A clock with an acousto-optic time signal function

Abstract

To provide a clock with an acousto-optical time signal function that can simultaneously announce time by sound and light and meet the diversified time signal demands of users. [Solution] A watch with an acousto-optical time signal function includes a case, a quartz movement, and hands connected to the quartz movement. The case also includes a control board, a lamp board, and a speaker, all of which are electrically connected to the control board. A lamp bead is installed on the lamp board. A mounting cavity with a front opening and a bottom opening is installed in the case, with the front opening located on the front wall of the case. A light-transmitting member is installed in the mounting cavity, and the light-transmitting member is positioned toward the front and bottom openings of the mounting cavity, with the lamp bead located directly below the bottom opening of the mounting cavity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of timekeeping technology, and more particularly to a timepiece with an acousto-optical timekeeping function. [Background technology]

[0002] A quartz watch is an electrically driven timepiece that uses a quartz crystal as an oscillator to accurately measure time. Powered by a battery, the quartz crystal generates stable, high-frequency vibrations, which are converted into electrical pulse signals through electronic circuits that drive components such as a stepping motor to rotate the hands and accurately display the time. Compared to traditional mechanical watches, quartz watches offer higher timekeeping accuracy and require less maintenance. They require only periodic battery changes for proper operation, making them increasingly popular with consumers. At the same time, many consumers are placing greater demands on quartz watches, including more intelligent functions and more comprehensive timekeeping capabilities.

[0003] The existing utility model application number 202220190862.5 discloses a new type of intelligent audio time-speaking quartz clock, which has a clock body, a clock face installed in the middle of the front end of the clock body, a fixed frame installed at the rear end of the clock body, an audio time-speaking device connected to the clock body installed at the bottom front end of the fixed frame, the audio time-speaking device having an oscillator and multiple sets of loudspeakers, the oscillator installed at the bottom front end of the fixed frame, a loudspeaker cover installed on the outside of the audio time-speaking device, multiple sets of sound transmission holes evenly opened at the front end, left end and right end of the loudspeaker cover, the multiple sets of sound transmission holes all installed in the multiple sets of sound transmission holes, a protective cover connected to the fixed frame installed on the outside of the loudspeaker cover, and ventilation holes opened at the front end, left end and right end of the protective cover.

[0004] The quartz watch disclosed above has an audio time signal function, but does not have an optical time signal function, so it cannot meet the diversified time signal needs of users and there is room for further improvement. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a watch with an acousto-optical time signal function in order to improve the problem of current quartz watches, which do not have both audio and optical time signal functions and cannot meet the diversified time signal needs of users.

[0006] The present invention is realized as follows.

[0007] The watch comprises a case, a quartz movement installed within the case, and hands connected to the quartz movement. The case also houses a control board, a lamp board, and a speaker, all of which are electrically connected to the control board. At least one lamp bead is installed on the lamp board. A mounting cavity is installed within the case, having a front opening and a bottom opening, the front opening of which is located on the front wall of the case. A light-transmitting member is installed in the mounting cavity, and the light-transmitting member is positioned toward the front and bottom openings of the mounting cavity, with the lamp bead located directly below the bottom opening of the mounting cavity. When the quartz movement reaches the exact time, the control board controls the speaker to emit a sound and the lamp bead to light up, creating an acousto-optic time signal function.

[0008] Furthermore, the light-transmitting member is set in the shape of a bird, a Chinese zodiac animal, a constellation, or a cartoon character.

[0009] Furthermore, the light-transmitting member is made of an acrylic plate or glass, and a light-transmitting cover made of a transparent material is installed at the front end opening of the mounting cavity.

[0010] Furthermore, a photometry hole is provided on the front wall of the case, and a light sensor is provided in the photometry hole, and the light sensor is electrically connected to the control board.

[0011] Furthermore, a speaker mesh is installed on the rear wall of the case, and the bell mouth of the speaker is arranged facing the bell mouth mesh.

[0012] Furthermore, a control switch is installed on the control board, and a switch hole is installed in the rear wall of the case at a position corresponding to the control switch, and the control switch is arranged through this switch hole.

[0013] Furthermore, a first battery storage section is installed within the case, and a first battery is installed in the first battery storage section, the first battery supplying power to the control board, the lamp board, the speaker, and the light sensor.A first opening is installed in the rear wall of the case at a position corresponding to the first battery storage section, and a first storage section cover is attached to the first opening.

[0014] Furthermore, a drive unit is installed inside the case, and a swinging member is connected to the drive unit. The swinging member has a swing rod and a swing plate installed at the lower end of the swing rod, and a hole is installed in the bottom wall of the case so that the swing rod can pass through and swing.

[0015] Furthermore, a second battery storage section is installed within the case, and a second battery that supplies power to the quartz movement and drive unit is installed in the second battery storage section.A second opening is installed in the rear wall of the case at a position corresponding to the second battery storage section, and a second storage section cover is attached to the second opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0017] This device uses a quartz movement to accurately time the watch. When the exact time is reached, the control board simultaneously sends a control signal to the light board and speaker. The LED bead on the light board lights up, and the light shines onto the transparent member to announce the time. At the same time, the speaker receives an audio signal from the control board to announce the time aloud. This allows for simultaneous audio and optical announcements, meeting the diverse needs of users.

