Timepiece

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece (100), in particular a watch, comprising a first clock generator device (1) for generating a first clock signal, a second clock generator device (2) for generating a second clock signal, an effective signal generating device (3), an electronic device (4) and a time display device (5). The effective signal generation means (3) is arranged to generate an effective signal on the basis of the first clock signal. The electronic device (4) is arranged to compare the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal and to correct the generation of the effective signal according to said comparison. The time display device (5) is arranged to display the time based on the effective signal. The first clock generator device (1) is arranged to continuously generate a first clock signal, and the second clock generator device (2) is arranged to generate a second clock signal in a time-phased manner, with an intermediate pause between the time periods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece. Background Art

[0002] Known in the art are quartz watches and mechanical watches with either automatic or manual winding. Quartz watches keep time by oscillating the frequency of the quartz crystal. On the other hand, mechanical watches with automatic winding (also known as automatic mechanical watches) and manual winding are typically controlled by the oscillation of a balance wheel, which controls the so-called escapement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a timepiece that is as precise as possible.

[0004] This object is achieved by a timepiece, in particular a timepiece having the feature combination of independent claim 1. The dependent claims indicate preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0005] The timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, comprises a first clock generator device for generating a first clock signal, a second clock generator device for generating a second clock signal, a valid signal generating device, an electronic device, and a time display device. The first clock generator device serves, in particular, as a timekeeping element of the timepiece, and the second clock generator device serves as a reference clock generator device, with which the accuracy of the displayed time can be adjusted.

[0006] The valid signal generating means is arranged to generate the valid signal based on the first clock signal. The electronic means is arranged to compare the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal and to correct the generation of the valid signal in dependence on the comparison.

[0007] The time display device is arranged to display the time based on the valid signal. The time can be displayed by means of a mechanical or electronic time display device.

[0008] The first clock generator device is configured to continuously generate the first clock signal, while the second clock generator device is configured to generate the second clock signal in time segments with pauses between each segment. Preferably, the second clock generator device is configured to generate the second clock signal at predetermined time intervals.

[0009] The comparison result of the first clock signal frequency and the second clock signal frequency can advantageously be used to determine whether the frequency of the first clock signal deviates from the target frequency. Advantageously, the electronic device is configured to perform correction of the generation of the valid signal only when such a deviation is detected, in particular when the deviation is greater than or equal to a predetermined deviation. If no deviation is detected or the deviation is less than the predetermined deviation, the generation of the valid signal is advantageously not corrected. In this case, the time is displayed uncorrected based on the valid signal generated by the valid signal generating device.

[0010] The second clock generator device is configured to generate the second clock signal in time periods with pauses between each time period. This means, in particular, that there is a time period during which the second clock signal is generated, and there is a pause between two consecutive time periods during which the second clock signal is not generated. The pause period may be at least a few seconds, at least a few minutes, at least a few hours, or at least a few days.

[0011] Generating the second clock signal in timed intervals with pauses between each time period also means, in particular, that the comparison of the first clock signal frequency with the second clock signal frequency is also performed in timed intervals with pauses between each time period. This means, in particular, that there are time periods during which the first clock signal frequency is compared with the second clock signal frequency, and that there is a pause between two consecutive comparisons, during which no comparison is performed. It is also understood that when / during the period when the second clock generator device is not generating the second clock signal, the time display device is configured to display the time based on a valid signal that has not been processed by the correction process and is therefore not corrected.

[0012] Preferably, the second clock generator device is configured to generate the second clock signal only when the electronic device turns on / activates the second clock generator device based on the first clock signal of the first clock generator device in time intervals and during the intervals. The expression "based on the first clock signal of the first clock generator device" specifically means that the first clock generator device advantageously specifies the time point at which the second clock generator device is activated to generate the second clock signal.

[0013] The predetermined time interval for generating the second clock signal can advantageously be generated by frequency division in the first clock generator arrangement.

[0014] Correcting the generation of the valid signal advantageously means correcting / adjusting at least one clock parameter contributing to the generation of the valid signal or at least one clock component contributing to the generation of the valid signal.

[0015] Correcting the generation of the effective signal can preferably include direct correction and / or indirect correction. Indirect correction means, in particular, correcting / adjusting at least one clock component that is located before the effective signal generating device in terms of signal transmission, in particular a parameter of this component. In this regard, correcting the generation of the effective signal can include correcting the generation of the first clock signal, because in this way, the first clock signal generated by the first clock generator device will change compared to the first clock signal that was last generated before the correction. Since at least one component to be corrected here is the first clock generator device that is located before the effective signal generating device in terms of signal transmission, this correction is understood to be an indirect correction within the scope of the present invention. Direct correction means, in particular, correcting / adjusting the effective signal generating device, in particular a parameter of the effective signal generating device. Correcting the generation of the effective signal will be further explained below.

[0016] Generating a correction useful signal can in particular also be understood as correcting the useful signal, since by generating the correction useful signal the generated useful signal changes compared to the last generated useful signal.

[0017] By means of the present invention, a timepiece as accurate as possible can be realized, wherein the accuracy of the second clock generator device can be transferred to the first clock generator device. It is understood that the first clock generator device is the component in the timepiece responsible for timekeeping and therefore for displaying time.

[0018] Advantageously, the valid signal generating means is arranged to generate the valid signal based on a frequency of the first clock signal.

