Patent Application
20170102672
This application claims priority from European Patent Application No 15189552.1 filed Oct. 13, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention concerns a watch case containing a mechanical timepiece movement and a watch bracelet or strap associated with the watch case in a removable manner, the watch bracelet containing an electronic device for performing an electronic function which supplements or improves the mechanical function(s) performed by the mechanical timepiece movement housed in the watch case.
It is known that users feel affection for their mechanical watches. Indeed, mechanical timepiece movements are synonymous with a high level of expertise, notably in terms of miniaturisation, precision made components, decoration, reliability of operation in sometimes extreme conditions and the choice of timepiece complications offered, values that are less commonly found in the field of electronic watches. However, there are functions, for example lighting, offered by electronic watches which are not available in purely mechanical watches. This is why there is a strong trend to associate purely mechanical watches with one or more additional electronic functions, without, however, requiring any modification to the mechanical timepiece movement.
To achieve this object, it has already been proposed to incorporate electronic devices in mechanical watch bracelets or straps to execute additional electronic functions which will add to the functions performed by the mechanical timepiece movement of the wristwatch. The E-Strap® marketed by Montblanc can be cited as an example of this. Consequently, the mechanical watch and the emotional value attached by the user to such a watch remain unchanged, while additional functions, only offered by electronic devices, can also be enjoyed.
It is understood from the foregoing that the object of watch bracelets of the aforementioned type, which incorporate electronic devices, is to offer at least one additional electronic function which adds to the functions performed by the mechanical watch movement. In other words, the execution of a mechanical function by the mechanical timepiece movement contained in the watch case is totally independent of the execution of an electronic function by the electronic device housed in the thickness of the bracelet or in the clasp closing the bracelet and vice versa, such that it is entirely possible to envisage associating a given bracelet with watch cases from different brands.
However, to the Applicant's knowledge, it appears that there is no watch bracelet or strap currently on the market that incorporates an electronic device, wherein the execution of the function for which it is intended will depend on the corresponding execution of a function ensured by the mechanical timepiece movement.
It is an object of the present invention to associate a mechanical wristwatch arranged to execute at least a first mechanical function, with an electronic device arranged to execute at least a second electronic function, the execution of the second electronic function by the electronic device being dependent on the execution of the first mechanical function by the timepiece movement.
To this end, the present invention concerns a wristwatch comprising a watch case in which is housed a mechanical timepiece movement comprising a mechanical device for executing at least a first mechanical function, the watch case being associated with a watch bracelet or strap in which is housed an electronic device arranged to execute at least a second electronic function, the execution of the second electronic function being dependent on the execution of the first mechanical function.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanical device for executing the first mechanical function is a mechanical striking device arranged to produce a first acoustic alarm signal, and the electronic device housed in the bracelet is arranged to produce a second acoustic alarm signal and/or a mechanical vibration, the electronic device being arranged to produce the second acoustic alarm signal at the moment when the mechanical striking device produces the first acoustic alarm signal. It is also possible to envisage offsetting in time, by a fixed duration or user-selectable duration, the activation of the second acoustic alarm signal.
As a result of these features, the present invention provides a mechanical wristwatch comprising a mechanical timepiece movement provided with a mechanical device which is arranged to execute a mechanical function and is associated with an electronic device housed in the thickness of the bracelet and arranged to execute an electronic function at the precise moment when the mechanical device of the mechanical timepiece movement executes the mechanical function. It is thus understood that, in such an arrangement, the mechanical timepiece movement acts as the master device and the electronic device housed in the bracelet acts as the slave device.
A “mechanical wristwatch” means a wristwatch whose time-related and, where appropriate, non-time-related functions are ensured only by mechanical components which are supplied with the energy required for operation by one or more mainsprings.
An “electronic device” means a device whose functions are ensured only by electrical or electronic components which are supplied with the energy required for operation by a battery or an accumulator which may be rechargeable.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanical device for executing a first mechanical function is a mechanical striking device arranged to produce a first acoustic alarm signal, and the electronic device housed in the bracelet is arranged to produce a second acoustic alarm signal and/or a mechanical vibration. Thus, when the mechanical striking device emits its acoustic alarm signal, the electronic device emits its own acoustic and/or mechanical alarm signal simultaneously, or after a delay.
