Abstract:
A timepiece includes a representation of a non-rectilinear object, the representation particularly including a movable element kinematically connected to a drive mechanism. The representation also includes at least one second movable element, the drive mechanism being arranged such that the movable elements each move, simultaneously and in synchronization, between a first and a second end position, and vice versa, the movable elements forming the representation at a first size and at a second size greater than the first, respectively, when the movable elements are in the first and second end positions thereof.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates to the field of horology. It relates more particularly to a timepiece comprising a depiction of a non-rectilinear object, said depiction being generally arranged on a dial, in order to be visible by a user. The depiction is in particular formed by a mobile element, kinematically connected to a driving mechanism able to be driven by a power source. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    It is well known that the field of horology and the world of machines share numerous technical features. It is thus know in some pieces, called “Jaquemart”, to have a character having a movable arm driven by a driving mechanism wherein, when the hour changes, a striking system is activated. The movable arm is then actuated to give the impression that the sounds produced by the striking system result from blows struck by the character, striking a bell with his movable arm. 
         [0003]    Much simpler timepieces are also known, in which the depiction of an object is simply fastened on a second hand, for example, to be driven around the movement continuously. 
         [0004]    The present invention aims to propose a new type of animation that is very original. The invention proposes to depict a non-rectilinear object, i.e., to graphically depict a symbol or a real object in two dimensions. A straight segment is not considered to be a depiction of such an object. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    More specifically, the invention relates to a timepiece as mentioned in the first paragraph of this application, characterized in that said depiction is also formed by at least one second mobile element. Moreover, the driving mechanism is arranged so that the mobile elements each move, and synchronously with respect to one another, between first and second extreme positions. These mobile elements form said depiction according to a first size and a second size, larger than the first, when they are in their first or second extreme positions, respectively. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    Other details of the invention will appear more clearly upon reading the following description, done in reference to the appended drawing, in which  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3  are chronological views of the operation of a timepiece according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The following description describes one preferred embodiment, provided solely as a non-limiting example. 
         [0008]    The figures show a diagrammatic depiction of a timepiece according to the invention. It comprises a horological movement, not shown in the figures, comprising a power source and a regulating system in order to display time information, for example by means of hands  10 , moving above a dial that hides the movement. 
         [0009]    The timepiece comprises a depiction of a non-rectilinear object. In the preferred embodiment, the object is a heart  12 . This heart is formed by first and second mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b , kinematically connected to a driving mechanism  16  that can be driven by the power source of the movement. Preferably, the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b  are distinct and independent, i.e., they are not linked to each other by an articulated system, of the hinge type. As will be described hereafter, they can, however, be connected kinematically. 
         [0010]    As illustrated in the example, the driving mechanism  16  comprises a cam  17 , rotated by the movement. Typically, the driving mechanism  16  and the depiction are arranged on an independent module, i.e., on an independent frame, mounted on a basic movement. The cam  17  can then be fixed on a wheel of the basic movement, the pivot axis of which is extended at the module. Advantageously, it is also possible to provide a gear train at the module, so as to adapt the frequency of the pitches of the cam  17  and its speed of rotation. The possible presence of a gear train also makes it possible to arrange the cam  17  at a place chosen by the designer, without being constrained by the position of the axes of the wheels of the basic movement. 
         [0011]    In the proposed example, the cam  17  assumes the form of a toothed wheel, fitted with an asymmetric toothing, with wolf toothing or saw toothing. As will be understood, according to the movements one wishes to obtain for the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b , the cam  17  may assume another shape. In particular, the profile of the teeth may be adapted, but a skilled person may also consider any type of protuberance. 
         [0012]    The driving mechanism also comprises two levers  18   a  and  18   b , pivoting in reference to axes A and B, respectively. To improve the pivoting of these levers  18   a  and  18   b , both in terms of guiding and friction, they can be mounted on ball bearings  19 . Each lever  18   a  and  18   b  is mounted integral with one of the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b . For example, a pin can be fixed on each lever so as to rigidly connect the levers  18   a  or  18   b  and the mobile element  14   a  or  14   b . The mobile elements may receive an hour wheel and be assembled on the levers like the hands of a timepiece. Since the entire mechanism is intended to be arranged under the dial and the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b  are intended to be arranged above the dial, the pins cross the dial through makeshift openings arranged in the dial. These openings can advantageously be hidden behind the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b , irrespective of their position. 
         [0013]    The first lever  18   a  comprises a first feeler-spindle  20   a , kept pressed against the cam  17  by a first spring  22   a . The second lever  18   b  comprises a second feeler-spindle  20   b , which is kept pressed against a banking  24   a  of the first lever  18   a  by a second spring  22   b . Thus, while the first lever  18   a  is rotated directly by the displacements of the cam  17 , the second lever  18   b  is rotated indirectly, via the first lever  18   a . Thus, the movements of the two levers are perfectly synchronised, and setting differences in the springs  22   a  and  22   b  or in the cooperation of the feeler-spindles with the cam  17  do not disrupt the synchronism of the displacements of the levers  18   a  and  18   b . It will be noted that the synchronisation of the displacements of the levers  18   a  and  18   b  can also be obtained by direct bearing of the levers on the cam  17 , although this requires fine setting of the function. To reduce friction, the feeler-spindles can be made from ruby or coated with a material having a low friction coefficient with the metal of the cam or the lever. 
         [0014]    The mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b  therefore move following rotations defined in reference to the axes A and B, respectively, said axes advantageously being separate from one another. Owing to the fact that the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b  are rigidly linked to the levers  18   a  and  18   b , the first and second mobile elements each move simultaneously and synchronously with respect to one other, between first and second extreme positions and vice versa, i.e., following a retrograde movement. The first extreme position is shown in  FIG. 1 , while the second extreme position is shown in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 2  showing an intermediate position. 
