont le rôle sera décrit ci-après.In the variant shown here, the drive ring 6 has internal teeth 12 arranged on its internal peripheral edge, the role of which will be described below.

Le centre évidé de l'élément entraineur annulaire 3 est rempli par un cadran fixe 14 (cf. figure 9), solidaire du bâti, et traversé par l'axe de l'aiguillage (non représenté), permettant d'afficher les heures et les minutes. Le cadran fixe 14 peut porter des éléments de décoration fixes 15, positionnés entièrement sur le cadran fixe 14 ou de manière à être partiellement au-dessus de l'élément entraineur annulaire 3.The hollowed out center of the annular driving element 3 is filled by a fixed dial 14 (cf. figure 9 ), integral with the frame, and crossed by the axis of the hand (not shown), making it possible to display the hours and minutes. The fixed dial 14 can bear fixed decorative elements 15, positioned entirely on the fixed dial 14 or so as to be partially above the annular driving element 3.

Conformément à l'invention, l'élément entraineur circulaire 3 est agencé pour être mobile en rotation autour de son axe qui est perpendiculaire au plan défini par l'élément entraineur circulaire, ledit axe étant appelé axe central. L'axe central est de préférence parallèle à l'axe de l'aiguillage et il peut être différent de l'axe de la boite de la pièce d'horlogerie. A cet effet, l'élément entraineur circulaire 3 est monté pivoté sur le bâti de la pièce d'horlogerie.According to the invention, the circular driving element 3 is arranged to be movable in rotation about its axis which is perpendicular to the plane defined by the circular driving element, said axis being called the central axis. The central axis is preferably parallel to the axis of the switch and it may be different from the axis of the case of the timepiece. For this purpose, the circular drive element 3 is pivotally mounted on the frame of the timepiece.

De préférence, l'élément entraineur circulaire 3 est maintenu radialement sur le bâti par au moins deux galets montés le bâti, l'un des galets étant fixe, l'autre galet étant mobile. Dans le présent exemple, et en référence aux figures 13 et 14, il est prévu trois galets 50, 52, positionnés à l'intérieur de l'élément entraineur annulaire 3 à environ 120°, deux galets 50 étant fixes et le troisième galet 52 étant mobile. Les deux galets fixes 50 sont montés pivotants sur une goupille 54 fixée sur la planche 46, au contact du rotor 8. Le troisième galet mobile 52 est monté pivotant, autour d'un axe 55, sur un support 56 de galet mobile. Ledit support 56 de galet mobile est lui-même monté pivotant sur la planche 46, autour d'un axe 57, permettant au galet mobile 52 de pouvoir venir au contact du rotor 8. Un ressort 58 de galet mobile est monté sur le bâti, son extrémité libre reposant sur un appui 60 prévu sur le support 56 de galet mobile. Le galet mobile 52 permet de rattraper les jeux de montage de l'élément entraineur annulaire 3, annulant tout ballottement radial et garantissant un rendement optimum.Preferably, the circular drive element 3 is held radially on the frame by at least two rollers mounted on the frame, one of the rollers being fixed, the other roller being mobile. In the present example, and with reference to figures 13 and 14 , three rollers 50, 52 are provided, positioned inside the annular drive element 3 at approximately 120 °, two rollers 50 being fixed and the third roller 52 being movable. The two fixed rollers 50 are pivotally mounted on a pin 54 fixed to the board 46, in contact with the rotor 8. The third movable roller 52 is pivotally mounted, about an axis 55, on a support 56 of the movable roller. Said movable roller support 56 is itself mounted to pivot on the board 46, around an axis 57, allowing the movable roller 52 to come into contact with the rotor 8. A spring 58 of the movable roller is mounted on the frame, its free end resting on a support 60 provided on the mobile roller support 56. The movable roller 52 makes it possible to take up the assembly play of the annular drive element 3, canceling any radial sloshing and guaranteeing optimum performance.

L'élément entraineur circulaire 3 est agencé pour coopérer avec des moyens d'entrainement en rotation (appelés deuxièmes moyens d'entrainement) autour de l'axe central.The circular drive element 3 is arranged to cooperate with drive means in rotation (called second drive means) around the central axis.

Avantageusement, lesdits deuxièmes moyens d'entrainement en rotation de l'élément entraineur circulaire 3 autour de l'axe central sont agencés pour coopérer avec la couronne d'entrainement 6. Plus précisément, les deuxièmes moyens d'entrainement en rotation de l'élément entraineur circulaire 3 autour de l'axe central comprennent un mobile 24 d'un rouage de finissage coopérant avec un barillet (non représenté), source d'énergie pour alimenter le mécanisme d'animation. Ledit mobile 24 est disposé de préférence sur le bâti à proximité du bord périphérique intérieur de la couronne d'entrainement 6 de manière à pouvoir engrener avec la denture intérieure 12 et entrainer en rotation la couronne d'entrainement 6, et ainsi l'ensemble des premiers moyens d'entrainement de l'élément entraineur annulaire 3. Il est également prévu un renvoi de finissage 25 coopérant avec un régulateur de vitesse (non représenté). Ledit renvoi de finissage 25 est disposé sur le bâti de préférence à proximité du bord périphérique intérieur de la couronne d'entrainement 6 de manière à pouvoir engrener avec la denture intérieure 12 et réguler la vitesse de rotation de la couronne d'entrainement 6, et ainsi de l'ensemble des éléments de l'élément entraineur annulaire 3. Il est bien évident qu'il est également possible de prévoir un train d'engrenage principal allant du barillet au régulateur de vitesse et un train d'engrenage secondaire allant du train principal au mécanisme d'animation.Advantageously, said second means for driving the circular drive element 3 in rotation around the central axis are arranged to cooperate with the drive ring 6. More precisely, the second means for driving the element in rotation. circular drive 3 around the central axis comprise a mobile 24 of a finishing gear cooperating with a barrel (not shown), a source of energy for supplying the animation mechanism. Said mobile 24 is preferably disposed on the frame near the inner peripheral edge of the drive ring 6 so as to be able to mesh with the inner toothing 12 and drive the drive ring 6 in rotation, and thus all of the first drive means of the annular drive element 3. There is also provided a finishing gear 25 cooperating with a speed regulator (not shown). Said finishing reference 25 is arranged on the frame preferably close to the inner peripheral edge of the drive ring 6 so as to be able to mesh with the inner toothing 12 and regulate the speed of rotation of the drive ring 6, and thus all of the elements of the annular drive element 3 It is obvious that it is also possible to provide a main gear train going from the barrel to the speed regulator and a secondary gear train going from the main gear to the animation mechanism.

