Housing of timepiece

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for setting the time of a timepiece (100), in particular a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising:-at least one hand movable about a first axis (A1) for indicating the time; and-a steerable time setting member (103), said device comprising:-a sensor assembly (2) for detecting one or more discrete positions of at least one pointer (1); an element (3) for determining the current time, in particular a reference clock (3); -an actuator (4) for actuating the actuatable time setting member (103); and-processing logic (5) capable or configured to control the actuator (4) in dependence on data received from the sensor assembly (2) and the element (3) for determining the current time, said device comprising a housing (6) and a movable part (7), in particular rotationally movable relative to the housing (6) about a second axis (A2) between a first position and a second position, the movable part (7) comprises a shielding element (74), in particular a window, which is opaque to visible light and transparent to radiation detected by the sensor assembly (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for setting the time of a timepiece. The invention also relates to a method for setting the time or a method for operating a device of this type. Background Art

[0002] The watch case has two main functions, namely, the function of storing the watch and the function of displaying the watch.

[0003] After a long storage period in the housing (beyond its autonomy), the watch stops and no longer indicates the current or desired time. The user must therefore correct the time of the watch when he wishes to use it again.

[0004] It is known to propose cases designed for automatic watches which offer a solution to this problem. These cases propose means for holding a timepiece rotating in the case. The stored timepiece is therefore also a timepiece rotating about a non-vertical axis. This causes a movement of the oscillating mass of the stored timepiece relative to the casing of the timepiece movement and therefore causes the winding of the timepiece.

[0005] However, even with this type of housing, an automatic watch may indicate a very wrong time after being stored in the housing for a long time due to an operational error of the watch. Therefore, in this case, the user must also correct the time of the watch when he wishes to use the watch again.

[0006] Invention Introduction

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for setting the time and a method for setting the time which eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and improve the housings known in the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a device for setting the time which can facilitate setting the time of a clock. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is defined by claim 1 .

[0009] Different embodiments of the device are defined in claims 2 to 10 .

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is defined by claim 11 .

[0011] Different embodiments of the method are defined by claims 12 to 14 .

[0012] According to a second aspect, the invention is defined by the following proposals:

[0013] 1. A device (1) for setting the time of a timepiece (100), in particular a watch, in particular a wristwatch, the timepiece (100) comprising:

[0014] - at least one hand (101) movable about a first axis (A1) in order to indicate the time; and

[0015] - a manipulable unit (103) for setting the time,

[0016] The device comprises:

[0017] - a sensor assembly (2) for detecting one or more discrete positions of at least one pointer (1);

[0018] - an element (3) for determining the current time, in particular a reference clock (3);

[0019] - for actuating an actuator (4) of a manipulable unit (103) for setting the time; and

[0020] - a processing logic unit (5) adapted or configured to control said actuator (4) as a function of data received from said sensor assembly (2) and from the element (3) for determining the current time.

[0021] 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly comprises a plurality of sensors (21), wherein:

[0022] - have optical properties, in particular infrared sensors; and / or

[0023] - each comprising a signal transmitter and a reflected signal receiver; and / or

[0024] - is a distance or proximity sensor; and / or

[0025] - are arranged and / or configured to be positioned around said first axis (A1 ), in particular to be positioned according to a regular angular distribution around said first axis (A1 ).

[0026] 3. A device according to any of the preceding proposals, wherein the device comprises a housing (6) and a movable part (7), wherein the movable part (7) is particularly capable of rotating relative to the housing (6) about a second axis between a first position and a second position (A2).

[0027] 4. Device according to the preceding proposal, wherein the housing (6) comprises a receiver (61) for receiving and positioning the timepiece (100) on said housing, and wherein said sensor assembly (2) is arranged on said movable part (7).

[0028] 5. A device according to the preceding proposal, wherein the housing (6) comprises a first positioning element (62, 63), and wherein the movable part (7) comprises a second positioning element (72, 73), the first positioning element and the second positioning element being capable of positioning the sensor assembly (2) relative to the receiver (61).

