Watch magnetic detector

Abstract

The invention relates to a watch magnetism detector. One aspect of the invention relates to a dial (2a, 2b) of a watch (1) comprising separate means (3) for determining magnetic events, such a dial (2a, 2b) comprising a visible face (20a) and a hidden face (20b), said dial (2a, 2b) being formed by a stack (9a, 9b) of thin layers of material (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) extending between the two faces (20a, 20b), each of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) comprises one or more of the following functional elements comprised in the device (3):-at least one magnetic sensor (23); a magnetic event reporting module (4); -a separate power supply unit (21); and-a control unit (7) for managing the operation of the reporting module (4) and of the at least one magnetic sensor (23).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a watch, which includes a dial, and the dial includes a completely independent device for determining magnetic events. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, electromechanical watches with hands are known, in which the hour hand and the minute hand indicating the current time are driven by the gear train of the watch movement mechanism. In this context, it is possible that the operation of the mechanism is disturbed due to the presence of a magnetic field in the environment of the watch. As a result, although the internal clock of the watch provides an accurate indication of the current time, under the influence of external interference applied to the watch, the hour hand and the minute hand provide a distorted indication of this current time. Therefore, it may be necessary to resynchronize the positions of the hour hand and the minute hand.

[0003] In this context, it should be understood that there is a need to find a solution that does not have the disadvantages of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a watch provided with a dial that includes a device for determining magnetic events, which is independent and has an effectiveness that remains constant over time.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to a dial of a watch, the dial including an independent device for determining magnetic events. Such a dial includes a visible surface and a hidden surface, and the dial is formed by a stack of thin layers of material extending between these two surfaces. Each of the layers includes one or more of the following functional elements included in the device:

[0006] - at least one magnetic sensor,

[0007] - a magnetic event reporting module,

[0008] - an independent power supply unit, and

[0009] - a control unit for managing the operation of the reporting module and the at least one magnetic sensor.

[0010] In other embodiments:

[0011] - the at least one magnetic sensor includes a REED magnetic sensor, a Hall effect sensor, and / or a magnetoresistive sensor;

[0012] - the module for reporting magnetic events includes at least one element capable of generating an optical signal;

[0013] - the module for reporting magnetic events includes at least one element capable of generating a vibration signal;

[0014] - The module for reporting magnetic events includes at least one element capable of generating an audible signal;

[0015] - The stack of thin layers of material includes a first layer provided with the visible face of the dial and including said at least one magnetic sensor and said reporting module;

[0016] - Said at least one magnetic sensor is arranged in a cavity formed in the hidden face of the dial;

[0017] - The first layer is configured to be traversed, in whole or in part, by light radiation, in particular solar radiation;

[0018] - The first layer is transparent or translucent, in whole or in part;

[0019] - The stack of thin layers of material includes a second layer including a photovoltaic module constituting an independent power supply unit;

[0020] - The second layer includes a substrate on which the photovoltaic module is printed;

[0021] - The photovoltaic module is arranged on the active area of the second layer, which area is configured to receive light radiation originating from the first layer of the stack of thin layers of material;

[0022] - The stack includes a third layer including an electrical energy accumulator constituting an independent power supply unit;

[0023] - The third layer includes a substrate on which the electrical energy accumulator is printed;

[0024] - The stack includes a fourth layer forming the hidden face of the dial including a control unit;

[0025] - The stack includes a third layer including the hidden face of the dial, which hidden face includes a control unit and an electrical energy accumulator constituting an independent power supply unit;

[0026] - The first layer is rigid compared to the other layers included in the stack of thin layers of material, said other layers being flexible;

[0027] - The visible face and the hidden face are flat or domed.

[0028] Another aspect of the invention relates to a watch including such a dial.

[0029] Advantageously, the watch includes a mechanical, electronic or electromechanical timepiece movement. Description of the Drawings

[0030] Based on at least one non - restrictive embodiment shown in the drawings, the object, advantages and features of the watch according to the invention will become clearer in the following description, in which:

[0031] - Figure 1 Shows a perspective view of a table according to an embodiment of the present invention, the table including a dial provided with means for determining a magnetic event, the means being included in the table in an independent manner;

[0032] - Figure 2 Shows an exploded view of a first variant of a dial formed by a stack of four superimposed layers according to a first embodiment of the present invention, each of said layers including one or more constituent elements of means for determining a magnetic event;

[0033] - Figure 3 Shows a schematic view of a first variant of a dial provided with means for determining a magnetic event according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] - Figure 4 Shows an exploded view of a second variant of a dial formed by a stack of three superimposed layers according to a second embodiment of the present invention, each of said layers including one or more constituent elements of means for determining a magnetic event; and

[0035] - Figure 5 Shows a schematic view of a second variant of a dial provided with means for determining a magnetic event according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0036] Figure 1 Shows a schematic view of Table 1, which includes: a housing 19 having a middle part, to which a rear part and a crystal glass 22 are attached; a set of components forming a clock movement; and dials 2a, 2b arranged between the clock movement and the crystal glass 22.