[0019] The second clock generator device can advantageously have a higher accuracy than the first clock generator device. Specifically, this means that under identical operating conditions, particularly temperature conditions, the potential deviation of the first clock signal's frequency from its target frequency is greater than the potential deviation of the second clock signal's frequency from its target frequency, particularly when both the first and second clock generator devices are installed in a timepiece. For example, the clock generation accuracy of the first device may deviate by up to 5% from its intended clock frequency.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the second clock generator device can generate a constant second clock signal, i.e., in particular, with a constant frequency. A constant second clock signal is preferably also understood to mean a substantially constant second clock signal, i.e., in particular, with a substantially constant frequency. Within the scope of the present invention, the term “substantially” in this context means, in particular, that the frequency of the second clock signal deviates from its target frequency by a maximum of 3.8×10 -5 %.

[0021] As previously mentioned, comparing the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal is advantageously used to determine whether the frequency of the first clock signal deviates from its target frequency. The frequency of the second clock signal can preferably be used as a time reference to determine the deviation of the frequency of the first clock signal from its target frequency. This time reference can be provided / defined by a predetermined number of amplitudes (number of oscillations) of the second clock signal of the second clock generator device within a specific time period. Specifically, it can be checked whether the detected number of amplitudes of the first clock signal of the first clock generator device within the specific time period determined by the predetermined number of amplitudes of the second clock signal matches the expected number of amplitudes (number of oscillations) or the target number of amplitudes (target number of oscillations) of the first clock signal. In other words, the expected number of amplitudes of the first clock signal is the expected number of amplitudes of the first clock signal of the first clock generator device detected within the specific time period in which the detected number of amplitudes of the second clock signal matches the predetermined number of amplitudes of the second clock signal.

[0022] To this end, the frequency of the first clock signal is compared with the frequency of the second clock signal. This may preferably include comparing the difference between the detected amplitude quantity (number of oscillations) of the first clock generator device and the detected amplitude quantity (number of oscillations) of the second clock generator device within (the same) time period with a predetermined difference value. The predetermined difference value preferably corresponds to the (absolute) difference between the target amplitude quantity of the first clock signal of the first clock generator device and the target amplitude quantity of the second clock generator device. If the second clock generator device is configured to generate a constant second clock signal, i.e., in particular, with a constant frequency, the detected amplitude quantity of the second clock signal preferably corresponds to its target amplitude quantity. The amplitude quantity of the first clock generator device and / or the second clock generator device may preferably be detected by a pulse counter. It is understood that the electronic device is preferably configured to correct the generation of the valid signal only if the difference between the detected amplitude quantity of the first clock signal and the detected amplitude quantity of the second clock signal is greater than or less than the predetermined difference value (i.e., not equal to the predetermined difference value), in particular, if the difference deviates from the predetermined difference value by more than or equal to a predetermined deviation.

[0023] Preferably, the electronic device is configured to correct the generation of the useful signal by correcting the first clock generator device, in particular the generation of the first clock signal, based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal. Within the scope of the present invention, this correction process is considered to be an indirect correction process for correcting the generation of the useful signal.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the electronic device can be configured to calibrate the first clock generator device, and in particular the generation of the first clock signal, so that the first clock signal has a target frequency. In other words, the electronic device can be configured to calibrate / adjust the first clock generator device so that it generates the first clock signal at the target frequency. Specifically, the electronic device preferably outputs a control signal based on a comparison of the first clock signal frequency with the second clock signal frequency, with the aid of which the first clock generator device is driven / calibrated to generate the first clock signal at the target frequency. This calibration can improve the accuracy of the timepiece.

[0025] Further preferably, the electronic device can be configured to correct the generation of the valid signal by correcting the valid signal generating means based on a comparison of the first clock signal frequency with the second clock signal frequency. Within the scope of the present invention, this correction process is considered to be a direct correction process for correcting the generation of the valid signal.

[0026] Preferably, the electronic device is configured to determine a lag and / or lead of the first clock generator device based on a comparison of the first clock signal frequency with the second clock signal frequency. Based on this, the electronic device is configured to correct the generation of the useful signal in order to at least partially compensate for the lag or lead ex post. By compensating for the lag or lead, the accuracy of the timepiece can be improved.

[0027] Preferably, the electronic device can be configured to detect the temperature of the first clock generator device and / or the temperature of the environment surrounding the first clock generator device, and / or the temperature of the second clock generator device and / or the temperature of the environment surrounding the second clock generator device, and take this into account when correcting the generation of the valid signal. To this end, the timepiece can, for example, include a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the first clock generator device and / or the temperature of the environment surrounding the first clock generator device, and / or the temperature of the second clock generator device and / or the temperature of the environment surrounding the second clock generator device.

[0028] The first clock generator device may preferably include a piezoelectric oscillator crystal for generating the first clock signal. The useful signal generating device may be configured to generate the useful signal based on the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillator crystal. The frequency of the first clock signal advantageously matches the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillator crystal.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal is a quartz oscillating crystal. The quartz oscillating crystal can be synthetic or natural and can in particular have an oscillation frequency of 32768 Hz. According to another advantageous alternative embodiment, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal can be a tourmaline oscillating crystal. For example, a tourmaline oscillating crystal can have an oscillation frequency of 888 kHz. However, other piezoelectric oscillating crystals can also be used for the first clock generator device, and / or the piezoelectric oscillating crystal used can have an oscillation frequency different from the aforementioned 32768 Hz or 888 kHz.

[0030] Preferably, the first clock generator device further comprises an oscillator circuit, which is configured to excite the piezoelectric oscillation crystal to generate oscillation.

