EP4006651B1 - Mechanism for displaying phases of the moon - Google Patents

Mechanism for displaying phases of the moon Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP4006651B1
EP4006651B1 EP21206648.4A EP21206648A EP4006651B1 EP 4006651 B1 EP4006651 B1 EP 4006651B1 EP 21206648 A EP21206648 A EP 21206648A EP 4006651 B1 EP4006651 B1 EP 4006651B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wheel
pinion
moon
display
moonphase
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
EP21206648.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4006651A1 (en
Inventor
Gilles Rey-Mermet
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.)
Manufacture dHorlogerie Audemars Piguet SA
Original Assignee
Manufacture dHorlogerie Audemars Piguet 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 Manufacture dHorlogerie Audemars Piguet SA filed Critical Manufacture dHorlogerie Audemars Piguet SA
Publication of EP4006651A1 publication Critical patent/EP4006651A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4006651B1 publication Critical patent/EP4006651B1/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
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/26—Clocks or watches with indicators for tides, for the phases of the moon, or the like
    • G04B19/268—Clocks or watches with indicators for tides, for the phases of the moon, or the like with indicators for the phases of the moon

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a moon phase display mechanism for a timepiece, comprising a first mobile having a nocturnal background and at least one portion of lunar background and a second mobile superimposed on the first mobile, said second mobile presenting a background night and moon phase profiles.
  • the present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a display mechanism.
  • the moon phase display mechanism comprises a first moon disk comprising two light-colored circles symbolizing the moon, inscribed on a dark background symbolizing the night sky.
  • the dial includes an aperture which can be used, in cooperation with the moon disc, to indicate the moon phases by concave-shaped symbols.
  • this second disk is arranged to function as a concealment disk cooperating with the first moon disk and possibly with the aperture to obscure the circles symbolizing the moon so as to indicate the moon phases in particular by shape symbols convex.
  • the moon disk is rotated to turn 180° per lunar period so that the user follows the daily evolution of the different moon phases from the new moon appearing to the left of the aperture to the last crescent appearing on the right of the wicket, during a lunation, in a way classic.
  • a program wheel is provided to advance the moon disk each day and to rotate the occultation disk only at the time of a change of moon phase so as to obscure differently one of the moons represented on the disk moon. Then the concealment disk remains stationary until its next rotation.
  • This mechanism makes it possible to obtain, on a timepiece, a display of the moon phases which corresponds to a real appearance of the phases of the moon during the entire duration of the lunation by displaying all the phases of waxing and waning of the moon. part visible on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon.
  • the configuration of the windows does not make it possible to give the terminator of the different moon phases displayed a realistic appearance.
  • a moon phase display mechanism is also described in the publication EP 1 701 227 . It may include two superimposed disks carrying n images representative of the different phases of the moon and a drive mechanism arranged so as to scroll successively and in periodic jumps of 44 hours and 15 minutes said n images.
  • Said drive mechanism comprises a jumper arranged to cooperate with pins carried by each disc, said discs also comprising fingers arranged so as to be able to cooperate with one another during the rotation of the discs, the finger carried by the disc driven with each jump of the saltire pushing the other finger.
  • the disks complete a complete cycle in sixteen jumps, each having a period of 44 hours and 15 minutes, so that a complete revolution is completed approximately in one lunar month.
  • the displayed moon phase image remains fixed throughout its display period, with the moon phase image changing by jumping every 44 hours and 15 minutes.
  • the patent EP 0 107 177 describes a timepiece with moon phase indicator, comprising two indicator members, superimposed and parallel to the movement, arranged and moving relative to each other at different speeds so that, respectively, the the lower organ comprising a shiny upper face and at least one dark-colored moon circle, appears partially through a moon window of the upper organ comprising a dark-colored upper face, in order to draw the figure of the moon according to of the quarter it occupies in relation to the time displayed by the time indicating organs, the full moon appearing successively after each period corresponding to the lunar month.
  • This mechanism requires a 360° moon phase display so its dimensions must be reduced so as not to clutter the dial.
  • the present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a new original display of moon phases for a mechanical timepiece, making it possible to display all the phases of growth and decay of the part visible on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon, with a realistic terminator, against a large sky background, behind a horizon independent of the moon profile displayed.
  • the invention relates to a mechanism for displaying n moon phases for a timepiece where n is preferably an odd integer greater than or equal to 3, comprising a first mobile provided with a first toothing and having a night background and at least a portion of lunar background and a second mobile provided with a second toothing and superimposed on the first mobile, said second mobile having a night background and moon phase profiles and the first and second mobiles being pivoted around of the same axis, said display mechanism being arranged so that the first mobile is capable of being driven in rotation at a constant speed, that the second mobile is capable of being driven in rotation at the same angular speed and in the same direction as the first mobile during a period of displaying a moon phase during which a portion of the lunar background of the first mobile and a moon phase profile of the second mobile corresponding to the moon phase to be displayed are superimposed to reveal said moon phase, and so that the second mobile is offset relative to the first mobile by a repositioning angle during a transitional period between the current display period and the next
  • the first mobile is arranged to be able to be driven by a motor train and to cooperate with a drive device, said drive device being arranged to drive the second mobile in a synchronized manner during the display period of a moon phase and to drive it in relative rotation in order to shift it from said repositioning angle during a transitional period.
  • the display mechanism according to the invention makes it possible to choose the phase profiles of the moon so as to be able to display, in a realistic manner, all the phases of growth and decay of the part visible on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon.
  • said display mechanism comprises a dial comprising a display window of dimensions chosen to reveal the movement of a moon phase during at least part of its display period. More specifically, the display window is of dimensions chosen to display at any time in said window at most one moon phase.
  • the display window of the dial has a substantially annular shape whose radial edges constitute a horizon line.
  • the first and second mobiles are able to rotate clockwise so as to represent the movement of a moon phase between its rising and its setting on the horizon.
  • the moon phase profiles appearing on the second mobile are revealed independently of the edges of the display aperture, so that the different moon phases appear to move against a sky background delimited by the edges of the aperture, the radial edges which can constitute a customizable horizon line.
  • the moon phase profiles of the second mobile have a profile defined by the terminator corresponding to a moon phase and the arc of the circle of the outer edge of the moon.
  • the edge of the moon phase profile corresponding to the terminator includes reliefs illustrating details of the moon.
  • the present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a moon phase display mechanism as defined above.
  • the present invention relates to a moon phase display mechanism for a timepiece as well as a timepiece, and more particularly a mechanical timepiece, comprising such a display mechanism.
  • such a timepiece 1 is shown, and more particularly a wristwatch comprising in particular a dial 2 and a set of hands 3, 4, 5 in the center of the dial 2, to indicate the time, in a traditional manner .
  • the moon phase display mechanism includes a dial, here constituted by dial 2 to indicate the hours of the watch.
  • This dial 2 presents a display window 6 which will be described in more detail below. It is obvious that the moon phase display dial can be different from the hour display dial, by being placed in a chosen area of said hour display dial of the watch.
  • the moon phase display mechanism comprises a first mobile 8 in the form of a disc with center C, comprising a board 8a and external teeth 8b.
  • the board 8a has a nocturnal background 10 and at least one portion of lunar background 12.
  • the nocturnal background 10 occupies the largest surface area of the board 8a, the remaining surface being occupied by the portion(s) of lunar background.
  • the nocturnal background 10 is a decoration representing the sky at night.
  • the first mobile 8 has x portions of lunar background 12, x being greater than or equal to 1 and less than n, said x portions of lunar background 12 being regularly distributed on the first mobile 8, separated from each other. others by the nocturnal background 10.
  • the lunar background portions are decorations representing a surface of the moon chosen to adapt to all the possible configurations corresponding to the different phases of the moon to be displayed.
  • the moon decoration can be reproduced by decal, printing, engraving or any other appropriate technique.
  • the moon phase display mechanism comprises a second mobile 14 in the form of a disc with center C', comprising a board 14a and external teeth 14b.
  • the board 14a has a nocturnal background 16 and an odd number n of moon phase profiles 18.
  • Said second mobile 14 is superimposed coaxially on the first mobile 8 along an axis passing through C and C', that is to say positioned above the first mobile 8, seen by a user looking at dial 2.
  • the night background 16 of the second mobile 14 is identical to the night background 10 of the first mobile 8, or at least similar in appearance, so that they merge when the night background 10 of the first mobile 8 appears in the profiles moon phase 18 of the second mobile 14 so as not to allow said moon phase profiles 18 to appear when they are not superimposed on a lunar background 12.
  • the moon phase profiles 18 represent the different phases of waxing and waning of the part visible on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon. More particularly, the moon phase profiles 18 are configured to be able to represent all the phases of growth and decay of the part visible on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon, for example by a concave shape for the first and last crescents, a D shape for the first quarter and an inverted D for the last quarter, a circular shape for the full moon and a convex shape for the waxing and waning gibbous moons.
  • the moon phase profiles 18 can be formed by openings made in the board 14a of the second mobile 14 comprising the nocturnal background 16. It is also possible to provide a second solid mobile 14, and for which at least the portions in which are shown, the moon phase profiles 18 are at least translucent, and preferably transparent. In particular, it is possible to create gradients in the transparency levels in order to give a spherical effect to the revealed moon.
  • at least said portions, and preferably the second mobile 14, can be made of sapphire or glass provided with a polarizing layer.
  • the nocturnal background 16 is formed by the deposition, around the moon phase profiles 18, of a thin layer applied or structured, preferably on the lower face of the board 14a of the second mobile 14, in order to minimize the effect of parallax between the first and second mobiles 8, 14.
  • the moon phase profiles 18 have a profile corresponding to the shape of the illuminated surface of the moon, defined by the terminator 18a corresponding to the different moon phases that it is desired to be able to display and an arc of circle 18b corresponding to the outer edge of the moon.
  • the edge of the moon phase profile corresponding to the terminator includes reliefs illustrating details of the moon. It is thus possible to form by cutting or drawing on the edge of the moon phase profile corresponding to the terminator details of craters or seas, in particular those which are made visible in the raking light of the sun.
  • the lunar bottom portions 12 provided on the first mobile 10 are in the form of circular sectors with an angle substantially equal to 360/n°, regularly distributed on the board 8a of the first mobile 8, separated from each other by the bottom night 10, while n circular sectors juxtaposed and regularly distributed on the board 14a of the second mobile 14, with an angle equal to 360/n°, are made available to represent the n moon phases to be displayed.
  • the n moon phase display mechanism is arranged so that said first and second mobiles 8, 14 are pivoted around the same axis, here the central axis, perpendicular to the first and second mobiles 8 and 14 passing through C and C'.
  • the first mobile 8 is able to be rotated by the movement, at a constant speed.
  • the mechanism is arranged so that the second mobile 14 is rotated at the same speed and in the same direction as the first mobile 8 during a period of display of a moon phase during which a lunar background portion 12 of the first mobile 8 and a moon phase profile 18 of the second mobile 14 corresponding to the moon phase to be displayed are superimposed to reveal said moon phase, and so that said second mobile 14 can be offset relative to the first mobile 8 by a repositioning angle during a transitional period between the current display period and the next display period in order to be able to reveal the next moon phase.
  • the moon describes a lunation cycle of 29.5 days in n stages of 29.5/n days during which the displayed moon phase obtained by conjunction of the second mobile 14 with the first mobile 8, does not change, but moves regularly with the night background.
  • the position of the moon phase displayed on the dial 2 indicates to the user the state of progression of the moon phase displayed (beginning, middle or end of the phase). Then, advantageously, the displayed moon phase disappears to reveal the next moon phase for 29.5/n days.
  • the display window 6 has dimensions chosen to reveal the movement of a moon phase during at least part of its display period. More particularly, the display window 6 is of dimensions chosen to display at any time in said window 6 at most one moon phase. In addition, the display window 6 is of dimensions chosen so that the remaining surface of the dial 2 masks the offset between the first and second mobiles 8, 14 during the transitional period.
  • the moon phase profiles 18 being independent of the display window 6 but also independent of each other, each of the moon phase profiles 18 can occupy the same circular sector surface of the board 14b of the second mobile 14. From this in fact, each of the moon profiles 18 appears with large dimensions in an enlarged display window compared to a standard moon phase display window.
  • the display window 6 has a substantially annular shape, coaxial with the first and second mobiles 8, 14, and whose radial edges 6a, 6b constitute a horizon line. At least one of the radial edges 6a, 6b of the display window 6 can have a shape chosen to represent for example the profile of a mountain 6c, a monument or a city on the horizon, customizable in depending on the wishes of the user or the place of purchase of the timepiece. This foreground consisting of a horizon line creates a contrast with the moon phase displayed in the sky, which gives the sensation of obtaining a large moon.
  • the first and second mobiles 8, 14 are capable of being able to rotate clockwise so as to represent the movement of a moon phase on the horizon between its rising in the east, to the left of the aperture window. display 6, and its setting to the west, to the right of display window 6.
  • the first mobile 8 is arranged to be able to be driven at a constant speed by a motor train (not shown) of the timepiece, and to cooperate with a drive device, said drive device being arranged to drive the second mobile 14 in a synchronized manner during the period of display of a moon phase and to drive it in relative rotation in order to shift it from said repositioning angle during a transitional period.
  • the moon phase profiles 18 of the second mobile 14 are positioned relative to each other as a function of the chosen direction of relative rotation of the second mobile 14 relative to the first mobile 8 so that the phase of next moon phase is displayed in place of the current moon phase when the second mobile 14 is driven in relative rotation with respect to the first mobile 8 by the drive device in said direction of rotation chosen during the transitional period.
  • the number x of lunar bottom portions 12 on the first mobile 8 may be equal to or greater than 1, said first and second mobile 8, 14 are arranged to be able to be offset relative to each other by said repositioning angle during the transitional period between the current moon phase display period and the next moon phase display period.
  • the shift between the two mobiles 8 and 14 occurs after the moon phase which was displayed hides under the horizon to the west, to reveal the following moon phase to the east .
  • the moon phase profiles 18 of the second mobile 14 are positioned relative to each other so that the repositioning angle is equal to 360/2n°.
  • the drive device comprises an energy accumulator arranged to be driven by the first mobile 8 which is itself driven by the motor train, and arranged to advance the second mobile 14 by jumping under the action of said energy accumulator during the transitional period.
  • Such a training device is for example represented on the figures 5 to 8 .
  • the drive device with energy accumulator 20 comprises three wheels superimposed coaxially along an axis parallel to the central axis, namely a first toothed wheel 22 arranged to be driven by the first mobile 8 by the intermediate of its external teeth 8b.
  • Said first wheel 22 is integral with a cam 24 which for example here has four sectors.
  • the drive device with energy accumulator 20 also comprises a second toothed wheel 26 arranged to also be driven by said first mobile 8 by its external teeth 8b, but at a greater speed than the first wheel 22.
  • said first and second wheel 22 and 26 have a different number of teeth.
  • Said second wheel 26 carries a pin or tenon 28 whose role is described below.
  • the drive device with energy accumulator 20 also comprises a third toothed wheel 30 arranged to drive the second mobile 14 by its external teeth 14b.
  • Said third wheel 30 comprises a groove 32 in which the pin or tenon 28 of the second wheel 26 engages, so that the angular freedom of the third wheel 30 relative to the second wheel 26 is limited by said groove 32 by an abutment effect of said groove 32 with the pin 28.
  • the third wheel 30 carries a jumper 34 pivotally mounted and provided with a jumper spring 36, said jumper 34 being arranged to cooperate with the cam 24 of the first wheel 22.
  • the jumper 34 can present at its free end a caster or roller 38 passing through the third wheel 30 through an opening 39 provided in the board of said third wheel 30, said caster 38 being arranged to cooperate with the profile of the cam 24.
  • the jumper 34 working in tension with the cam 24 makes it possible to make the third wheel 30 integral in rotation with the first wheel 22 for synchronized driving of the first and second mobiles 8, 14 as long as the pin 28 of the second wheel 26 is not abutting in the groove 32 of the third wheel 30.
  • the difference in speed between the first and second wheels 22, 26 creates an angular offset under the effect of the drive of the mobile 8 which meshes with the two wheels 22 and 26, so that the pin 28 of the second wheel 26 moves freely in the groove 32 of the third wheel 30.
  • Said pin 28 abutting in the groove 32 makes the third wheel 30 of the second wheel 26 integral in rotation, so that the jumper 34, forced to move on the profile of the cam 24, stores energy via its spring 36.
  • the profile of the cam 24 is chosen so that the wheel 38 of the jumper 34 is in a hollow bottom of said profile of the cam 24 during the synchronized driving phase of the two mobiles 8 and 14, until the pin 28 arrives in abutment in the groove 32.
  • this first variant of training device 20 is detailed below, with particular reference to the figures 5 , 9 , 9a to 12 , 12a , and in relation to a preferred embodiment of the moon phase display mechanism according to the invention.
  • the first mobile 8 comprises two lunar bottom portions 12 opposed symmetrically with respect to the central axis, as shown on the Figure 3 , and is able to be driven by the motor train (not shown) of the timepiece at a constant speed of n half-turns per lunation.
  • This rotation speed is obtained by means of, for example, a moon drive gear well known to those skilled in the art.
  • n is equal to 9, so that the first mobile 8 is arranged to be driven by the motor gear continuously in a clockwise direction at a constant speed of 9 half-turns per lunation.
  • the second mobile 14 comprises 9 moon phase profiles 18 which are arranged in the sequence, clockwise, first crescent a, waning moon b, waning gibbous moon c, waxing gibbous moon d, waxing moon e, last crescent f, last quarter g, full moon h, first quarter i, each occupying a circular sector of 40° (360/9), as shown in the Figure 5 .
  • the display window 6, of annular shape coaxial with the first and second mobiles 8, 14, extends over an angle of approximately 140°.
  • the drive device 20 is arranged to drive the second mobile 14 in a synchronized manner during the period of display of a moon phase, at the same speed as the first mobile 8, and to drive it in relative rotation, thanks to to the energy accumulator, in order to shift it by the necessary repositioning angle during a transitional period.
  • the second mobile 14 is shifted clockwise by a repositioning angle of 20° (360/2*9) during a transitional period between the display period of a phase of moon and the display period of the next moon phase, the display period of a moon phase being approximately 3.28 days (29.5/9).
  • the training device with its energy accumulator 20 is shown on the Figure 5 to the left of the first and second superimposed mobiles 8 and 14. It is obvious that it can be positioned at any other location on the periphery of said mobiles 8 and 14.
  • the first mobile 8 and the second mobile 14 are positioned so that the moon phase profile 18 of the second mobile 14 corresponding to the full moon h is superimposed on a lunar background portion 12 of the first mobile 8 so as to reveal the full moon, to the left of display window 6 (not shown in these figures), corresponding to the east.
  • the other moon phase profiles 18 which are in the display window 6 are superimposed on the night background 10 of the first mobile 8 so that they are not visible, the night background 10 of the first mobile 8 which appears through said moon phase profiles 18 merging with the nocturnal background 16 of the second mobile 14.
  • the other moon phase profiles 18, and in particular those through which the other portion of lunar background 12 appears on the other side of the central axis, are hidden under the display window 6. They are therefore not visible to the user.
  • the energy accumulator drive device 20 drives the first and second mobiles 8 and 14 at the same speed of 0.5 x 9 revolutions/29.5 days.
  • the third wheel 30 is integral in rotation with the first wheel 22 by the jumper 34, its caster 38 being held supported by the spring 36 in a hollow bottom of the profile of the cam 24.
  • the first mobile 8 driven by the motor cog of the basic movement at the constant speed of 0.5 x 9 revolutions/29.5 days drives the first wheel 22 of the drive device 20 via its external teeth 8b and therefore the third wheel 30 which meshes with the second mobile 14, so that this last rotates in synchronization with the first mobile 8, at the same speed of 0.5 x 9 revolutions/29.5 days and in the same direction.
  • the two mobiles 8 and 14 rotate together so that the full moon displayed in the display window 6 moves in said window 6, against a nocturnal background, consisting of the night background 10 of the first mobile 8 which appears through the moon phase profiles 18 which are presented in the aperture 6 and the night background 16 of the second mobile 14, in clockwise direction, from left to right (from east to the west), for 3.28 days (29.5/9).
  • the pin 28 of the second wheel 26, which rotates more quickly than the first and third wheels 22, 30, shifts without constraint in the groove 32 of the third wheel 30.
  • the full moon reaches the right of display window 6, i.e. the west and on the other side of the axis central, the other lunar background portion 12 is out of phase both in the moon phase profile d corresponding to the waxing gibbous moon and in the moon phase profile c corresponding to the waning gibbous moon, hidden under the left of said window 6, as shown in the figures 10, 10a .
  • the pin 28 is then abutting in the bottom of the groove 32.
  • the second wheel 26 still driven by the first mobile 8 and the third wheel 30 are joined in rotation.
  • the jumper 34 mounted on the third wheel 30 is therefore forced to come out of its bottom position in the profile of the cam 24.
  • the energy stored by said spring 36 is sufficient to allow the jump to be made by suddenly releasing the accumulated energy to cause an instantaneous relative rotation or very short of the second mobile 14 relative to the first mobile 8, and be in the position shown on the figures 12, 12a .
  • the first mobile 8 keeps a position almost identical to the previous position.
  • the third wheel 30 pivoted by 90° under the discharge of the spring 36 of the jumper 34. In its rotation, the third wheel 30 drove the second mobile 14 in rotation in the clockwise direction, the gears being dimensioned to drive a shift of one repositioning angle of 20° (360/2*9).
  • the moon phases are represented at different times of their display period in window 6, for example the figure 13a shows the full moon h at the start of its display period, the figure 13c shows the last quarter g in the middle of its display period, and the figure 13e shows the last crescent f at the end of its display period.
  • the other phase profiles of moon are represented in dotted lines for a better understanding of the invention, but in reality, they are not visible to a user, the nocturnal backgrounds 10 and 16 of the first and second mobiles 8, 14 merging, as explained below above.
  • the drive device comprises a driving mobile 40 mounted on the first mobile 8' which is driven by the motor cog, said driving mobile 40 comprising a drive wheel 42 arranged to cooperate with the second mobile 14', and a Maltese cross 44, said driving mobile 40 being arranged to be immobile in rotation relative to said first mobile 8' for the synchronized driving of the first and second mobile 8', 14' via the drive wheel 42 during the period d 'display, and to be driven in rotation relative to said first mobile 8' in order to instantly pivot the drive wheel 42 so that it drives the second mobile 14' in relative rotation from the repositioning angle during the transitional period.
  • the first mobile 8' comprises a nocturnal background 10' and two symmetrically opposed lunar background portions 12', in a manner similar to the embodiment previously described.
  • the first mobile 8' comprises on its outer periphery an internal toothing 46 arranged to cooperate with the motor gear (not shown) so as to drive the first mobile 8'. This configuration advantageously allows the motor cog to be positioned under the mechanism.
  • the first mobile 8' carries the driving mobile 40, which comprises the driving wheel 42 in the form of a toothed pinion, and the Maltese cross 44, integral with the driving wheel 42.
  • said driving mobile 40 rotates with the first mobile 8', like a satellite, around the center of the mechanism.
  • the driving mobile 40 is pivotally mounted, for example in a bearing 48 pierced in the board of the first mobile 8'.
  • the Maltese cross 44 is positioned under the board of the first mobile 8' so as to be able to cooperate with elements of the frame, as described below, and the drive wheel 42 is positioned above the board of the first mobile 8' so as to be able to cooperate with the second mobile 14'.
  • the second mobile 14' comprises a night background 16' and moon phase profiles 18' in a manner similar to the embodiment previously described.
  • the second mobile 14' is provided, on its inner periphery, with teeth 50 arranged to cooperate with the drive wheel 42.
  • first exterior cam profile 54 and a second interior cam profile 56 arranged coaxially at the centers C and C' of the first and second mobiles 8', 14', so that said first and second cam profiles 54, 56 cooperate with the edges of the Maltese cross 44, with the exception of two projecting sectors 54' arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis on the outer cam profile 54 and two sectors in hollow 56' arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis on the internal cam profile 56.
  • the projecting sectors 54' and recessed sectors 56' are dimensioned to allow the rotation of the Maltese cross 44.
  • the projecting sector 54 ' of the exterior cam profile 54 is substantially offset relative to the recessed sector 56' of the interior cam profile 56 facing each other, so that the projecting sector 54' still blocks the rotation of the Maltese cross 44 then that the hollow sector 56' opposite would authorize the rotation of said Maltese cross 44.
  • each rocker 58 is also provided, pivotally mounted under the frame around a shaft coaxial with the central axis.
  • each rocker 58 comprises an opening 60 of oblong shape arranged to be arranged around said shaft so that each rocker 58 is free to deviate from the central axis.
  • Each rocker 58 is in contact with a return spring 62 mounted under the frame.
  • Each rocker 58 has at its free end a tenon or a pin 64 directed towards the Maltese cross 44 and arranged to pass through the frame by "banana" grooves 66 pierced in said frame in the space between the two cam profiles 54 and 56, this in order to be able to be placed at the bottom of a groove of the Maltese Cross 44 when the rocker 58 which carries it deviates from the central axis.
  • the flip-flops 58 are arranged symmetrically one from the other relative to said central axis, the instantaneous jump of the Maltese cross taking place every 180° of rotation of the first mobile 8', as will be explained below.
  • the pin 64 can be fixed directly to the end of a arm of the return spring, the rocker being removed.
  • the spiral shape of the return spring allows an X and Y offset of the pin.
  • the moon phase profile 18' corresponding to the full moon is located towards the right of the display window (not shown) indicating the end of the display period of said full moon.
  • the second mobile 14' is integral in rotation with the first mobile 8' via the driving mobile 40.
  • the Maltese cross 44 is blocked in its orientation by the first profile of outer cam 54 and by the second inner cam profile 56 provided on the frame 52, as shown more specifically in figure 16b .
  • the first mobile 8' being driven in a clockwise direction by the motor train through its teeth 46, said first and second mobile wheels 8', 14' are driven in a synchronized manner, at the same speed and in the same direction, via the wheel 'drive 42 engaged with the teeth 50 of the second mobile 14' and secured to the Maltese cross 44 on board the first mobile 8'.
  • the moon phase therefore moves in the window from left to right, as described above for the first embodiment, the first and second mobiles 8', 14' approaching one of the rockers 58.
  • the return spring 62 is preloaded to position the rocker 58 and its pin 64 at the bottom of its banana groove 66.
  • the phase profile 18' of the second mobile 14' corresponding to the full moon has moved forward to find itself hidden under the aperture.
  • the Maltese cross 44 has moved forward with the first mobile 8' so that the return spring 62 and the pin 64 are in maximum extension.
  • the Maltese cross 44 is positioned at the level of the recessed sector 56' of the interior cam profile 56 so that it is no longer retained by said interior cam profile 56, but remains blocked in rotation on itself just barely. retained by the external cam profile 54, at the edge of its projecting sector 54', ready for jumping.
  • the Maltese cross 44 continues to advance with the first mobile 8' so that it is positioned at the level of the projecting sector 54' of the external cam profile 54, and is therefore free to pivot on it. -even. Under the effect of the spring 62 which suddenly discharges, the pin 64 rises towards its equilibrium position causing a rotation of the Maltese cross 44 on itself by 90° relative to the first mobile 8', as shown in the figures 19, 19a, and 19b . This rotation of the Maltese cross 44 pivots the drive wheel 42 secured to said Maltese cross 44, causing a relative rotation of the second mobile 14' in the clockwise direction by a repositioning angle of 20° via its teeth 50 .
  • the drive device can be a differential, comprising an input wheel meshing with the first mobile 8, an output wheel meshing with the second mobile 14, and a second input arranged to achieve the shift between mobiles 8 and 14 during a transitional period.
  • first and second mobiles can have other configurations than the examples given above, the number of portions of lunar background, moon phase profiles and moon phases to display being able to vary.
  • the mechanism of the invention can be adapted so that the relative rotation of the second mobile in order to shift it from the repositioning angle during the transitional period is done in the counterclockwise direction.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention concerne un mécanisme d'affichage de phases de lune pour pièce d'horlogerie, comprenant un premier mobile présentant un fond nocturne et au moins une portion de fond lunaire et un deuxième mobile superposé au premier mobile, ledit deuxième mobile présentant un fond nocturne et des profils de phases de lune.The present invention relates to a moon phase display mechanism for a timepiece, comprising a first mobile having a nocturnal background and at least one portion of lunar background and a second mobile superimposed on the first mobile, said second mobile presenting a background night and moon phase profiles.