L'élément décoratif 2 est un objet tridimensionnel, et comprend au moins un corps 2a monté sur l'élément entraineur 3 au moyen d'un axe 16 solidaire dudit élément décoratif 2. Plus spécifiquement, l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2 est monté libre autour d'un tube 17 coaxial à l'axe 16 et monté sur le pont d'automate 11 de l'élément entraineur 3 parallèlement à l'axe central. L'axe 16 est donc déporté et parallèle à l'axe central. L'axe 16 est donc perpendiculaire au plan défini par l'élément entraineur 3. Le corps 2a de l'élément décoratif est disposé de manière à être au-dessus du cadran mobile 4, côté utilisateur. Le cadran mobile 4, la couronne d'entrainement 6 et le pont de rotor 10 comportent respectivement une ouverture agencée pour laisser passer l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2.The decorative element 2 is a three-dimensional object, and comprises at least one body 2a mounted on the driving element 3 by means of an axis 16 secured to said decorative element 2. More specifically, the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 is freely mounted around a tube 17 coaxial with the axis 16 and mounted on the automaton bridge 11 of the drive element 3 parallel to the central axis. The axis 16 is therefore offset and parallel to the central axis. The axis 16 is therefore perpendicular to the plane defined by the driving element 3. The body 2a of the decorative element is arranged so as to be above the mobile dial 4, on the user side. The mobile dial 4, the drive ring 6 and the rotor bridge 10 respectively comprise an opening arranged to allow the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 to pass.

L'élément décoratif 2 peut représenter tout type de personnage, une fleur, une pierre, un animal, tel qu'un poisson.The decorative element 2 can represent any type of character, a flower, a stone, an animal, such as a fish.

Dans la variante représentée sur les figures 11 et 12, l'élément décoratif 2 comprend un corps 2a monobloc.In the variant shown on figures 11 and 12 , the decorative element 2 comprises a one-piece body 2a.

Dans l'exemple de l'invention, l'élément décoratif 2 est monté mobile en rotation autour de son propre axe 16 et mobile en translation le long de son propre axe 16, tout en étant mobile en rotation autour de l'axe central.In the example of the invention, the decorative element 2 is mounted to be movable in rotation about its own axis 16 and movable in translation along its own axis 16, while being movable in rotation about the central axis.

A cet effet, l'élément décoratif 2 est entrainé en rotation autour de son axe 16 et en translation le long de son axe 16 par des premiers moyens d'entrainement en rotation autour de son propre axe 16 et en translation le long de son propre axe 16, lesdits premiers moyens d'entrainement en translation et en rotation de l'élément décoratif 2 par rapport à son propre axe 16 étant embarqués sur l'élément entraineur circulaire 3 et agencés pour coopérer avec des moyens d'actionnement fixes prévus dans la périphérie de l'élément entraineur circulaire 3 de sorte que ledit élément décoratif 2 tourne autour de son axe 16 et se déplace le long de son axe 16 tout en tournant autour de l'axe central.To this end, the decorative element 2 is driven in rotation about its axis 16 and in translation along its axis 16 by first drive means in rotation about its own axis 16 and in translation along its own axis 16, said first drive means in translation and in rotation of the decorative element 2 with respect to its own axis 16 being carried on the circular driving element 3 and arranged to cooperate with fixed actuating means provided in the periphery of the circular driving element 3 so that said decorative element 2 rotates around its axis 16 and moves around it. along its axis 16 while rotating around the central axis.

D'une manière avantageuse, les premiers moyens d'entrainement de l'élément décoratif 2 selon un mouvement de translation le long de son propre axe 16 comprennent un train d'engrenage comprenant, dans l'exemple représenté, trois mobiles, à savoir un premier mobile 26 comprenant un premier pignon 26a et une première roue 26b agencée pour coopérer avec des premiers moyens d'actionnement fixes, tels qu'au moins une crémaillère à denture extérieure et une crémaillère à denture intérieure comme cela sera décrit ci-après, prévus dans la périphérie de l'élément entraineur 3, un mobile intermédiaire 28 comprenant un pignon intermédiaire 28a engrenant avec le premier pignon 26a et une roue intermédiaire 28b, et un dernier mobile 30 comprenant un dernier pignon 30a engrenant avec la roue intermédiaire 28b et une dernière roue 30b agencée pour coopérer avec l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2. Ces trois mobiles 26, 28, 30 sont montés pivotants sur l'élément entraineur circulaire 3, selon des axes parallèles à l'axe central et à l'axe 16. Plus spécifiquement, les trois mobiles 26, 28, 30 sont montés entre le pont d'automate 11 et le pont de rotor 10, de manière à être embarqués sur l'élément entraineur circulaire 3.Advantageously, the first means for driving the decorative element 2 according to a translational movement along its own axis 16 comprise a gear train comprising, in the example shown, three moving parts, namely a first mobile 26 comprising a first pinion 26a and a first wheel 26b arranged to cooperate with first fixed actuating means, such as at least one rack with external teeth and one rack with internal teeth as will be described below, provided in the periphery of the drive element 3, an intermediate mobile 28 comprising an intermediate pinion 28a meshing with the first pinion 26a and an intermediate wheel 28b, and a last mobile 30 comprising a last pinion 30a meshing with the intermediate wheel 28b and a last wheel 30b arranged to cooperate with the axis 16 of the decorative element 2. These three wheels 26, 28, 30 are pivotally mounted on the circular drive element 3, along axes pa parallel to the central axis and to the axis 16. More specifically, the three mobiles 26, 28, 30 are mounted between the automaton bridge 11 and the rotor bridge 10, so as to be on board on the drive element circular 3.

D'une manière avantageuse, le dernier mobile 30 et l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2 sont agencés pour former un système vis-écrou. A cet effet, l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2 présente une zone filetée 32 externe, par exemple à profil rectangulaire, et la dernière roue 30b du dernier mobile 30 présente un taraudage interne correspondant à la zone filetée 32, également à profil rectangulaire, ledit dernier mobile 30 étant monté autour de la zone filetée 32 de l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2.Advantageously, the last mobile 30 and the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 are arranged to form a screw-nut system. To this end, the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 has an external threaded zone 32, for example with a rectangular profile, and the last wheel 30b of the last mobile 30 has an internal thread corresponding to the threaded zone 32, also with a profile. rectangular, said last mobile 30 being mounted around the threaded zone 32 of the axis 16 of the decorative element 2.