[0037] In a manner known to those skilled in the art, the clock movement drives a set of hands, including an hour hand, a minute hand, and possibly a second hand. To this end, the dials 2a, 2b include through holes for receiving the shafts of these hands. The dials 2a, 2b also include two faces 20a, 20b, including:

[0038] - A so-called visible face 20a visible from the outside of Table 1, also referred to as the "visible part" or "visible upper part" of the dials 2a, 2b; and

[0039] - A so-called hidden face 20b arranged opposite the clock movement in the housing of Table 1, which face 20b is additionally the so-called "hidden part" or "hidden lower part" of the dials 2a, 2b.

[0040] Such a visible face 20a may include, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner, at least one graphical representation, such as:

[0041] - Reference (or display) elements, such as digits, indices, lines or dots, with or without a pointer, which contribute to displaying clock information / measurement results or physical information / measurement results measured by sensors or the like included in the movement;

[0042] - Inscriptions, patterns, letters, logos, etc.

[0043] These visible faces 20a and hidden faces 20b are substantially flat and / or parallel and / or opposite to each other. In other variants, note that the dials 2a, 2b may include domed visible faces and hidden faces that may be domed or flat. These faces 20a, 20b are also joined together by the peripheral walls of the dials 2a, 2b.

[0044] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in Figures 1 to 5 the embodiment shown, the dials 2a, 2b preferably have a circular shape. It should be understood that the present invention can also be implemented for dials 2a, 2b having other shapes, such as a triangular shape or a quadrilateral-like shape.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the clock movement is a mechanical movement. Alternatively, the movement can be an electromechanical or electronic movement. Hereinafter, we will call it a mechanical watch when its movement is mechanical, an electronic watch when it includes an electronic movement, and an electromechanical watch when it includes an electromechanical movement.

[0046] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 , such dials 2a, 2b include an independent device 3 for determining magnetic events. This device 3 for determining magnetic events includes its own power supply means, as we will see later. This device 3 for determining magnetic events is said to be independent, in particular with respect to the movement of the watch 1 and in particular with respect to the energy source of this movement, for example when the source is a power supply means in an electromechanical movement. Under these conditions, it should be understood that the energy used by this device 3 for determining magnetic events does not impair the autonomy of the movement.

[0047] In this context, the dials 2a, 2b can be removably mounted in the watch 1, regardless of the type of the watch 1. The only condition to be met is that the dials 2a, 2b include this device 3 for determining magnetic events, and thus this device 3 is independent of the movement of the watch 1. These dials 2a, 2b are also called "independent dials" because they are not connected to the movement of the watch 1, in particular not electrically connected to the movement of the watch 1. These dials 2a, 2b can be considered as a part attached to the watch 1.

[0048] The device 3 for determining magnetic events included in the dials 2a, 2b comprises a module 4 for reporting magnetic events, an independent power supply unit 21, at least one magnetic sensor 23 and a control unit 7.

[0049] In the device 3, the reporting module comprises:

[0050] - at least one element capable of generating an optical signal 4, such as a light source 4, also known as a light source, so that the device 3 can broadcast a visual message related to the determined magnetic event;

[0051] - at least one element capable of generating a vibration signal, such as a piezoelectric vibrator, a vibrator comprising an ERM motor (representing an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor) or an LRA motor (representing a linear vibration motor), so that the device 3 can broadcast a message related to the determined magnetic event in the form of vibration; and / or

[0052] - at least one element capable of generating an audible signal, such as a loudspeaker, so that the device 3 can broadcast an audible message related to the determined magnetic event.

[0053] As mentioned above, the at least one light source 4 is in particular implemented to help display a visual / light-emitting message related to the determined magnetic event. Each light source 4 can correspond to any electroluminescent element selected from a non-exhaustive and non-limiting list, including:

[0054] - an electroluminescent capacitor, known by the abbreviation LEC, representing "light-emitting capacitor";

[0055] - a light-emitting diode, such as an LED (abbreviation for "light-emitting diode"), an OLED (abbreviation for "organic light-emitting diode"), an AMOLED (abbreviation for "active matrix organic light-emitting diode") or a QLED (abbreviation for "quantum light-emitting diode");

[0056] - any electroluminescent material activated by a local electric field;

[0057] - any electroluminescent material activated by an electric current;

[0058] - any combination of these electroluminescent elements.