La présente invention concerne également une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un tel mécanisme d'affichage.The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a display mechanism.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Un tel mécanisme d'affichage de phases de lune est par exemple décrit dans la publication EP 2 392 976 de la demanderesse. Dans ce document, le mécanisme d'affichage de phases de lune comprend un premier disque de lune comportant deux cercles de couleur claire symbolisant la lune, inscrits sur un fond foncé symbolisant le ciel nocturne. Le cadran comprend un guichet qui peut être utilisé, en coopération avec le disque de lune, pour indiquer les phases de lune par des symboles de forme concave.Such a moon phase display mechanism is for example described in the publication EP 2 392 976 of the plaintiff. In this document, the moon phase display mechanism comprises a first moon disk comprising two light-colored circles symbolizing the moon, inscribed on a dark background symbolizing the night sky. The dial includes an aperture which can be used, in cooperation with the moon disc, to indicate the moon phases by concave-shaped symbols.

Il est possible d'utiliser un deuxième disque superposé au disque de lune, et comprenant un fond nocturne et des guichets présentant différents profils de phases de lune. Dans cette construction, ce deuxième disque est agencé pour fonctionner comme un disque d'occultation coopérant avec le premier disque de lune et éventuellement avec le guichet pour occulter les cercles symbolisant la lune de manière à indiquer les phases de lune notamment par des symboles de forme convexe.It is possible to use a second disk superimposed on the moon disk, and including a night background and apertures presenting different moon phase profiles. In this construction, this second disk is arranged to function as a concealment disk cooperating with the first moon disk and possibly with the aperture to obscure the circles symbolizing the moon so as to indicate the moon phases in particular by shape symbols convex.