En outre, l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2 est agencé pour avoir une rotation autour de lui-même limitée voire bloquée au moins lorsque le premier mobile 26 coopère avec les premiers moyens d'actionnement fixes de sorte que la rotation du train d'engrenage entraine la translation de l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2. On utilise par exemple un montage avec un carré, créant un mécanisme de glissière, comme cela sera décrit ci-dessous. L'utilisation du système vis-écrou et d'un carré permet de transformer un mouvement de rotation en un mouvement de translation selon lequel l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2 se déplace le long de son axe 16 pendant que ledit élément décoratif 2 tourne autour de l'axe central.In addition, the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 is arranged to have a rotation around itself limited or even blocked at least when the first mobile 26 cooperates with the first fixed actuating means so that the rotation of the train gear drives the translation of the axis 16 of the decorative element 2. For example, an assembly with a square is used, creating a slide mechanism, as will be described below. The use of the screw-nut system and of a square makes it possible to transform a rotational movement into a translational movement according to which the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 moves along its axis 16 while said decorative element 2 rotates around the central axis.

Les premiers moyens d'entrainement de l'élément décoratif 2 selon un mouvement de rotation autour de son propre axe 16 comprennent un palpeur radial 34 solidaire au moins en rotation de l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2, et comprenant un support de palpeur 34a d'axe parallèle à l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2 et un élément palpeur 34b monté à l'extrémité d'un bras 34c faisant saillie radialement de la base du support de palpeur 34a. L'élément palpeur 34b peut être par exemple un rubis chassé sur un axe 34d fixé à l'extrémité du bras 34c.The first means for driving the decorative element 2 in a rotational movement around its own axis 16 comprise a radial feeler 34 integral at least in rotation with the axis 16 of the decorative element 2, and comprising a support for feeler 34a with an axis parallel to the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 and a feeler element 34b mounted at the end of an arm 34c projecting radially from the base of the feeler support 34a. The feeler element 34b may for example be a ruby driven out on a pin 34d fixed to the end of the arm 34c.

Le support de palpeur 34a est monté sur l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif au moyen d'un carré créant le mécanisme de glissière, de sorte que le palpeur radial 34 est solidaire en rotation de l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2 mais pas en translation, pour permettre la rotation de l'élément décoratif 2 autour de son propre axe 16 tout en autorisant la translation dudit élément décoratif 2 le long de son propre axe 16, comme déjà décrit ci-dessus.The sensor support 34a is mounted on the axis 16 of the decorative element by means of a square creating the slide mechanism, so that the radial sensor 34 is rotatably fixed to the axis 16 of the decorative element. 2 but not in translation, to allow the rotation of the decorative element 2 around its own axis 16 while allowing the translation of said decorative element 2 along its own axis 16, as already described above.

La base du support de palpeur 34a du palpeur radial 34 est disposée autour de la dernière roue 30b du dernier mobile 30 de sorte que le palpeur radial 34 et l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2 sont montés libres en rotation sur l'élément entraineur 3, autour du tube 17.The base of the probe support 34a of the radial probe 34 is arranged around the last wheel 30b of the last mobile 30 so that the radial probe 34 and the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 are mounted to rotate freely on the element. trainer 3, around tube 17.

L'élément palpeur 34b du palpeur radial 34 est agencé pour coopérer avec des deuxièmes moyens d'actionnement fixes prévus dans la périphérie de l'élément entraineur 3 et agencés pour modifier la distance entre lesdits deuxièmes moyens d'actionnement fixes et l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif obligeant le bras 34c à se déplacer en pivotant et ainsi faire tourner le palpeur radial 34 et l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2.The feeler element 34b of the radial feeler 34 is arranged to cooperate with second fixed actuation means provided in the periphery of the drive element 3 and arranged to modify the distance between said second fixed actuation means and the axis 16 of the decorative element forcing the arm 34c to move by pivoting and thus rotate the radial sensor 34 and the axis 16 of the decorative element 2.

D'une manière avantageuse, et en référence aux figures 7 et 8, les deuxièmes moyens d'actionnement fixes comprennent une came 36 concentrique à l'élément entraineur 3 et montée fixe sur le bâti. De préférence, la came 36 est intégrée à un cercle d'emboitage 22 à l'intérieur duquel le mouvement d'horlogerie comprenant le mécanisme d'animation de l'invention sera positionné.Advantageously, and with reference to figures 7 and 8 , the second fixed actuating means comprise a cam 36 concentric with the drive element 3 and mounted fixed on the frame. Preferably, the cam 36 is integrated into a casing circle 22 inside which the clockwork movement comprising the animation mechanism of the invention will be positioned.

De préférence, ladite came 36 présente un profil ondulé agencé pour coopérer avec l'élément palpeur 34b du palpeur radial 34 de manière à rapprocher puis éloigner le point de contact de l'élément palpeur 34b du centre de la came 36 et ainsi créer un mouvement de rotation oscillatoire.Preferably, said cam 36 has a corrugated profile arranged to cooperate with the feeler element 34b of the radial feeler 34 so as to bring closer and then move away the point of contact of the feeler element 34b from the center of the cam 36 and thus create a movement of oscillatory rotation.

En outre, comme le montrent les figures 2 et 8, il est prévu, sur le pont de rotor 10, un ressort de palpeur radial 38 coopérant avec une bascule intermédiaire 40 agencée pour maintenir l'élément palpeur 34b constamment au contact du profil de la came 36. A cet effet, la bascule intermédiaire 40 présente à son extrémité libre un bec 42 agencé pour appuyer sur le bras 34c du palpeur radial 34.In addition, as shown in the figures 2 and 8 , there is provided, on the rotor bridge 10, a radial feeler spring 38 cooperating with an intermediate lever 40 arranged to keep the feeler element 34b constantly in contact with the profile of the cam 36. For this purpose, the intermediate lever 40 has at its free end a spout 42 arranged to press on the arm 34c of the radial feeler 34.

Dans une autre variante de l'invention où l'élément de décoration n'est animé que du seul mouvement de rotation autour de son axe, le palpeur radial et l'axe de l'élément décoratif peuvent être solidaires ou monobloc.In another variant of the invention where the decorative element is driven only by the single movement of rotation about its axis, the radial feeler and the axis of the decorative element can be integral or in one piece.