[0029] 6. Device according to any one of proposals 3 to 5, wherein the movable part (7) comprises a shielding element (74), in particular a window, which is opaque to visible light and transparent to the radiation detected by the sensor assembly (2).

[0030] 7. A device according to any one of proposals 3 to 6, wherein the device is a display box or housing, the housing (6) is, for example, a housing base, and the movable part (7) is, for example, a housing cover.

[0031] 8. Device according to any one of proposals 3 to 7, wherein the device comprises a sensor (11) for detecting the position of the movable part (7) relative to the housing (6).

[0032] 9. The device according to any of the preceding proposals, wherein the device comprises a battery (8).

[0033] 10. The device according to any of the preceding proposals, wherein the reference clock (3) is a quartz oscillator clock, the quartz oscillator being for example a quartz oscillator with temperature compensation.

[0034] 11. A device according to any of the preceding proposals, wherein the device comprises a human-machine interface (10), wherein the human-machine interface (10) is provided with one or more light sources (109), wherein the one or more light sources (109) indicate an operating state of the device according to their state.

[0035] 12. The device according to the preceding proposal and according to proposal 7, wherein the base comprises a lower face (64) on which the light source is arranged and feet (65) protruding relative to the lower face (64).

[0036] 13. A method for setting the time of a timepiece (100), the timepiece (100) comprising:

[0037] - at least one hand (101) movable about a first axis (A1) in order to indicate the time; and

[0038] - a manipulable unit (103) for setting the time,

[0039] or a method for operating a device according to any of the preceding proposals, said method comprising a stage of setting the time, said stage comprising the steps of:

[0040] - actuating the correction chain of said timepiece (100) by means of an actuator (4);

[0041] - detecting at least one passage of the at least one pointer (101) in front of the sensor assembly (2);

[0042] - inferring the time indicated by said timepiece from said detection;

[0043] - determining the current time, in particular reading the current time indicated by a reference clock (3);

[0044] - defining the amplitude of actuation of the correction chain of said timepiece (100) so that said at least one hand indicates the current time;

[0045] - actuating the correction chain of the timepiece (100) according to this amplitude by means of the actuator (4) via the actuation of the manipulable unit (103) for setting the time.

[0046] 14. The method according to the preceding proposal, wherein the phase of setting the time is initiated:

[0047] - automatically, for example at a given time; and / or

[0048] -After a specific action by the user.

[0049] 15. Method according to the preceding proposal, wherein said phase of setting the time is activated only when said movable part (7) is in a given position relative to said housing (6), in particular when said cover (7) of said housing is closed.

[0050] 16. Method according to any of proposals 13 to 15, wherein the phase of setting the time comprises the emission of a control signal, in particular switching on one or more light sources (109), indicating that the phase of setting the time is in progress. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The objects, features and advantages of the invention are described in detail in the following description of particular embodiments provided by way of non-limiting examples with respect to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a device for setting time according to the present invention.

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an apparatus for setting the time.

[0054] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing implementation steps of an execution mode of a method for setting time according to the present invention.

[0055] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing another implementation step of the execution mode of the method for setting time according to the present invention.

[0056] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the signal generated by the sensor during the passage of a pointer in front of the sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Refer to the following Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of a device 1 for setting the time of a timepiece 100 is described in detail.

[0058] The device 1 for setting the time can be used to perform automatic setting of the time of any type of watch 100 having:

[0059] at least one hand 101 movable about a first axis A1 so as to indicate the current time, in particular by cooperating with a dial 102 ; and

[0060] A manipulable unit 103 for setting the time, ie a unit which can be manipulated by the user in order to correct the time indicated by the pointer by modifying the position of the pointer.

[0061] For example, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the timepiece 100 shown is a watch including two hands 101 (an hour hand and a minute hand) and a dial 102 .

[0062] For example, in Figure 1 In , the timepiece shown is a watch comprising a display of the regulator type, ie two hands, each rotating about a different axis and for example each cooperating with a different dial.