Le disque de lune est entraîné en rotation pour tourner de 180° par période de lunaison de sorte que l'utilisateur suit l'évolution journalière des différentes phases de lunes depuis la nouvelle lune apparaissant à gauche du guichet jusqu'au dernier croissant apparaissant à droite du guichet, pendant une lunaison, d'une manière classique. Une roue de programme est prévue pour faire avancer le disque de lune chaque jour et pour faire tourner le disque d'occultation seulement au moment d'un changement de phase de lune de manière à venir occulter différemment l'une des lunes représentées sur le disque de lune. Ensuite le disque d'occultation reste immobile, jusqu'à sa prochaine rotation.The moon disk is rotated to turn 180° per lunar period so that the user follows the daily evolution of the different moon phases from the new moon appearing to the left of the aperture to the last crescent appearing on the right of the wicket, during a lunation, in a way classic. A program wheel is provided to advance the moon disk each day and to rotate the occultation disk only at the time of a change of moon phase so as to obscure differently one of the moons represented on the disk moon. Then the concealment disk remains stationary until its next rotation.

Ce mécanisme permet d'obtenir, sur une pièce d'horlogerie, un affichage des phases de lune qui correspond à une apparence réelle des phases de la lune pendant toute la durée de la lunaison en affichant toutes les phases de croissance et de décroissance de la partie visible sur terre de la surface illuminée de la lune.This mechanism makes it possible to obtain, on a timepiece, a display of the moon phases which corresponds to a real appearance of the phases of the moon during the entire duration of the lunation by displaying all the phases of waxing and waning of the moon. part visible on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon.

De nombreuses variantes de réalisation sont décrites. Toutefois, aucune de ces variantes ne permet de réaliser à la fois un affichage de phase de lune affichant toutes les phases de croissance et de décroissance de la partie visible sur terre de la surface illuminée de la lune sur un fond de ciel de grandes dimensions, derrière un horizon indépendant du profil de lune affiché.Numerous embodiment variants are described. However, none of these variants makes it possible to produce both a moon phase display displaying all the phases of growth and decay of the part visible on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon against a large sky background, behind a horizon independent of the moon profile displayed.

De plus, la configuration des guichets ne permet pas de donner au terminateur des différentes phases de lune affichées un aspect réaliste.In addition, the configuration of the windows does not make it possible to give the terminator of the different moon phases displayed a realistic appearance.

Un mécanisme d'affichage de phases de lune est également décrit dans la publication EP 1 701 227 . Il peut comprendre deux disques superposés portant n images représentatives des différentes phases de lune et un mécanisme d'entrainement agencé de manière à faire défiler successivement et par sauts périodiques de 44 heures et 15 minutes lesdites n images. Ledit mécanisme d'entrainement comprend un sautoir agencé pour coopérer avec des goupilles portées par chaque disque, lesdits disques comportant également des doigts disposés de manière à pourvoir coopérer l'un avec l'autre lors de la rotation des disques, le doigt porté par le disque entraîné à chaque saut du sautoir poussant l'autre doigt. De la sorte, les disques effectuent un cycle complet en seize sauts, ayant chacun une période de 44 heures et 15 minutes, de telle sorte qu'un tour complet est effectué sensiblement en un mois lunaire. Toutefois, l'image de la phase de lune affichée reste fixe pendant toute sa période d'affichage, le changement d'image de phase de lune se faisant par saut, toutes les 44 heures et 15 minutes.A moon phase display mechanism is also described in the publication EP 1 701 227 . It may include two superimposed disks carrying n images representative of the different phases of the moon and a drive mechanism arranged so as to scroll successively and in periodic jumps of 44 hours and 15 minutes said n images. Said drive mechanism comprises a jumper arranged to cooperate with pins carried by each disc, said discs also comprising fingers arranged so as to be able to cooperate with one another during the rotation of the discs, the finger carried by the disc driven with each jump of the saltire pushing the other finger. In this way, the disks complete a complete cycle in sixteen jumps, each having a period of 44 hours and 15 minutes, so that a complete revolution is completed approximately in one lunar month. However, the displayed moon phase image remains fixed throughout its display period, with the moon phase image changing by jumping every 44 hours and 15 minutes.

Le brevet EP 0 107 177 décrit une pièce d'horlogerie avec indicateur des phases de la lune, comprenant deux organes indicateurs, superposés et parallèles au mouvement, disposés et se déplaçant l'un par rapport à l'autre à des vitesses différentes de telle sorte que, respectivement, l'organe inférieur comprenant une face supérieure brillante et au moins un cercle de lune de couleur foncée, apparaisse partiellement à travers un guichet de lune de l'organe supérieur comprenant une face supérieure de couleur foncée, afin de dessiner la figure de la lune en fonction du quartier qu'elle occupe par rapport au temps affiché par les organes indicateurs de l'heure, la pleine lune apparaissant successivement après chaque période correspondant au mois lunaire. Ce mécanisme nécessite un affichage des phases de lune sur 360° de sorte que ses dimensions doivent être réduites afin de ne pas encombrer le cadran.The patent EP 0 107 177 describes a timepiece with moon phase indicator, comprising two indicator members, superimposed and parallel to the movement, arranged and moving relative to each other at different speeds so that, respectively, the the lower organ comprising a shiny upper face and at least one dark-colored moon circle, appears partially through a moon window of the upper organ comprising a dark-colored upper face, in order to draw the figure of the moon according to of the quarter it occupies in relation to the time displayed by the time indicating organs, the full moon appearing successively after each period corresponding to the lunar month. This mechanism requires a 360° moon phase display so its dimensions must be reduced so as not to clutter the dial.

La présente invention vise à remédier à ces inconvénients en proposant un nouvel affichage original de phases de lune pour une pièce d'horlogerie mécanique, permettant d'afficher toutes les phases de croissance et de décroissance de la partie visible sur terre de la surface illuminée de la lune, avec un terminateur réaliste, sur un fond de ciel de grandes dimensions, derrière un horizon indépendant du profil de lune affiché.The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a new original display of moon phases for a mechanical timepiece, making it possible to display all the phases of growth and decay of the part visible on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon, with a realistic terminator, against a large sky background, behind a horizon independent of the moon profile displayed.

Divulgation de l'inventionDisclosure of the invention

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un mécanisme d'affichage de n phases de lune pour pièce d'horlogerie où n est de préférence un nombre entier impair supérieur ou égal à 3, comprenant un premier mobile muni d'une première denture et présentant un fond nocturne et au moins une portion de fond lunaire et un deuxième mobile muni d'une deuxième denture et superposé au premier mobile, ledit deuxième mobile présentant un fond nocturne et des profils de phases de lune et les premier et deuxième mobiles étant pivotés autour d'un même axe, ledit mécanisme d'affichage étant agencé de sorte que le premier mobile est apte à être entraîné en rotation à une vitesse constante, que le deuxièmes mobile est apte à être entraîné en rotation à une même vitesse angulaire et dans un même sens que le premier mobile pendant une période d'affichage d'une phase de lune pendant laquelle une portion de fond lunaire du premier mobile et un profil de phase de lune du deuxième mobile correspondant à la phase de lune à afficher sont superposés pour révéler ladite phase de lune, et de sorte que le deuxième mobile soit décalé par rapport au premier mobile d'un angle de repositionnement pendant une période transitoire entre la période d'affichage en cours et la période d'affichage suivante afin de pouvoir révéler la phase de lune suivante.For this purpose, the invention relates to a mechanism for displaying n moon phases for a timepiece where n is preferably an odd integer greater than or equal to 3, comprising a first mobile provided with a first toothing and having a night background and at least a portion of lunar background and a second mobile provided with a second toothing and superimposed on the first mobile, said second mobile having a night background and moon phase profiles and the first and second mobiles being pivoted around of the same axis, said display mechanism being arranged so that the first mobile is capable of being driven in rotation at a constant speed, that the second mobile is capable of being driven in rotation at the same angular speed and in the same direction as the first mobile during a period of displaying a moon phase during which a portion of the lunar background of the first mobile and a moon phase profile of the second mobile corresponding to the moon phase to be displayed are superimposed to reveal said moon phase, and so that the second mobile is offset relative to the first mobile by a repositioning angle during a transitional period between the current display period and the next display period in order to be able to reveal the next moon phase.

D'une manière avantageuse, le premier mobile est agencé pour pouvoir être entraîné par un rouage moteur et pour coopérer avec un dispositif d'entrainement, ledit dispositif d'entrainement étant agencé pour entraîner le deuxième mobile de manière synchronisée pendant la période d'affichage d'une phase de lune et pour l'entrainer en rotation relative afin de le décaler dudit angle de repositionnement pendant une période transitoire.Advantageously, the first mobile is arranged to be able to be driven by a motor train and to cooperate with a drive device, said drive device being arranged to drive the second mobile in a synchronized manner during the display period of a moon phase and to drive it in relative rotation in order to shift it from said repositioning angle during a transitional period.

Ainsi, la phase de lune à afficher étant révélée par la superposition d'une portion de fond lunaire du premier mobile avec un profil de phase de lune du deuxième mobile, le mécanisme d'affichage selon l'invention permet de choisir les profils de phase de lune de manière à pouvoir afficher, d'une manière réaliste, toutes les phases de croissance et de décroissance de la partie visible sur terre de la surface illuminée de la lune.Thus, the moon phase to be displayed being revealed by the superposition of a portion of the lunar background of the first mobile with a moon phase profile of the second mobile, the display mechanism according to the invention makes it possible to choose the phase profiles of the moon so as to be able to display, in a realistic manner, all the phases of growth and decay of the part visible on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon.

D'une manière avantageuse, ledit mécanisme d'affichage comprend un cadran comportant un guichet d'affichage de dimensions choisies pour laisser apparaitre le déplacement d'une phase de lune pendant au moins une partie de sa période d'affichage. Plus spécifiquement, le guichet d'affichage est de dimensions choisies pour afficher à tout moment dans ledit guichet au plus une phase de lune.Advantageously, said display mechanism comprises a dial comprising a display window of dimensions chosen to reveal the movement of a moon phase during at least part of its display period. More specifically, the display window is of dimensions chosen to display at any time in said window at most one moon phase.

Ainsi, le déplacement de la phase de lune apparaît de manière plus visible à l'utilisateur de la pièce d'horlogerie.Thus, the movement of the moon phase appears more visible to the user of the timepiece.

De préférence, le guichet d'affichage du cadran présente une forme sensiblement annulaire dont les bords radiaux constituent une ligne d'horizon. D'une manière avantageuse, les premier et deuxième mobiles sont aptes à pouvoir tourner dans le sens horaire de manière à représenter le déplacement d'une phase de lune entre son lever et son coucher sur l'horizon.Preferably, the display window of the dial has a substantially annular shape whose radial edges constitute a horizon line. From a advantageously, the first and second mobiles are able to rotate clockwise so as to represent the movement of a moon phase between its rising and its setting on the horizon.

Ainsi, les profils de phase de lune figurant sur le deuxième mobile sont révélés indépendamment des bords du guichet d'affichage, de sorte que les différentes phases de lune semblent se déplacer sur un fond de ciel délimité par les bords du guichet, les bords radiaux pouvant constituer une ligne d'horizon personnalisable.Thus, the moon phase profiles appearing on the second mobile are revealed independently of the edges of the display aperture, so that the different moon phases appear to move against a sky background delimited by the edges of the aperture, the radial edges which can constitute a customizable horizon line.

De préférence, les profils de phase de lune du deuxième mobile présentent un profil défini par le terminateur correspondant à une phase de lune et l'arc de cercle du bord extérieur de la lune. D'une manière avantageuse, le bord du profil de phase de lune correspondant au terminateur comporte des reliefs illustrant des détails de la lune.Preferably, the moon phase profiles of the second mobile have a profile defined by the terminator corresponding to a moon phase and the arc of the circle of the outer edge of the moon. Advantageously, the edge of the moon phase profile corresponding to the terminator includes reliefs illustrating details of the moon.

Ainsi, on obtient une représentation réaliste des différentes phases de lune.This gives a realistic representation of the different moon phases.

La présente invention concerne également une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un mécanisme d'affichage de phases de lune tel que défini ci-dessus.The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a moon phase display mechanism as defined above.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée suivante de différents modes de réalisation de l'invention, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, et faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue de dessus d'une pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention, affichant la pleine lune;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de dessus du cadran utilisé dans l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue de dessus du premier mobile utilisé dans l'invention ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue de dessus du deuxième mobile utilisé dans l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 représente une vue de dessus des premier et deuxième mobiles et d'une première variante de réalisation d'un dispositif d'entrainement ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue en coupe selon AA de la figure 5 ;
  • les figures 7 et 8 sont respectivement une vue éclatée et une vue de dessus du dispositif d'entrainement de la figure 5 ;
  • les figures 9 à 12 représentent les deux mobiles et la première variante de réalisation du dispositif d'entrainement selon différentes séquences de déplacement pendant la période d'affichage de la pleine lune et lors de la période transitoire entre la pleine lune et la lune gibbeuse décroissante, les figures 9a à 12a étant des vues de détail des figures 9 à 12 respectivement ;
  • les figures 13a à 13i représentent les différentes phases de lune affichées au moyen du mécanisme d'affichage selon l'invention, à différents moments de leurs périodes d'affichage ;
  • les figures 14 et 15 sont respectivement une vue de dessus et une vue éclatée des premier et deuxième mobiles et d'une seconde variante de réalisation du dispositif d'entrainement ; et
  • les figures 16 à 20 représentent les deux mobiles et la deuxième variante de réalisation du dispositif d'entrainement selon différentes séquences de déplacement à la fin de la période d'affichage de la pleine lune et lors de la période transitoire entre la pleine lune et la lune gibbeuse décroissante, les figures 16a, 16b à 20a, 20b étant des vues de détail des figures 16 à 20 respectivement.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description of different embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • there figure 1 is a top view of a timepiece according to the invention, displaying the full moon;
  • there figure 2 is a top view of the dial used in the invention;
  • there Figure 3 is a top view of the first mobile used in the invention;
  • there Figure 4 is a top view of the second mobile used in the invention;
  • there Figure 5 represents a top view of the first and second mobiles and of a first alternative embodiment of a training device;
  • there Figure 6 is a sectional view along AA of the Figure 5 ;
  • THE figures 7 and 8 are respectively an exploded view and a top view of the drive device of the Figure 5 ;
  • THE figures 9 to 12 represent the two mobiles and the first alternative embodiment of the training device according to different movement sequences during the full moon display period and during the transitional period between the full moon and the waning gibbous moon, the figures 9a to 12a being detailed views of the figures 9 to 12 respectively ;
  • THE Figures 13a to 13i represent the different moon phases displayed by means of the display mechanism according to the invention, at different times of their display periods;
  • THE figures 14 And 15 are respectively a top view and an exploded view of the first and second mobiles and of a second alternative embodiment of the drive device; And
  • THE figures 16 to 20 represent the two mobiles and the second alternative embodiment of the training device according to different movement sequences at the end of the full moon display period and during the transitional period between the full moon and the waning gibbous moon, the figures 16a , 16b to 20a , 20b being detailed views of the figures 16 to 20 respectively.