The electronic device housed in the bracelet thus makes it possible to improve the operating performance of the mechanical striking device, notably in terms of the acoustic power generated and the melody through the selection and combination of frequencies. This is very advantageous since, currently, the sound level produced by a timepiece movement equipped with a mechanical striking device is low, typically comprised between 65 and 75 dB at a distance of 40 cm. This is due, in particular, to dimensional and sound propagation constraints imposed by the geometry of the watch case and the material of which it is made, and to the limited amount of available mechanical energy, even in the case where the mechanical striking device is powered by a mainspring which is specific thereto. Moreover, the duration of the acoustic alarm signal usually does not exceed 10 to 20 seconds, and a drop in the intensity of the acoustic signal is observed when the mainspring is almost completely let down.
In the case where the watch case comprises a transparent back, the electronic device for executing the second electronic function comprises an image sensor, typically of the CMOS type (complementary metal oxide semiconductor), arranged inside the bracelet to be under the transparent case back. In such case, it is also possible to arrange a light source in the bracelet to improve the conditions in which the image sensor takes shots.
The image sensor is arranged to scan, at close regular intervals, the indication provided by the mechanical striking mechanism. As soon as the image sensor detects the mechanical striking device starting and emitting the first acoustic alarm signal, it sends an electrical signal to an electronic control unit which actuates an electronic sound generator. Thus, the acoustic alarm signal produced by the mechanical striking device is reinforced by the electronic alarm signal, which makes it possible to increase acoustic power and thereby improve the audibility of the acoustic alarm signal produced by the mechanical wristwatch according to the invention. This can also enrich the sonority of the acoustic alarm produced by the mechanical device by creating a polyphonic sound. In order for the image sensor to detect the moment at which the mechanical striking device starts to operate and produces the first acoustic alarm signal, the image sensor is arranged to scan, at close regular intervals, a component of the mechanical striking device which is normally immobile and which is only set in motion at the moment when the mechanical striking device emits the first acoustic signal. This component may be, for example, a strike pallets which pivots in a horizontal plane about its point of articulation.
In the case where the watch case comprises an opaque, non-electrically conductive back, the electronic device for detecting the indication provided by the mechanical striking device comprises a capacitive, magnetic or inductive sensor.
In the case of the capacitive sensor, this typically comprises an RC oscillator, a demodulator and an output stage. The operation of such a capacitive sensor occurs without any physical contact with the mechanical striking device and relies on an electric field change in its active area. The capacitive sensor, disposed under the back of the watch case, detects a certain capacitance value which remains fixed as long as the mechanical striking device is at rest. At the moment when the mechanical striking device starts to operate and emits the first acoustic alarm signal, the capacitive sensor detects a capacitance change caused by the start of operation of the mechanical striking device, which causes a variation in the oscillation frequency of the RC circuit. Detection of this frequency variation generates an electrical output signal which is sent to the electronic control unit which actuates the electronic sound generator.
Likewise, the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field change caused by the start of operation of the mechanical striking mechanism. By way of non-limiting example, this magnetic sensor may be a giant magnetoresistive sensor, for example marketed by the American company NVE and also known as a giant magnetoresistive digital switch or GMR. Magneoresistance is the property that some materials have to change the value of their electrical resistance when they are subjected to a magnetic field. Thus, a giant magnetoresistive sensor is arranged to output an electrical control signal as a function of a variation in the magnetic field to which it is subjected. The NVE sensor is a very low power sensor which works through transparent case backs (sapphire, Plexiglas, glass) or opaque non-magnetic case backs (stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, brass, ceramic, plastic). It may also be a reed switch with flexible reeds. To this end, at least one of the components of the mechanical striking device, which starts to move when the mechanical striking device starts to operate, is provided with a magnet. Thus, when the component moves, the magnet is moved concomitantly which, in the case of the reed switch, magnetizes the flexible contacts which attract each other and come into contact with each other. The reed switch is then closed and can send an electrical output signal to the electronic control unit which actuates the electronic sound generator.
Finally, the inductive sensor conventionally comprises a winding made around a magnetic circuit whose role is to channel the magnetic field. At least one component of the mechanical striking device, which starts to move when the mechanical striking device starts to operate, is provided with a magnet. Thus, when the mechanical striking device starts to operate, the magnet moves and induces an electrical current in the winding of the inductive sensor. The inductive sensor sends an electrical output signal to the electronic control unit which actuates the electronic sound generator.
Whether the watch case back is transparent or opaque, conductive or non-conductive of electricity, the electronic device for detecting the indication provided by the mechanical striking device may comprise a simplified device comprising a microphone, which simply detects the acoustic wave produced by the start of operation of the mechanical striking device and sends an electrical signal to the electronic control unit which actuates the electronic sound generator.