[0063] For example, a manipulable unit may be:

[0064] - a crown mounted on a stem; or

[0065] - wheel; or

[0066] - Knurled roller.

[0067] The manipulable unit is connected to the kinematic correction chain permanently or via a coupling so that a displacement of the manipulable unit causes a displacement of the pointer. In addition, the transmission ratio of the correction chain is known so that the displacement of the pointer caused by a given displacement of the manipulable unit is known.

[0068] Due to the above mentioned problems, the device for setting the time is particularly advantageous for mechanical timepieces such as watches and wristwatches, whether they are automatic or not.

[0069] The device 1 for setting the time of a watch 100 comprises:

[0070] - a sensor assembly 2 for detecting one or more discrete positions of at least one pointer 1;

[0071] - an element 3 for determining the current time, in particular a reference clock 3;

[0072] - an actuator 4 for actuating a manipulable unit 103 for setting the time; and

[0073] A processing logic unit 5 which can or is configured to control the actuator 4 as a function of the data received from the sensor assembly 2 and the element for determining time.

[0074] The sensor assembly 2 preferably includes a plurality of sensors 21. For example, the sensor:

[0075] - is an optical sensor, in particular an infrared sensor; and / or

[0076] - each comprising a signal transmitter and a reflected signal receiver; and / or

[0077] - is a distance or proximity sensor; and / or

[0078] - are designed and / or configured to be positioned around the first axis A1, in particular according to a regular angular distribution around the first axis A1. This type of distribution is for example Figure 4 In the figure, the sensor is shown positioned to face the clock in directions forming an angle of 45° with the directions 3h, 6h, 9h and 12h of the clock. Figure 4 , the hour hand is represented as facing the first sensor, and the minute hand is represented as facing the second sensor.

[0079] The use of multiple sensors allows to compensate for any mechanical positioning errors of the sensors relative to the clock. These errors can be caused by different parameters, such as:

[0080] - Soldering of the sensor on the electronic board;

[0081] - Fixing of the electronic board to the rest of the device;

[0082] - positioning of the movable part 7 on the housing 6; and

[0083] - The positioning of the timepiece in a receiver designed to receive it.

[0084] The reference clock 3 is, for example, a quartz oscillator clock. Also preferably, the quartz oscillator is, for example, a quartz oscillator with temperature compensation. Thus, the reference clock can give an indication of the current time with high precision. The reference clock can be of another type, or it can have other characteristics. The clock can be radio-controlled. In particular, the clock can be updated based on information sent by satellites of a geolocation system. The clock can also be external to the device for setting the time.

[0085] The actuator 4 is, for example, a gear motor including a stepper motor and a reducer, so as to be able to accurately control the displacement of the manipulable unit 103 for setting the time, and therefore accurately control the displacement of the pointer 101. The actuator also includes a unit for coupling to the manipulable unit 103 for setting the time. The coupling unit may include a clamp designed to clamp the manipulable unit 103 for setting the time, so as to apply a rotational motion or a translational motion thereto, optionally in order to perform a change in the adjustment mode of the clock. According to another embodiment, the manipulable unit 103 for setting the time may include teeth designed to cooperate by engaging with another set of teeth arranged on the coupling unit. Therefore, the coupling unit may be moved between an engaged position of the two sets of teeth and a non-engaged position of the two sets of teeth. According to yet another embodiment, the manipulable unit 103 for setting the time may include a friction surface designed to cooperate with another friction surface arranged on the coupling unit by friction. Therefore, the coupling unit may be moved between a mating position of the two sets of teeth and a non-engaging position of the two sets of teeth.

[0086] The processing logic unit 5 comprises, for example, a microprocessor.

[0087] like Figure 1 As shown, the device advantageously comprises a housing 6 and a movable part 7. The housing 6 and the movable part 7 are assembled so as to be able to move in a first position (in Figure 1 ) and a second position (not shown) and move rotationally relative to each other about a second axis A2.