Modes de réalisation de l'inventionModes of carrying out the invention

La présente invention concerne un mécanisme d'affichage de phases de lune pour pièce d'horlogerie ainsi qu'une pièce d'horlogerie, et plus particulièrement une pièce d'horlogerie mécanique, comprenant un tel mécanisme d'affichage.The present invention relates to a moon phase display mechanism for a timepiece as well as a timepiece, and more particularly a mechanical timepiece, comprising such a display mechanism.

En référence à la figure 1, il est représenté une telle pièce d'horlogerie 1, et plus particulièrement une montre-bracelet comprenant notamment un cadran 2 et un jeu d'aiguilles 3, 4, 5 au centre du cadran 2, pour indiquer l'heure, de manière traditionnelle.In reference to the figure 1 , such a timepiece 1 is shown, and more particularly a wristwatch comprising in particular a dial 2 and a set of hands 3, 4, 5 in the center of the dial 2, to indicate the time, in a traditional manner .

Le mécanisme d'affichage des phases de lune comprend un cadran, ici constitué par le cadran 2 pour indiquer les heures de la montre. Ce cadran 2, tel que montré sur la figure 2, présente un guichet d'affichage 6 qui sera décrit plus en détails ci-après. Il est bien évident que le cadran d'affichage des phases de lune peut être différent du cadran d'affichage des heures, en étant disposé dans une zone choisie dudit cadran d'affichage des heures de la montre.The moon phase display mechanism includes a dial, here constituted by dial 2 to indicate the hours of the watch. This dial 2, as shown on the figure 2 , presents a display window 6 which will be described in more detail below. It is obvious that the moon phase display dial can be different from the hour display dial, by being placed in a chosen area of said hour display dial of the watch.

En référence à la figure 3, le mécanisme d'affichage des phases de lune comprend un premier mobile 8 sous la forme d'un disque de centre C, comprenant une planche 8a et une denture extérieure 8b. La planche 8a présente un fond nocturne 10 et au moins une portion de fond lunaire 12. De préférence, le fond nocturne 10 occupe la plus grande surface de la planche 8a, la surface restante étant occupée par la ou les portions de fond lunaire. De préférence, le fond nocturne 10 est un décor représentant le ciel la nuit.In reference to the Figure 3 , the moon phase display mechanism comprises a first mobile 8 in the form of a disc with center C, comprising a board 8a and external teeth 8b. The board 8a has a nocturnal background 10 and at least one portion of lunar background 12. Preferably, the nocturnal background 10 occupies the largest surface area of the board 8a, the remaining surface being occupied by the portion(s) of lunar background. Preferably, the nocturnal background 10 is a decoration representing the sky at night.

D'une manière avantageuse, le premier mobile 8 présente x portions de fond lunaire 12, x étant supérieur ou égal à 1 et inférieur à n, lesdites x portions de fond lunaire 12 étant régulièrement réparties sur le premier mobile 8, séparées les unes des autres par le fond nocturne 10. Les portions de fond lunaire sont des décors représentant une surface de la lune choisie pour s'adapter à toutes les configurations possibles correspondant aux différentes phases de lune à afficher. Le décor de lune peut être reproduit par décalque, impression, gravure ou toute autre technique appropriée.Advantageously, the first mobile 8 has x portions of lunar background 12, x being greater than or equal to 1 and less than n, said x portions of lunar background 12 being regularly distributed on the first mobile 8, separated from each other. others by the nocturnal background 10. The lunar background portions are decorations representing a surface of the moon chosen to adapt to all the possible configurations corresponding to the different phases of the moon to be displayed. The moon decoration can be reproduced by decal, printing, engraving or any other appropriate technique.

En référence à la figure 4, le mécanisme d'affichage des phases de lune comprend un deuxième mobile 14 sous la forme d'un disque de centre C', comprenant une planche 14a et une denture extérieure 14b. La planche 14a présente un fond nocturne 16 et un nombre impair n de profils de phases de lune 18. Ledit deuxième mobile 14 est superposé coaxialement au premier mobile 8 selon un axe passant par C et C', c'est-à-dire positionné au-dessus du premier mobile 8, vu par un utilisateur regardant le cadran 2.In reference to the figure 4 , the moon phase display mechanism comprises a second mobile 14 in the form of a disc with center C', comprising a board 14a and external teeth 14b. The board 14a has a nocturnal background 16 and an odd number n of moon phase profiles 18. Said second mobile 14 is superimposed coaxially on the first mobile 8 along an axis passing through C and C', that is to say positioned above the first mobile 8, seen by a user looking at dial 2.

De préférence, le fond nocturne 16 du deuxième mobile 14 est identique au fond nocturne 10 du premier mobile 8, ou au moins d'aspect similaire, de sorte qu'ils se confondent lorsque le fond nocturne 10 du premier mobile 8 apparait dans les profils de phase de lune 18 du deuxième mobile 14 afin de ne pas laisser apparaitre lesdits profils de phase de lune 18 lorsqu'ils ne sont pas superposés à un fond lunaire 12.Preferably, the night background 16 of the second mobile 14 is identical to the night background 10 of the first mobile 8, or at least similar in appearance, so that they merge when the night background 10 of the first mobile 8 appears in the profiles moon phase 18 of the second mobile 14 so as not to allow said moon phase profiles 18 to appear when they are not superimposed on a lunar background 12.

Les profils de phase de lune 18 représentent les différentes phases de croissance et de décroissance de la partie visible sur terre de la surface illuminée de la lune. Plus particulièrement, les profils de phase de lune 18 sont configurés pour pouvoir représenter toutes les phases de croissance et de décroissance de la partie visible sur terre de la surface illuminée de la lune, par exemple par une forme concave pour les premier et dernier croissants, une forme de D pour le premier quartier et de D inversé pour le dernier quartier, une forme circulaire pour la pleine lune et une forme convexe pour les lunes gibbeuse croissante et décroissante.The moon phase profiles 18 represent the different phases of waxing and waning of the part visible on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon. More particularly, the moon phase profiles 18 are configured to be able to represent all the phases of growth and decay of the part visible on earth of the illuminated surface of the moon, for example by a concave shape for the first and last crescents, a D shape for the first quarter and an inverted D for the last quarter, a circular shape for the full moon and a convex shape for the waxing and waning gibbous moons.

Les profils de phase de lune 18 peuvent être formés par des ouvertures réalisées dans la planche 14a du deuxième mobile 14 comportant le fond nocturne 16. Il est également possible de prévoir un deuxième mobile 14 plein, et pour lequel au moins les portions dans lesquelles sont représentés les profils de phase de lune 18 sont au moins translucides, et de préférence transparentes. Il est notamment possible de créer des dégradés dans les niveaux de transparence afin de donner un effet sphérique à la lune révélée. Par exemple, au moins lesdites portions, et de préférence le deuxième mobile 14, peu(ven)t être réalisé(es) en saphir ou en verre muni d'une couche polarisante. Le fond nocturne 16 est formé par le dépôt, autour des profils de phase de lune 18, d'une couche mince appliquée ou structurée, de préférence sur la face inférieure de la planche 14a du deuxième mobile 14, afin de minimiser l'effet de parallaxe entre les premier et deuxième mobiles 8, 14.The moon phase profiles 18 can be formed by openings made in the board 14a of the second mobile 14 comprising the nocturnal background 16. It is also possible to provide a second solid mobile 14, and for which at least the portions in which are shown, the moon phase profiles 18 are at least translucent, and preferably transparent. In particular, it is possible to create gradients in the transparency levels in order to give a spherical effect to the revealed moon. For example, at least said portions, and preferably the second mobile 14, can be made of sapphire or glass provided with a polarizing layer. The nocturnal background 16 is formed by the deposition, around the moon phase profiles 18, of a thin layer applied or structured, preferably on the lower face of the board 14a of the second mobile 14, in order to minimize the effect of parallax between the first and second mobiles 8, 14.

Avantageusement, les profils de phase de lune 18 présentent un profil correspondant à la forme de la surface éclairée de la lune, défini par le terminateur 18a correspondant aux différentes phases de lune que l'on souhaite pouvoir afficher et un arc de cercle 18b correspondant au bord extérieur de la lune. D'une manière avantageuse, le bord du profil de phase de lune correspondant au terminateur comporte des reliefs illustrant des détails de la lune. On peut ainsi former par découpe ou dessiner sur le bord du profil de phase de lune correspondant au terminateur des détails de cratères ou de mers, notamment ceux qui sont rendus visibles à la lumière rasante du soleil.Advantageously, the moon phase profiles 18 have a profile corresponding to the shape of the illuminated surface of the moon, defined by the terminator 18a corresponding to the different moon phases that it is desired to be able to display and an arc of circle 18b corresponding to the outer edge of the moon. Advantageously, the edge of the moon phase profile corresponding to the terminator includes reliefs illustrating details of the moon. It is thus possible to form by cutting or drawing on the edge of the moon phase profile corresponding to the terminator details of craters or seas, in particular those which are made visible in the raking light of the sun.

D'une manière avantageuse, comme représenté sur la figure 3, les portions de fond lunaire 12 prévus sur le premier mobile 10 sont sous la forme de secteurs circulaires d'angle sensiblement égal à 360/n°, régulièrement répartis sur la planche 8a du premier mobile 8, séparés les uns des autres par le fond nocturne 10, tandis que n secteurs circulaires juxtaposés et régulièrement répartis sur la planche 14a du deuxième mobile 14, d'angle égal à 360/n°, sont mis à disposition pour y représenter les n phases de lune à afficher.Advantageously, as shown in the Figure 3 , the lunar bottom portions 12 provided on the first mobile 10 are in the form of circular sectors with an angle substantially equal to 360/n°, regularly distributed on the board 8a of the first mobile 8, separated from each other by the bottom night 10, while n circular sectors juxtaposed and regularly distributed on the board 14a of the second mobile 14, with an angle equal to 360/n°, are made available to represent the n moon phases to be displayed.

Conformément à l'invention, le mécanisme d'affichage des n phases de lune est agencé de sorte que ledit premier et deuxième mobiles 8, 14 sont pivotés autour d'un même axe, ici l'axe central, perpendiculaire aux premier et deuxième mobiles 8 et 14 passant par C et C'. Le premier mobile 8 est apte à être entraîné en rotation par le mouvement, à une vitesse constante. Le mécanisme est agencé pour que le deuxième mobile 14 soit entraîné en rotation à la même vitesse et dans le même sens que le premier mobile 8 pendant une période d'affichage d'une phase de lune pendant laquelle une portion de fond lunaire 12 du premier mobile 8 et un profil de phase de lune 18 du deuxième mobile 14 correspondant à la phase de lune à afficher sont superposés pour révéler ladite phase de lune, et de sorte que ledit deuxième mobile 14 peut être décalé par rapport au premier mobile 8 d'un angle de repositionnement pendant une période transitoire entre la période d'affichage en cours et la période d'affichage suivante afin de pouvoir révéler la phase de lune suivante.In accordance with the invention, the n moon phase display mechanism is arranged so that said first and second mobiles 8, 14 are pivoted around the same axis, here the central axis, perpendicular to the first and second mobiles 8 and 14 passing through C and C'. The first mobile 8 is able to be rotated by the movement, at a constant speed. The mechanism is arranged so that the second mobile 14 is rotated at the same speed and in the same direction as the first mobile 8 during a period of display of a moon phase during which a lunar background portion 12 of the first mobile 8 and a moon phase profile 18 of the second mobile 14 corresponding to the moon phase to be displayed are superimposed to reveal said moon phase, and so that said second mobile 14 can be offset relative to the first mobile 8 by a repositioning angle during a transitional period between the current display period and the next display period in order to be able to reveal the next moon phase.

Ainsi, la lune décrit un cycle de lunaison de 29.5 jours en n étapes de 29.5/n jours pendant lesquelles la phase de lune affichée obtenue par conjonction du deuxième mobile 14 avec le premier mobile 8, ne change pas, mais se déplace régulièrement avec le fond nocturne. Avec ou sans guichet d'affichage 6, la position de la phase de lune affichée sur le cadran 2 indique à l'utilisateur l'état de la progression de la phase de lune affichée (début, milieu ou fin de la phase). Puis, avantageusement, la phase de lune affichée disparait pour laisser apparaitre la phase de lune suivante pendant 29.5/n jours.Thus, the moon describes a lunation cycle of 29.5 days in n stages of 29.5/n days during which the displayed moon phase obtained by conjunction of the second mobile 14 with the first mobile 8, does not change, but moves regularly with the night background. With or without display window 6, the position of the moon phase displayed on the dial 2 indicates to the user the state of progression of the moon phase displayed (beginning, middle or end of the phase). Then, advantageously, the displayed moon phase disappears to reveal the next moon phase for 29.5/n days.

Avantageusement, le guichet d'affichage 6 présente des dimensions choisies pour laisser apparaitre le déplacement d'une phase de lune pendant au moins une partie de sa période d'affichage. Plus particulièrement, le guichet d'affichage 6 est de dimensions choisies pour afficher à tout moment dans ledit guichet 6 au plus une phase de lune. De plus, le guichet d'affichage 6 est de dimensions choisies pour que la surface restante du cadran 2 masque le décalage entre les premier et deuxième mobiles 8, 14 pendant la période transitoire. Les profils de phase de lune 18 étant indépendants du guichet d'affichage 6 mais aussi indépendants les uns des autres, chacun des profils de phase de lune 18 peut occuper la même surface de secteur circulaire de la planche 14b du deuxième mobile 14. De ce fait, chacun des profils de lune 18 apparait en présentant de grandes dimensions dans un guichet d'affichage élargi par rapport à un guichet standard d'affichage de phase de lune.Advantageously, the display window 6 has dimensions chosen to reveal the movement of a moon phase during at least part of its display period. More particularly, the display window 6 is of dimensions chosen to display at any time in said window 6 at most one moon phase. In addition, the display window 6 is of dimensions chosen so that the remaining surface of the dial 2 masks the offset between the first and second mobiles 8, 14 during the transitional period. The moon phase profiles 18 being independent of the display window 6 but also independent of each other, each of the moon phase profiles 18 can occupy the same circular sector surface of the board 14b of the second mobile 14. From this in fact, each of the moon profiles 18 appears with large dimensions in an enlarged display window compared to a standard moon phase display window.