[0031] The electronic device is preferably configured to correct the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillation crystal based on a comparison of the first clock signal frequency with the second clock signal frequency by means of the oscillator circuit to correct the generation of the useful signal. In other words, the oscillator circuit is designed to adjust the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillation crystal and is preferably drivable by the electronic device to correct or adjust the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillation crystal based on a comparison of the first clock signal frequency with the second clock signal frequency.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the oscillator circuit includes a trimming capacitor, preferably a varactor diode, for adjusting the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillator crystal by adjusting the capacitance of the trimming capacitor, preferably the varactor diode, by means of an electrical signal. The electronic device is preferably configured to correct or regulate the electrical signal by comparing the first clock signal frequency with the second clock signal frequency to correct the generation of the useful signal.

[0033] As an alternative to a piezoelectric oscillator crystal, the first clock generator device may include an electronic oscillator, in particular an RC oscillator, for generating the first clock signal, or may be configured as an electronic oscillator, in particular an RC oscillator. Within the scope of the present invention, an electronic oscillator is understood to be a purely electronic oscillator, i.e., an oscillator having only electrical and / or electronic components for generating the first clock signal. This means, in particular, that within the scope of the present invention, an oscillator having a piezoelectric oscillator crystal does not constitute an electronic oscillator. The electronic oscillator may preferably be a low-frequency oscillator (e.g., 10 kHz).

[0034] The second clock generator device can preferably include an oscillator system having an optical waveguide device, an electro-optical converter, and an opto-electrical converter. In this case, the frequency of the second clock signal corresponds to the oscillation frequency of the oscillator system.

[0035] The optical waveguide arrangement preferably has at least one optical waveguide. The electro-optical converter (also known as electro-optical converter) is configured to feed a clocked optical signal (optical signal) into the optical waveguide arrangement, in particular into at least one optical waveguide. The opto-electrical converter (also known as opto-electrical converter or opto-electrical converter) is configured to receive the optical signal from the optical waveguide arrangement and generate an electrical signal based on the received optical signal.

[0036] The frequency of the second clock signal is advantageously based on the propagation speed of light in the optical waveguide arrangement (the speed of light). The time difference between light entering the optical waveguide arrangement and light exiting the other side of the optical waveguide arrangement depends solely on the distance the light has traveled in the optical waveguide arrangement and the propagation speed of light in the optical waveguide arrangement (the speed of light). Given the known length and physical properties of the optical waveguide arrangement, a clock signal with a fixed frequency or period can be advantageously generated in this manner. In other words, the optical waveguide arrangement serves as the frequency-determining element of the oscillator system.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first clock generator device comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal (in particular a quartz oscillating crystal), and the second clock generator device comprises an oscillating system comprising an optical waveguide device, an electro-optical converter, and an optoelectronic converter. According to another advantageous alternative embodiment, the first clock generator device comprises a quartz oscillating crystal, and the second clock generator device comprises a tourmaline oscillating crystal.

[0038] As previously mentioned, the second clock generator device can preferably have a higher accuracy than the first clock generator device. However, the second clock generator device may also have a lower accuracy than the first clock generator device. In this case, the second clock generator device can advantageously have a second clock signal with a predetermined second frequency. "Predetermined" here specifically means first selecting a desired frequency and then configuring the second clock generator device to have that desired frequency. For example, in a first step, the frequency of the second clock signal can be selected to be 888 kHz or 10 MHz, and in a second step, the second clock generator device can be configured to generate a second clock signal with the selected frequency of 888 kHz or 10 MHz.

[0039] The first clock generator device preferably has a lower power consumption than the second clock generator device. Combined with the fact that the second clock signal is generated intermittently with pauses in between, this has the advantage that, while the timepiece can on average have the accuracy of the second clock generator device, the energy consumption of such a timepiece is relatively low.

[0040] The valid signal generating device may preferably include a pulse counter for counting the first clock signal of the first clock generator device or a signal based on the first clock signal of the first clock generator device. The valid signal generating device is configured to generate the valid signal when the count value of the counted first clock signal of the first clock generator device or the signal counted based on the clock signal of the first clock generator device equals a predetermined count value.

[0041] If the valid signal generating device only has a pulse counter for generating the valid signal, then the pulse counter is advantageously configured to count the first clock signal of the first clock generator device. In this case, the pulse counter is programmed for the frequency of the first clock signal. However, the valid signal can also be generated by combining a frequency divider with a pulse counter. In other words, the valid signal generating device can include both a frequency divider and a pulse counter to generate the valid signal. In this case, the frequency divider is advantageously located before the pulse counter in terms of signal transmission. In this configuration, the pulse counter is advantageously configured to count a signal based on the first clock signal of the first clock generator device. This signal is advantageously the output signal of the frequency divider. In this case, the pulse counter is preferably programmed for the frequency of this signal.

[0042] Preferably, the electronic device is configured to correct the predetermined count value by means of the valid signal generating device based on a comparison of the first clock signal frequency with the second clock signal frequency, so as to correct the generation of the valid signal. In other words, the electronic device is preferably configured to drive the valid signal generating device in such a manner that the valid signal generating device corrects the predetermined count value based on a comparison of the first clock signal frequency with the second clock signal frequency.

[0043] The timepiece may preferably include a gear mechanism and a (mechanical) drive device for driving the gear mechanism. The drive device may preferably be a drive spring. The timepiece may also preferably include an automatic winding device or a manual winding device for winding the drive spring.