Likewise, regardless of the properties of the watch case back, it is possible to envisage using as a sensor an accelerometer which will measure the activity of the mechanical striking device and detect the moment at which it starts to operate.
According to a complementary feature of the invention, the mechanical device for executing the first mechanical function housed in the watch case comprises a mechanical indicator member which provides an indication as to whether the mechanical device for executing the first mechanical function is in a set or non-set state, and the electronic device comprises first means arranged to scan the indication provided by the mechanical indicator member and second means which are arranged to scan the moment at which the first mechanical function will start.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from the following detailed description of an embodiment example of a mechanical wristwatch according to the invention with which an electronic function is associated, this example being given solely by way of non-limiting illustration with reference to the annexed drawing, in which:
The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea that consists in associating a mechanical wristwatch, devised to execute a first mechanical function in addition to the current time display, with a bracelet, in the thickness of which is housed an electronic device devised to execute a second electronic function, the execution of the second electronic function being dependent on by the execution of the first mechanical function. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical wristwatch is arranged to emit a first acoustic alarm at a predetermined moment programmed by the user, and the electronic device housed in the bracelet is arranged to emit a second acoustic alarm and/or a mechanical vibration at the moment when the watch emits the first acoustic alarm. It is therefore possible to increase the acoustic power of the alarm signal produced by the wristwatch according to the invention without requiring any modification to be made to the mechanical movement housed in the watch. It is also possible to increase the duration of the alarm signal and to emit sounds other than those produced by the mechanical movement, in harmony with such sounds.
Designated as a whole by the general reference numeral 1, the wristwatch according to the invention comprises (see
A mechanical timepiece movement 18, devised to drive the current time display hands 12, 14, 16, is housed in watch case 2. This mechanical timepiece movement 18 further includes a mechanical device 20 arranged to produce at least a first mechanical function, for example to emit a first acoustic alarm signal.
Purely by way of example (see
As shown in
Electronic device 56 housed in bracelet 4 of wristwatch 1 comprises an image sensor 58 which scans, at close regular intervals, for the moment when mechanical striking device 20 starts to operate. Mechanical striking device 20 is initially at rest (
Image sensor 58 is, for example, an image sensor marketed by ST Microelectronics under the reference VD5376. It has a thickness comprised between 180 μm and 725 μm, sides respectively measuring 1900 μm and 1932 μm and an active surface of 608×608 μm2 formed of a 20×20 pixel matrix. Such an image sensor 58 is capable of detecting a change in the levels of grey in an image that it scans and thus of detecting, for example, the displacement of an object such as strike pallets 42. It will be understood that image sensor 58 can detect the start of motion of another movable element, such as strike wheel 44, or hammer 48. Another change is observed by image sensor 58 when the first acoustic alarm signal stops and the movable element scanned by image sensor 58 stops (
According to a simplified variant of the invention, it may be envisaged to set the duration of the second alarm in advance. Once started after the activation of the first alarm, the second alarm will stop independently once this time has elapsed
It is noted that a comparison of
In the case where watch case 2 comprises an opaque, non-electrically conductive back 6, electronic device 56 for detecting the indication provided by mechanical striking device 20 comprises a capacitive, magnetic or inductive sensor.
In the case of a capacitive sensor 76 (
Likewise, (
Finally, (
By way of variant, the inductive sensor may comprise an LC oscillator circuit whose inductance will vary under the effect of the displacement of a metal component of the mechanical device.
Whether the back 6 of watch case 2 is transparent or opaque, conductive or non-conductive of electricity (
Likewise, regardless of the properties of back 6 of watch case 2, it may be envisaged to use as a sensor an accelerometer which will measure the activity of the mechanical striking device and detect the vibrations generated by hammer 48 at the moment when the mechanical striking device starts to operate. One accelerometer that is well suited to the requirements of the present invention is marketed under the reference ADXL362. This is a very low power circuit which constitutes an advantageous alternative to the microphone, particularly from the point of view of sealing and incorporation costs.
As seen in detail hereinbefore, electronic device 56 housed in bracelet 4 is arranged to execute at least a second electronic function, for example to emit a second acoustic alarm signal and/or to produce a mechanical vibration, the execution of the second electronic function being determined by the execution of the first mechanical function. In other words, electronic device 56 will emit the second acoustic alarm signal and/or produce a mechanical vibration at the moment when mechanical striking device 20 produces the first acoustic alarm signal. Mechanical timepiece mechanism 18 housed in watch case 2 is thus the master of electronic device 56 which acts as the slave.