[0059] It should be noted that in some embodiments of the present invention, the light source 4 can be a light source 4 capable of forming an extended light source. This allows the extended light source to be given a predetermined shape, usually a shape related to the graphical representation of numbers, letters, logos or words, which is not exhaustive or restrictive. It should also be noted that the light source 4 can produce light of any color and / or in any direction.

[0060] In the device 3 for determining magnetic events, the at least one magnetic sensor 23 is configured to detect a magnetic field present in the housing 19 of the housing of Table 1.

[0061] The magnetic sensor 23 is an electronic device designed to participate in the detection and measurement of at least one magnetic field. The magnetic field 23 to which Table 1 may be exposed can be generated by a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or an electric current. The sensor 23 includes an element sensitive to the magnetic field, such as a Hall effect transistor or a magnetoresistor, and an electronic circuit that converts the magnetic signal into an available electrical output.

[0062] The sensor can be a REED magnetic sensor or a reed switch, based on MEMS technology (abbreviation for "microelectromechanical systems"), and consists of a series of electrodes placed in an airtight sealed chip. When a magnetic field is detected, the contacts inside the REED switch close or open, thus generating an electrical signal.

[0063] The sensor can be a Hall effect sensor, which allows the measurement of changes in the magnetic field, which are converted into an electrical signal. When the internal electronics of the sensor enhance its performance by amplifying or processing the signal before transmission, thus limiting the risk of environmental interference, such a sensor is a so-called Hall effect sensor.

[0064] The sensor can be a magnetoresistive sensor that utilizes the change in the resistance of a material in the presence of a magnetic field. When the magnetic field changes, the resistance of the material changes proportionally. This change in resistance is measured and converted into an electrical signal to determine the intensity of the magnetic field.

[0065] Note that in another variant, the magnetic sensor 23 can be any combination of the following sensors: at least one REED magnetic sensor, at least one Hall effect sensor, and at least one magnetoresistive sensor.

[0066] In the determination device 3, the independent power supply unit 21 includes an electrical energy accumulator 6 and a photovoltaic module 5, and the photovoltaic module 5 includes at least one photovoltaic cell, also called a solar cell. The photovoltaic module 5 is connected to the electrical energy accumulator 6 via Figure 3 and Figure 5 the connecting elements labeled 17b and 18 in. The photovoltaic module 5 can include one or more unit cells of the heterojunction or multi-junction type, and the unit cells are connected in parallel or in series. Each photovoltaic cell of the module 5 can be made of a semiconductor material based on copper, indium, gallium, and selenium, a semiconductor material based on cadmium telluride, a semiconductor material based on single-crystal gallium arsenide, or a semiconductor material based on single-crystal or polycrystalline silicon, or a semiconductor material with perovskite in a manner known to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that these examples are not restrictive, and those skilled in the art will be able to find the types of photovoltaic cells suitable for the present invention.

[0067] In the device 3 for determining magnetic events, the control unit 7, also known as a microcontroller, includes an electronic circuit 8 which includes hardware resources, in particular at least one processor cooperating with memory elements as well as address, data and control buses. The control unit 7 is connected to the at least one light source 4, the at least one magnetic sensor 23 and an independent power supply unit 21. Such a control unit 7 includes, in its memory element 4, an algorithm for determining magnetic events.

[0068] The algorithm can be the subject of automatic training, also known as machine learning, which is preferably supervised. To this end, the control unit 7 involved in implementing such training includes training data from magnetic field measurements and training data from specific magnetic events related to Table 1. This training aims to improve the algorithm and, in particular, the resulting model, in order to minimize the error between "estimation and reality" in the context of evaluating a given magnetic field present in the housing 19 of Table 1 based on magnetic field measurements related to the event.

[0069] It should be noted that such an algorithm executed by the processor of the control unit 7 can also take into account other types of events in order to improve the determination of magnetic events based on data from event sensors included in the determination device 3. These events can include, but are not limited to: detection of a specific light intensity level in the environment of Table 1, detection of a specific visual object, detection of a movement performed by a part of the user's body including Table 1, etc. In this context, the event sensors of the determination device 3 particularly and in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner include:

[0070] - a light intensity sensor which allows detection of the ambient light intensity level;

[0071] - a movement sensor for detecting the movement of a part of the user's body including Table 1, such as a gyroscope and / or an inertial sensor, in the form of an electronic component of the gyroscope and / or inertial electromechanical microsystem circuit type, and / or

[0072] - an optical sensor of the photographic sensor type.

[0073] Furthermore, when the determination device 3 includes several light sources 4, the operation of these light sources 4 can subsequently be managed / controlled simultaneously and / or sequentially by the control unit 7. Additionally, each light source 4 is managed / controlled individually by the control unit 7. In this context, the management of the operation of each light source 4 can include, but is not limited to, the following operations: sequential on or off, simultaneous on or off of two or more light sources 4, flashing of one or more light sources 4, defining the flashing frequency of each light source 4, the flashing duration of each light source 4, the on or off duration of each light source 4, etc.

