Apparatus for transmitting table message

Abstract

One aspect of the utility model relates to a dial (2a, 2b) of a watch (1), comprising an independent device for sending information (3) to an electronic device, the dial (2a, 2b) comprising a visible surface (20a) and a hidden surface (20b), the dial (2a, 2b) being formed by stacks (9a, 9b) of material thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) extending between the two surfaces (20a, 20b), each of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) comprises one or more functional elements contained in the device (3):-at least one messaging activation sensor (23); -at least one light source (4); -a separate electric power supply unit (21); and a control unit (7) for managing the operation of the at least one light source (4) and the at least one activation sensor (23).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a watch including a dial, the dial containing a device for transmitting information, the device being completely independent. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, electromechanical watches with pointers are known, where the hour and minute hands, displaying the current time, are driven by a gear train of the watch movement. In this case, it is possible that the operation of the mechanism may be disturbed due to the presence of shocks, electromagnetic fields, or other external interferences applied to the watch. In order to limit and even avoid any damage to the mechanism, it is often necessary to identify the interferences that may be the cause, as well as the malfunctions caused by these interferences in the mechanism, at an early stage.

[0003] In this context, it should be understood that a solution without the drawbacks of existing technologies needs to be found. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a watch with a dial that includes a message transmitting device that is independent and has a constant validity over time.

[0005] One aspect of this invention relates to a watch dial comprising a separate device for transmitting messages to an electronic device. The dial includes substantially flat visible and hidden surfaces opposite each other and connected by an outer wall. The dial is formed by a stack of thin layers of material extending between the two surfaces, each layer including one or more functional elements contained within the device.

[0006] - At least one message transmission activates the sensor;

[0007] -At least one light source;

[0008] - Independent power supply unit; and

[0009] Control unit (7) for managing the operation of the at least one light source (4) and the at least one activation sensor.

[0010] In other embodiments:

[0011] - The at least one activation sensor is configured to generate at least one electrical signal toward the control unit, thereby triggering the transmission of a message to the electronic device;

[0012] - The at least one light source is a point light source;

[0013] - The control unit is configured to control the at least one light source by controlling the blinking of the at least one light source according to information contained in the message;

[0014] - The stack of thin material layers includes a first layer having a visible surface of the dial and including the at least one activation sensor and the at least one light source;

[0015] - The at least one activation sensor is arranged in a cavity formed in the hidden surface of the dial;

[0016] -The first layer is configured to be wholly or partially penetrated by light radiation, especially solar radiation;

[0017] -The first layer is completely or partially transparent or translucent;

[0018] - The stack of thin material layers includes a second layer, which comprises photovoltaic modules that constitute independent power supply units;

[0019] - The second layer includes a substrate on which photovoltaic modules are printed;

[0020] - The photovoltaic module is arranged on the effective area of ​​the second layer, the area being configured to receive light radiation originating from the stacked first layer of thin material layers;

[0021] - The stack includes a third layer, which includes an energy storage unit that constitutes an independent power supply unit;

[0022] -The third layer includes a substrate on which an energy storage device is printed;

[0023] - This stack includes a fourth layer that forms a hidden surface of the dial, including the control unit;

[0024] - The stack includes a third layer, which includes a hidden surface of the dial, containing a control unit and an energy storage unit that constitutes an independent power supply unit;

[0025] - Compared to other layers in a stack of thin material layers, the first layer is rigid, while the other layers are flexible.

[0026] Another aspect of this utility model relates to a watch including such a dial.

[0027] Advantageously, the watch includes mechanical, electronic, or electromechanical watch movements. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Based on at least one non-limiting embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the object, advantages, and features of the table according to the present invention will become clearer in the following description, wherein:

[0029] - Figure 1A perspective view of a table according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown, the table including a dial provided with a means for transmitting information, the means being independent;

[0030] - Figure 2 An exploded view of a first variant of a dial formed by stacking four superimposed layers according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, each layer comprising one or more components of a transmitting device;

[0031] - Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a first variant of a dial equipped with a transmitting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] - Figure 4 An exploded view of a second variant of a dial formed by stacking three layers according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown, each layer comprising one or more components of a transmitting device; and

[0033] - Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a second variant of a dial equipped with a transmitting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of Table 1 is shown, which includes a watch case 19 with a center, a set of components forming a watch movement, and dials 2a and 2b arranged between the watch movement and the watch glass 22, with the back cover and watch glass 22 fastened to the center.

[0035] In a manner known to those skilled in the art, a watch movement drives a set of hands, including an hour hand, a minute hand, and possibly a second hand. For this purpose, dials 2a and 2b include through-holes for receiving the hand shafts. The dials 2a and 2b also include two surfaces 20a and 20b, comprising:

[0036] - The so-called visible surface 20a, which is visible from the outside of Table 1, also referred to as the "visible portion" or "visible upper portion" of the dials 2a and 2b; and

[0037] - The so-called hidden face 20b, which is arranged in the case 19 of the watch 1 opposite to the watch movement, is also the so-called "hidden part" or "hidden lower part" of the dials 2a and 2b.

[0038] This visible representation 20a may include at least one graphical representation in a non-restrictive and non-exhaustive manner, such as:

[0039] - Marking (or display) elements, such as numbers, indexes, lines, or dots, which, with or without pointers, help to display horological information / measurements or physical information / measurements measured by sensors contained in the movement;

[0040] - Engraving, patterns, text, logos, etc.

[0041] The visible surfaces 20a and hidden surfaces 20b are substantially flat and / or parallel and / or opposite to each other. In other variations, note that the dials 2a, 2b may include dome-shaped visible and hidden surfaces, the hidden surfaces of which may be dome-shaped or flat. These surfaces 20a, 20b are also connected together by the outer walls of the dials 2a, 2b.