[0088] The housing 6 comprises a receiver 61 for receiving and positioning the timepiece 100 on the housing. In addition, the sensor assembly 2 is arranged on the movable part 7. The receiver 61 is preferably sized to be received in a housing with little play in the middle of the timepiece. Also preferably, a device for crimping the timepiece can be provided so that the timepiece, in particular the housing of the timepiece, is placed in the receiver 61. The small play can ensure a good coupling fit of the actuator 4 and the manipulable unit 103 for setting the time, wherein the actuator is mounted on the housing 6. The crimping device can be activated and / or deactivated by means of the actuator 41.

[0089] Also advantageously:

[0090] - the housing 6 comprises first positioning elements 62 , 63 ; and

[0091] - the movable part 7 comprises second positioning elements 72, 73,

[0092] The first positioning element and the second positioning element are capable of positioning the sensor assembly 2 relative to the receiver 61 .

[0093] The positioning element 72 may be a stud or a pin cooperating with the hole 62. The cooperation of the positioning element allows the movable part 7 to be positioned in a plane (in particular a plane parallel to the plane of rotation of the pointer) relative to the housing 6. These devices can be reversed, the stud can be located on the housing 6 and the hole on the movable part 7.

[0094] The positioning element also advantageously comprises two support elements 63 and 73 which cooperate to provide a flat support and respectively position the housing 6 and the movable part relative to each other perpendicular to the above plane. This allows precise positioning of the sensor assembly 2 relative to the timepiece 100, in particular relative to at least one hand.

[0095] When the movable part 7 is in its second position (folded up, in the housing 6) Figure 4 These different positioning elements cooperate when (schematically shown in FIG. 1 ).

[0096] The movable part 7 and the housing 6 are arranged to ensure good and complete cooperation of the different positioning elements in the second position. This can ensure very precise positioning of the timepiece 100 relative to the sensor assembly 2, for example with a linear positioning tolerance of less than 0.4 mm or less than 0.2 mm in all directions, and with an angular positioning tolerance of less than 0.5° or less than 0.3° in all directions.

[0097] Preferably, in the second position of movable part 7 , some or all positioning elements 62 , 63 , 72 , 73 are located less than 1 cm or less than 2 cm from timepiece 100 .

[0098] Preferably, the movable part 7 comprises a shielding element 74, in particular a window, opaque to visible light and transparent to the radiation detected by the sensor assembly 2. This can improve the decoration of the device by shielding electronic components such as the sensor 21 of the sensor assembly 2.

[0099] Preferably, the device 1 is a display box or a housing. The housing 6 is, for example, a housing base, and the movable part 7 is, for example, a housing cover.

[0100] Furthermore, the device 1 may advantageously comprise a sensor 11 for detecting the position of the movable part 7 relative to the housing 6. Preferably, the sensor may determine whether the movable part 7 is in the second position relative to the housing 6.

[0101] like Figure 2 As shown, the device 1 may also include any combination of one or more of the following elements:

[0102] - an electric energy storage battery 8;

[0103] - Human-machine interface 10;

[0104] -Actuators for winding a timepiece.

[0105] Preferably, the battery 8 allows the device 1 to be autonomous and can supply all elements of the device 1 that require electrical energy to function.

[0106] Winding actuator 42 may be different from actuator 4 for setting the time if the units of the timepiece used for setting the time and winding are different.

[0107] The human-machine interface 10 is positioned, for example, in the housing 6, in particular adjacent to a receiver 61 for receiving the timepiece 100. Advantageously, the housing or base 6 comprises a flap 108 designed to cover the human-machine interface 10 so as to conceal it. The flap is hinged to the rest of the housing 6, for example.

[0108] The human-machine interface 10 may include any combination of one or more of the following elements:

[0109] - a display screen 107, in particular a screen for displaying the current time indicated by the reference clock 3;

[0110] one or more control buttons 106 which can in particular control the start of a method for operating the device 1 so that the time of the timepiece 100 can be automatically set;

[0111] - a socket 105 , in particular a female USB socket, making it possible to recharge the battery 8 with an external energy source;

[0112] one or more adjustment buttons 104 making it possible in particular to adjust the current time provided by the reference clock 3;

[0113] - One or more light sources 109 which, depending on their state, indicate the operating state of the device.