[0074] Such a control unit 7 may also include, in its memory elements, algorithms for managing the electrical energy accumulator 6, in particular for managing its charging by the photovoltaic module 5 and for managing the electrical consumption of the light source 4 and of the at least one magnetic sensor 23.

[0075] As mentioned above, the independent device 3 for determining magnetic events is thus included in the dials 2a, 2b. In this configuration, the constituent elements of the device 3 for determining magnetic events, namely the reporting module 4, the electrical energy accumulator 6, the photovoltaic module 5 and the at least one magnetic sensor 23, as well as the control unit 7, are included in one or more of the layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 forming the dials 2a, 2b.

[0076] Reference Figures 2 to 5 , the dials 2a, 2b are formed or composed of a stack 9a, 9b of a plurality of thin / slim layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 which are joined together by joining elements such as an adhesive substance so as to make them integral, thereby obtaining a stack 9a, 9b of integral thin layers, thereby forming a one-piece dial 2a, 2b. The joining element may also be a clip or a screw. These layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are superposed in the stack 9a, 9b of layers, i.e. they are arranged on top of one another in a defined order in the dials 2a, 2b. Note that such a stack 9a, 9b of layers may also be referred to as a layer assembly. In this stack 9a, 9b, these layers are substantially similar, thus having upper and lower surfaces of substantially the same area / surface, thus contributing to the formation of a peripheral wall of the dials 2a, 2b without protrusions.

[0077] It should be noted that these thin or slim layers are layers each having a micron thickness. In fact, the thickness that each layer may have is included between 1 and 100 μm, preferably 2 μm, or preferably 3 μm. Regarding the thickness of the dials 2a, 2b, it may be between 8 and 400 μm, preferably 6 μm, or preferably 12 μm, or preferably 100 μm, or preferably 200 μm, or preferably 300 μm.

[0078] Thus, such a one-piece dial 2a, 2b has the following additional advantages, namely: being removably mounted in the housing 19 of the watch 1 and contributing to its integration into the housing 19.

[0079] In Figure 3 a first variant of the stack 9a of layers shown in, the stack 9a is composed of the following four successive thin layers 10, 11, 12, 13:

[0080] - A first layer 10 which forms / constitutes the visible face 20a of the dial 2a and which includes the at least one magnetic sensor 23 and / or the at least one light source 4;

[0081] - The second layer 11, which includes the photovoltaic module 5;

[0082] - The third layer 12, which includes the electrical energy accumulator 6, also known as a rechargeable battery; and

[0083] - The fourth layer 13, which forms the hidden face 20b of the dial 2a, and which includes the at least one magnetic sensor 23 and / or the control unit 7.

[0084] The first layer 10 of the stack 9a is preferably rigid or semi-rigid, as compared to the second, third, and fourth thin / fine layers 11, 12, 13, which are preferably soft or flexible. It should be understood herein that such a first layer 10 contributes to structurally strengthening the stack of thin layers 9a and thus the dial 2a.

[0085] In this stack 9a, each of the first, second, third, and fourth layers 10, 11, 12, and 13 includes an upper surface and a lower surface.

[0086] Regarding the first layer 10, it is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid substrate that is transparent or semi-transparent or at least partially transparent or at least partially semi-transparent. Such a substrate is made of a material having a transmittance for solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet radiation, which transmittance is also known as UVT (representing "ultraviolet transmittance") and which is included between 65% and 95%. This transmittance is preferably 85%. Such a material can be transparent or semi-transparent. Such a material can be, but is not limited to, a polymer, glass, or ceramic.

[0087] In this context, it should be understood that this substrate is configured such that:

[0088] - The light generated by the at least one light source can escape to the outside of the dials 2a, 2b and thus to the outside of the watch 1, and

[0089] - The light originating from the environment of the watch 1 can penetrate the dials 2a, 2b in the direction of the photovoltaic module 5 of the means 3 for determining a magnetic event, which light includes solar radiation when it has a natural origin.

[0090] In other words, this transparent or semi-transparent substrate is configured such that light, particularly solar radiation, can pass through it and power the photovoltaic module 5 such that the latter can convert the solar energy originating from this radiation into electrical energy.

[0091] The first layer 10 also includes at least one light source 4 arranged in the body of the substrate. This arrangement of the light source 4 in the substrate is configured to ensure the illumination of all or part of the visible face 20a of the dial 2a. For example, the illumination of a graphical representation, such as reference elements (or displays) like numbers, indicating signs, lines, dots, or the illumination of one or more hands, or the illumination of all or part of the surface of the visible face 20a of the dial 2a. In a variant, the light source 4 may have a predetermined shape, such as the shape of a number, letter, indicating sign, line, dot, logo, or text.