[0018] The present invention is equipped with a light sensor that detects the intensity of light in the external environment, so that when the external light is strong, the light will not be used to announce the time, thereby saving unnecessary power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional structural view of the present invention with the front case and top case removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In this invention, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the terms "attached," "connected," "coupled," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integral. They may be mechanically connected or electrically connected. They may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and may refer to an internal communication between two parts or an interactive relationship between two parts. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this invention according to specific circumstances.

[0021] The present invention will be further explained below in conjunction with the drawings and specific examples.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a watch with an acousto-optical time signal function has a case 1, which has a front end case, a top case, and a back wall case. The front end case has a front panel, a bottom panel, and side panels, and a clock face is mounted on the front panel. A quartz movement 2, a control board 3, a lamp board 4, and a speaker 5 are mounted within the case 1. An MCU chip is mounted on the control board 3, and the quartz movement 2, lamp board 4, and speaker 5 are all electrically connected to the control board 3. Hands are mounted on the quartz movement 2, and at least one lamp bead 6 is mounted on the lamp board 4, which uses an LED lamp bead. A mounting cavity 7 is formed within the case 1, which has a front opening and a bottom opening, the front opening being located on the front wall of the case 1. A light-transmitting member 8 is installed within the mounting cavity 7. The light-transmitting member 8 is made of acrylic plate or glass and is available in the shape of a bird, a Chinese zodiac animal, a constellation, or a cartoon character to meet different preferences. The light-transmitting member 8 is arranged toward the front and bottom openings of the mounting cavity 7, and the lamp bead 6 is located directly below the bottom opening of the mounting cavity 7, so that light emitted from the lamp bead 6 is directed toward the light-transmitting member 8. A light-transmitting cover made of a transparent material is installed within the front opening of the mounting cavity 7. The light-transmitting cover can be made of acrylic plate or glass and has the effects of both transmitting light and preventing dust, effectively preventing dust from the outside air from entering the mounting cavity 7.

[0023] The principle of the acousto-optical time-telling system of this invention will now be explained. This invention uses a quartz movement 2 to accurately time the watch. When the exact time is reached, the control board 3 simultaneously sends a control signal to the lamp board 4 and speaker 5. The LED lamp bead 6 on the lamp board 4 lights up, and the light is shone onto the translucent member 8 in the mounting cavity 7. The shape of the translucent member 8 creates a unique light and shadow effect, which is also displayed through the translucent cover. At the same time, the speaker 5 receives an audio signal from the control board 3 to announce the time aloud. This allows for simultaneous time-telling by sound and light, satisfying the diverse needs of users for time-telling.

[0024] The following describes the process in which the control board 3 determines that the current time is 10 o'clock, taking the time of 10 o'clock as an example.

[0025] The quartz oscillator inside quartz movement 2 generates stable, high-frequency electrical pulses through the piezoelectric effect, which are processed by a frequency divider circuit and then output an accurate second signal (1 Hz). These second signals drive the gear system to rotate the hour and minute hands, while simultaneously transmitting timing information (such as second pulses, minute / hour accumulation signals, or hand position) to control board 3. The MCU chip installed on control board 3 receives the timing signals from quartz movement 2 through a circuit connection and analyzes the specific time (hours, minutes, seconds) based on this. How this analysis is achieved: Control board 3 receives the second pulse signal (one pulse per second) output from quartz movement 2 and accumulates the second pulses using an internal counter.

[0026] The sum of 60 second pulses equals 1 minute, and the minute counter on Control Board 3 is incremented by 1.

[0027] 60 minutes (3600 second pulses) add up to 1 hour, and the hour counter on Control Board 3 is incremented by 1 (it cycles between 12 and 24 hours).

[0028] When the hour counter on the control board 3 displays "10" and the minute counter displays "0," it determines that the current time is "10 o'clock" and immediately activates the acousto-optical chime, controlling the lamp beads 6 to light up and driving the speaker 5 to play the "10 o'clock" sound.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, a photometer hole is installed on the front wall of the case 1, and a light sensor 9 is installed in this photometer hole, and the light sensor 9 is electrically connected to the control board 3. The light sensor 9 detects the light intensity of the external environment and transmits the detection data to the MCU chip. The MCU chip compares the received light intensity data with the light intensity threshold stored therein. If the light intensity exceeds this threshold, the control board 3 will no longer control the lamp beads 6 to light up when the time is to be announced.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, a speaker mesh 10 is installed on the rear wall of the case 1, and the bell mouth of the speaker 5 is positioned facing the bell mouth mesh 10, thereby allowing the sound emitted by the speaker 5 to be transmitted more effectively to the outside. A control switch 11 is installed on the control board 3, and the control switch 11 is used to turn the time signal function of the present invention on and off. A switch hole is installed on the rear wall of the case 1 at a position corresponding to this control switch 11, and the control switch 11 is arranged through this switch hole.