[0114] Advantageously, the base 6 comprises a lower face 64 and feet 65 protruding relative to the lower face 64. The light source(s) are arranged on the lower face. Thus, the feet 65 provide space between the lower face and the surface for supporting the device 1. Thus, when the one or more light sources are illuminated, they generate a backlight visible to the user by reflecting light on the surface. Each light source may be a light emitting diode.

[0115] The device 1 for setting the time, in particular the processing logic unit 5 , comprises all the hardware and / or software means necessary to control its operation and to implement the method that is the subject of the invention, in particular the method described below.

[0116] The mentioned means may comprise software modules.

[0117] The following describes in detail the mode of execution of the method for setting the time of timepiece 100. This method can also be considered as a method for operating the previously described device for setting the time.

[0118] In a first step, the user places the timepiece 100 in the appropriate position in the receiver 61 .

[0119] In a second step, the user commands the start of a phase of setting the time, for example by acting on the control button 106 .

[0120] In a third step, the user positions the movable part 7 in its second position relative to the housing 6. This second position is detected by the sensor 11 and the activation of the phase of setting the time (comprising the following fourth to ninth steps) then begins.

[0121] In a fourth step, device 1 couples actuator 4 to manipulable unit 103 for setting the time and actuates the correction chain for setting the time of timepiece 100 by moving manipulable unit 103 for setting the time by means of actuator 4. This type of step consists of Figure 3 Shown.

[0122] In a fifth step, the device 1 detects at least one passage of at least one pointer 101 in front of the sensor assembly 2. This passage causes a temporal variation of the signal emitted by the sensor, such as Figure 5 As shown. At the extremes, the pointer faces the sensor. It should be noted that the form of the signal generated during the passage of the pointer in front of the sensor depends on a number of parameters, in particular any combination of one or more of the following parameters:

[0123] - the speed of rotation of the pointer;

[0124] - the geometry of the pointer, in particular its width;

[0125] - the position of the pointer in a direction perpendicular to the dial 102;

[0126] - the optical appearance of the pointer, in particular its colour and / or its surface condition.

[0127] Thus, by analyzing the sensor signals, the device 1 can distinguish the passage of the hour hand from the passage of the minute hand using these different influencing parameters. The passage of the other hands can also be detected and distinguished.

[0128] After a plurality of detected passages of one or more hands in front of the sensor, in a sixth step the device 1 analyses the sensor signals and infers therefrom the time displayed by the timepiece during the last detected passage of the hands in front of the sensor.

[0129] In a seventh step, device 1 determines the current time, in particular by reading the current time indicated by reference clock 3 .

[0130] In an eighth step, device 1 defines by calculation the amplitude of the actuation of the correction chain of timepiece 100 so that at least one hand indicates the current time. For this purpose, device 1 uses the current time previously determined and the time displayed by the timepiece during the last detected passage of the hand in front of the sensor.

[0131] In a ninth step, device 1 actuates the correction chain of timepiece 100 for this amplitude by actuator 4 via actuation of manipulable unit 103 for setting the time. To this end, the device uses the following knowledge:

[0132] - the transmission ratio of the correction chain of the timepiece between the manipulable unit 103 for setting the time and the hands; and

[0133] - The transmission ratio between the motor and the output of the actuator.

[0134] The clock is therefore correctly set. The stage of setting the time is complete.

[0135] In a tenth step, the user can displace the movable part to its first position and remove the timepiece by doing so.

[0136] Contrary to what has been described in detail, if a timepiece is in place in device 1 , the phase of setting the time may alternatively be carried out automatically, for example at regular intervals, for example at given times of the day or week.

[0137] Preferably also, the phase of setting the time only starts when the movable part 7 is in its second position relative to the housing 6 , in particular when the cover 7 of the housing is closed.

[0138] Also preferably, the phase of setting the time comprises the emission of a control signal, in particular switching on one or more light sources 109, indicating to the user that the phase of setting the time is taking place.