D'une manière avantageuse, le guichet d'affichage 6 présente une forme sensiblement annulaire, coaxiale aux premier et deuxième mobiles 8, 14, et dont les bords radiaux 6a, 6b constituent une ligne d'horizon. Au moins l'un des bords radiaux 6a, 6b du guichet d'affichage 6 peut présenter une forme choisie pour représenter par exemple le profil d'une montagne 6c, d'un monument ou d'une ville à l'horizon, personnalisable en fonction des souhaits de l'utilisateur ou du lieu d'achat de la pièce d'horlogerie. Cet avant-plan constitué par une ligne d'horizon permet de créer un contraste avec la phase de lune affichée dans le ciel, ce qui donne la sensation d'obtenir une lune de grandes dimensions.Advantageously, the display window 6 has a substantially annular shape, coaxial with the first and second mobiles 8, 14, and whose radial edges 6a, 6b constitute a horizon line. At least one of the radial edges 6a, 6b of the display window 6 can have a shape chosen to represent for example the profile of a mountain 6c, a monument or a city on the horizon, customizable in depending on the wishes of the user or the place of purchase of the timepiece. This foreground consisting of a horizon line creates a contrast with the moon phase displayed in the sky, which gives the sensation of obtaining a large moon.

De préférence, les premier et deuxième mobiles 8, 14 sont aptes à pouvoir tourner dans le sens horaire de manière à représenter le déplacement d'une phase de lune sur l'horizon entre son lever à l'est, à gauche du guichet d'affichage 6, et son coucher à l'ouest, à droite du guichet d'affichage 6.Preferably, the first and second mobiles 8, 14 are capable of being able to rotate clockwise so as to represent the movement of a moon phase on the horizon between its rising in the east, to the left of the aperture window. display 6, and its setting to the west, to the right of display window 6.

D'une manière avantageuse, le premier mobile 8 est agencé pour pouvoir être entraîné à une vitesse constante par un rouage moteur (non représenté) de la pièce d'horlogerie, et pour coopérer avec un dispositif d'entrainement, ledit dispositif d'entrainement étant agencé pour entraîner le deuxième mobile 14 de manière synchronisée pendant la période d'affichage d'une phase de lune et pour l'entrainer en rotation relative afin de le décaler dudit angle de repositionnement pendant une période transitoire.Advantageously, the first mobile 8 is arranged to be able to be driven at a constant speed by a motor train (not shown) of the timepiece, and to cooperate with a drive device, said drive device being arranged to drive the second mobile 14 in a synchronized manner during the period of display of a moon phase and to drive it in relative rotation in order to shift it from said repositioning angle during a transitional period.

D'une manière avantageuse, les profils de phase de lune 18 du deuxième mobile 14 sont positionnés les uns par rapport aux autres en fonction du sens de la rotation relative choisi du deuxième mobile 14 par rapport au premier mobile 8 de sorte que la phase de lune suivante s'affiche à la place de la phase de lune en cours lorsque le deuxième mobile 14 est entraîné en rotation relative par rapport au premier mobile 8 par le dispositif d'entrainement dans ledit sens de rotation choisi pendant la période transitoire.Advantageously, the moon phase profiles 18 of the second mobile 14 are positioned relative to each other as a function of the chosen direction of relative rotation of the second mobile 14 relative to the first mobile 8 so that the phase of next moon phase is displayed in place of the current moon phase when the second mobile 14 is driven in relative rotation with respect to the first mobile 8 by the drive device in said direction of rotation chosen during the transitional period.

Le nombre x de portions de fond lunaire 12 sur le premier mobile 8 pouvant être égal ou supérieur à 1, lesdits premier et deuxième mobiles 8, 14 sont agencés pour pouvoir être décalés l'un par rapport à l'autre dudit angle de repositionnement pendant la période transitoire entre la période d'affichage de la phase de lune en cours et la période d'affichage de la phase de lune suivante.The number x of lunar bottom portions 12 on the first mobile 8 may be equal to or greater than 1, said first and second mobile 8, 14 are arranged to be able to be offset relative to each other by said repositioning angle during the transitional period between the current moon phase display period and the next moon phase display period.

Dans le mode de réalisation présenté, le décalage entre les deux mobiles 8 et 14 se produit après que la phase de lune qui était affichée se cache sous l'horizon à l'ouest, pour faire apparaitre la phase de lune suivante à l'est. De préférence, les profils de phase de lune 18 du deuxième mobile 14 sont positionnés les uns par rapport aux autres de sorte que l'angle de repositionnement est égal à 360/2n °.In the embodiment presented, the shift between the two mobiles 8 and 14 occurs after the moon phase which was displayed hides under the horizon to the west, to reveal the following moon phase to the east . Preferably, the moon phase profiles 18 of the second mobile 14 are positioned relative to each other so that the repositioning angle is equal to 360/2n°.

Selon une première variante de réalisation, le dispositif d'entrainement comprend un accumulateur d'énergie agencé pour être entraîné par le premier mobile 8 qui est lui-même entraîné par le rouage moteur, et agencé pour faire avancer par saut le deuxième mobiles 14 sous l'action dudit accumulateur d'énergie pendant la période transitoire.According to a first alternative embodiment, the drive device comprises an energy accumulator arranged to be driven by the first mobile 8 which is itself driven by the motor train, and arranged to advance the second mobile 14 by jumping under the action of said energy accumulator during the transitional period.

Un tel dispositif d'entrainement est par exemple représenté sur les figures 5 à 8.Such a training device is for example represented on the figures 5 to 8 .

Dans cette première variante, le dispositif d'entrainement avec accumulateur d'énergie 20 comporte trois roues superposées coaxialement selon un axe parallèle à l'axe central, à savoir une première roue dentée 22 agencée pour être entraînée par le premier mobile 8 par l'intermédiaire de sa denture extérieure 8b. Ladite première roue 22 est solidaire d'une came 24 qui comporte par exemple ici quatre secteurs.In this first variant, the drive device with energy accumulator 20 comprises three wheels superimposed coaxially along an axis parallel to the central axis, namely a first toothed wheel 22 arranged to be driven by the first mobile 8 by the intermediate of its external teeth 8b. Said first wheel 22 is integral with a cam 24 which for example here has four sectors.

Le dispositif d'entrainement avec accumulateur d'énergie 20 comprend également une deuxième roue dentée 26 agencée pour être également entraînée par ledit premier mobile 8 par sa denture extérieure 8b, mais à une plus grande vitesse que la première roue 22. A cet effet, lesdites première et deuxième roue 22 et 26 comportent un nombre de dents différent. Ladite deuxième roue 26 porte une goupille ou un tenon 28 dont le rôle est décrit ci-après.The drive device with energy accumulator 20 also comprises a second toothed wheel 26 arranged to also be driven by said first mobile 8 by its external teeth 8b, but at a greater speed than the first wheel 22. For this purpose, said first and second wheel 22 and 26 have a different number of teeth. Said second wheel 26 carries a pin or tenon 28 whose role is described below.

Le dispositif d'entrainement avec accumulateur d'énergie 20 comprend également une troisième roue dentée 30 agencée pour entraîner le deuxième mobiles 14 par sa denture extérieure 14b. Ladite troisième roue 30 comprend une gorge 32 dans laquelle s'engage la goupille ou le tenon 28 de la deuxième roue 26, de sorte que la liberté angulaire de la troisième roue 30 par rapport à la deuxième roue 26 est limité par ladite gorge 32 par un effet de butée de ladite gorge 32 avec la goupille 28.The drive device with energy accumulator 20 also comprises a third toothed wheel 30 arranged to drive the second mobile 14 by its external teeth 14b. Said third wheel 30 comprises a groove 32 in which the pin or tenon 28 of the second wheel 26 engages, so that the angular freedom of the third wheel 30 relative to the second wheel 26 is limited by said groove 32 by an abutment effect of said groove 32 with the pin 28.

En outre, la troisième roue 30 porte un sautoir 34 monté pivotant et muni d'un ressort de sautoir 36, ledit sautoir 34 étant agencé pour coopérer avec la came 24 de la première roue 22. A cet effet, le sautoir 34 peut présenter à son extrémité libre une roulette ou galet 38 traversant la troisième roue 30 par une ouverture 39 prévue dans la planche de ladite troisième roue 30, ladite roulette 38 étant agencée pour coopérer avec le profil de la came 24. Ainsi, le sautoir 34 travaillant en tension avec la came 24 permet de rendre solidaire en rotation la troisième roue 30 de la première roue 22 pour un entrainement synchronisé des premier et deuxième mobiles 8, 14 tant que la goupille 28 de la deuxième roue 26 n'est pas en butée dans la gorge 32 de la troisième roue 30. La différence de vitesse entre les première et deuxième roues 22, 26 crée un décalage angulaire sous l'effet de l'entrainement du mobile 8 qui engrène avec les deux roues 22 et 26, de sorte que la goupille 28 de la deuxième roue 26 se déplace librement dans la gorge 32 de la troisième roue 30. Ladite goupille 28 arrivant en butée dans la gorge 32 rend solidaire en rotation la troisième roue 30 de la deuxième roue 26, de sorte que le sautoir 34, contraint de se déplacer sur le profil de la came 24, emmagasine par l'intermédiaire de son ressort 36, de l'énergie. Le profil de la came 24 est choisi pour que la roulette 38 du sautoir 34 soit dans un fond de creux dudit profil de la came 24 pendant la phase d'entrainement synchronisé des deux mobiles 8 et 14, jusqu'à ce que la goupille 28 arrive en butée dans la gorge 32. Lorsque le sautoir 34 atteint le sommet de l'un des secteurs du profil de la came 24, il tombe de ce sommet pour coopérer avec le secteur suivant, de sorte que ladite énergie est restituée soudainement de manière à faire pivoter la troisième roue 30 et lui permette de faire un saut pour qu'elle entraine en rotation relative le deuxième mobile 14 de l'angle de repositionnement par sa denture extérieure 14b, pendant une période transitoire. L'homme du métier sait calculer le nombre de dents et les dimensions des différents éléments du dispositif d'entrainement 20 pour obtenir l'angle de repositionnement nécessaire.In addition, the third wheel 30 carries a jumper 34 pivotally mounted and provided with a jumper spring 36, said jumper 34 being arranged to cooperate with the cam 24 of the first wheel 22. For this purpose, the jumper 34 can present at its free end a caster or roller 38 passing through the third wheel 30 through an opening 39 provided in the board of said third wheel 30, said caster 38 being arranged to cooperate with the profile of the cam 24. Thus, the jumper 34 working in tension with the cam 24 makes it possible to make the third wheel 30 integral in rotation with the first wheel 22 for synchronized driving of the first and second mobiles 8, 14 as long as the pin 28 of the second wheel 26 is not abutting in the groove 32 of the third wheel 30. The difference in speed between the first and second wheels 22, 26 creates an angular offset under the effect of the drive of the mobile 8 which meshes with the two wheels 22 and 26, so that the pin 28 of the second wheel 26 moves freely in the groove 32 of the third wheel 30. Said pin 28 abutting in the groove 32 makes the third wheel 30 of the second wheel 26 integral in rotation, so that the jumper 34, forced to move on the profile of the cam 24, stores energy via its spring 36. The profile of the cam 24 is chosen so that the wheel 38 of the jumper 34 is in a hollow bottom of said profile of the cam 24 during the synchronized driving phase of the two mobiles 8 and 14, until the pin 28 arrives in abutment in the groove 32. When the jumper 34 reaches the top of one of the sectors of the profile of the cam 24, it falls from this top to cooperate with the next sector, so that said energy is suddenly returned in a manner to rotate the third wheel 30 and allow it to make a jump so that it drives the second mobile 14 in relative rotation of the repositioning angle by its external teeth 14b, during a transitional period. Those skilled in the art know how to calculate the number of teeth and the dimensions of the different elements of the drive device 20 to obtain the necessary repositioning angle.

Le fonctionnement de cette première variante de dispositif d'entrainement 20 est détaillé ci-après, en référence plus particulièrement aux figures 5, 9, 9a à 12, 12a, et en relation avec un mode préféré de réalisation du mécanisme d'affichage de phases de lune selon l'invention.The operation of this first variant of training device 20 is detailed below, with particular reference to the figures 5 , 9 , 9a to 12 , 12a , and in relation to a preferred embodiment of the moon phase display mechanism according to the invention.

Selon ce mode préféré, le premier mobile 8 comprend deux portions de fond lunaire 12 opposées symétriquement par rapport à l'axe central, comme représenté sur la figure 3, et est apte à être entraîné par le rouage moteur (non représenté) de la pièce d'horlogerie à une vitesse constante de n demi-tours par lunaison. Cette vitesse de rotation est obtenue au moyen par exemple d'un engrenage d'entrainement de lune bien connu de l'homme du métier.According to this preferred mode, the first mobile 8 comprises two lunar bottom portions 12 opposed symmetrically with respect to the central axis, as shown on the Figure 3 , and is able to be driven by the motor train (not shown) of the timepiece at a constant speed of n half-turns per lunation. This rotation speed is obtained by means of, for example, a moon drive gear well known to those skilled in the art.

Selon le mode de réalisation préféré, n est égal à 9, de sorte que le premier mobile 8 est agencé pour être entraîné par le rouage moteur de manière continue dans le sens horaire à une vitesse constante de 9 demi-tours par lunaison.According to the preferred embodiment, n is equal to 9, so that the first mobile 8 is arranged to be driven by the motor gear continuously in a clockwise direction at a constant speed of 9 half-turns per lunation.

Le deuxième mobile 14 comprend 9 profils de phase de lune 18 qui sont disposés selon la séquence, dans le sens horaire, premier croissant a, lune décroissante b, lune gibbeuse décroissante c, lune gibbeuse croissante d, lune croissante e, dernier croissant f, dernier quartier g, pleine lune h, premier quartier i, chacun occupant un secteur circulaire de 40° (360/9), comme représenté sur la figure 5.The second mobile 14 comprises 9 moon phase profiles 18 which are arranged in the sequence, clockwise, first crescent a, waning moon b, waning gibbous moon c, waxing gibbous moon d, waxing moon e, last crescent f, last quarter g, full moon h, first quarter i, each occupying a circular sector of 40° (360/9), as shown in the Figure 5 .

Le guichet d'affichage 6, de forme annulaire coaxiale aux premier et deuxième mobiles 8, 14, s'étend sur un angle d'environ 140°.The display window 6, of annular shape coaxial with the first and second mobiles 8, 14, extends over an angle of approximately 140°.

Le dispositif d'entrainement 20 est agencé pour entraîner le deuxième mobile 14 de manière synchronisée pendant la période d'affichage d'une phase de lune, à la même vitesse que le premier mobile 8, et pour l'entrainer en rotation relative, grâce à l'accumulateur d'énergie, afin de le décaler de l'angle de repositionnement nécessaire pendant une période transitoire.The drive device 20 is arranged to drive the second mobile 14 in a synchronized manner during the period of display of a moon phase, at the same speed as the first mobile 8, and to drive it in relative rotation, thanks to to the energy accumulator, in order to shift it by the necessary repositioning angle during a transitional period.

Grâce à l'accumulateur d'énergie, le deuxième mobile 14 est décalé dans le sens horaire d'un angle de repositionnement de 20° (360/2*9) pendant une période transitoire entre la période d'affichage d'une phase de lune et la période d'affichage de la phase de lune suivante, la période d'affichage d'une phase de lune étant d'environ 3.28 jours (29.5/9).Thanks to the energy accumulator, the second mobile 14 is shifted clockwise by a repositioning angle of 20° (360/2*9) during a transitional period between the display period of a phase of moon and the display period of the next moon phase, the display period of a moon phase being approximately 3.28 days (29.5/9).