[0092] When the light source 4 is arranged in a cavity defined in the substrate, this illumination can be backlighting or semi - direct illumination. More specifically, the cavity can be a blind opening made in the lower surface of the substrate. In this configuration, when the bottom of the cavity includes a graphical representation, the luminous radiation or light generated by the light source 4 can escape towards the outside of the dial 2a through the visible face 20a of the dial 2a, thus allowing at least one graphical representation to be viewed in the dark. In particular, the light radiation escaping from the visible face 20a outlines the graphical representation. In this context, the graphical representation included in or on or under the upper surface of the substrate forming the first layer 10 is preferably opaque or non - translucent or non - transparent.

[0093] When the light source 4 is arranged in a cavity defined in the substrate, the illumination can be direct illumination. The cavity can be a blind opening made in the lower surface of the substrate, the bottom of which has no graphical representation. In this configuration, the luminous radiation or light generated by the light source 4 can escape towards the outside of the dial 2a through the bottom of the cavity and thus through the visible face 20a of the dial 2a.

[0094] When the light source 4 is arranged in a through - opening extending through the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10, the illumination can also be direct illumination, leading to the upper surface and the lower surface of the substrate at its two ends respectively. In this configuration, all or part of the light source 4 can project from the upper surface of the substrate and thus from the first layer 10 or from the visible face 20a of the dial 2a to form a graphical representation, such as an indicating sign, number, dot, line, etc.

[0095] When the at least one light source 4 is coupled to at least one waveguide, such illumination can also be remote illumination. The waveguide, also known as an optical waveguide, allows light to be transmitted from the point where it is injected into the waveguide all the way to the substrate or to a substrate region close to the upper surface of the substrate (e.g., a cavity, a through-opening). Such an optical waveguide can be an optical fiber, which allows bypassing any obstacles that may occur in the substrate, such as any obstacles that may occur between the electroluminescent element and the substrate region close to the upper surface of the substrate, and through which the light will escape. Thus, in this variant, the light is transmitted from the electroluminescent element to this region of the substrate to be illuminated via the waveguide.

[0096] In such a configuration, the first end of the waveguide is coupled to the light source 4, and the second end of the waveguide can be arranged in one of the following:

[0097] - a cavity, which can be a blind opening made in the lower surface of the substrate of the first layer 10, or

[0098] - a through-opening, which extends through the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10 and leads to the upper surface and the lower surface of the substrate at its two ends respectively, and thus to the upper surface and the lower surface of the first layer 10. Thus, this second end can protrude from the substrate or the upper surface of the first layer 10 or from the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, so as to form, for example, a graphical representation of the dial 2a, such as reference elements such as indication signs, numbers, dots, lines.

[0099] In this context, indirect illumination can be achieved by a single light source 4, which is included on the lower surface of the substrate of the first layer 10 and is coupled to a number of waveguides, and the second ends of the waveguides are arranged in one of the following:

[0100] - cavities, each of which emits light radiation from the light source 4, and the radiation escapes to the outside of the dial 2a via the visible surface 20a, so that at least one graphical representation can be viewed in the dark. In this context, the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a or the graphical representation included in or on the upper surface of the substrate is preferably opaque, and / or

[0101] - through-apertures, which protrude or do not protrude from the upper surface of the substrate, so as to form marking elements, such as indication signs, lines or dots, and each emits light radiation from the light source 4.

[0102] In the first layer 10, the light source 4 is applied / fastened to the lower surface of the substrate of the first layer 10 by printing or evaporation, applied / fastened in the cavity or on the inner wall of the previously mentioned through-opening.

[0103] In this first layer 10, the magnetic sensor 23 is arranged in / on the substrate so as to be able to measure the magnetic field present in the housing 19 of the watch 1. The magnetic sensor 23 can be arranged on or below the upper surface of the substrate forming the first layer 10. When arranged in the substrate, the magnetic sensor 23 is located in a blind cavity formed in the upper surface. In a variant, it can be arranged in a blind cavity made in the lower surface of the substrate, the blind cavity having the upper surface as its bottom. In such a configuration, the magnetic field passing through the dials 2a, 2b and thus through the visible face 20a can be measured by said magnetic sensor 23. The substrate may also include through-holes connecting the upper and lower surfaces, and the magnetic sensor 23 can be arranged in such through-holes.

[0104] Furthermore, it should be noted that the lower surface of the first layer 10 can be self-adhesive so as to facilitate its assembly with the second layer 11.