[0139] The method may also include a winding phase of timepiece 100, in particular by activating the following components:

[0140] - if the timepiece units used for setting the time and for winding are different, activating the winding actuator 42 dedicated to winding; or

[0141] After configuring the manipulable unit 103 in a position allowing winding, the actuator 4 is activated.

[0142] This previous stage can:

[0143] - before the stage of setting the time, in particular between the third and fourth steps described previously; or

[0144] -Implemented after the stage of setting time.

Claims

1. A device (1) for setting the time of a timepiece (100), the timepiece being in particular a watch, in particular a wristwatch, the timepiece (100) comprising: - at least one hand (101) movable about a first axis (A1) in order to indicate the time ； as well as - a manipulable unit (103) for setting the time, The device comprises: - a sensor assembly (2) for detecting one or more discrete positions of at least one pointer (1); - an element (3) for determining the current time, in particular a reference clock (3); - for actuating an actuator (4) of a manipulable unit (103) for setting the time; and - a processing logic unit (5) adapted or configured to control said actuator (4) as a function of data received from said sensor assembly (2) and from the element (3) for determining the current time, The device comprises a housing (6) and a movable part (7), the movable part (7) being particularly movable in rotation relative to the housing (6) about a second axis (A2) between a first position and a second position, The movable part (7) comprises a shielding element (74), in particular a window, which is opaque to visible light and transparent to the radiation detected by the sensor assembly (2).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly comprises a plurality of sensors (21), wherein: - have optical properties, in particular infrared sensors; and / or - each comprising a signal transmitter and a reflected signal receiver; and / or - is a distance or proximity sensor; and / or - are arranged and / or configured to be positioned around said first axis (A1 ), in particular to be positioned according to a regular angular distribution around said first axis (A1 ).

3. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (6) comprises a receiver (61) for receiving and positioning a timepiece (100) on the housing, and wherein the sensor assembly (2) is arranged on the movable part (7).

4. A device according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing (6) comprises a first positioning element (62, 63), and wherein the movable part (7) comprises a second positioning element (72, 73), the first positioning element and the second positioning element being capable of positioning the sensor assembly (2) relative to the receiver (61).

5. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is a display box or housing, the housing (6) is, for example, a housing base, and the movable part (7) is, for example, a housing cover.

6. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a sensor (11) for detecting the position of the movable part (7) relative to the housing (6).

7. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a battery (8).

8. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reference clock (3) is a quartz oscillator clock, such as a quartz oscillator with temperature compensation.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a human-machine interface (10), the human-machine interface (10) having one or more light sources (109), the one or more light sources (109) indicating the operating state of the device according to their state.

10. Device according to the preceding claim and according to claim 5, wherein the base comprises a lower face (64) on which the light source is arranged and feet (65) protruding relative to the lower face (64).

11. A method for setting the time of a timepiece (100), the timepiece (100) comprising: - at least one hand (101) movable about a first axis (A1) in order to indicate the time; and - a manipulable unit (103) for setting the time, or a method for operating an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising a stage of setting the time, the stage comprising the steps of: - actuating the correction chain of said timepiece (100) by means of an actuator (4); - detecting at least one passage of the at least one pointer (101) in front of the sensor assembly (2); - inferring the time indicated by the timepiece from the detection; - determining the current time, in particular reading the current time indicated by a reference clock (3); - defining the amplitude of actuation of the correction chain of said timepiece (100) so that said at least one hand indicates the current time; - actuating the correction chain of the timepiece (100) according to this amplitude by means of the actuator (4) via the actuation of the manipulable unit (103) for setting the time.

12. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein a phase of setting the time is initiated: - automatically, for example at a given time; and / or -After a specific action by the user.

13. The method according to the preceding claim, in, The phase of setting the time is activated only when the movable part (7) is in a given position relative to the housing (6), in particular when the cover (7) of the housing is closed.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, in, The phase of setting the time comprises the emission of a control signal, in particular switching on one or more light sources (109), which indicates that the phase of setting the time is ongoing.

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