Le dispositif d'entrainement avec son accumulateur d'énergie 20 est représenté sur la figure 5 à gauche des premier et deuxième mobiles superposés 8 et 14. Il est bien évident qu'il peut être positionné à tout autre endroit à la périphérie desdits mobiles 8 et 14.The training device with its energy accumulator 20 is shown on the Figure 5 to the left of the first and second superimposed mobiles 8 and 14. It is obvious that it can be positioned at any other location on the periphery of said mobiles 8 and 14.

En référence plus particulièrement aux figures 9, 9a à 12, 12a, le fonctionnement du dispositif d'entrainement à accumulateur d'énergie 20 est expliqué ci-après en se plaçant à la pleine lune h.With particular reference to figures 9 , 9a to 12 , 12a , the operation of the energy accumulator training device 20 is explained below using the full moon h.

Comme le montre la figure 9, le premier mobile 8 et le deuxième mobile 14 sont positionnés de sorte que le profil de phase de lune 18 du deuxième mobile 14 correspondant à la pleine lune h est superposé à une portion de fond lunaire 12 du premier mobile 8 de manière à révéler la pleine lune, à gauche du guichet d'affichage 6 (non représenté sur ces figures), correspondant à l'est. Les autres profils de phase de lune 18 qui se trouvent dans le guichet d'affichage 6 sont superposés au fond nocturne 10 du premier mobile 8 de sorte qu'ils ne sont pas visibles, le fond nocturne 10 du premier mobile 8 qui apparait à travers lesdits profils de phase de lune 18 se confondant avec le fond nocturne 16 du deuxième mobile 14. Les autres profils de phase de lune 18, et notamment ceux à travers lesquels apparait l'autre portion de fond lunaire 12 de l'autre côté de l'axe central, sont masqués sous le guichet d'affichage 6. Ils ne sont donc pas visibles pour l'utilisateur.As shown in the Figure 9 , the first mobile 8 and the second mobile 14 are positioned so that the moon phase profile 18 of the second mobile 14 corresponding to the full moon h is superimposed on a lunar background portion 12 of the first mobile 8 so as to reveal the full moon, to the left of display window 6 (not shown in these figures), corresponding to the east. The other moon phase profiles 18 which are in the display window 6 are superimposed on the night background 10 of the first mobile 8 so that they are not visible, the night background 10 of the first mobile 8 which appears through said moon phase profiles 18 merging with the nocturnal background 16 of the second mobile 14. The other moon phase profiles 18, and in particular those through which the other portion of lunar background 12 appears on the other side of the central axis, are hidden under the display window 6. They are therefore not visible to the user.

Pendant la période d'affichage de la phase de lune dans le guichet d'affichage 6, le dispositif d'entrainement à accumulateur d'énergie 20 entraine les premier et deuxième mobiles 8 et 14 à la même vitesse de 0.5 x 9 tours/29.5 jours. A cet effet, comme le montre plus précisément la figure 9a, la troisième roue 30 est solidaire en rotation de la première roue 22 par le sautoir 34, sa roulette 38 étant maintenue appuyée par le ressort 36 dans un fond de creux du profil de la came 24. Le premier mobile 8 entraîné par le rouage moteur du mouvement de base à la vitesse constante de 0.5 x 9 tours/29.5 jours entraine la première roue 22 du dispositif d'entrainement 20 via sa denture extérieure 8b et donc la troisième roue 30 qui engrène avec le deuxième mobile 14, de sorte que ce dernier tourne en synchronisation avec le premier mobile 8, à la même vitesse de 0.5 x 9 tours/29.5 jours et dans le même sens. Les deux mobiles 8 et 14 tournent ensemble de sorte que la pleine lune affichée dans le guichet d'affichage 6 se déplace dans ledit guichet 6, sur un fond nocturne, constitué par le fond nocturne 10 du premier mobile 8 qui apparait à travers les profils de phase de lune 18 qui se présentent dans le guichet 6 et le fond nocturne 16 du deuxième mobile 14, dans le sens horaire, de gauche à droite (de l'est à l'ouest), pendant 3.28 jours (29.5/9). Sur un peu moins d'un demi-tour de mobile, la goupille 28 de la deuxième roue 26, qui tourne plus rapidement que les première et troisième roues 22, 30, se décale sans contrainte dans la gorge 32 de la troisième roue 30.During the period of display of the moon phase in the display window 6, the energy accumulator drive device 20 drives the first and second mobiles 8 and 14 at the same speed of 0.5 x 9 revolutions/29.5 days. To this end, as shown more precisely in figure 9a , the third wheel 30 is integral in rotation with the first wheel 22 by the jumper 34, its caster 38 being held supported by the spring 36 in a hollow bottom of the profile of the cam 24. The first mobile 8 driven by the motor cog of the basic movement at the constant speed of 0.5 x 9 revolutions/29.5 days drives the first wheel 22 of the drive device 20 via its external teeth 8b and therefore the third wheel 30 which meshes with the second mobile 14, so that this last rotates in synchronization with the first mobile 8, at the same speed of 0.5 x 9 revolutions/29.5 days and in the same direction. The two mobiles 8 and 14 rotate together so that the full moon displayed in the display window 6 moves in said window 6, against a nocturnal background, consisting of the night background 10 of the first mobile 8 which appears through the moon phase profiles 18 which are presented in the aperture 6 and the night background 16 of the second mobile 14, in clockwise direction, from left to right (from east to the west), for 3.28 days (29.5/9). Over a little less than half a revolution of the mobile, the pin 28 of the second wheel 26, which rotates more quickly than the first and third wheels 22, 30, shifts without constraint in the groove 32 of the third wheel 30.

A la fin de la période d'affichage, à quelques heures du passage à la phase de lune suivante, la pleine lune h a atteint la droite du guichet d'affichage 6, soit l'ouest et de l'autre côté de l'axe central, l'autre portion de fond lunaire 12 se trouve déphasée à la fois dans le profil de phase de lune d correspondant à la lune gibbeuse croissante et dans le profil de phase de lune c correspondant à la lune gibbeuse décroissante, masqués sous la gauche dudit guichet 6, comme le montrent les figures 10, 10a. La goupille 28 est alors en butée dans le fond de la gorge 32. De ce fait, la deuxième roue 26 toujours entraînée par le premier mobile 8 et la troisième roue 30 sont solidarisées en rotation. Le sautoir 34 embarqué sur la troisième roue 30 est donc contraint de sortir de sa position de fond de creux du profil de la came 24.At the end of the display period, a few hours before the transition to the next moon phase, the full moon reaches the right of display window 6, i.e. the west and on the other side of the axis central, the other lunar background portion 12 is out of phase both in the moon phase profile d corresponding to the waxing gibbous moon and in the moon phase profile c corresponding to the waning gibbous moon, hidden under the left of said window 6, as shown in the figures 10, 10a . The pin 28 is then abutting in the bottom of the groove 32. As a result, the second wheel 26 still driven by the first mobile 8 and the third wheel 30 are joined in rotation. The jumper 34 mounted on the third wheel 30 is therefore forced to come out of its bottom position in the profile of the cam 24.

Les premier et deuxième mobiles 8, 14 poursuivant chacun leur rotation dans le sens horaire, la pleine lune h est maintenant cachée à droite sous le guichet d'affichage 6. De l'autre côté de l'axe central, le profil de la phase de lune suivante, soit la lune gibbeuse décroissante c, et la portion de fond lunaire 12 se rapprochent de la gauche du guichet d'affichage 6, restant masqués sous ledit guichet 6, correspondant à la période transitoire entre la pleine lune et la lune gibbeuse décroissante comme le montrent les figures 11 et 11a. Le sautoir 34 a quasiment atteint le sommet du profil de la came 24, en chargeant son ressort 36. L'énergie emmagasinée par ledit ressort 36 est suffisante pour permettre de faire le saut en restituant soudainement l'énergie accumulée pour entraîner une rotation relative instantanée ou très courte du deuxième mobile 14 par rapport au premier mobile 8, et se trouver dans la position représentée sur les figures 12, 12a. Lors du saut, le premier mobile 8 garde une position quasi identique à la position précédente. Par contre, la troisième roue 30 a pivoté de 90° sous la décharge du ressort 36 du sautoir 34. Dans sa rotation, la troisième roue 30 a entraîné le deuxième mobile 14 en rotation dans le sens horaire, les engrenages étant dimensionnés pour entraîner un décalage d'un angle de repositionnement de 20° (360/2*9). Lors de ce décalage, le profil de phase de lune suivant correspondant à la lune gibbeuse décroissante c, à gauche de l'axe central, vient entièrement se superposer à la portion de fond lunaire 12 de manière à révéler ladite phase de lune suivante correspondant à la lune gibbeuse décroissante c, encore masquée sous le guichet d'affichage 6. De l'autre côté de l'axe central, l'autre portion de fond lunaire 12 déphasée par rapport aux profils de phase de lune g et h est masquée sous la droite du guichet d'affichage 6. La goupille 28 de la deuxième roue 26 est de nouveau positionnée à l'avant dans la gorge 32 de la troisième roue 30. Après ces étapes représentant 1/9 de cycle, le mécanisme est de nouveau prêt pour afficher dans le guichet 6 la phase de lune correspondant à la lune gibbeuse décroissante c, qui va ensuite se déplacer de gauche à droite, pendant 3.28 jours, comme décrit ci-dessus.The first and second mobiles 8, 14 each continuing their clockwise rotation, the full moon h is now hidden on the right under the display window 6. On the other side of the central axis, the profile of the phase next moon, i.e. the waning gibbous moon c, and the lunar background portion 12 approach the left of the display window 6, remaining hidden under said window 6, corresponding to the transitional period between the full moon and the gibbous moon decreasing as shown by figures 11 and 11a . The jumper 34 has almost reached the top of the profile of the cam 24, loading its spring 36. The energy stored by said spring 36 is sufficient to allow the jump to be made by suddenly releasing the accumulated energy to cause an instantaneous relative rotation or very short of the second mobile 14 relative to the first mobile 8, and be in the position shown on the figures 12, 12a . When jumping, the first mobile 8 keeps a position almost identical to the previous position. On the other hand, the third wheel 30 pivoted by 90° under the discharge of the spring 36 of the jumper 34. In its rotation, the third wheel 30 drove the second mobile 14 in rotation in the clockwise direction, the gears being dimensioned to drive a shift of one repositioning angle of 20° (360/2*9). During this shift, the following moon phase profile corresponding to the waning gibbous moon c, to the left of the central axis, is completely superimposed on the lunar background portion 12 so as to reveal said next moon phase corresponding to the waning gibbous moon c, still hidden under the display window 6. On the other side of the central axis, the other portion of lunar background 12 out of phase with the moon phase profiles g and h is hidden under the right of the display window 6. The pin 28 of the second wheel 26 is again positioned at the front in the groove 32 of the third wheel 30. After these steps representing 1/9 of a cycle, the mechanism is again ready to display in aperture 6 the moon phase corresponding to the waning gibbous moon c, which will then move from left to right, for 3.28 days, as described above.

Le cycle de lunaison se poursuit ainsi de suite de la même manière, pour chacune des neuf phases de lune à afficher. On obtient ainsi des représentations visuelles de toutes les phases de lune croissantes et décroissantes particulièrement réalistes, aussi bien les formes concaves que convexes, les formes de D et de D inversé et une forme circulaire pour la pleine lune, avec des terminateurs réalistes, qui se déplacent de gauche à droite dans le guichet élargi 6, sur un fond nocturne créant un contraste donnant l'impression d'une lune immense, entre le lever et le coucher sur l'horizon, comme représenté sur les figures 13a à 13i : à savoir successivement la pleine lune h représentée sur la figure 13a, la lune gibbeuse décroissante c représentée sur la figure 13b, le dernier quartier g représenté sur la figure 13c, la lune décroissante b (avant-dernier croissant) représentée sur la figure 13d, le dernier croissant f représenté sur la figure 13e, le premier croissant a représenté sur la figure 13f, la lune croissante e (deuxième croissant) représentée sur la figure 13g, le premier quartier i représenté sur la figure 13h, et la lune gibbeuse croissante d représentée sur la figure 13i.The lunation cycle continues in the same way, for each of the nine moon phases to be displayed. We thus obtain particularly realistic visual representations of all the waxing and waning phases of the moon, both concave and convex shapes, D and inverted D shapes and a circular shape for the full moon, with realistic terminators, which are move from left to right in the enlarged aperture 6, on a nocturnal background creating a contrast giving the impression of an immense moon, between rising and setting on the horizon, as represented on the Figures 13a to 13i : namely successively the full moon h represented on the figure 13a , the waning gibbous moon c shown on the figure 13b , the last quarter g represented on the figure 13c , the waning moon b (penultimate crescent) shown on the figure 13d , the last crescent f represented on the figure 13e , the first crescent represented on the figure 13f , the waxing moon e (second crescent) represented on the figure 13g , the first district i represented on the figure 13h , and the waxing gibbous moon d shown on the figure 13i .

Sur les figures 13a à 13i, les phases de lune sont représentées à des moments différents de leur période d'affichage dans le guichet 6, par exemple la figure 13a montre la pleine lune h au début de sa période d'affichage, la figure 13c montre le dernier quartier g au milieu de sa période d'affichage, et la figure 13e montre le dernier croissant f à la fin de sa période d'affichage. De plus, les autres profils de phase de lune sont représentés en trait tillé pour une meilleure compréhension de l'invention, mais dans la réalité, ils ne sont pas visibles pour un utilisateur, les fonds nocturnes 10 et 16 des premier et deuxième mobiles 8, 14 se confondant, comme expliqué ci-dessus.On the Figures 13a to 13i , the moon phases are represented at different times of their display period in window 6, for example the figure 13a shows the full moon h at the start of its display period, the figure 13c shows the last quarter g in the middle of its display period, and the figure 13e shows the last crescent f at the end of its display period. In addition, the other phase profiles of moon are represented in dotted lines for a better understanding of the invention, but in reality, they are not visible to a user, the nocturnal backgrounds 10 and 16 of the first and second mobiles 8, 14 merging, as explained below above.

En référence aux figures 14 à 16, il est représenté une deuxième variante du dispositif d'entrainement utilisé dans l'invention.With reference to figures 14 to 16 , a second variant of the training device used in the invention is shown.