D'une manière avantageuse, les premiers moyens d'actionnement fixes qui coopèrent avec la première roue 26b du premier mobile 26 sont agencés pour créer un mouvement de translation alternatif. De préférence, et en référence aux figures 7 et 9, les premiers moyens d'actionnement fixes comprennent au moins une première crémaillère interne 44 à denture extérieure, disposée au plus près de l'axe central, la denture extérieure étant positionnée en direction du premier mobile 26, et une deuxième crémaillère externe 45 à denture intérieure, disposée au plus loin de l'axe central, la denture intérieure étant positionnée en direction du premier mobile 26. Les crémaillères internes 44 et externes 45 sont concentriques à l'élément entraineur 3 et montées fixes sur un bâti, soit ici le cercle d'emboitage 22, dans la périphérie de l'élément entraineur 3 de manière à être positionnées de part et d'autre du premier mobile 26.Advantageously, the first fixed actuating means which cooperate with the first wheel 26b of the first mobile 26 are arranged to create an alternating translational movement. Preferably, and with reference to figures 7 and 9 , the first actuation means fixed comprise at least a first internal rack 44 with external toothing, arranged as close as possible to the central axis, the external toothing being positioned in the direction of the first mobile 26, and a second external rack 45 with internal toothing, arranged as far from the central axis, the internal teeth being positioned in the direction of the first mobile 26. The internal 44 and external 45 racks are concentric with the drive element 3 and fixedly mounted on a frame, that is here the fitting circle 22, in the periphery of the drive element 3 so as to be positioned on either side of the first mobile 26.

Les crémaillères internes 44 et externes 45 sont réparties alternativement sur le pourtour du cercle d'emboitage 22 pour que leur denture respective extérieure et intérieure coopère alternativement avec la première roue 26b du premier mobile 26 lorsque l'élément entraineur tourne autour de l'axe central de manière à faire tourner le train d'engrenage dans un sens puis dans l'autre, de sorte que l'élément décoratif 2 se rapproche et s'écarte alternativement de l'élément entraineur 3 selon un mouvement de translation le long de son propre axe 16.The internal 44 and external 45 racks are distributed alternately around the periphery of the fitting circle 22 so that their respective external and internal teeth alternately cooperate with the first wheel 26b of the first mobile 26 when the driving element rotates around the central axis so as to rotate the gear train in one direction and then in the other, so that the decorative element 2 approaches and alternately moves away from the driving element 3 in a translational movement along its own axis 16.

L'utilisation du système vis-écrou et d'un carré permet de transformer un mouvement de rotation alternatif en un mouvement de translation alternatif selon lequel l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif 2 monte jusqu'à une position haute comme le montre la figure 12 ou descend jusqu'à une position basse comme le montre la figure 11, pendant que ledit élément décoratif 2 tourne autour de l'axe central.The use of the screw-nut system and of a square makes it possible to transform an alternating rotational movement into an alternating translational movement according to which the axis 16 of the decorative element 2 rises to a high position as shown in the figure. figure 12 or goes down to a low position as shown in figure 11 , while said decorative element 2 rotates around the central axis.

La denture de la première roue 26b est calculée de sorte qu'à la fin de l'engrènement avec une crémaillère, la première roue 26b se trouve dans une bonne position pour l'engrènement avec la crémaillère suivante.The toothing of the first wheel 26b is calculated so that at the end of the engagement with a rack, the first wheel 26b is in a good position for the engagement with the next rack.

En outre, comme représenté sur les figures 2 et 9, il est prévu un ressort 48 agencé pour s'appuyer sur le premier mobile 26 afin de le freiner légèrement en permanence et ainsi éviter tout ballotement dû aux jeux d'engrenage.In addition, as shown in the figures 2 and 9 , there is provided a spring 48 arranged to rest on the first mobile 26 in order to brake it slightly permanently and thus avoid any sloshing due to the gear play.

Les rapports des trois mobiles 26, 28, 30 sont choisis pour multiplier l'angle de rotation effectué par le premier mobile 26. Ces rapports dépendent de la valeur de la course axiale de l'élément décoratif 2 désirée ainsi que de la longueur des crémaillères.The ratios of the three wheels 26, 28, 30 are chosen to multiply the angle of rotation effected by the first mobile 26. These ratios depend on the value of the axial travel of the decorative element 2 desired as well as on the length of the racks. .

Dans la variante représentée sur les figures 3 et 10, l'élément décoratif 2 comprend un corps constitué de deux éléments, le corps 2a en lui-même, ainsi qu'une tête 2b. Le corps 2a est animé du mouvement de translation alternatif le long de son propre axe et du mouvement de rotation oscillatoire autour de son propre axe, de la même manière que le corps 2a monobloc de la variante des figures 11 et 12. Les éléments identiques sont représentés avec les mêmes références. Dans cette variante, la tête 2b comprend une plate-forme 70 sur laquelle le corps 2a est monté libre en rotation, ladite plate-forme 70 étant insérée entre le corps 2a et l'axe 16 de l'élément décoratif, de sorte que la plate-forme 70 repose sur l'axe 16, toujours solidaire du corps 2a.In the variant shown on figures 3 and 10 , the decorative element 2 comprises a body consisting of two elements, the body 2a in itself, as well as a head 2b. The body 2a is driven by the reciprocating translational movement along its own axis and by the oscillatory rotational movement around its own axis, in the same way as the one-piece body 2a of the variant of figures 11 and 12 . Identical elements are represented with the same references. In this variant, the head 2b comprises a platform 70 on which the body 2a is mounted to rotate freely, said platform 70 being inserted between the body 2a and the axis 16 of the decorative element, so that the platform 70 rests on the axis 16, still integral with the body 2a.

La tête 2b comprend également un axe 72 parallèle à l'axe 16 et monté coulissant dans une ouverture prévue respectivement dans le cadran mobile 4, la couronne d'entrainement 6 et le pont de rotor 10. Le tube 72 et ladite ouverture sont préférence de forme circulaire, de manière à empêcher la rotation de la tête 2b autour de l'axe 72. Ainsi, la tête 2b est fixe en rotation par rapport au corps 2a, donnant l'impression que le corps 2a est articulé par rapport à la tête 2b lorsque ledit corps 2a est animé du mouvement de rotation oscillatoire autour de son propre axe.The head 2b also comprises an axis 72 parallel to the axis 16 and slidably mounted in an opening provided respectively in the movable dial 4, the drive ring 6 and the rotor bridge 10. The tube 72 and said opening are preferably of circular shape, so as to prevent the rotation of the head 2b around the axis 72. Thus, the head 2b is fixed in rotation relative to the body 2a, giving the impression that the body 2a is articulated relative to the head 2b when said body 2a is driven by the oscillatory rotational movement around its own axis.