[0031] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a drive unit 13 is further installed within the case 1. The drive unit 13 is electrically connected to the control board 3, and a swing member 14 is connected to the drive unit 13. The drive unit 13 includes a drive motor, a transmission mechanism, and a link. The drive motor converts rotational motion into swinging of the link through the transmission mechanism. The swing member 14 includes a swing rod and a swing plate installed at the lower end of the swing rod. The bottom wall of the case 1 is provided with an escape hole 15 through which the swing rod can pass and swing. A hook structure is installed at the upper end of the swing rod, and a hook hole is installed on the link. The swing rod is hooked onto the hook hole of the link through the hook structure. This allows the swing member 14 to swing together with the link, and at the same time, makes it easy to replace the swing member 14.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, a first battery compartment and a second battery compartment are provided within case 1, and a first battery and a second battery are installed within the first and second battery compartments, respectively. Both the first and second batteries are dry batteries. The first battery is used to supply power to control board 3, lamp board 4, speaker 5, and light sensor 9, while the second battery is used to supply power to quartz movement 2 and drive unit 13. A first opening is provided in the rear wall of case 1 at a position corresponding to the first battery compartment, and a first compartment cover 12 is attached to this first opening. A second opening is provided in the rear wall of case 1 at a position corresponding to the second battery compartment, and a second compartment cover 19 is attached to this second opening.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, a hanging convex case 16 is installed at the top of the rear wall of the case 1, and this convex case 16 has a hanging opening 17 for hanging the present invention. The rear wall of the hanging convex case 16 has a flat structure, and two fixing convex cases 18 are installed on the rear wall of the case 1, both of which are located below the hanging convex case 16 and are installed symmetrically on both the left and right sides of the hanging convex case 16. The rear ends of the fixing convex cases 18 are flush with the rear wall of the hanging convex case 16 and are both located at the rear end of the case 1. With this design, when the clock is hung on a wall through the hanging opening 17, the flat rear wall of the hanging convex case 16 and the rear end of the fixing convex post 18 fit tightly against the wall, dispersing the gravity of the clock. This not only reduces the force acting on the hanging opening 17, but also effectively prevents the clock from tilting or shifting position due to a collision caused by external force or slight shaking, greatly improving the stability and safety of the present invention when hung.

[0034] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements within the spirit and principle of the present invention. All such modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A watch having an acousto-optical time signal function, comprising a case, a quartz movement installed in the case, and hands connected to the quartz movement, the case further comprising a control board, a lamp board, and a speaker, the quartz movement, the lamp board, and the speaker are all electrically connected to the control board, the lamp board has at least one lamp bead installed, the case has a mounting cavity installed in it, the mounting cavity has a front end opening and a bottom end opening, the front end opening is located on the front wall of the case, the mounting cavity has a light-transmitting member installed in it, the light-transmitting member is arranged toward the front end opening and the bottom end opening of the mounting cavity, the lamp bead is located directly below the bottom end opening of the mounting cavity, when the quartz movement reaches the exact time, the control board controls the speaker to make a sound and at the same time lights up the lamp bead.

2. 2. The timepiece with acousto-optical time-telling function according to claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting member is set in the shape of a bird, a zodiac animal, a constellation, or a cartoon character.

3. A watch with an acousto-optical time-telling function as described in claim 1, characterized in that the translucent member is made of acrylic plate or glass, and a translucent cover made of a transparent material is installed at the front end opening of the mounting cavity.

4. A watch with an acousto-optical time signal function as described in claim 1, characterized in that a photometric hole is provided on the front wall of the case, a light sensor is provided in the photometric hole, and the light sensor is electrically connected to a control board.

5. A watch with an acousto-optical time signal function as described in claim 1, characterized in that a speaker mesh is installed on the rear wall of the case, and the speaker's bell mouth is arranged facing the bell mouth mesh.

6. A watch with an acousto-optical time signal function as described in claim 1, characterized in that a control switch is installed on the control board, a switch hole is installed in a position corresponding to this control switch on the rear wall of the case, and the control switch is arranged through this switch hole.

7. A watch with an acousto-optical time signal function as described in claim 4, characterized in that a first battery storage section is installed within the case, and a first battery is installed in the first battery storage section to supply power to a control board, a lamp board, a speaker, and a light sensor, and a first opening is installed in the rear wall of the case at a position corresponding to the first battery storage section, and a first storage section cover is attached to the first opening.

8. A watch with an acousto-optical time signal function as described in claim 1, characterized in that a drive unit is further installed within the case, a rocking member is connected to the drive unit, the rocking member has a rocking rod and a rocking plate installed at the lower end of the rocking rod, and a hole is installed in the bottom wall of the case to allow the rocking rod to pass through and rock.

9. A watch with an acousto-optical time signal function as described in claim 8, characterized in that a second battery storage section is installed within the case, and a second battery is installed in this second battery storage section to supply power to the quartz movement and drive unit, a second opening is installed in the rear wall of the case at a position corresponding to the second battery storage section, and a second storage section cover is attached to the second opening.

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