Dans cette variante, le dispositif d'entrainement comprend un mobile entraineur 40 embarqué sur le premier mobile 8' qui est entraîné par le rouage moteur, ledit mobile entraineur 40 comportant une roue d'entrainement 42 agencée pour coopérer avec le deuxième mobile 14', et une croix de Malte 44, ledit mobile entraineur 40 étant agencé pour être immobile en rotation relativement audit premier mobile 8' pour l'entrainement synchronisé des premier et deuxième mobiles 8', 14' via la roue d'entrainement 42 pendant la période d'affichage, et pour être entraîné en rotation relativement audit premier mobile 8' afin de faire pivoter, de manière instantanée, la roue d'entrainement 42 pour qu'elle entraine en rotation relative le deuxième mobiles 14' de l'angle de repositionnement pendant la période transitoire.In this variant, the drive device comprises a driving mobile 40 mounted on the first mobile 8' which is driven by the motor cog, said driving mobile 40 comprising a drive wheel 42 arranged to cooperate with the second mobile 14', and a Maltese cross 44, said driving mobile 40 being arranged to be immobile in rotation relative to said first mobile 8' for the synchronized driving of the first and second mobile 8', 14' via the drive wheel 42 during the period d 'display, and to be driven in rotation relative to said first mobile 8' in order to instantly pivot the drive wheel 42 so that it drives the second mobile 14' in relative rotation from the repositioning angle during the transitional period.

Plus spécifiquement en référence aux figures 14 et 15, le premier mobile 8' comprend un fond nocturne 10' et deux portions de fond lunaire 12' symétriquement opposées, de manière similaire à l'exemple de réalisation précédemment décrit. De plus, le premier mobile 8' comprend sur son pourtour extérieur une denture intérieure 46 agencée pour coopérer avec le rouage moteur (non représenté) de manière à entraîner le premier mobile 8'. Cette configuration permet avantageusement de positionner le rouage moteur sous le mécanisme.More specifically with reference to figures 14 And 15 , the first mobile 8' comprises a nocturnal background 10' and two symmetrically opposed lunar background portions 12', in a manner similar to the embodiment previously described. In addition, the first mobile 8' comprises on its outer periphery an internal toothing 46 arranged to cooperate with the motor gear (not shown) so as to drive the first mobile 8'. This configuration advantageously allows the motor cog to be positioned under the mechanism.

Le premier mobile 8' embarque le mobile entraîneur 40, qui comprend la roue d'entrainement 42 sous la forme d'un pignon denté, et la croix de Malte 44, solidaire de la roue d'entrainement 42. Ainsi, ledit mobile entraineur 40 tourne avec le premier mobile 8', à la manière d'un satellite, autour du centre du mécanisme. De plus, le mobile entraineur 40 est monté pivotant par exemple dans un palier 48 percé dans la planche du premier mobile 8'. La croix de Malte 44 est positionnée sous la planche du premier mobile 8' de manière à pouvoir coopérer avec des éléments du bâti, comme décrit ci-dessous, et la roue d'entrainement 42 est positionnée au-dessus de la planche du premier mobile 8' de manière à pouvoir coopérer avec le deuxième mobile 14'.The first mobile 8' carries the driving mobile 40, which comprises the driving wheel 42 in the form of a toothed pinion, and the Maltese cross 44, integral with the driving wheel 42. Thus, said driving mobile 40 rotates with the first mobile 8', like a satellite, around the center of the mechanism. In addition, the driving mobile 40 is pivotally mounted, for example in a bearing 48 pierced in the board of the first mobile 8'. The Maltese cross 44 is positioned under the board of the first mobile 8' so as to be able to cooperate with elements of the frame, as described below, and the drive wheel 42 is positioned above the board of the first mobile 8' so as to be able to cooperate with the second mobile 14'.

Le deuxième mobile 14' comprend un fond nocturne 16' et des profils de phase de lune 18' de manière similaire à l'exemple de réalisation précédemment décrit. De plus, le deuxième mobile 14' est muni, sur son pourtour intérieur, d'une denture 50 agencée pour coopérer avec la roue d'entrainement 42.The second mobile 14' comprises a night background 16' and moon phase profiles 18' in a manner similar to the embodiment previously described. In addition, the second mobile 14' is provided, on its inner periphery, with teeth 50 arranged to cooperate with the drive wheel 42.

Afin de déterminer l'orientation de la croix de Malte 44, il est prévu sur le bâti 52 ou sur la platine du mouvement différents éléments de maintien de son positionnement. Plus particulièrement, il est prévu sur le bâti 52 un premier profil de came extérieur 54 et un deuxième profil de came intérieur 56 disposés coaxialement aux centres C et C' des premier et deuxième mobiles 8', 14', de sorte que lesdits premier et deuxième profils de came 54, 56 coopèrent avec les bords de la croix de Malte 44, à l'exception de deux secteurs en saillie 54' disposés symétriquement par rapport à l'axe central sur le profil de came extérieur 54 et de deux secteurs en creux 56' disposés symétriquement par rapport à l'axe central sur le profil de came intérieur 56. Les secteurs en saillie 54' et en creux 56' sont dimensionnés pour pouvoir autoriser la rotation de la croix de Malte 44. Le secteur en saillie 54' du profil de came extérieur 54 est sensiblement décalé par rapport au secteur en creux 56' du profil de came intérieur 56 en vis-à-vis, afin que le secteur en saillie 54' bloque encore la rotation de la croix de Malte 44 alors que le secteur en creux 56' en vis-à-vis autoriserait la rotation de ladite croix de Malte 44.In order to determine the orientation of the Maltese cross 44, different elements are provided on the frame 52 or on the movement plate to maintain its positioning. More particularly, there is provided on the frame 52 a first exterior cam profile 54 and a second interior cam profile 56 arranged coaxially at the centers C and C' of the first and second mobiles 8', 14', so that said first and second cam profiles 54, 56 cooperate with the edges of the Maltese cross 44, with the exception of two projecting sectors 54' arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis on the outer cam profile 54 and two sectors in hollow 56' arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis on the internal cam profile 56. The projecting sectors 54' and recessed sectors 56' are dimensioned to allow the rotation of the Maltese cross 44. The projecting sector 54 ' of the exterior cam profile 54 is substantially offset relative to the recessed sector 56' of the interior cam profile 56 facing each other, so that the projecting sector 54' still blocks the rotation of the Maltese cross 44 then that the hollow sector 56' opposite would authorize the rotation of said Maltese cross 44.

Sont également prévues deux bascules 58 montées pivotantes sous le bâti autour d'un arbre coaxial à l'axe central. A cet effet, chaque bascule 58 comprend une ouverture 60 de forme oblongue agencée pour être disposée autour dudit arbre de sorte que chaque bascule 58 est libre de s'écarter de l'axe central. Chaque bascule 58 est en contact avec un ressort de rappel 62 monté sous le bâti. Chaque bascule 58 comporte à son extrémité libre un tenon ou une goupille 64 dirigée vers la croix de Malte 44 et agencée pour traverser le bâti par des gorges « bananes » 66 percées dans ledit bâti dans l'espace entre les deux profils de came 54 et 56, ceci afin de pouvoir se placer au fond d'une rainure de la Croix de Malte 44 lorsque la bascule 58 qui la porte s'écarte de l'axe central. Les bascules 58 sont disposées symétriquement l'une de l'autre par rapport audit axe central, le saut instantané de la croix de Malte se faisant tous les 180° de rotation du premier mobile 8', comme cela sera expliqué ci-dessous. La combinaison de la forme des gorges bananes 66 et de l'effet du ressort de rappel 62 détermine la position de repos de la goupille 64. Selon une autre variante non représentée, la goupille 64 peut être fixée directement à l'extrémité d'un bras du ressort de rappel, la bascule étant supprimée. La forme en spirale du ressort de rappel permet un décalage en X et Y de la goupille.Two rockers 58 are also provided, pivotally mounted under the frame around a shaft coaxial with the central axis. For this purpose, each rocker 58 comprises an opening 60 of oblong shape arranged to be arranged around said shaft so that each rocker 58 is free to deviate from the central axis. Each rocker 58 is in contact with a return spring 62 mounted under the frame. Each rocker 58 has at its free end a tenon or a pin 64 directed towards the Maltese cross 44 and arranged to pass through the frame by "banana" grooves 66 pierced in said frame in the space between the two cam profiles 54 and 56, this in order to be able to be placed at the bottom of a groove of the Maltese Cross 44 when the rocker 58 which carries it deviates from the central axis. The flip-flops 58 are arranged symmetrically one from the other relative to said central axis, the instantaneous jump of the Maltese cross taking place every 180° of rotation of the first mobile 8', as will be explained below. The combination of the shape of the banana grooves 66 and the effect of the return spring 62 determines the rest position of the pin 64. According to another variant not shown, the pin 64 can be fixed directly to the end of a arm of the return spring, the rocker being removed. The spiral shape of the return spring allows an X and Y offset of the pin.

Le fonctionnement de cette deuxième variante de réalisation de ce dispositif d'entrainement est expliqué ci-dessous en référence aux figures 16 à 20 qui montrent différentes positions à la fin de la période d'affichage de la pleine lune et lors de la période transitoire entre la pleine lune et la lune gibbeuse décroissante.The operation of this second alternative embodiment of this training device is explained below with reference to the figures 16 to 20 which show different positions at the end of the full moon display period and during the transitional period between the full moon and the waning gibbous moon.

Plus particulièrement en référence aux figures 16, 16a et 16b, le profil de phase de lune 18' correspondant à la pleine lune se situe vers la droite du guichet d'affichage (non représenté) indiquant la fin de la période d'affichage de ladite pleine lune. Pendant la période d'affichage de la phase de lune, le deuxième mobile 14' est solidaire en rotation du premier mobile 8' via le mobile entraineur 40. En effet, la croix de Malte 44 est bloquée dans son orientation par le premier profil de came extérieur 54 et par le deuxième profil de came intérieur 56 prévus sur le bâti 52, comme le montre plus spécifiquement la figure 16b. Le premier mobile 8' étant entraîné dans le sens horaire par le rouage moteur par sa denture 46, lesdits premier et deuxième mobiles 8', 14' sont entraînés de manière synchronisée, à la même vitesse et dans le même sens, via la roue d'entrainement 42 en prise avec la denture 50 du deuxième mobile 14' et solidaire de la croix de Malte 44 embarquée sur le premier mobile 8'. La phase de lune se déplace donc dans le guichet de gauche à droite, comme décrit ci-dessus pour le premier exemple de réalisation, les premier et deuxième mobiles 8', 14' se rapprochant de l'une des bascules 58. De préférence le ressort de rappel 62 est précontraint pour positionner la bascule 58 et sa goupille 64 au fond de sa gorge banane 66.More particularly with reference to figures 16, 16a and 16b , the moon phase profile 18' corresponding to the full moon is located towards the right of the display window (not shown) indicating the end of the display period of said full moon. During the moon phase display period, the second mobile 14' is integral in rotation with the first mobile 8' via the driving mobile 40. In fact, the Maltese cross 44 is blocked in its orientation by the first profile of outer cam 54 and by the second inner cam profile 56 provided on the frame 52, as shown more specifically in figure 16b . The first mobile 8' being driven in a clockwise direction by the motor train through its teeth 46, said first and second mobile wheels 8', 14' are driven in a synchronized manner, at the same speed and in the same direction, via the wheel 'drive 42 engaged with the teeth 50 of the second mobile 14' and secured to the Maltese cross 44 on board the first mobile 8'. The moon phase therefore moves in the window from left to right, as described above for the first embodiment, the first and second mobiles 8', 14' approaching one of the rockers 58. Preferably the return spring 62 is preloaded to position the rocker 58 and its pin 64 at the bottom of its banana groove 66.

Environ un jour avant la période transitoire, le premier mobile 8' a avancé de sorte que la croix de Malte 44 entre en contact avec la goupille 64, comme le montrent les figures 17, 17a et 17b. Du fait de la forme oblongue de l'ouverture 60 de la bascule 58, ladite bascule 58 est libre de s'écarter de l'axe central de sorte que sa goupille 64 se décale également pour se positionner au fond de la rainure de la Croix de Malte 44, comme le montre plus précisément la figure 17b. Par ailleurs, ladite Croix de Malte 44 est toujours bloquée en orientation par les profils de came extérieur 54 et intérieur 56 et ne peut pas tourner sur elle-même. Lorsque la Croix de Malte 44 continue à avancer avec le premier mobile 8', le ressort de rappel 62 commence à se charger.About a day before the transitional period, the first mobile 8' moved forward so that the Maltese cross 44 came into contact with the pin 64, as shown in the figures 17, 17a and 17b . Due to the oblong shape of the opening 60 of the rocker 58, said rocker 58 is free to move away from the central axis so that its pin 64 also shifts to position itself at the bottom of the groove of the Maltese Cross 44, as shown more precisely in figure 17b . Furthermore, said Maltese Cross 44 is always blocked in orientation by the exterior 54 and interior 56 cam profiles and cannot rotate on itself. When the Maltese Cross 44 continues to advance with the first mobile 8', the return spring 62 begins to load.

En référence aux figures 18, 18a, et 18b, à la fin de la période d'affichage et au début de la période transitoire, le profil de phase 18' du deuxième mobile 14' correspondant à la pleine lune a avancé pour se trouver masqué sous le guichet. En parallèle, la croix de Malte 44 a avancé avec le premier mobile 8' de sorte que le ressort de rappel 62 et la goupille 64 sont en extension maximale. La croix de Malte 44 se positionne au niveau du secteur en creux 56' du profil de came intérieur 56 de sorte qu'elle n'est plus retenue par ledit profil de came intérieur 56, mais reste bloquée en rotation sur elle-même tout juste retenue par le profil de came extérieur 54, au bord de son secteur en saillie 54', prête au saut.With reference to figures 18, 18a, and 18b , at the end of the display period and at the beginning of the transitional period, the phase profile 18' of the second mobile 14' corresponding to the full moon has moved forward to find itself hidden under the aperture. In parallel, the Maltese cross 44 has moved forward with the first mobile 8' so that the return spring 62 and the pin 64 are in maximum extension. The Maltese cross 44 is positioned at the level of the recessed sector 56' of the interior cam profile 56 so that it is no longer retained by said interior cam profile 56, but remains blocked in rotation on itself just barely. retained by the external cam profile 54, at the edge of its projecting sector 54', ready for jumping.

Puis la croix de Malte 44 continue d'avancer avec le premier mobile 8' de sorte qu'elle vient se positionner au niveau du secteur en saillie 54' du profil de came extérieur 54, et se trouve de ce fait libre de pivoter sur elle-même. Sous l'effet du ressort 62 qui se décharge soudainement, la goupille 64 remonte vers sa position d'équilibre en entrainant une rotation de la croix de Malte 44 sur elle-même de 90° relativement au premier mobile 8', comme le montrent les figures 19, 19a, et 19b. Cette rotation de la croix de Malte 44 fait pivoter la roue d'entrainement 42 solidaire de ladite croix de Malte 44, entrainant une rotation relative du deuxième mobile 14' dans le sens horaire d'un angle de repositionnement de 20° via sa denture 50.Then the Maltese cross 44 continues to advance with the first mobile 8' so that it is positioned at the level of the projecting sector 54' of the external cam profile 54, and is therefore free to pivot on it. -even. Under the effect of the spring 62 which suddenly discharges, the pin 64 rises towards its equilibrium position causing a rotation of the Maltese cross 44 on itself by 90° relative to the first mobile 8', as shown in the figures 19, 19a, and 19b . This rotation of the Maltese cross 44 pivots the drive wheel 42 secured to said Maltese cross 44, causing a relative rotation of the second mobile 14' in the clockwise direction by a repositioning angle of 20° via its teeth 50 .