[0044] According to a first advantageous embodiment of the clock, the first clock generator device also has an electromechanical device. Here, the clock also has the aforementioned gear mechanism and the aforementioned (mechanical) drive device for driving the gear mechanism, in particular a drive spring. The time display device is connected to the gear mechanism and can be moved by the gear mechanism. Here, the electromechanical device can be moved by means of an effective signal, whereby the electromechanical device directly or indirectly engages with the gear mechanism in a clock-controlled manner. Specifically, the electromechanical device directly or indirectly engages with the gear mechanism in a braking manner to alternately stop the gear mechanism and release it again. Therefore, the operating speed of the clock is timed by a frequency-controllable device (electromechanical device), while the driving energy of the gear mechanism is provided by the drive device. The electromechanical device is a frequency-controllable device because it can be moved by means of an effective signal generated by an effective signal generating device, and the effective signal can be generated based on the frequency of the first clock signal of the first clock generator device.

[0045] According to an advantageous variant of the first advantageous embodiment, the electromechanical device engages indirectly with the gear mechanism. Within the scope of the present invention, "indirectly" particularly means that at least one further component is present between the electromechanical device and the gear mechanism. In other words, in this embodiment of the timepiece, the electromechanical device can be moved by means of the aforementioned active signal, thereby indirectly engaging the gear mechanism to achieve braking.

[0046] To this end, the timepiece preferably includes an escapement. Here, the escapement meshes with the gear mechanism. The electromechanical device drives the escapement. In other words, in this embodiment of the timepiece, the electromechanical device can be moved by a valid signal, thereby meshing with the gear mechanism via the escapement. In other words, the escapement corresponds to at least one other component located between the electromechanical device and the gear mechanism.

[0047] The escapement mechanism preferably comprises an escape wheel and a pallet fork. The pallet fork is used to brake the escape wheel. Here, an electromechanical device is arranged to drive the pallet fork, wherein the escape wheel meshes with the gear mechanism.

[0048] Specifically, the escapement is configured as an anchor escapement, wherein the pallet fork is configured as an anchor. Here, the escape wheel may also be referred to as an anchor wheel.

[0049] According to another advantageous variant of the first advantageous embodiment, the electromechanical device can mesh directly / independently with the gear mechanism. Within the scope of the present invention, "directly" or "independently" means, in particular, that no other components are present between the electromechanical device and the gear mechanism. In other words, in this embodiment of the timepiece, the electromechanical device can be moved by means of the aforementioned active signal, whereby it directly meshes with the gear mechanism in a clocked manner.

[0050] Regardless of whether the electromechanical device meshes directly or indirectly with the gear mechanism, according to an advantageous embodiment, the electromechanical device can be configured as an actuator. Within the scope of the present invention, an actuator is particularly a drive technology device or component that converts an electrical signal into a mechanical movement.

[0051] The actuator can particularly preferably have a magnetic anchor and a magnetic coil. In this case, the magnetic coil is arranged to move the magnetic anchor by means of a useful signal.

[0052] Alternatively, the electromechanical device can advantageously be designed as a stepper motor. In this embodiment of the electromechanical device, it is particularly advantageous if the electromechanical device meshes directly with the gear mechanism in a clocked manner.

[0053] According to a second (alternative) advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the clock also includes a gear mechanism and a drive device for driving the gear mechanism. Here, the drive device can be controlled by means of an effective signal. The time display device is connected to the gear mechanism and can be moved by the gear mechanism. The drive device is preferably configured as a stepping motor. There is no drive spring in this clock. Here, the first clock generator device can especially include a piezoelectric oscillating crystal configured as a quartz oscillating crystal. This clock embodiment corresponds in particular to a quartz watch with a stepping motor, which is used to drive the mechanical time display device, wherein the accuracy of the second clock generator device can be transferred to the first clock generator device.

[0054] It is understandable that, in the two advantageous embodiments described above, the time display device is a mechanical time display device. The time display device preferably includes an hour hand and / or a minute hand and / or a second hand.

[0055] The gear mechanism preferably includes at least an hour wheel and / or a minute wheel and / or a second wheel, and in particular also includes a small bottom wheel, which is arranged between the second wheel and the minute wheel.

[0056] According to a third (alternative) advantageous embodiment of the invention, the time display device is an electronic time display device that is configured to display the time based on a valid signal. In this case, the first clock generator device may in particular comprise a piezoelectric oscillating crystal configured as a quartz oscillating crystal. This timepiece embodiment corresponds in particular to an electronic quartz watch, wherein the accuracy of the second clock generator device can be transferred to the first clock generator device.

[0057] The clock preferably further comprises an energy supply device for supplying energy to the first clock generator device and / or the second clock generator device and / or the electronic device. The energy supply device preferably comprises an energy collection device and a battery. The energy collection device preferably comprises a solar cell and / or a thermoelectric generator. The solar cell can particularly preferably be configured as a dial. In other words, the dial of the clock can be a solar cell dial. The area of ​​the solar cell dial can in particular be at least 4 cm 2 .

[0058] However, the energy supply device may also comprise a battery in addition to or as an alternative to the energy collection device and the accumulator.

[0059] The energy supply device is provided in particular for supplying all electrical components of the timepiece with electrical energy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Other details, advantages and features of the present invention will be clarified by the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings show:

[0061] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a timepiece constructed as a watch according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0062] Figure 2 is a partially simplified schematic diagram of a clock according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0063] Figure 3 is a partially simplified schematic diagram of a clock according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0064] Figure 4 is a partially simplified schematic diagram of a clock according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

[0065] Figure 5 is a partially simplified schematic diagram of a clock according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,

[0066] Figure 6 FIG1 is a partially simplified schematic diagram of a timepiece according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] The following will be combined Figure 1 and Figure 2 A timepiece 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the timepiece 100 is configured as a wristwatch and therefore has two lugs 14 for a watch strap 16. However, the timepiece 100 may also be a wall clock, a grandfather clock, a table clock, or another type of timepiece.

