Timepiece with haptic control including anti-fog device

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece comprising a watch case enclosed by a bottom cover and a protective glass, the timepiece comprising a haptic control device connected to an electronic unit configured to perform at least one function of the timepiece under the action of the haptic control device, the haptic control device comprises at least one capacitive sensor comprising a first capacitor plate and a second capacitor plate, the first capacitor plate being formed of a transparent conductive electrode formed at least on a portion of the interior face of the protective glass, a second capacitor plate formed by positioning a finger of the wearer on an outer face of the protective glass; the transparent conductive electrode is electrically connected to the electronic unit; characterized in that the timepiece comprises an anti-fog device formed in part by a transparent conductive electrode and a second electrical conductor connecting the transparent conductive electrode to the electronic unit in a closed circuit manner, the electronic unit comprising a current management module configured to generate a controlled current in the closed circuit, therefore, the temperature of the transparent conductive electrode can be raised through the Joule effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a timepiece with tactile controls having an anti-fogging device to avoid or limit the formation of fog or fine water droplets on the inner surface of a protective mirror. Background Art

[0002] The timepiece is worn every day in an environment with large variations in relative humidity, pressure and temperature. The timepiece is structurally prevented from moisture penetrating the body, but is subject to gas exchange between the interior of the body and the external environment, despite being waterproof.

[0003] This gas exchange, called permeation, takes place throughout the seal, which is mainly made of a polymer material with variable, but never zero, permeation properties. Therefore, in very hot and humid environments, water vapor can often penetrate the timepiece, which in itself is not a problem because it is invisible to the user as long as there is no visible fogging on the inner face of the protective glass.

[0004] Fogging most often occurs when the temperature perceived by the wearer drops, such as when swimming or entering an air-conditioned environment that is several degrees cooler than before. Since the protective lens is the point of closest contact with the external environment, fine water droplets formed by condensation naturally adhere to the inner surface of the protective lens. The wearer notices the presence of fogging inside the timepiece and often mistakenly believes that his / her product is no longer waterproof. This phenomenon is the source of a large number of market returns, but also a source of loss of confidence among users and, therefore, a source of deterioration in the brand image of watches.

[0005] There are hydrophilic treatments which consist in applying a surfactant on the inner surface of the protective lens in order to avoid the adhesion of fine water droplets to the surface of the protective lens. In fact, these hydrophilic layers enable the water to spread over the entire inner surface of the protective lens and thus remain invisible to the wearer. However, these hydrophilic layers are not always compatible with good aesthetics (coloring, scattering effects, etc.).

[0006] Another method is based on the principle of absorbing the moisture contained in the steam entering the timepiece. However, these solutions are limited in time and the absorption capacity (in quantity) is also limited. Therefore, these solutions are not completely satisfactory.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to improve the anti-fogging capability of protective lenses and timepieces equipped with such protective lenses, especially when the timepiece includes a tactile control interface so that the user can implement functions by interacting with the screen through the protective lens. The presence of fog on such timepieces is unacceptable to users. Summary of the invention

[0008] To this end, the present invention provides a solution to the problems of the prior art.

[0009] In this context, the present invention provides a timepiece comprising a case forming an electrical ground, the case being enclosed by a bottom cover and a protective mirror, the timepiece comprising a tactile control device connected to an electronic unit, the electronic unit being configured to perform at least one predetermined function of the timepiece under the action of the tactile control device, the tactile control device comprising at least one capacitive sensor, the at least one capacitive sensor comprising a first capacitor plate (first armature) and a second capacitor plate (second armature), the first capacitor plate being formed by a transparent conductive electrode formed on at least a portion of the inner face of the protective mirror, the second capacitor plate being selectively formed by positioning a finger of the wearer of the timepiece on the outer face of the protective mirror; the transparent conductive electrode being electrically connected to the electronic unit via a first electrical conductor.

[0010] The timepiece according to the present invention also includes an anti-fog device for the protective mirror, the anti-fog device partly consisting of the transparent conductive electrode and a second electrical conductor connecting the transparent conductive electrode to the electronic unit in a closed circuit manner, the electronic unit including a current management module, the current management module being configured to generate a controlled current in the closed circuit so that the transparent conductive electrode can heat up through the Joule effect.

[0011] The current generated in the closed circuit by the current management module may be triggered by various parameters and information originating, for example, from various additional sensors in the timepiece.