[0105] In the stack 9a, the second layer 11 includes a substrate which includes the photovoltaic module 5. Such a substrate is preferably flexible or soft. The substrate of the second layer 11 can be a film on which the photovoltaic module 5 is arranged. Finally, the substrate can be made of a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0106] In the second layer 11, the photovoltaic module 5 preferably extends over the whole of the so-called active area of the upper surface of the substrate. The active area is a part of the upper surface of the substrate which is capable of receiving light from the lower surface of the first layer 10 of the dial 2a. The light source which has passed through all or part of the first layer 10 comes from the external environment of the dial 2a and thus from the external environment of the watch 1, and in this case mainly from solar radiation when it has a natural origin.

[0107] It should be noted that the photovoltaic module 5 is applied to the upper surface of the substrate using an inkjet or screen printing process or using a thermal evaporation printing process. Here we will refer to the second layer 11 including the printed photovoltaic module 5. In particular, the photovoltaic module 5 is printed on the substrate of the second layer 11.

[0108] It should be noted that once the photovoltaic module 5 has been applied to the substrate, a layer of self-adhesive substance can be deposited on all or part of the upper and / or lower surface of the substrate. Under these conditions, the second layer 11 can be a self-adhesive layer, which helps to facilitate its assembly with other layers, in particular with the first layer 10 and / or the third layer 12 of the stack 9a.

[0109] In the stack 9a, the third layer 12 also includes a substrate which is preferably flexible or soft and which includes the electric energy accumulator 6 of the independent determination means 3. The substrate of the third layer 12 can be a film on which the accumulator 6 is included. Such a substrate can be made of a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0110] The accumulator 6 can be a lithium battery or a semiconductor battery. Such a battery 6 is applied to the upper surface of the substrate using processes known in the prior art, for example:

[0111] - A printing process on a flexible polymer substrate, for example, in the case of a lithium battery, or

[0112] - A three-dimensional printing process, for example, for a semiconductor battery, such as a lithium metal semiconductor battery.

[0113] In this text, we will refer to the third layer 12 including the printed electrical energy accumulator 6. In particular, the electrical energy accumulator 6 printed on the substrate of the third layer 12.

[0114] Therefore, such processes allow obtaining the third layer 12 including the soft and ultra-thin accumulator 6.

[0115] In addition, it should be noted that once the accumulator 6 is applied to the substrate, a layer of self-adhesive substance can be deposited on all or part of the upper surface and / or lower surface of the substrate. Under these conditions, the third layer 12 can be a self-adhesive layer, which helps to facilitate its assembly with other layers, especially with the second layer 11 and / or the fourth layer 13 of the stack 9a.

[0116] Note that the accumulator 6 is used to store the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic module 5 and release it as needed to supply power to the determination device 3, the at least one light source 4, and the at least one magnetic sensor 23.

[0117] In the stack 9a, the fourth and last layer 13 forms the hidden face of the dial 2a. Such a fourth layer 13 is formed by a preferably flexible or soft substrate including the control unit 7. For example, such a substrate of the fourth layer 13 can be a flexible PCB, and the control unit 7 is arranged on the flexible PCB, especially on the upper surface of the PCB, and thus on the upper surface of the substrate. In this context, the construction of the control unit 7 on the upper surface of the substrate can be performed using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process.

[0118] In the last and fourth layer 13, the magnetic sensor 23 is arranged in / on the substrate so as to be able to receive the magnetic field present in the housing of the case 19 of the watch 1. The magnetic sensor 23 can be arranged on or below the lower surface of the substrate forming the fourth layer 13. When arranged in the substrate, the magnetic sensor 23 is located in a blind cavity formed in the lower surface. In a variant, it can be arranged in a blind cavity made in the upper surface of the substrate, with the lower surface as its base. In such a configuration, the magnetic field passing through the dials 2a, 2b and thus through the hidden face 20b can be measured by the magnetic sensor 23. The substrate can also include through holes connecting the upper surface and the lower surface, and the magnetic sensor 23 can be arranged in the through holes.

[0119] In a second variant, the stack 9b forming the dial 2b comprises three thin layers 10, 11, 14 joined together. Note that this second variant differs from the first variant in that it comprises three layers 10, 11, 14 instead of four layers 10, 11, 12, 13 as in the first variant. In this second variant, the electric energy accumulator 6 of the determining means 3 is now included, together with the control unit 7, in the third and last layer 14 of the stack 9b.