[0069] The timepiece 100 comprises a case 11 and a mirror 15 arranged on the case. The timepiece 100 also preferably has a dial 12 and an hour hand 51, a minute hand 52 and a second hand 53. The hour hand 51, the minute hand 52 and the second hand 53 are components of a (mechanical) time display device 5 for displaying time.

[0070] according to Figure 2The timepiece 100 further includes a first clock generator device 1 for generating a first clock signal, a second clock generator device 2 for generating a second clock signal, a valid signal generating device 3 and an electronic device 4.

[0071] Specifically, the first clock generator device 1 is configured to continuously generate the first clock signal, while the second clock generator device 2 is configured to generate the second clock signal in timed intervals with pauses between each period. In other words, during the operation of the timepiece 100, the first clock generator device 1 continuously (without pauses) generates the first clock signal, while the second clock generator device 2 has an operating phase and a non-operating phase. The second clock signal is generated during the operating phase and not during the non-operating phase. The non-operating phase corresponds to the pause mentioned above. Specifically, the second clock generator device 2 is configured to generate the second clock signal at predetermined time intervals.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first clock generator device 1 includes a piezoelectric oscillation crystal 10 for generating a first clock signal. The piezoelectric oscillation crystal 10 is specifically a quartz oscillation crystal, which can be natural quartz or synthetic quartz. For example, the piezoelectric oscillation crystal 10 can have an oscillation frequency of 32768 Hz. Alternatively, the piezoelectric oscillation crystal 10 can be a tourmaline oscillation crystal or other oscillation crystal, and / or have other oscillation frequencies. The oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillation crystal 10 advantageously matches the first clock signal frequency of the first clock generator device 1 mentioned above. The piezoelectric oscillation crystal 10 can be understood as the clock generator of the first clock generator device 1.

[0073] Furthermore, the first clock generator device 1 includes an oscillator circuit 115, which is configured to excite the piezoelectric oscillator crystal 10 into oscillation. To adjust the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillator crystal 10, the oscillator circuit 115 preferably includes a trimming capacitor, particularly preferably a varactor diode. The oscillation frequency can be adjusted by adjusting the capacitance of the trimming capacitor, particularly preferably a varactor diode, using an electrical signal.

[0074] In the present exemplary embodiment, the second clock generator device 2 includes an oscillator system 20 having an optical waveguide device, an electro-optical converter 124 and an opto-electrical converter 125 .

[0075] The optical waveguide arrangement here has only one optical waveguide 126. The electro-optical converter 124 is configured to feed a clocked optical signal (optical signal) into the optical waveguide 126, while the opto-electrical converter 125 is configured to receive the optical signal from the optical waveguide 126 and generate an electrical signal based on the received optical signal. The electro-optical converter 124 is connected to the opto-electrical converter 125 via the optical waveguide 126.

[0076] Furthermore, the oscillation system 20 advantageously includes an (electrical) amplifier 127 and a signal conditioning device 128. The electro-optical converter 124, the optical waveguide 126, the optoelectronic converter 125, the amplifier 127, and the signal conditioning device 128 form a loop. In other words, the oscillation system 20 forms a loop. The amplifier 127 is arranged between the electro-optical converter 124 and the optoelectronic converter 125 and is configured to amplify the electrical signal generated by the optoelectronic converter 125. Furthermore, the signal conditioning device 128 is arranged between the electro-optical converter 124 and the amplifier 127 and is configured to process the electrical signal and transmit it to the electro-optical converter 124.

[0077] During operation of timepiece 100, a clock-control optical signal is fed into optical waveguide 126 and received by optoelectronic converter 125. The electrical signal generated by optoelectronic converter 125 is amplified by amplifier 127, processed by signal conditioning device 128, and transmitted to electro-optical converter 124. This process repeats a certain number of times per second. The number of repetitions is determined by the length of optical waveguide 126. For a length of approximately 20 meters, this process repeats 10 million times per second. As a result, oscillation system 20 generates an oscillation frequency of 10 MHz, which can be extracted between signal conditioning device 128 and electro-optical converter 124. Specifically, oscillation system 20 is configured to have a constant oscillation frequency. Oscillation system 20 can be understood as the clock generator of second clock generator device 2. Its oscillation frequency advantageously matches the second clock signal frequency of second clock generator device 2 mentioned above. In other words, second clock generator device 2 generates a constant second clock signal, specifically one with a constant frequency. It should also be noted that second clock generator device 2 advantageously has a higher accuracy than first clock generator device 1.

[0078] The valid signal generating device 3 is configured to generate a valid signal based on the first clock signal, in particular, the frequency of the first clock signal. This valid signal is used to display the time using the time display device 5. This means that the first clock generator device 1 keeps time for the timepiece 100. In this embodiment, the valid signal generating device 3 includes a pulse counter for counting the first clock signal of the first clock generator device 1 and is configured to generate the valid signal when the count value of the counted first clock signal of the first clock generator device equals a predetermined count value. In addition to the pulse counter, the valid signal generating device 3 may also include a frequency divider, which is arranged upstream of the pulse counter in terms of signal processing.

[0079] The electronic device 4 is arranged to compare the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal and to correct the generation of the valid signal as a function of the comparison.

[0080] Based on the comparison result of the above-mentioned first clock signal frequency and the second clock signal frequency, it is possible to determine whether the frequency of the first clock signal deviates from its target frequency. To this end, the frequency of the second clock signal can be used as a time reference. Specifically, it is possible to check whether the number of amplitudes of the first clock signal detected within a specific time period matches the expected number of amplitudes (target number of amplitudes). The specific time period is determined by the number of amplitudes of the second clock signal. If they match, it can be determined that the first clock signal has its target frequency. If they do not match, that is, the number of amplitudes of the first clock signal detected within the above-mentioned specific time period does not match the expected number of amplitudes, it can be determined that the frequency of the first clock signal is different from its target frequency.