[0012] For example, based on information related to its use, its internal humidity, its internal and / or external temperature, or simply at fixed time intervals, the anti-fog device according to the invention can be put into use without any user intervention.

[0013] The timepiece according to the invention comprises an easy-to-use anti-fogging device to avoid the formation of fog on the inner surface of the protective lens, or to limit / reduce the presence of visible fogging after a large thermal shock.

[0014] In addition to the features mentioned in the previous paragraph, the timepiece according to the invention may also have one or more complementary features from among the following features considered individually or in any technically feasible combination:

[0015] The transparent conductive electrode is a transparent conductive oxide layer;

[0016] The transparent conductive electrode includes a transparent conductive oxide layer and at least one layer for optically compensating the transparent conductive oxide layer;

[0017] The transparent conductive oxide layer is composed of tin-doped indium oxide, aluminum-doped zinc oxide, zinc oxide or fluorine-doped tin dioxide;

[0018] Alternatively, the transparent conductive electrode is a silver nanowire-based layer;

[0019] Alternatively, the transparent conductive electrode is a carbon nanotube based layer;

[0020] The current management module is configured to generate and / or adjust a controlled current for heating the transparent conductive electrode as a function of at least one piece of information originating from at least one sensor included in the timepiece;

[0021] the timepiece comprising an accelerometer connected to the electronic unit so that information about the use of the timepiece can be supplied to the current management module;

[0022] the timepiece comprising a temperature sensor connected to the electronic unit, so that information about the internal temperature of the timepiece and / or about the temperature of the environment external to the timepiece can be supplied to the current management module;

[0023] the timepiece comprising a humidity sensor connected to the electronic unit so that information about the humidity inside the timepiece can be supplied to the current management module;

[0024] The tactile control device includes a capacitive sensor array covering the inner surface of the protective mirror, and the anti-fog device is formed by at least a portion of transparent conductive electrodes in the capacitive sensor array. The at least a portion of the transparent conductive electrodes in the capacitive sensor array form the anti-fog device and are connected to the electronic unit through a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor to form a plurality of closed electrical circuits. The current management module is configured to generate a controlled current in each of the plurality of closed electrical circuits so that the at least a portion of the transparent conductive electrodes in the capacitive sensor array can be heated up through the Joule effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the following drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 Schematically showing a cross-sectional view of a tactile timepiece including an anti-fog device according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 A block diagram showing a haptic control device and an anti-fog device of a timepiece according to the present invention.

[0028] In all figures, common elements have the same reference numerals unless otherwise stated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a timepiece 100 according to the invention comprising a haptic control device 20 and an anti-fog device 30 is schematically shown.

[0030] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating an electronic device of the haptic control device 20 and the anti-fog device 30 of the timepiece 100 according to the present invention is shown.

[0031] The timepiece 100 , such as a wristwatch, is intended to be worn in contact with the user's skin, for example on the wrist.

[0032] The timepiece 100 comprises a case intended to house a timepiece movement (not shown). The movement may be electromechanical or electronic.

[0033] Case 11 is closed at the lower part by a bottom cover 12 and at the upper part by a protective glass 13 in order to protect the timepiece movement and the different elements integrated into case 11 .

[0034] Case 11 and / or bottom cover 12 are at least partially made of an electrically conductive material and thus form a reference potential, for example an electrical ground 15 , when in contact with the skin of the wearer.

[0035] The timepiece 100 also includes a flexible or articulated wristband (not shown), the two ends of which are intended to be removably coupled to the case 11, for example, via a special fastening system not described in detail in the present application, so that the user can wear the timepiece 100, for example on the wrist, with the outer surface of the bottom cover 12 in contact with the wearer's skin.

[0036] Timepiece 100 comprises an electronic unit 50 located in case 11 and connected to haptic control device 20 .

[0037] The tactile control device 20 comprises at least one capacitive sensor 21 having a first capacitor plate Cp1 consisting of a transparent conductive electrode 22 arranged at least on a portion of the inner face 13 . 1 of the protective mirror 13 .

[0038] Preferably, the transparent conductive electrode 22 covers a large part of the inner face 13 . 1 of the protective mirror 13 , and even more preferably, covers the entire inner face 13 . 1 .

[0039] The transparent conductive electrode 22 is connected to the electronic unit 50 via a first electrical conductor 51. This first electrical conductor 51 connects a first end of the transparent conductive electrode 22 to the electronic unit 50.