         [0015]    In the first extreme position, the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b  form the depiction of the non-rectilinear object, i.e. the heart  12 , in a first size. In the second extreme position, the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b  form the heart  12  in a second size, larger than the first one. The depiction obtained at the second size is a similarity by a factor k of the depiction obtained at the first size, k being determined by the design and construction of the timepiece. In the two respective sizes of the depiction of the object, the dimensions of the depiction advantageously vary in at least two directions. The invention therefore does not consist of simply depicting a larger or smaller straight segment, such a segment further not being considered to be a depiction of a non-rectilinear object, within the meaning of the present invention. 
         [0016]    One could also consider synchronising the movements of the first and second mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b , by connecting them by meshing, instead of a link by bearing of the second feeler-spindle. They could also be connected by a fork positioned at the end of one of the mobile elements, the other comprising a pin cooperating with the fork, the two elements being kept cooperating by a small spring that also limits the play between the mobile elements. It is thus possible to do away with the second spring  22   b  and reduce the impacts between the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b.    
         [0017]    Advantageously, the driving mechanism  16  is arranged, owing to the shape of the cam  17 , to give the illusion of a beating heart. Indeed, the levers  18   a  and  18   b  pivot gradually while the feeler-spindle  20   a  slides on an inclined portion of the cam  17 , the first lever  18   a  driving the second lever  18   b . Then, the levers  18   a  and  18   b  return to their initial position abruptly when the feeler-spindle  20   a  falls after having passed the tip of the teeth. In other words, the heart  12  gradually goes from its first size to its second size and suddenly returns to its first size. 
         [0018]    In order to improve the illusion, the elements of the heart have a particular shape. For each element, each end of the element has a portion concentric to the axis of rotation around which the lever pivots. This is the case even for the central part of the heart. 
         [0019]    Moreover, it is possible to provide that, when the heart  12  is depicted in its first size, the ends of the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b  are sized and shaped in order to overlap while overlapping each other. This can be obtained either by adapting the thicknesses of the ends of the mobile elements, or by deforming at least one of said ends, so as to obtain an overlap. 
         [0020]    In addition, the dial is fitted with portions  26  having an appearance that is similar in terms of colour and material to that of the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b . The portions  26  are hidden by the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b  when said elements are in their first extreme position. When said elements move to their second extreme position, the portions  26  then become visible. Owing to the concentric shape in reference to the axes A and B, respectively, of the ends of the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b , the portions  26  may have the same size, i.e., the same width as the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b  and, when the portions  26  are visible, they form, with the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b , the heart  12  in its second size. In that case, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the portions  26  “extend”, even if they are in a different plane, the mobile elements  14   a  and  14   b.    
         [0021]    In one preferred embodiment, the combination of the specific shape of the heart  12 , a suitable shape of the cam  17 , a suitable driving rhythm, make it possible to give the illusion of a heartbeat, as sometimes shown in a stylised manner. 
         [0022]    In the invention described above, the depiction is of a heart, but other non-rectilinear objects may also be chosen. It is thus possible to depict a star, a mouth or various other shapes that can be depicted by a limited number of mobile elements. It is in fact possible to consider combining up to 4 or 6 mobile elements. Moreover, mobile elements can also be combined with static elements that are continuously visible so as to depict the chosen object. It will be noted that preferably, the mobile elements are designed to rotate around separate distinct axes, at least around a plurality of axes. 
         [0023]    The mechanism described above is compatible with a mechanical or quartz regulating mechanism. A driving mechanism  16  as proposed above can be adapted to an electro-mechanical embodiment. An independent driving mechanism for each mobile element is also possible, the driving systems being synchronised by a control electronic circuit. 
         [0024]    A skilled person can also provide a control system to activate or stop the driving mechanism  16  and the movements of the depiction. In a mechanical or electromechanical timepiece, the control system can act on a coupling mechanism, like those used in chronograph mechanisms, located in the kinematic chain between the movement and the cam  17 . The uncoupling of the coupling system stops the rotation of the cam  17 . In an electronic timepiece, the control system may act directly on the electronic control circuit. 
         [0025]    The control system may be a manual control system, such as a push-piece. But an automatic control system is also possible, as proposed in alarms or alarm clocks. At a programmed time, the control system then automatically activates the driving mechanism  16  and the heart or the chosen depiction moves from one size to the other. In such a mechanical embodiment, the driving mechanism can be associated with its own power source, possibly located in the module. However, it is also possible to consider, based on the technical teaching known from “grande sonnerie” mechanisms, to take the energy for driving the depiction from the movement barrel. The stop of the driving occurs either after a predetermined time or when the specific barrel has been unloaded. A skilled person will be able to use his general knowledge in the field of striking mechanisms to implement this embodiment of the invention. For such an embodiment of the electronic or electromechanical type, the electronic circuit can be programmed so as to react to an actuation of a manual control organ or to define the duration and time when the depiction is moved. 
         [0026]    It is optionally possible to provide that the mobile elements are driven directly by the movements of an oscillating mass, like those used in automatic winding mechanisms, the oscillating mass being secured in rotation or kinematically connected to the cam, to drive the mobile elements based on the movements of the wearer of the timepiece. 
         [0027]    A timepiece according to the invention is applicable to a bracelet watch. It may also be applicable to any type of jewellery item, of the jewel type ( FIG. 4 ), such as a necklace or other pendant, or a pin. Although in this application the mechanism may not provide the time and may in particular lack means for displaying time information, it may nevertheless legitimately be included in the scope of the term “timepiece” used in the claims, given that it uses systems used in horology.