La tête 2b n'est animée que du seul mouvement de translation alternatif par rapport à l'axe 16, en association avec le corps 2a. Lorsque le corps 2a est animé du mouvement de translation alternatif le long de son propre axe 16 comme décrit ci-dessus, l'axe 16, lors de sa montée, appuie sur la plate-forme 70 et la pousse vers le haut, en même temps que le corps 2a. La tête 2b monte concomitamment avec le corps 2a. Lors de sa descente, l'axe 16 solidaire du corps 2a ramène vers le bas ledit corps 2a qui appuie sur la plate-forme 70 et la pousse vers le bas. Ainsi, la tête 2b descend concomitamment avec le corps 2a.The head 2b is only driven by the single reciprocating translational movement with respect to the axis 16, in association with the body 2a. When the body 2a is driven in the reciprocating translational movement along its own axis 16 as described above, the axis 16, during its ascent, presses on the platform 70 and pushes it upwards, at the same time. time that the body 2a. The head 2b rises concomitantly with the body 2a. During its descent, the axis 16 integral with the body 2a brings down said body 2a who presses on the platform 70 and pushes it down. Thus, the head 2b descends concomitantly with the body 2a.

L'élément entraineur 3 du mécanisme d'animation peut être alimenté en énergie par au moins un accumulateur d'énergie autonome, tel qu'un barillet, indépendant de l'accumulateur d'énergie du mouvement, sa vitesse étant régulée par un régulateur. Le barillet est agencé pour être relié cinématiquement au mobile 24 du rouage de finissage et le régulateur est relié cinématiquement au renvoi de finissage 25.The driving element 3 of the animation mechanism can be supplied with energy by at least one autonomous energy accumulator, such as a barrel, independent of the energy accumulator of the movement, its speed being regulated by a regulator. The barrel is arranged to be kinematically connected to the mobile 24 of the finishing gear train and the regulator is kinematically connected to the finishing gear 25.

Avantageusement, le mécanisme d'animation de l'invention peut être mis en mouvement et arrêté par un mécanisme de commande indépendant du mouvement de la pièce d'horlogerie.Advantageously, the animation mechanism of the invention can be set in motion and stopped by a control mechanism independent of the movement of the timepiece.

D'une manière avantageuse, un tel mécanisme de commande comprend des moyens de commande agencés pour exercer deux fonctions, à savoir des premiers moyens de commande agencés pour exercer une première fonction consistant à mettre en marche (GO) et arrêter (STOP) le mécanisme d'animation à la demande d'un utilisateur, et des seconds moyens de commande agencés pour exercer une seconde fonction consistant à arrêter le mécanisme d'animation lorsque l'énergie de l'accumulateur d'énergie autonome est trop faible pour garantir une bonne vitesse et un bon fonctionnement du mécanisme d'animation, et que l'énergie restante atteint un seuil d'énergie déterminé. Cette seconde fonction permet au mécanisme d'animation de s'arrêter tout seul même si l'utilisateur n'a pas donné d'ordre STOP.Advantageously, such a control mechanism comprises control means arranged to perform two functions, namely first control means arranged to exercise a first function consisting in starting (GO) and stopping (STOP) the mechanism. animation at the request of a user, and second control means arranged to perform a second function consisting in stopping the animation mechanism when the energy of the autonomous energy accumulator is too low to guarantee good speed and proper functioning of the animation mechanism, and that the remaining energy reaches a determined energy threshold. This second function allows the animation mechanism to stop by itself even if the user has not given a STOP command.

Pour exercer la première fonction STOP & GO, les premiers moyens de commande du mécanisme de commande peuvent comprendre une couronne poussoir pourvue d'un bouton poussoir STOP & GO, une roue à colonnes apte à évoluer entre une position STOP d'arrêt du mécanisme d'animation et une position GO de mise en marche du mécanisme d'animation, ladite roue à colonnes coopérant d'une part avec une bascule d'actionnement actionnée par le bouton poussoir et d'autre part avec une première bascule de blocage agencée pour palper les positions STOP et GO de la roue à colonnes et évoluer entre une position de blocage du régulateur, en bloquant par exemple le renvoi de finissage 25 relié cinématiquement au régulateur, lorsque la position STOP de la roue à colonnes est palpée, et une position de fonctionnement dans laquelle ledit renvoi de finissage 25 n'est pas bloqué, et donc le régulateur est libre, lorsque la position GO de la roue à colonnes est palpée.To perform the first STOP & GO function, the first control means of the control mechanism can comprise a push crown provided with a STOP & GO push button, a column wheel able to move between a STOP position of the stop mechanism. 'animation and a GO position for starting the animation mechanism, said column wheel cooperating on the one hand with an actuating rocker actuated by the push button and on the other hand with a first locking lever arranged to feel the STOP and GO positions of the column wheel and move between a blocked position of the regulator, for example by blocking the finishing gear 25 kinematically connected to the regulator, when the STOP position of the column wheel is sensed, and an operating position in which said finishing gear 25 is not blocked, and therefore the regulator is free, when the GO position of the column wheel is sensed.