[0040] Timepiece 100 comprises an electrical energy source 54 , for example a rechargeable battery, which is connected to the positive terminal of electronic unit 50 via conductor 53 .

[0041] When the finger 200 of the wearer of the timepiece 100 is positioned on the outer face 13 . 2 of the protective lens 13 opposite the transparent conductive electrode 22 , the finger 200 forms a second capacitor plate Cp2 of the capacitive sensor 21 in order to generate a tactile command to execute a predetermined function of the timepiece 100 .

[0042] The wearer's finger 200 is connected to a reference potential, for example, to the ground 15 of the electronic unit 50, via the case 11 and / or the bottom cover 12 like the wearer's entire body. The case 11 and / or the bottom cover 12 are in contact with the wearer's wrist and are connected to the negative pole of the electronic unit 50 and the electrical energy source 54.

[0043] By design, there is a parasitic capacitance Cpp between the transparent conductive electrode 22 and its environment. Figure 2 This is illustrated by the capacitor 23 which is connected in parallel with the capacitive sensor 21 between the first electrical conductor 51 and a reference potential, such as ground 15 .

[0044] When the wearer's finger 200 is not placed on the outer face 13 . 2 of the protective lens 13 , the capacitive sensor 21 is not formed, and the control unit 50 detects the parasitic capacitance Cpp of the capacitor 23 .

[0045] When the wearer's finger 200 is placed on the outer surface 13.2 of the protective mirror 13, a second capacitor plate Cp2 of the capacitive sensor 21 is formed (in parallel with the parasitic capacitance), and the electronic unit 50 detects the total capacitance, which is equivalent to the (main) capacitance of the capacitive sensor 21 plus the parasitic capacitance Cpp. Detecting this capacitance change allows the predetermined function of the timepiece to be realized.

[0046] Since the operation of this type of capacitive sensor is well known, no further description thereof is required.

[0047] For example, the transparent conductive electrode 22 is a transparent conductive oxide layer (TCO).

[0048] Preferably, the transparent conductive oxide layer is deposited on the inner face 13.1 of the protective mirror 13 by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process or a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. However, other thin film deposition methods known to those skilled in the art are also possible.

[0049] For example, the transparent conductive electrode 22 is a transparent conductive oxide layer composed of tin-doped indium oxide, aluminum-doped zinc oxide, zinc oxide, or fluorine-doped tin dioxide.

[0050] The transparent conductive electrode 22 may also include at least one optical compensation layer, the optical index of which is suitable for making the transparent conductive oxide layer even more transparent, the structuring of the transparent conductive oxide to form a separate electrode tending to make this layer slightly less transparent. Since this type of optical compensation is well known, no further description thereof is required.

[0051] According to a variant, the transparent conductive electrode 22 is a layer based on silver nanowires.

[0052] According to a variant, the transparent conductive electrode 22 is a layer based on carbon nanotubes.

[0053] Timepiece 100 also comprises an anti-fogging device 30 on protective glass 13 , allowing to avoid the formation of fog on inner face 13 . 1 , ie the face opposite to the watch movement, or to limit / reduce the presence of visible fog after a large thermal shock.

[0054] The anti-fog device 30 is an active device requiring a power source for its operation.

[0055] Advantageously, the anti-fogging device 30 uses the thermal and conductive properties of the at least one transparent conductive electrode 22 already in place in the timepiece 100 to ensure that the protective mirror 13 reaches a temperature that prevents the formation of fog.

[0056] Thus, the anti-fog device 30 is partially formed by the transparent conductive electrode 22 and comprises a second conductor 52 which connects the second end of the transparent conductive electrode 22 to the electronic unit 50 so as to form a closed electrical circuit comprising the transparent conductive electrode 22, the two electrical conductors 51, 52 and the electronic unit 50.

[0057] The anti-fog device 30 comprises connection / disconnection means for electrically connecting / disconnecting the second end of the transparent conductive electrode 22 of the electronic unit 50. For example, these connection / disconnection means consist of electronic means on the electronic unit 50. These connection / disconnection means allow to ensure an optimal sensitivity of the tactile interface when the anti-fog device 30 is inactive.

[0058] For example, when a tactile control interface is used, the connecting / disconnecting device receives information from the capacitive sensor 20 and deactivates the electrical connection between the second end of the transparent conductive electrode 22 and the electronic unit 50 .