[0081] Accordingly, the electronic device 4 is configured to correct the generation of the valid signal only when such a deviation is detected. Otherwise, the generation of the valid signal is not corrected, and the time is displayed without correction based on the valid signal generated by the valid signal generating device 3.

[0082] To avoid correcting the generation of the valid signal even when the first clock signal frequency deviates slightly from its target frequency, the electronic device can advantageously be configured to correct the generation of the valid signal only when the detected deviation is greater than or equal to a predetermined deviation. If the deviation is less than the predetermined deviation, the generation of the valid signal is preferably not corrected. Here, the time is displayed uncorrected based on the valid signal generated by the valid signal generating device 3. This can reduce the amount of computation required and save power.

[0083] Because the second clock signal is not generated continuously, the comparison of the first clock signal frequency with the second clock signal frequency is also performed in timed intervals with pauses between each time period, specifically at predetermined time intervals. This means, in particular, that there are time periods during which the first clock signal frequency is compared with the second clock signal frequency. There is a pause between two consecutive such time periods or comparisons, during which no comparison is performed. Accordingly, the correction of the valid signal generation is also performed in timed intervals with pauses between each time period, i.e., it is not performed continuously.

[0084] In particular, the electronic device 4 can be configured to perform a correction of the useful signal generation directly and / or indirectly. "Directly" means that the correction occurs at the level of the useful signal generating device 3. In other words, the useful signal generating device 3 is corrected or adjusted. On the other hand, "indirectly" means that the correction occurs at the level of a component of the timepiece 100 that precedes the useful signal generating device 3 in terms of signal transmission. Specifically, correcting the generation of the useful signal by correcting the first clock generator device 1, in particular correcting the generation of the first clock signal, can be understood as an indirect correction.

[0085] Based on the comparison of the first clock signal frequency with the second clock signal frequency, in particular a lag and / or lead of the first clock generator device 1 can be determined. Based on this, the electronic device 3 is configured to correct the generation of the useful signal in order to at least partially compensate for the lag or lead afterwards.

[0086] To this end, the effective signal generating device 3 can make corresponding corrections to the predetermined count value of the pulse counter based on the comparison result of the first clock signal frequency and the second clock signal frequency. The generation of the effective signal can also be corrected to compensate for lags or advances by correcting the first clock generator device 1, in particular by correcting the generation of the first clock signal. Specifically, in this regard, the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillation crystal 10 can be correspondingly corrected or adjusted. To this end, the capacitance of the fine-tuning capacitor of the oscillator circuit 115, preferably a varactor diode, can be correspondingly adjusted or corrected using the aforementioned electrical signal. In both cases, the electronic device 4 is configured to drive the corresponding components accordingly.

[0087] Furthermore, based on the comparison result of the first clock signal frequency with the second clock signal frequency, the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillation crystal 10 or the frequency of the first clock signal can be corrected or adjusted to its target frequency. In other words, the generation of the first clock signal can be corrected based on the comparison of the first clock signal frequency with the second clock signal frequency, so that the corrected first clock generator device generates the first clock signal having its target frequency.

[0088] By means of the present invention, a timepiece can be realized in which the accuracy of the second clock generator device can be transferred to the first clock generator device. It can be understood that the first clock generator device is the device responsible for the timekeeping of the timepiece and thus for the time display.

[0089] like Figure 2 As further shown, timepiece 100 includes a gear mechanism 104 and a drive device 101 for driving gear mechanism 104. Gear mechanism 104 is connected to time display device 5, thereby driving the rotation of hour hand 51, minute hand 52, and second hand 53. Specifically, gear mechanism 104 includes at least an hour wheel, a minute wheel, and a second wheel, which are respectively connected to hour hand 51, minute hand 52, and second hand 53.

[0090] The drive mechanism 101 advantageously includes a driving spring. A winding device 121 is provided within the timepiece 100 for winding the driving spring. The timepiece 100 is specifically configured as a self-winding timepiece. Here, the winding device is referred to as an automatic winding device or a self-winding device. This winding device is specifically configured as an oscillating weight, so that when the wearer of the timepiece moves their hand, the oscillating weight automatically winds the driving spring. Once the driving spring is wound, it provides the energy required to drive the gear mechanism 104. However, the timepiece 100 can also be configured as a manually wound timepiece. Here, the winding device 121 is a manual winding device that can be manually or hand-operated.

[0091] Furthermore, the timepiece 100 also includes an electromechanical device 106. Specifically, the electromechanical device 106 is configured as an actuator and includes a magnetic core (magnetic anchor) 107 and a magnetic coil 108. The magnetic coil 108 cooperates with the magnetic core 107. Specifically, the magnetic coil 108 is configured to move the magnetic core 107 when energized.

[0092] The electromechanical device 106 can be moved by means of the useful signal generated by the useful signal generating device 3. As a result, the electromechanical device 106 (in particular the magnetic core 107) meshes with the gear mechanism 104 in a clocked manner.

[0093] from Figure 2 As can also be seen in FIG, timepiece 100 further comprises an escapement 105, which is arranged between electromechanical device 106 and gear mechanism 104. Thus, electromechanical device 106, in particular core 107, is indirectly engaged with gear mechanism 104 via escapement 105. Escapement 105 can be driven by electromechanical device 106.