[0120] The third and last layer 14 of the stack 9b forming the hidden face of the dial 2b consists of a substrate which is preferably flexible or soft, on which the battery 6 and the electronic circuit 8 constituting the control unit 7 are constructed, preferably on the upper surface of the substrate. This configuration of the battery 6 and the control unit 7 on the upper surface of the substrate can be carried out using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process. It should be noted that such a substrate can be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0121] In the last and third layer 14 of this second variant, the magnetic sensor 23 is arranged in / on the substrate so as to be able to receive the magnetic field present in the housing of the case 19 of the watch 1. The magnetic sensor 23 can be arranged on the lower surface of or below the substrate forming the third layer 14. When arranged in the substrate, the magnetic sensor 23 is located in a blind cavity formed in the lower surface. In one variant, it can be arranged in a blind cavity made in the upper surface of the substrate, the blind cavity having the lower surface as its base. In such a configuration, the magnetic field passing through the dials 2a, 2b and thus through the hidden face 20b can be measured by the said magnetic sensor 23. The substrate can also include through holes connecting the upper surface and the lower surface, and the magnetic sensor 23 can be arranged in the through holes.

[0122] In summary, in this second variant, the stack 9b thus comprises:

[0123] - a first layer 10 which forms the visible face 20a of the dial 2b, the first layer 10 comprising the said at least one magnetic sensor 23 and / or the said at least one light source 4;

[0124] - a second layer 11 which comprises the photovoltaic module 5; and

[0125] - a third layer 14 which forms the hidden face 20b of the dial 2b, the third layer 14 comprising the said at least one magnetic sensor 23 and / or the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7.

[0126] Note that in this second variant, the first layer 10 and the second layer 11 are similar to those of the first variant of the stack 9a.

[0127] Furthermore, with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 5, the electronic circuit 8 of the control unit 7 includes a first connection element 15a which is connected to the connection element 16 of the following:

[0128] - the at least one light source 4 for managing the operation of the light source 4, in particular for displaying a message related to the determined magnetic event, and

[0129] - the at least one magnetic sensor 23 to assist in determining the magnetic event.

[0130] The electronic circuit 8 further includes a second connection element 15b connected to the first connection element 17a of the energy accumulator 6.

[0131] In addition, it should be noted that the event sensor of the aforementioned determination device 3 is preferably arranged in the first layer 10 and / or the last layer 13, 14 of the stack 9a, 9b of layers, while being connected to the control unit 7 of the device 3.

[0132] In a third variant (not shown), the stack of thin / fine layers forming the dial includes two interconnected layers. Note that this third variant differs from the second variant in that it thus includes two layers instead of three layers 10, 11, 14 as in the second variant. In this third variant, the photovoltaic module 5 of the independent determination device 3 is now included in the first layer, and in particular on the lower surface of the substrate forming the first layer. The photovoltaic module 5 can be applied to the lower surface of the substrate of the first layer using an inkjet printing or screen printing process or using a thermal evaporation printing process. Therefore, it should be noted that the first layer then resembles the first layer 11 of the first and second variants, except that in this third variant, the first layer additionally includes a photovoltaic module.

[0133] In addition, in the third variant, and similar to the second variant, the electrical energy accumulator 6 of the independent determination device 3 and the control unit 7 are included together in the second and last layer of the stack. The second layer forming the hidden face of the dial consists of a preferably flexible or soft substrate on which, preferably on the upper surface of the substrate, the energy accumulator 6 and the electronic circuit 8 constituting the control unit 7 are constructed. This construction of the battery 6 and the control unit 7 on the upper surface of the substrate can be carried out using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process. It should be noted that such a substrate can be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0134] In summary, in this third variant, the stack of layers thus includes:

[0135] - a first layer which forms the visible face 20a of the dial and includes the at least one magnetic sensor 23 and / or the at least one light source 4 and the photovoltaic module 5; and

[0136] - A second layer that forms the hidden face 20b of the dial, the second layer including the at least one magnetic sensor 23 and / or the energy accumulator 6 and the control unit 7.

[0137] Thus, in the dials 2a, 2b, the determining means 3 includes a magnetic sensor 23 that converts the received magnetic field into an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the control unit 7. In this context, when at least one magnetic field is detected in the housing of the watch case 19, the electrical signal including data related to one or more magnetic fields is subsequently transmitted by the magnetic sensor 23 to the control unit 7. Then, the control unit 7 processes these data based on an algorithm for determining magnetic events. Such processing allows the identification of the magnetic field, in particular according to the characteristics of at least one magnetic field identified by the magnetic sensor, namely in particular the magnetic induction field and the magnetic excitation field of the at least one magnetic field.

[0138] This determination of magnetic events enables the dials 2a, 2b to implement various functions of the watch. For example, the function of the watch may correspond to detecting the presence of a magnetic field in the environment of the watch 1, which may cause a loss of timekeeping accuracy. In fact, it may happen that the operation of the mechanism is disturbed by the magnetic field present in the environment of the watch 1. As a result, although the internal clock of the watch provides an accurate indication of the current time, the hour hand and the minute hand provide a distorted indication of this current time because the gear train has been stopped under the action of this magnetic field. Therefore, it is necessary to resynchronize the positions of the hour hand and the minute hand. Thus, as part of this function, the control unit 7 can generate a visual, vibratory, and / or audible message based on this event, and this message is reported by the control / driving reporting module 4 to report this loss of accuracy.