[0059] For example, the electrical connection between the second end of the transparent conductive electrode 22 and the electronic unit 50 is deactivated by default, thereby enabling the user to access the tactile interface of the timepiece 100 as desired.

[0060] For example, the electronic unit 50 comprises means for being programmed at fixed time intervals (for example twice a day) and for automatically and regularly activating the electrical connection between the second end of the transparent conductive electrode 22 and the electronic unit 50 for a given time period (for example in the range of ten seconds) as long as the tactile interface is not in use, so as to reduce, and even eliminate, possible fogging on the inner face of the protective lens 13.

[0061] For example, after receiving information from an additional sensor on the timepiece 100 indicating a change of state caused by a risk of fogging or fogging, the electrical coupling between the second end of the transparent conductive electrode 22 and the electronic unit 50 may be activated.

[0062] The anti-fog device 30 also comprises a current management module 53 integrated into the electronic unit 50 of the timepiece 100 , configured to generate a controlled current in the closed electrical circuit so as to enable the transparent conductive electrode 22 to be heated by the Joule effect.

[0063] Timepiece 100 thus makes it possible to create a regulated and controlled active heating of protective glass 13 to prevent fogging, while enabling the creation of a tactile control device.

[0064] The current generated by the current management module 53 in the closed electronic circuit may be triggered and regulated by various parameters and information originating, for example, from different sensors in the timepiece.

[0065] For example, the transparent conductive electrode 22 may be heated at fixed time intervals in conjunction with or alternatively with the aid of information originating from at least one additional sensor present in the timepiece.

[0066] The current management module 53 may also detect, via the haptic control device 20 , a sudden change in the capacitance value of the capacitive sensor 21 due to the presence of condensed water, and raise the temperature of the transparent conductive electrode 22 once a given value is reached.

[0067] For example, the timepiece 100 may include an accelerometer 61 connected to the electronic unit 50. Such an accelerometer 61 allows providing the current management module 53 with information about the movements of the timepiece 100 and therefore about whether the wearer is using the timepiece 100. Thus, the heating of the protective glass 13 can be triggered only when the watch is worn, thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.

[0068] For example, in addition or alternatively, the timepiece 100 may comprise a temperature sensor 62 connected to the electronic unit 50. Such a temperature sensor allows providing information about the internal temperature of the timepiece 100 and / or the temperature of the external environment to the current management module 53. For example, a set point temperature may be defined to trigger the heating of the transparent conductive electrode 22, and therefore of the protective mirror 13, by current generation.

[0069] For example, in addition or alternatively, the timepiece 100 may comprise a humidity sensor 63 connected to the electronic unit 50. Such a humidity sensor integrated into the case 11 allows providing information about the humidity inside the timepiece 100 to the current management module 53. Thus, a set point humidity level may be defined to trigger the heating of the transparent conductive electrode 22, and therefore of the protective mirror 13, by current generation.

[0070] The current management module 53 is configured to regulate the current used to heat the transparent conductive electrode 22 as a function of different information coming from different sensors present in the timepiece, so as to optimize the consumption of the anti-fog device 30 .

[0071] The tactile control device 20 may comprise a plurality of capacitive sensors 21 and therefore a plurality of transparent conductive electrodes 22 on the inner face 13.1 of the protective lens 13, thus forming an array of capacitive sensors 21. Advantageously, such an array allows the selective activation of different functions, or the detection of a sequence of movements of the wearer's finger 200 (horizontal swipe, vertical swipe, combination of simultaneous activation of two or more sensors, etc.).

[0072] In such an embodiment, at least some of the transparent conductive electrodes 22 in the capacitive sensor array 21 are then used by the anti-fog device 30 according to the invention.

[0073] In this case, at least some of the transparent conductive electrodes 22 forming the first selected capacitive sensor array 21 are connected to the electronic unit 50 through the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 to form a plurality of closed electrical circuits and enable the transparent conductive electrodes 22 forming the first selected to heat up by the Joule effect.

[0074] It is also possible that the transparent conductive electrodes 22 forming another part of the capacitive sensor array 21 of a second selection different from the first selection are also connected to the electronic unit 50 through the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 to form a second plurality of closed electrical circuits, and that the transparent conductive electrodes 22 forming the second selection can be heated up by the Joule effect.