[0094] Specifically, the electromechanical device 106 engages with the gear mechanism 104 in an indirect braking manner to alternately stop the gear mechanism 104 and release it again.

[0095] Figure 2 As further shown, the escapement mechanism 105 includes an escape wheel 109 and a pallet fork 110, specifically configured as an anchor escapement. The escape wheel 109 is engaged with the gear mechanism 104, while the magnetic core 107 can engage with the pallet fork 110 through its own movement. Specifically, the pallet fork 110 is driven by the magnetic core 107.

[0096] Specifically, the magnetic coil 108 alternately creates and eliminates the magnetic field according to the rhythm of the effective signal, thereby causing the magnetic core 107 to move back and forth according to the rhythm of the effective signal. Subsequently, the moving magnetic core 107 is embedded in the escapement fork 110, replacing the common balance wheel in mechanical watches.

[0097] In order to power the first clock generator device 1, the second clock generator device 2, the useful signal generating device 3, the electronic device 4, the oscillator circuit 115 and the electromechanical device 106, the clock 100 is equipped with an energy supply device, which includes a battery and an energy collection device for charging the battery. The energy collection device can preferably include a solar cell and / or a thermoelectric generator. The solar cell can be particularly preferably configured as a dial. In other words, the dial of the clock can adopt a solar cell dial. The area of ​​the solar cell dial can especially be at least 4 cm 2 However, the energy supply device may also comprise a battery in addition to or as an alternative to the energy harvesting device and the accumulator, which battery can power the aforementioned components of timepiece 100 .

[0098] During normal operation of timepiece 100, the mainspring provides the energy required to drive gear mechanism 104, and a valid signal is sent to electromechanical device 106. Electromechanical device 106 thereby controls escapement 105 by moving pallet fork 110 in response to the valid signal. By frequency-controlling escapement 105 based on the oscillation frequency of clock generator 1, gear mechanism 104 can be timed.

[0099] When the driving spring (driving device 101) relaxes, the electromechanical device 106 can be configured to move accordingly, causing the electromechanical device 106 (particularly the magnetic core 107) to drive the gear mechanism 104. This ensures that the timepiece 100 can continue to operate even if the driving spring can no longer provide the required mechanical energy. This situation may occur, for example, when the timepiece 100 is not used for a period of time (such as at night) and the driving spring cannot be wound by the automatic winding device 121. To this end, the timepiece 100 is preferably equipped with a device for decoupling the driving spring from the escape wheel 109 and the gear mechanism 104.

[0100] The present invention provides a timepiece 100 that uses a first clock generator device 1 to keep time, yet achieves the accuracy of a second clock generator device 2 through the aforementioned calibration process, while being driven like an automatic or mechanical watch. Thus, timepiece 100 is a hybrid watch, where timekeeping is controlled by the oscillation frequency of a piezoelectric oscillator crystal, while the gear mechanism 104 is driven by a mainspring. Because the electric components of timepiece 100 are powered by a battery that can be recharged via an energy harvesting device, timepiece 100 also has a high endurance.

[0101] Figure 3 The present invention relates to a timepiece 100 according to a second embodiment.

[0102] The timepiece 100 of the second embodiment differs from the timepiece 100 of the first embodiment in that, in the timepiece 100 of the second embodiment, the electromechanical device 106 directly meshes with the gear mechanism 104 in a clock-controlled manner. In other words, the timepiece 100 of the second embodiment does not include an escapement mechanism. In other words, the combination of the first clock generator assembly 1 and the electromechanical device 106 replaces the balance wheel and escapement combination commonly found in conventional mechanical watches.

[0103] Specifically, the electromechanical device engages with the gear mechanism 104 in a direct braking manner to alternately stop the gear mechanism 104 and release it again.

[0104] In the timepiece 100 of the second embodiment, the electromechanical device 106 is also configured as an actuator and includes a magnetic anchor 107 and a magnetic coil 108 .

[0105] The magnetic anchor 107 thus directly meshes with the gear mechanism 104 in a clocked manner.

[0106] However, the electromechanical device 106 can also be designed as a stepper motor which meshes directly with the gear mechanism 104 in a clocked manner.

[0107] Aside from the features described in this embodiment, the operating principle of this timepiece 100 is essentially the same as that of the first embodiment. However, here, the electromechanical device 106 does not control the escapement, but instead directly controls the gear mechanism 104, thereby providing timekeeping. As in the first embodiment, the gear mechanism 104 is driven by a drive mechanism 101 including a mainspring.

[0108] Figure 4 A timepiece 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0109] The timepiece 100 of the third embodiment differs from the timepiece 100 of the first or second embodiment in that the timepiece 100 of the third embodiment includes neither the escapement mechanism 105 nor the electromechanical device 106 .

[0110] Instead, a drive device 101, specifically a stepping motor, is disposed between the valid signal generating device 3 and the gear mechanism 104. Drive device 101 is configured to drive the gear mechanism 104 using the valid signal generated by the valid signal generating device 3, thereby causing the hour hand 51, minute hand 52, and second hand 53 to move to display the time.

[0111] Figure 5 A timepiece 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0112] Unlike the timepieces 100 of the first, second, and third embodiments, the timepiece 100 of the fourth embodiment does not have a mechanical time display device, but instead has an electronic time display device 5. The electronic time display device 5 is configured to display the time using a valid signal generated by a valid signal generating device 3. It should also be noted that the timepiece 100 of the fourth embodiment does not have the electromechanical device 106, drive device 101, and gear mechanism 104 included in the timepieces of the previous embodiments.