According to a complementary feature of the invention, mechanical device 20 for executing the first mechanical function, housed in watch case 2, further comprises a mechanical indicator member 98 which provides an indication as to whether mechanical device 20 for executing the first mechanical function is in a set or non-set state. Thus, if mechanical device 20 is set by the user to produce an acoustic alarm signal at a predetermined time selected by the user, mechanical indicator member 98 will indicate that mechanical device 20 is set.
According to a first embodiment illustrated in
The operation of this device is as follows. Light source 102 will, at regular intervals, send a light beam across disc 100. If, due to the absence of signal provided by light sensor 104, electronic device 56 observes that the light emitted by light source 102 falls on absorbent surface portion 100a of disc 100 and is therefore absorbed, it concludes that mechanical striking device 20 is not set. Consequently, it is not necessary for image sensor 106 to scan for the moment when mechanical striking mechanism 20 starts to operate, which saves energy. Indeed, light source 102 illuminates disc 100 less often than image sensor 106 scans for the moment when striking device 20 starts to operate. When the user sets mechanical striking device 20, for example by pressing a push-button, disc 100 will move such that the light emitted by light source 102 falls on the reflective surface portion 100b of disc 100. Thus, due to the signal provided by light sensor 104, electronic device 56 will note that the light emitted by light source 102 falls on the reflective surface portion 100b of disc 100 and is therefore reflected, and concludes that mechanical striking device 20 is set. At that moment, electronic device 56 cuts the electrical power to light source 102 and actuates image sensor 106. Image sensor 106 will then scan, at close regular intervals, for the moment when mechanical striking mechanism starts to operate. When mechanical striking device 20 starts to operate, the operation of mechanical striking device 20 and of electronic device 56 is the same as that described hereinbefore with reference to the first embodiment of the invention.
According to a second embodiment which is not shown, instead of having a reflective surface portion and an absorbent surface portion, disc 100 could be provided with a surface portion that reflects light towards light sensor 104 and a surface portion that reflects light in a direction in which light sensor 104 cannot sense light.
According to a third embodiment (see
Finally, according to a last embodiment (
It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments that have just been described and that various simple modifications and variants can be envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the annexed claims. It will be noted, in particular, that it is possible to envisage offsetting in time, by a fixed duration or user-selectable duration, the activation of the second acoustic alarm signal. In other words, the production of the second acoustic signal generated by the electronic device will be offset in time with respect to the emission of the first acoustic signal produced by the mechanical device. It will also be understood that the electronic device emits a second acoustic alarm signal or, equally, a mechanical vibration through the use of a vibrating mechanism housed in the thickness of the bracelet. At the moment when the mechanical device starts to produce the first acoustic alarm signal, the electronic device will activate the vibrating mechanism which will generate vibrations that the user will feel on his wrist. The vibrating mechanism is typically an eccentric mechanism which activates an inertia block. Likewise, it will be noted that, in a simplified variant of the invention, it may be envisaged to set the duration of the second alarm in advance. Once started after the activation of the first alarm, the second alarm will stop independently once this time has elapsed. In other words, the second alarm will be activated at the moment when the first alarm starts to operate and will stop at the end of a predefined time, independent of the duration of activation of the first alarm. It will also be noted that, in the case where the sensor is a microphone or an accelerometer, it is not essential for such a sensor to be disposed beneath the watch case back. Consequently, it is possible to envisage a bracelet formed of two separate strands, each fixed via one end thereof to the watch case, and in which are incorporated the components necessary for implementation of the invention. Finally, it will be noted that the present invention also covers a method for generating an acoustic alarm signal in a wristwatch comprising a watch case 2 in which is housed a mechanical timepiece movement 18 comprising a mechanical striking device 20 arranged to produce a first acoustic alarm signal, watch case 2 being associated with a bracelet 4 in which is housed an electronic device 56 for producing a second acoustic alarm signal and/or a mechanical vibration, electronic device 56 being arranged to produce the second acoustic alarm signal at the moment when mechanical device 20 for executing the first mechanical function produces the first acoustic alarm signal or after a predefined duration or user-selectable duration following the start of operation of mechanical device 20.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15189552.1 | Oct 2015 | EP | regional |