Pour exercer la seconde fonction d'arrêt lorsque l'énergie du barillet devient insuffisante, les seconds moyens de commande du mécanisme de commande peuvent comprendre, comme représenté sur les figures 15 et 16, une seconde bascule de blocage 80 agencée pour évoluer entre une position de fonctionnement (cf. Figure 15) dans laquelle le renvoi de finissage 25 relié cinématiquement au régulateur de vitesse n'est pas bloqué, de sorte que le régulateur est libre, lorsque l'énergie de l'accumulateur est supérieure à un seuil déterminé, et une position de blocage du régulateur (cf. Figure 16), en bloquant par exemple ledit renvoi de finissage 25, lorsque l'énergie de l'accumulateur atteint ledit seuil déterminé. A cet effet, il est prévu un doigt de réserve de marche 82 monté solidaire sur un mobile d'affichage de réserve de marche 84 relié cinématiquement à l'accumulateur d'énergie, ledit doigt de réserve de marche 82 étant agencé pour appuyer sur une goupille 86 prévue sur la seconde bascule de blocage 80, lorsque le seuil déterminé d'énergie est atteint. Lorsque le doigt de réserve de marche 82 appuie sur la goupille 86, la seconde bascule de blocage 80 bascule autour de son axe 88 en position de blocage pour venir bloquer le renvoi de finissage 25 comme montré sur la figure 16. Quand l'accumulateur d'énergie est remonté, et que l'énergie de l'accumulateur redevient supérieure au seuil déterminé, le doigt de réserve de marche 82 entrainé par le mobile de réserve de marche 84 s'écarte de la goupille 86 de sorte que la seconde bascule de blocage 80 s'éloigne du renvoi de finissage 25 pour retrouver sa position de fonctionnement comme montré sur la figure 15. Il est prévu un ressort 90 dont l'extrémité libre coopère avec une goupille 92 prévue sur la seconde bascule de blocage 80 pour faire basculer ladite seconde bascule de blocage 80 et la ramener en position de fonctionnement lorsque le doigt de réserve de marche 82 n'appuie plus sur la goupille 86. Un tel mécanisme de commande permet au mécanisme d'animation de redémarrer sans délai dès que l'utilisateur commence à remonter l'accumulateur d'énergie dans le cas où le bouton poussoir est en position GO.To perform the second stop function when the energy of the barrel becomes insufficient, the second control means of the control mechanism can comprise, as shown in the figures. figures 15 and 16 , a second locking rocker 80 arranged to move between an operating position (cf. Figure 15 ) in which the finishing gear 25 kinematically connected to the speed regulator is not blocked, so that the regulator is free, when the energy of the accumulator is greater than a determined threshold, and a blocked position of the regulator (cf. Figure 16 ), for example by blocking said finishing return 25, when the energy of the accumulator reaches said determined threshold. For this purpose, there is provided a power reserve finger 82 mounted integrally on a power reserve display mobile 84 kinematically connected to the energy accumulator, said power reserve finger 82 being arranged to press on a pin 86 provided on the second locking latch 80, when the determined energy threshold is reached. When the power reserve finger 82 presses on the pin 86, the second blocking lever 80 rocks around its axis 88 in the blocking position to come and block the finishing gear 25 as shown in FIG. figure 16 . When the energy accumulator is reassembled, and the energy of the accumulator again becomes greater than the determined threshold, the power reserve finger 82 driven by the power reserve mobile 84 moves away from the pin 86 so that the second locking lever 80 moves away from the finishing gear 25 to return to its operating position as shown in the figure figure 15 . A spring 90 is provided the free end of which cooperates with a pin 92 provided on the second locking lever 80 to tilt said second locking lever 80 and bring it back to the operating position when the power reserve finger 82 no longer presses on the pin 86 Such a control mechanism allows the animation mechanism to restart without delay as soon as the user begins to wind up the energy accumulator in the event that the push button is in the GO position.

Pour faire fonctionner le mécanisme d'animation selon l'invention, le mécanisme de commande est actionné par appui sur le bouton-poussoir en position GO. L'élément entraineur 3 est alors mis en rotation par l'intermédiaire du mobile 24 alimenté par l'accumulateur d'énergie et engrenant avec la couronne d'entrainement 6. L'élément entraineur 3 embarque avec lui l'élément décoratif 2, les premiers moyens d'entrainement 26, 28, 30 qui actionnent l'élément décoratif selon un mouvement de translation le long de son propre axe 16 et les premiers moyens d'entrainement 34 qui actionnent l'élément décoratif selon un mouvement de rotation autour de son propre axe 16.To operate the animation mechanism according to the invention, the control mechanism is actuated by pressing the push-button in the GO position. The driving element 3 is then rotated by means of the mobile 24 supplied by the energy accumulator and meshing with the driving ring 6. The driving element 3 carries the decorative element 2 with it, the first drive means 26, 28, 30 which actuate the decorative element according to a translational movement along its own axis 16 and the first drive means 34 which actuate the decorative element according to a rotational movement around its own axis 16.

Lorsque la première roue 26b du train d'engrenage embarqué sur l'élément entraineur 3 passe devant l'une des crémaillères internes 44, la première roue 26b tourne dans un sens, entrainant la rotation du premier pignon 26a, puis des mobiles 28 et 30. La rotation de la dernière roue 30b entraine la translation de l'axe 16 dans une direction et donc la translation de l'élément décoratif 2 dans la même direction, du fait du système vis-écrou et du carré. En même temps, le palpage par roulement ou frottement de l'élément palpeur 34b sur le profil de la came 36 entraine la rotation oscillatoire de l'élément de décoration 2 autour de son axe 16, de sorte que l'élément de décoration 2 est animé d'un mouvement combiné complexe comprenant un mouvement de translation dans une direction le long de son propre axe 16, un mouvement de rotation oscillatoire le long de son propre axe 16, tout en tournant autour de l'axe central.When the first wheel 26b of the gear train on board the drive element 3 passes in front of one of the internal racks 44, the first wheel 26b rotates in one direction, causing the rotation of the first pinion 26a, then of the mobiles 28 and 30 The rotation of the last wheel 30b causes the translation of the axis 16 in one direction and therefore the translation of the decorative element 2 in the same direction, due to the screw-nut system and the square. At the same time, the probing by rolling or friction of the feeler element 34b on the profile of the cam 36 causes the oscillatory rotation of the decoration element 2 around its axis 16, so that the decoration element 2 is driven by a complex combined movement comprising a translational movement in one direction along its own axis 16, an oscillatory rotational movement along its own axis 16, while rotating about the central axis.