[0075] It is also possible to connect each transparent conductive electrode 22 in the capacitive sensor array 21 to the electronic unit 50 through the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 to form multiple closed electrical circuits and enable each transparent conductive electrode 22 in the capacitive sensor array 21 to heat up through the Joule effect.

[0076] Thus, the current management module 53 can be configured to electrically power all transparent conductive electrodes 22 in the array, only a predetermined selection of transparent conductive electrodes 22 in the capacitive sensor array 21, or different selections of transparent conductive electrodes 22 simultaneously or sequentially (per selection or per electrode) to limit consumption peaks on the energy source 54 while optimizing the degree of heating of the inner surface 13.1 of the protective mirror 13.

[0077] It is also contemplated that all transparent conductive electrodes 22 in the capacitive sensor array 21 will be heated sequentially according to a specific heating pattern.

Claims

1. A timepiece (100) comprising a case (11) forming an electrical ground (15), the case (11) being enclosed by a bottom cover (12) and a protective mirror (13), the timepiece comprising a tactile control device (20), the tactile control device (20) being connected to an electronic unit (50), the electronic unit (50) being configured to execute at least one predetermined function of the timepiece (100) under the action of the tactile control device (20), the tactile control device (20) comprising at least one capacitive sensor (21), the at least one capacitive sensor (21) being configured to 1) comprising a first capacitor plate (Cp1) and a second capacitor plate (Cp2), the first capacitor plate (Cp1) being formed by a transparent conductive electrode (22) formed on at least a portion of an inner face (13.1) of the protective mirror (13), the second capacitor plate (Cp2) being selectively formed by positioning a finger (200) of a wearer of the timepiece (100) on an outer face (13.2) of the protective mirror (13); the transparent conductive electrode (22) being electrically connected to the electronic unit (50) via a first electrical conductor (51); It is characterized in that The timepiece (100) comprises an anti-fog device (30) for the protective mirror (13), the anti-fog device (30) being partially formed by the transparent conductive electrode (22) and a second electrical conductor (52) connecting the transparent conductive electrode (22) to the electronic unit (50) in a closed circuit manner, the electronic unit (50) comprising a current management module (53), the current management module (53) being configured to generate a controlled current in the closed circuit so that the transparent conductive electrode (22) can be heated up by the Joule effect.

2. A timepiece (100) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that The transparent conductive electrode (22) is a transparent conductive oxide layer.

3. The timepiece (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The transparent conductive electrode (22) includes a transparent conductive oxide layer and at least one layer for optically compensating the transparent conductive oxide layer.

4. A timepiece (100) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterised in that The transparent conductive oxide layer is composed of tin-doped indium oxide, aluminum-doped zinc oxide, zinc oxide or fluorine-doped tin dioxide.

5. The timepiece (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The transparent conductive electrode (22) is a silver nanowire based layer.

6. The timepiece (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The transparent conductive electrode (22) is a carbon nanotube-based layer.

7. Timepiece (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The current management module (53) is configured to generate and / or adjust a controlled current for heating the transparent conductive electrode (22) according to at least one piece of information originating from at least one sensor (61, 62, 63) included in the timepiece (100).

8. The timepiece (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that It comprises an accelerometer (61) connected to the electronic unit (50) so as to enable information on the use of the timepiece (100) to be supplied to the current management module (53).

9. Timepiece (100) according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that It comprises a temperature sensor (62) connected to the electronic unit (50), allowing the current management module (53) to be supplied with information about the internal temperature of the timepiece (100) and / or about the temperature of the environment external to the timepiece (100).

10. Timepiece (100) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that It comprises a humidity sensor (63) connected to the electronic unit (50), so that information about the humidity inside the timepiece (100) can be supplied to the current management module (53).

11. Timepiece (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The tactile control device (20) comprises a capacitive sensor array (21) covering the inner surface (13.1) of the protective mirror (13), the anti-fog device (30) being formed by at least some of the transparent conductive electrodes (22) in the capacitive sensor array (21), the at least some of the transparent conductive electrodes (22) in the capacitive sensor array (21) being connected to the electronic unit (50) via a first electrical conductor (51) and a second electrical conductor (52) to form a plurality of closed electrical circuits, the current management module (53) being configured to generate a controlled current in each of the plurality of closed electrical circuits so that the at least some of the transparent conductive electrodes (22) in the capacitive sensor array (21) can be heated by the Joule effect.

Images