Lors de cette rotation relative du deuxième mobile 14', le profil de phase de lune suivant correspondant à la lune gibbeuse décroissante à gauche de l'axe central vient entièrement se superposer à la portion de fond lunaire 12' de manière à révéler ladite phase de lune suivante correspondant à la lune gibbeuse décroissante, encore masquée sous le guichet d'affichage comme le montre la figure 20. De l'autre côté de l'axe central, l'autre portion de fond lunaire 12' déphasée par rapport aux profils de phase de lune est masquée sous la droite du guichet d'affichage. La goupille 64 et le ressort de rappel 62 sont de nouveau en position de repos et la croix de Malte 44, qui a continué à avancer avec le premier mobile 8', est de nouveau bloquée en orientation par les profils de came extérieur 54 et intérieur 56, comme le montrent les figures 20a et 20b. Le mécanisme est de nouveau prêt pour afficher dans le guichet la phase de lune correspondant à la lune gibbeuse décroissante qui va ensuite se déplacer de gauche à droite, pendant 3.28 jours, comme décrit ci-dessus. Au prochain saut, la croix de Malte 44 coopérera avec la bascule 58 opposée.During this relative rotation of the second mobile 14', the following moon phase profile corresponding to the waning gibbous moon to the left of the central axis is entirely superimposed on the lunar background portion 12' so as to reveal said phase of next moon corresponding to the waning gibbous moon, still hidden under the display window as shown in Figure 20 . On the other side of the central axis, the other portion of lunar background 12' out of phase with the moon phase profiles is hidden under the right of the display window. Pin 64 and return spring 62 are again in the rest position and the Maltese cross 44, which continued to advance with the first mobile 8', is again blocked in orientation by the exterior 54 and interior 56 cam profiles, as shown THE figures 20a and 20b . The mechanism is again ready to display in the aperture the moon phase corresponding to the waning gibbous moon which will then move from left to right, for 3.28 days, as described above. At the next jump, the Maltese cross 44 will cooperate with the opposite seesaw 58.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation non représentée, le dispositif d'entrainement peut être un différentiel, comprenant une roue d'entrée engrenant sur le premier mobile 8, une roue de sortie engrenant sur le deuxième mobile 14, et une deuxième entrée agencée pour réaliser le décalage entre les mobiles 8 et 14 pendant une période transitoire.According to another alternative embodiment not shown, the drive device can be a differential, comprising an input wheel meshing with the first mobile 8, an output wheel meshing with the second mobile 14, and a second input arranged to achieve the shift between mobiles 8 and 14 during a transitional period.

Il est bien évident que les premier et deuxième mobiles peuvent présenter d'autres configurations que les exemples donnés ci-dessus, le nombre de portions de fond lunaire, de profils de phase de lune et de phases de lune à afficher pouvant varier. De plus, le mécanisme de l'invention peut être adapté pour que la rotation relative du deuxième mobile afin de le décaler de l'angle de repositionnement pendant la période transitoire se fasse dans le sens anti-horaire.It is quite obvious that the first and second mobiles can have other configurations than the examples given above, the number of portions of lunar background, moon phase profiles and moon phases to display being able to vary. In addition, the mechanism of the invention can be adapted so that the relative rotation of the second mobile in order to shift it from the repositioning angle during the transitional period is done in the counterclockwise direction.

Claims (19)

  1. A display mechanism for n moonphases for a timepiece, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 3, comprising a first wheel and pinion (8, 8') comprising first teeth (8b) and having a night-time background (10, 10') and at least one portion of lunar background (12, 12') and a second wheel and pinion (14, 14') comprising second teeth (14b) and superposed on the first wheel and pinion (8, 8'), said second wheel and pinion (14, 14') having a night-time background (16, 16') and n moonphase profiles (18, 18') and the first wheel and pinion (8, 8') and the second wheel and pinion (14, 14') being pivoted about one and the same axis, said display mechanism being arranged such that the first wheel and pinion (8, 8') is capable of being driven in rotation at a constant velocity, and that the second wheel and pinion (14, 14') is capable of being driven in rotation at the same angular velocity and in the same direction as the first wheel and pinion (8, 8') during a moonphase display period during which a portion of lunar background (12, 12') of the first wheel and pinion (8, 8') and a moonphase profile (18, 18') of the second wheel and pinion (14, 14') corresponding to the moonphase to be displayed are superposed to reveal said moonphase, and such that the second wheel and pinion (14, 14') is offset in relation to the first wheel and pinion (8, 8') by a repositioning angle during a transitional period between the current display period and the following display period in order to be able to reveal the following moonphase.
  2. A display mechanism according to claim 1, characterised in that n is odd.
  3. A display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a dial (2) including a display aperture (6) of dimensions selected to show the movement of a moonphase during at least part of its display period.
  4. A display mechanism according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the display aperture (6) is of dimensions selected to display at any time at most one moonphase in said display aperture (6).
  5. A display mechanism according to one of Claims 3 and 4, characterised in that said display aperture (6) is of dimensions selected such that the remaining area of the dial (2) masks the offset between the first wheel and pinion (8, 8') and the second wheel and pinion (14, 14') during the transitional period.
  6. A display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first wheel and pinion (8, 8') has x lunar background portions (12, 12'), x being greater than or equal to 1 and less than n, said x lunar background portions (12, 12') being regularly distributed on the first wheel and pinion (8, 8').
  7. A display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first wheel and pinion (8, 8') is arranged to be drivable by a drive gear train and to cooperate with a drive device (20), said drive device (20) being arranged to drive the second wheel and pinion (14, 14') synchronously during the moonphase display period and to drive it in relative rotation in order to offset it by said repositioning angle during a transitional period.
  8. A display mechanism according to Claim 7, characterised in that the moonphase profiles (18, 18') of the second wheel and pinion (14, 14') are positioned in relation to one another depending on the selected direction of relative rotation of the second wheel and pinion (14, 14'), such that the following moonphase is displayed instead of the current moonphase when said second wheel and pinion (14, 14') is driven in relative rotation by the drive device (20) in said selected direction of rotation.
  9. A display mechanism according to one of Claims 7 to 8, characterised in that the drive device (20) comprises an energy accumulator arranged to be driven by the first wheel and pinion (8) which is itself driven by the drive gear train, and arranged to cause the second wheel and pinion (14) to jump forward under the action of said energy accumulator.
  10. A display mechanism according to Claim 9, characterised in that the energy accumulator comprises three coaxially superposed wheels, namely a first wheel (22) arranged to be driven by the first wheel and pinion (8), said first wheel (22) being integral with a cam (24), a second wheel (26) arranged to be driven by said first wheel and pinion (8) at a higher velocity than the first wheel (22), said second wheel (26) bearing a pin (28), and a third wheel (30) arranged to drive the second wheel and pinion (14), said third wheel (30) comprising a groove (32) in which the pin (28) of the second wheel (26) engages and bearing a jumper (34) equipped with a jumper spring (36), said jumper (34) being arranged to cooperate with the cam (24) of the first wheel (22) so as to cause the third wheel (30) to rotate integrally with the first wheel (22) for synchronised drive of the first wheel and pinion (8) and of the second wheel and pinion (14) while the pin (28) of the second wheel (26) is not in abutment in the groove (32) of the third wheel (30), and so as to store energy when the pin (28) of the second wheel (26) in abutment in the groove (32) of the third wheel (30) causes the third wheel (30) to rotate integrally with the second wheel (26) and then to release said energy suddenly to cause the third wheel (30) to pivot in order to drive the second wheel and pinion (14) in relative rotation by the repositioning angle.
  11. A display mechanism according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the drive device comprises a drive wheel and pinion (40) mounted on the first wheel and pinion (8'), said drive wheel and pinion (40) comprising a drive wheel (42) arranged to cooperate with the second wheel and pinion (14'), and a Maltese cross (44), said drive wheel and pinion (40) being arranged to be rotationally immobile in relation to said first wheel and pinion (8') which is driven by the drive gear train for synchronised drive of the first wheel and pinion (8') and of the second wheel and pinion (14') via the drive wheel (42) during the display period, and to be driven in rotation in relation to said first wheel and pinion (8') in order to cause the drive wheel (42) to pivot in order to drive the second wheel and pinion (14') in rotation by the repositioning angle during the transitional period.
  12. A display mechanism according to one of Claims 3 to 11, characterised in that the display aperture (6) has a substantially annular shape, the radial edges (6a, 6b) of which form a horizon line.
  13. A display mechanism according to Claim 12, characterised in that the first wheel and pinion (8, 8') and the second wheel and pinion (14, 14') are capable of rotating in clockwise direction so as to represent the movement of a moonphase between its rising and setting on the horizon.
  14. A display mechanism according to one of Claims 12 to 13, characterised in that at least one of the radial edges (6a, 6b) of the display aperture (6) has a shape selected to represent the profile of a mountain, a monument or a city.
  15. A display mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the moonphase profiles (18, 18') of the second wheel and pinion (14, 14') have a profile defined by the terminator (18a) corresponding to a moonphase and the arc of a circle (18b) of the outer edge of the moon.
  16. A display mechanism according to Claim 15, characterised in that the edge of the moonphase profile (18, 18') corresponding to the terminator (18a) comprises relief features illustrating details of the moon.
  17. A display mechanism according to one of Claims 7 to 16, characterised in that the first wheel and pinion (8, 8') comprises two symmetrically opposed lunar background portions (12, 12') and is arranged to be driven by the drive gear train at a velocity of n half-revolutions per lunation and in that the drive device is arranged to drive the second wheel and pinion (14, 14') synchronously during the moonphase display period and to drive it in relative rotation in order to offset it by said repositioning angle during a transitional period.
  18. A display mechanism according to Claim 17, characterised in that n is equal to 9, in that the first wheel and pinion (8, 8') comprises two symmetrically opposed lunar background portions (12, 12') and is arranged to be driven by the drive gear train in clockwise direction at a velocity of 9 half-revolutions per lunation, the second wheel and pinion (14, 14') being arranged to be offset in clockwise direction by a repositioning angle of 20° during the transitional period between one moonphase display period and the following moonphase display period, the moonphase display period being approximately 3.28 days, the display aperture (6) extending over an angle of approximately 140°, and the moonphase profiles (18, 18') being arranged on the second wheel and pinion (14, 14') according to the sequence, in clockwise direction, first crescent, waning moon, waning gibbous moon, waxing gibbous moon, waxing moon, last crescent, last quarter, full moon, first quarter.
  19. A timepiece comprising a display mechanism according to one of Claims 1 to 18.
EP21206648.4A 2020-11-30 2021-11-05 Mechanism for displaying phases of the moon Active EP4006651B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH01526/20A CH718104A1 (en) 2020-11-30 2020-11-30 Moon phase display mechanism.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4006651A1 EP4006651A1 (en) 2022-06-01
EP4006651B1 true EP4006651B1 (en) 2024-06-26

Family

ID=73834132

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21206648.4A Active EP4006651B1 (en) 2020-11-30 2021-11-05 Mechanism for displaying phases of the moon

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4006651B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2022087030A (en)
CN (1) CN114578673B (en)
CH (1) CH718104A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH720138A2 (en) 2022-10-18 2024-04-30 Goujon Pierre Device for displaying discrete indications

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH658159GA3 (en) * 1982-10-27 1986-10-31
FR2614445B1 (en) * 1987-04-22 1989-06-30 Ebauches Sa MECHANISM FOR DISPLAYING MOON PHASES ON A WATCH, AND WATCH COMPRISING SUCH A MECHANISM
EP1701227A1 (en) * 2005-03-11 2006-09-13 The British Masters SA Device for displaying moon phases
CH703249B1 (en) * 2010-06-01 2024-01-31 Mft Dhorlogerie Audemars Piguet Sa Mechanism for indicating the phases of the moon.
CH706094B1 (en) * 2012-02-03 2016-10-14 Maurice Lacroix Sa An moon phase display.
CH706600A1 (en) * 2012-06-06 2013-12-13 Manuf Et Fabrique De Montres Et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle S A display mechanism of the respective positions of the sun, earth and moon.
EP3098671B1 (en) * 2015-05-27 2019-10-09 Montres Breguet S.A. Clock mechanism for displaying the lunar phase
EP3267267B1 (en) * 2016-07-04 2019-02-27 Blancpain SA. Mechanism for displaying the lunar phase
CH713593A2 (en) * 2017-03-20 2018-09-28 Blancpain Sa Device for displaying lunar phases.
EP3483664B1 (en) * 2017-11-10 2020-06-03 Montres Breguet S.A. Clockwork mechanism for displaying the lunar day and the phase of the moon, with correction system with dual drive train
JP7251272B2 (en) * 2019-04-01 2023-04-04 セイコーエプソン株式会社 age of the moon clock

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN114578673B (en) 2024-01-23
CN114578673A (en) 2022-06-03
JP2022087030A (en) 2022-06-09
US20220171340A1 (en) 2022-06-02
CH718104A1 (en) 2022-05-31
EP4006651A1 (en) 2022-06-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2392976B1 (en) Mechanism for indication of the lunar phases
EP2728420A1 (en) Astronomical watch
EP3477402B1 (en) Device for displaying the phases of the moon
EP3339973B1 (en) Date mechanism
EP3008523B1 (en) Calendar mechanism for a clock movement
EP1351104B1 (en) Device with program wheel for perpetual calendar mechanism, and timepiece provided with such a mechanism
EP4006651B1 (en) Mechanism for displaying phases of the moon
EP1475679A1 (en) Device for displaying the phases of the moon, in particular in a timepiece
EP1701227A1 (en) Device for displaying moon phases
WO1991011756A1 (en) Device for displaying the moon, in particular on a watch dial
CH717422B1 (en) Date mechanism.
EP4006650A1 (en) Skipping timepiece display mechanism with rollers
WO2019244032A1 (en) Moon-phase display device
WO2023217830A1 (en) Mechanism for displaying the phases of the moon for a watch movement
WO2012059887A1 (en) Watch comprising an astronomic indication
WO2006108878A1 (en) Jumping hour display mechanism for timepiece
EP4254079A1 (en) Mechanism for displaying the phases of the moon for a timepiece
CH719558A2 (en) Clock movement with a moon phase display mechanism.
CH696503A5 (en) A display device of the phases of the moon, particularly in a timepiece.
WO2024089541A1 (en) Device for displaying discreet indications
CH719613A2 (en) Control mobile for watch display device, corresponding display device and watch movement.
CH717278A1 (en) Watch movement with a display acceleration device, in particular for a large date calendar.
CH719397A2 (en) Display mechanism comprising a plurality of display mobiles and a correction device arranged to act on the latter.
CH718092A2 (en) Roller jumping clockwork display mechanism.
EP1475680A1 (en) Device for displaying the phases of the moon, in particular in a timepiece

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

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: 20221109

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

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

Effective date: 20230527

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: 20240318

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