Lorsque la première roue 26b du train d'engrenage embarqué sur l'élément entraineur 3 passe devant l'une des crémaillères externes 45, la première roue 26b tourne dans l'autre sens, entrainant la rotation du premier pignon 26a, puis des mobiles 28 et 30. La rotation de la dernière roue 30b entraine la translation de l'axe 16 dans l'autre direction et donc la translation de l'élément décoratif 2 dans cette autre direction, du fait du système vis-écrou et du carré. Toujours en même temps, le palpage par roulement ou frottement de l'élément palpeur 34b sur le profil de la came 36 entraine la rotation oscillatoire de l'élément de décoration 2 autour de son axe 16, de sorte que l'élément de décoration 2 est animé d'un mouvement combiné complexe comprenant un mouvement de translation dans l'autre direction le long de son propre axe 16, un mouvement de rotation oscillatoire le long de son propre axe 16, tout en tournant autour de l'axe central.When the first wheel 26b of the gear train on board the driving element 3 passes in front of one of the external racks 45, the first wheel 26b rotates in the other direction, causing the rotation of the first pinion 26a, then of the mobiles 28 and 30. The rotation of the last wheel 30b causes the translation of the axis 16 in the other direction and therefore the translation of the decorative element 2 in this other direction, due to the screw-nut system and the square. Still at the same time, the probing by rolling or friction of the feeler element 34b on the profile of the cam 36 causes the oscillatory rotation of the decoration element 2 around its axis 16, so that the decoration element 2 is driven by a complex combined movement comprising a translational movement in the other direction along its own axis 16, an oscillatory rotational movement along its own axis 16, while rotating about the central axis.

Lorsque la première roue 26b du train d'engrenage embarqué sur l'élément entraineur 3 ne rencontre aucune crémaillère 44, 45, l'axe 16 n'est plus entrainé en translation, et l'élément de décoration 2 est animé d'un mouvement combiné comprenant un mouvement de rotation oscillatoire le long de son propre axe 16, tout en tournant autour de l'axe central.When the first wheel 26b of the gear train on board the drive element 3 does not meet any rack 44, 45, the axis 16 is no longer driven in translation, and the decorative element 2 is driven by a movement handset comprising an oscillatory rotational movement along its own axis 16, while rotating about the central axis.

Ainsi pour un tour autour de l'axe central avec l'élément entraineur 3, l'élément de décoration 2 est animé d'un mouvement combiné complexe comprenant plusieurs mouvements de montée et de descente le long de son propre axe 16 et un mouvement de rotation oscillatoire le long de son propre axe 16.Thus for a turn around the central axis with the driving element 3, the decorative element 2 is driven by a complex combined movement comprising several upward and downward movements along its own axis 16 and a movement of oscillatory rotation along its own axis 16.

Claims (15)

  1. Moving mechanism for a decorative element (2) of a timepiece, said moving mechanism including a circular drive element (3) arranged to be rotatable about a central axis, said decorative element (2) being mounted on the drive element (3) by means of an arbor (16) integral with said decorative element and parallel to the central axis, and first means for driving said decorative element (2) in a rotational motion about its own arbor (16) and in a translational motion along its own arbor (16), said first drive means for the decorative element (2) being mounted on the circular drive element (3) and arranged to cooperate with fixed actuation means (44, 45) arranged in the periphery of the circular drive element (3) such that said decorative element (2) rotates about its arbor (16) and moves along its arbor (16) while rotating about the central axis, in which the first means for driving the decorative element (2) in said translational motion along its own arbor (16) include a gear train comprising at least a first wheel set (26) arranged to cooperate with first fixed actuation means arranged in the periphery of the drive element (3), and a last wheel set (30), said last wheel set (30) and the arbor (16) of the decorative element (2) being arranged to form a screw/nut system, the arbor (16) of the decorative element (2) being further arranged to have limited rotation about itself at least when the first wheel set (26) cooperates with the first fixed actuation means, such that rotation of the gear train causes translation of the arbor (16) of the decorative element (2).
  2. Moving mechanism according to the previous claim, characterized in that the first means for driving decorative element (2) in a rotational motion about its own arbor (16) include a radial feeler (34) integral, at least in rotation, with the arbor (16) of the decorative element (2), the arbor (16) of the decorative element (2) and the radial feeler (34) being mounted for free rotation on the drive element (3), said radial feeler (34) being arranged to cooperate with second fixed actuation means provided in the periphery of the drive element (3) and arranged to modify the distance between said second fixed actuation means and the arbor (16) of the decorative element (2).
  3. Moving mechanism according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the mechanism includes the first means for driving the decorative element (2) in a translational motion along its own arbor (16) and the first means for driving the decorative element (2) in a rotational motion about its own arbor (16), the radial feeler (34) being disposed around the last wheel set (30) and being integral in rotation with the arbor (16) of the decorative element (2) by means of a square to allow rotation of the decorative element (2) about its own arbor (16) while allowing translation of said decorative element (2) along its own arbor (16), and the first and second fixed actuation means.
  4. Moving mechanism according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the arbor (16) of the decorative element (2) has an externally threaded area (32) and the last wheel set (30) has a corresponding internal thread and is mounted around said externally threaded area (32) of the arbor (16) of the decorative element (2).
  5. Moving mechanism according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the first fixed actuation means are arranged to create an alternating translational motion.
  6. Moving mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that the first fixed actuation means include at least a first inner rack (44) with external teeth and a second outer rack (45) with internal teeth, said racks being concentric to the drive element (3) and fixedly mounted on a frame in the periphery of the drive element (3) on either side of the first wheel set (26), said first inner rack (44) and second outer rack (45) being distributed alternately in order for their respective toothings to cooperate alternately with the first wheel set (26), such that the decorative element (2) moves along its arbor (16) alternately moving closer to and away from the drive element (3).
  7. Moving mechanism according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the second fixed actuation means include a cam (36) concentric to the drive element (3) and fixedly mounted on a frame, said cam (36) having a wavy profile arranged to cooperate with the radial feeler (34) to create an oscillating rotational motion.
  8. Moving mechanism according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the drive element (3) is hollow at the centre thereof to be annular in shape and includes a drive crown (6).
  9. Moving mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that the mechanism includes second means for driving the circular drive element (3) in rotation about the central axis arranged to cooperate with drive crown (6).
  10. Moving mechanism according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the circular drive element (3) is held radially on the frame by at least two runners (50, 52) mounted on a frame, one of the runners being fixed and the other runner being mobile.
  11. Timepiece including a moving mechanism for a decorative element (2) of a timepiece according to one of the previous claims.
  12. Timepiece according to claim 11, characterized in that the timepiece includes at least one energy accumulator for supplying the moving mechanism with energy, a governor for the moving mechanism, and a control mechanism for the moving mechanism, said control mechanism including first control means for starting and stopping the moving mechanism on demand by a user, and second control means arranged to stop the moving mechanism when the energy remaining in the energy accumulator reaches a determined energy threshold.
  13. Timepiece according to claim 12, characterized in that the first control means of the control mechanism comprise a push button, a column wheel cooperating with said push button to move between a STOP position for stopping the moving mechanism and a GO position for starting the moving mechanism, and a first locking lever arranged to feel the STOP position and the GO position of the column wheel and to move between a governor locking position when the STOP position of the column wheel is detected, and an operating position in which said governor is free when the GO position of the column wheel is detected.
  14. Timepiece according to one of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that the second control means of the control mechanism include a second locking lever (80) arranged to move between an operating position in which governor is free, when the energy in the accumulator is higher than a determined threshold, and a governor locking position when the energy in the accumulator reaches said determined threshold.
  15. Timepiece according to claim 14, characterized in that the timepiece includes a power reserve finger (82) integrally mounted on a power reserve display wheel set (84) kinematically connected to the energy accumulator, said power reserve finger (82) being arranged to press on the second locking lever (80) when the determined energy threshold is reached and to move said locking lever (80) into its governor locking position.
EP18169954.7A 2018-04-27 2018-04-27 Mechanism for animating a decorative element of a timepiece Active EP3561610B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18169954.7A EP3561610B1 (en) 2018-04-27 2018-04-27 Mechanism for animating a decorative element of a timepiece
JP2019065798A JP6828078B2 (en) 2018-04-27 2019-03-29 Movement mechanism for decorative elements of the timekeeper
US16/377,945 US11604437B2 (en) 2018-04-27 2019-04-08 Moving mechanism for a decorative element of a timepiece
CN201910343704.1A CN110412857B (en) 2018-04-27 2019-04-26 Movement mechanism for a decorative element of a timepiece