[0113] Figure 6 A timepiece 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0114] The difference between the timepiece 100 of the fifth embodiment and the timepiece 100 of the fourth embodiment is that in the timepiece 100 of the fifth embodiment, the component of the first clock generator device 1 for generating the first clock signal is an electronic oscillator 17, rather than the piezoelectric oscillation crystal 10 and the oscillator circuit 115 in the timepiece 100 of the fourth embodiment.

[0115] The electronic oscillator 17 is advantageously an RC oscillator, in particular designed as a relatively low-frequency oscillator (eg 10 kHz).

[0116] The advantage of the timepiece 100 of the fifth embodiment is that the electronic oscillator 17 is very energy-efficient, so the energy consumption of generating the first clock signal can be reduced, in particular minimized. As a result, the battery life of the energy supply device before having to be recharged can be significantly extended.

[0117] In addition to the above written description of the present invention, for the purpose of supplementing the disclosure of the present invention, explicit reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate the present invention.

[0118] List of Reference Numerals

[0119] 1. First clock generator device

[0120] 2. Second clock generator device

[0121] 3. Effective signal generating device

[0122] 4 Electronic devices

[0123] 5. Time display device

[0124] 10Piezoelectric oscillator crystal

[0125] 11. Case

[0126] 12 dials

[0127] 14 connection part (lug)

[0128] 15 watch mirror

[0129] 16 watch straps

[0130] 17 Electronic Oscillator

[0131] 20 Oscillation system

[0132] 51 Hour Hand

[0133] 52 minute hand

[0134] 53 second hand

[0135] 100 watches

[0136] 101 drive unit

[0137] 104 gear mechanism

[0138] 105 escapement

[0139] 106 Electromechanical Devices

[0140] 107 magnetic core

[0141] 108 magnetic coil

[0142] 109 escape wheel

[0143] 110 Pallet Fork

[0144] 115 Oscillator Circuit

[0145] 121 Winding Device

[0146] 124 electro-optical converter

[0147] 125 photoelectric converter

[0148] 126 optical waveguide

[0149] 127 amplifier

[0150] 128 signal conditioning devices.

Claims

1. A timepiece (100), in particular a watch, comprising: First clock generator means (1) for generating a first clock signal, Second clock generator means (2) for generating a second clock signal, Valid signal generating means (3), said valid signal generating means being arranged to generate a valid signal based on said first clock signal, electronic means (4) arranged to compare the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal and to correct the generation of the valid signal in dependence on the comparison, and a time display device (5), which is configured to display the time based on the validity signal, wherein the first clock generator device (1) is configured to continuously generate the first clock signal, and The second clock generator device (2) is configured to generate the second clock signal in time periods, with pauses between each time period.

2. The timepiece (100) according to claim 1, wherein The electronic device (4) is arranged to correct the generation of the useful signal by correcting the first clock generator device (1), in particular the generation of the first clock signal, based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal.

3. The timepiece (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The electronic device (4) is configured to correct the first clock generator device (1), in particular the generation of the first clock signal, such that the first clock signal has a target frequency.

4. A timepiece (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The electronic device (4) is arranged to correct the generation of the useful signal by correcting the useful signal generating device (3) based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal.

5. A timepiece (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The electronic device (4) is configured to determine a lag and / or lead of the first clock generator device (1) based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal and to correct the generation of the useful signal based thereon in order to at least partially compensate for the lag or lead ex post.

6. A timepiece (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first clock generator device (1) includes a piezoelectric oscillation crystal for generating the first clock signal, wherein preferably, the first clock generator device (1) also includes an oscillator circuit (115), which is configured to excite the piezoelectric oscillation crystal to generate oscillation, wherein the electronic device (4) is configured to correct the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillation crystal based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal with the help of the oscillator circuit (115) to correct the generation of the effective signal.

7. A timepiece (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The first clock generator device (1) comprises an electronic oscillator (23), in particular an RC oscillator, for generating the first clock signal.

8. A timepiece (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The second clock generator device comprises an oscillator system (20) having an optical waveguide device, an electro-optical converter (124) and an opto-electrical converter (125).

9. A timepiece (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The second clock generator means has a higher accuracy than the first clock generator means.

10. A timepiece (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The power consumption of the first clock generator device is lower than the power consumption of the second clock generator device.

11. A timepiece (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The valid signal generating device (3) has a pulse counter for counting the first clock signal of the first clock generator device or a signal based on the first clock signal of the first clock generator device, and is configured to generate a valid signal when the count value of the counted first clock signal of the first clock generator device or the signal counted based on the clock signal of the first clock generator device is equal to a predetermined count value.

12. The timepiece (100) according to claim 11, wherein: The electronic device (4) is configured to correct the generation of the valid signal by means of the valid signal generating device (3) by correcting a predetermined count value based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal.

13. A timepiece (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The time display device (5) is a mechanical time display device, The first clock generator device (1) further comprises an electromechanical device (106), and The clock (100) further comprises a gear mechanism (104) and a driving device (101) for driving the gear mechanism (104), wherein the time display device (5) is connected to the gear mechanism (104) and can be moved by the gear mechanism (104), The electromechanical device (106) is movable by means of the useful signal, whereby the electromechanical device (106) engages directly or indirectly with the gear mechanism (104) in a clocked manner.

14. The timepiece (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: Gear mechanism (104), a drive device (101) for driving the gear mechanism (104), in: The drive device (101) can be controlled by means of a corrected effective signal, and The time display device (5) is a mechanical time display device.

15. The timepiece (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The time display device (5) is an electronic time display device, and the electronic time display device is configured to display the time based on the valid signal.

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