[0139] Advantageously, such dials 2a, 2b provided with the means 3 allow, for example, to solve the accuracy problem in mechanical watches that have not been demagnetized after being exposed to a magnetic field that has produced residual magnetization of the internal components of the watch 1. In this context, if the value detected by the means 3 exceeds a threshold, the reporting module 4 generates an audible, visual, and / or vibratory message related to this specific magnetic event. Such a message allows warning the wearer to take the watch to after-sales service to have it demagnetized.

[0140] It should be understood in this context that various thresholds can be defined according to at least one characteristic of the magnetic field, and these thresholds will reveal different severity levels, especially in the context of the operation of the movement. Under these conditions, various embodiments of at least one light source 4 of the reporting module can be produced. Thus, a first embodiment can report a recommendation to demagnetize the watch, while a second embodiment can report the need to demagnetize.

[0141] It should be noted that threshold detection can also be used as a preventive measure. If the magnetic sensor records a rapidly increasing magnetic field, the implementation of at least one light source can warn the wearer that he / she is bringing his / her watch close to a "magnetic" dangerous area. For example, this can prevent the wearer from placing his / her watch near a smartphone with a magnet that may magnetize the watch.

[0142] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments just described, and those skilled in the art can contemplate various simple modifications and variations without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dial (2a, 2b) for a watch (1) comprising an independent device (3) for determining magnetic events, such dial (2a, 2b) comprising a visible face (20a) and a hidden face (20b), said dial (2a, 2b) being formed by a stack (9a, 9b) of thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of material extending between these two faces (20a, 20b), each of said layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) comprising one or more of the following functional elements comprised in said device (3): - at least one magnetic sensor (23), - Magnetic event reporting module (4), - an independent power supply unit (21), and - a control unit (7) for managing the operation of the reporting module (4) and the at least one magnetic sensor (23).

2. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one magnetic sensor (23) comprises a REED magnetic sensor, a Hall effect sensor and / or a magnetoresistive sensor.

3. The dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The magnetic event reporting module includes: - at least one element (4) capable of generating an optical signal; - at least one element capable of generating a vibration signal, and / or - At least one element capable of generating an audible signal.

4. A dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The stack (9a, 9b) of thin layers of material (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) comprises a first layer (10) provided with the visible surface (20a) of the dial (2a, 2b) and comprising the at least one magnetic sensor (23) and the reporting module (4).

5. The dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The at least one magnetic sensor (23) is arranged in a cavity formed in the hidden face of the dial (2a, 2b).

6. A dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The first layer (10) is designed to be fully or partially penetrated by light radiation.

7. A dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 6, wherein: The first layer (10) is configured to be fully or partially permeable to solar radiation.

8. A dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The first layer (10) is fully or partially transparent or translucent.

9. A dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The stack (9a, 9b) of thin layers of material (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) comprises a second layer (11) comprising photovoltaic modules (5) constituting the independent electricity supply unit (21).

10. A dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The second layer (11) comprises a substrate on which the photovoltaic module (5) is printed.

11. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 8, wherein: The photovoltaic module (5) is arranged on an active area of ​​the second layer (11), the area being configured to receive light radiation originating from the first layer (10) of the stack (9a, 9b) of thin layers of material (10, 11, 12, 13, 14).

12. The dial (2a) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The stack (9a) comprises a third layer (12) comprising an electrical energy accumulator (6) constituting the independent electrical power supply unit (21).

13. The dial (2a) according to claim 12, wherein: The third layer (12) comprises a substrate on which the electrical energy accumulator (6) is printed.

14. A dial (2a) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The stack (9a) comprises a fourth layer (13) forming a hidden face (20b) of the dial (2a) comprising the control unit (7).

15. The dial (2b) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The stack (9b) comprises a third layer (14), the third layer (14) comprising a hidden face (20b) of the dial (2a), the hidden face (20b) comprising the control unit (7) and an electrical energy accumulator (6) constituting the independent power supply unit (21).

16. A dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The first layer (10) is rigid compared to the other layers (11, 12, 13, 14) comprised in the stack (9a, 9b) of material lamellae (10, 11, 12, 13), which are flexible.

17. A dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The visible surface (20a) and the hidden surface (20b) are flat or dome-shaped.

18. A watch (1) comprising a dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of the preceding claims.

19. The watch (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that The watch (1) comprises a mechanical, electronic or electromechanical watch movement.

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