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18169954.7A EP3561610B1 (en) 2018-04-27 2018-04-27 Mechanism for animating a decorative element of a timepiece

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3561610A1 EP3561610A1 (en) 2019-10-30
EP3561610B1 true EP3561610B1 (en) 2021-08-04

Family

ID=62089686

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18169954.7A Active EP3561610B1 (en) 2018-04-27 2018-04-27 Mechanism for animating a decorative element of a timepiece

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US11604437B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3561610B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6828078B2 (en)
CN (1) CN110412857B (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3779606B1 (en) * 2019-08-15 2023-05-17 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Self-winding watch

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS57156883A (en) 1981-03-23 1982-09-28 Asahi Chem Ind Co Ltd Manufacture of partial explosion press-contact cladding
JPS6225734Y2 (en) * 1981-03-27 1987-07-01
CH676074GA3 (en) * 1989-02-21 1990-12-14 Indicator for analogue watch - includes small minute pointer which moves as satellite around hours dial indicating hour of day
US5359578A (en) * 1992-06-01 1994-10-25 Stefano Truini Timepiece for geometrically synchronized time indications
JPH0716192A (en) 1993-07-02 1995-01-20 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Upright type electric vacuum cleaner
JPH0716192U (en) * 1993-08-25 1995-03-17 株式会社精工舎 Rotating decoration drive
JPH1033835A (en) * 1996-07-18 1998-02-10 Rhythm Watch Co Ltd Rotary decoration device
JPH10197661A (en) 1997-01-10 1998-07-31 Off Yamaguchi:Kk Analog watch without hand
CH695797A5 (en) * 2004-04-15 2006-08-31 Montres Breguet Sa Watch, has two tourbillons mounted on common rotating support, and connected by respective trains to differential gear that averages speed of carrier and output wheel in revolution speed of plate
WO2005111742A1 (en) 2004-04-15 2005-11-24 Montres Breguet Sa Watch comprising at least two tourbillons
KR101234581B1 (en) * 2012-06-26 2013-02-22 김태현 Clock having gear for observation
CH706771B1 (en) 2012-07-31 2019-07-15 Montres Jaquet Droz S A Wristwatch equipped with a animated character or three-dimensional animal above the dial.
CH712268B1 (en) 2016-03-16 2020-12-30 Creaditive Ag Clock with decorative elements.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US11604437B2 (en) 2023-03-14
US20190332063A1 (en) 2019-10-31
EP3561610A1 (en) 2019-10-30
JP2019191165A (en) 2019-10-31
CN110412857A (en) 2019-11-05
JP6828078B2 (en) 2021-02-10
CN110412857B (en) 2021-03-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2166419B1 (en) Clockwork comprising a constant-force device
EP1770452A1 (en) Detent escapement for timepieces
EP2602672B1 (en) Column wheel and chronograph mechanism comprising such a wheel
EP2073076A1 (en) Alarm clock control mechanism
EP3193216B1 (en) Timepiece mechanism with a tourbillon
EP3561611B1 (en) Mechanism for animating a decorative element of a timepiece
EP3561610B1 (en) Mechanism for animating a decorative element of a timepiece
EP1445668A1 (en) Oscillating weight
EP2697693B1 (en) Timepiece movement
CH707181A2 (en) Clockwork device for use in clockwork movement of e.g. wristwatch, has control unit kinematically connected to jumping wheel and arranged to start action in minute jumping display mechanism at instants corresponding to jumps
WO2008090041A1 (en) Hour indicating ringing mechanism
CH714938A2 (en) Animation mechanism of a decorative element of a timepiece.
EP2602675B1 (en) Timepiece movement comprising a chronograph mechanism with column wheel
CH710320A2 (en) Timepiece comprising a source of mechanical energy and a control member.
EP1857890B1 (en) Device for triggering a pulse
EP2112564B1 (en) Clutch device
CH691086A5 (en) clockwork perpetual calendar.
EP3599517B1 (en) Timepiece retrograde tourbillon or karussel
EP3185090B1 (en) Device for counting and displaying a fraction of a time unit
EP2802945A1 (en) Clockwork movement indicating mechanism that acts in response to a request for information
EP0871095B1 (en) Display device with jumping seconds
CH714939A2 (en) Animation mechanism of a decorative element of a timepiece.
EP3258324A1 (en) Animation mechanism
EP4383014A1 (en) Clock device for transforming a first movement into a second movement
EP4383013A1 (en) Clock device for transforming a first rotation into a second rotation

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20200430

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20210503

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1417599

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210815

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602018021040

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20210804

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1417599

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210804

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20211206

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20211104

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20211104

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20211105

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602018021040

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20220506

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20220430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220427

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220427

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230531

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230321

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20230502

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20180427

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210804

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240320

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240320

Year of fee payment: 7