[0042] In addition, it should be noted that, Figures 1 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, dials 2a and 2b preferably have a circular shape. It should be understood that the present invention can also be implemented for dials 2a and 2b with other shapes, such as triangular or quadrilateral shapes.

[0043] In embodiments of this invention, the watch movement is a mechanical movement. Alternatively, the movement can be an electromechanical or electronic movement. Hereinafter, when the movement is mechanical, we will refer to it as a mechanical watch; when it includes an electromechanical movement, we will refer to it as an electromechanical watch; and when it includes an electronic movement, we will refer to it as an electronic watch.

[0044] refer to Figure 2 and 4 These dials 2a and 2b include an independent message transmitting device 3. This transmitting device 3 includes its own electrical power supply, as will be seen later. This message transmitting device 3 is considered independent, particularly relative to the movement of the watch 1, and especially independent of the energy source of that movement, for example, when that energy source is an electrical power supply similar to that in an electromechanical or electronic movement. Under these conditions, it should be understood that the energy used by the transmitting device 3 will not be used to compromise the autonomy of the movement.

[0045] This transmitting device 3 enables the watch 1 to send messages to an electronic device. The message may include information related to functions performed by the watch 1, such as timekeeping, or functions that monitor events related to the operation of the watch's movement, such as events related to leakage in the watch case 19. Other examples of information types that may be included in the message may include, but are not limited to:

[0046] - The counting of the number of needles of at least one pointer, if Table 1 is configured in this way, allows, for example, the determination of the actual operating time of Table 1, such as between two maintenance or repair operations;

[0047] -When the dials 2a and 2b are set with acceleration timing, the number and nature (weak, strong) of the impacts received by the case 19;

[0048] - When dials 2a and 2b are equipped with magnetic sensors, Table 1 shows the number of times and intensity of exposure to magnetic fields;

[0049] -When the dial is equipped with a pressure and / or humidity sensor, the internal pressure and / or humidity of the case 19 can indicate leakage in Table 1;

[0050] - When dials 2a and 2b are equipped with gyroscopes, the orientation of watch 1 and the duration of these orientations can be used, for example, to improve the adjustment of the watch according to its wearer, or to adapt to the frequency of maintenance services necessary for the proper operation of watch 1, which can form part of predictive maintenance.

[0051] - When dials 2a and 2b are equipped with acoustic sensors, abnormal operating noise is detected, thereby allowing for the prediction or issuance of signals of malfunction or failure.

[0052] Therefore, it should be understood that, in this case, the transmitting device 3 may include the following event sensors in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner:

[0053] - Position sensor for the pointer of the table;

[0054] -Accelerometer sensor;

[0055] - Pressure sensor;

[0056] - Humidity sensor;

[0057] - Angular position sensor;

[0058] - Gyroscopes and / or inertial sensors, which are electronic components in the form of gyroscopes and / or inertial electromechanical microsystem circuits;

[0059] - Sound sensor.

[0060] In this context, such an electronic device is preferably a mobile device. This device, also known as a user terminal, is capable of being carried and transported by a user and functions while in transit. For example, a smartphone or tablet computer is an example of this. The electronic device preferably includes a microcontroller, an optical sensor such as a camera sensor, a point light source, and elements for broadcasting received messages, such as a screen and / or a speaker. In this configuration, the electronic device is used to receive, decode, and broadcast messages transmitted by the transmitting device in Table 1.

[0061] Within the case 19 of Table 1, dials 2a and 2b can be removably mounted, regardless of the type of Table 1. The only requirement is that dials 2a and 2b include a transmitting device 3, which is therefore independent of the movement of Table 1. Dials 2a and 2b are also referred to as "independent dials" because they are not connected to the movement of Table 1, particularly not electrically. Dials 2a and 2b can be considered as part of Table 1.

[0062] The transmitting device 3 contained in the dials 2a and 2b includes at least one light source 4 (also referred to as a light source), an independent power supply unit 21, at least one message transmission activation sensor 23, and a control unit 7.

[0063] In this device 3, the at least one light source 4 is preferably a point light source, which is implemented to facilitate message transmission. Therefore, the light generated by the at least one point light source 4 illuminates the dot or quasi-dot areas of the dials 2a, 2b. For this purpose, the light originating from each light source 4 can be collimated or focused toward the dot or quasi-dot area under consideration, for example, by any known collimating or focusing device. This "dot or quasi-dot area" includes any area located on / on the visible surface 20a of the dials 2a, 2b, and has a size such that it is perceived by the human eye as different from adjacent areas.

[0064] Each point light source 4 can correspond to any electroluminescent element selected from a non-exhaustive and non-limiting list, which includes:

[0065] - Light-emitting capacitor, known by the abbreviation LEC for "light-emitting capacitor";

[0066] - Light-emitting diodes, such as LED (short for "light-emitting diode"), OLED (short for "organic light-emitting diode"), AMOLED (short for "active matrix organic light-emitting diode"), or QLED (short for "quantum light-emitting diode");

[0067] -Any electroluminescent material activated by a local electric field;

[0068] -Any electroluminescent material activated by an electric current;

[0069] - Any combination of these electroluminescent elements.

[0070] Alternatively, not shown in the figure, the point light source 4 can be a quantum box or a quantum dot.

[0071] In this transmitting device 3, the independent power supply unit 21 includes an energy storage device 6 and a photovoltaic module 5. The photovoltaic module 5 includes at least one photovoltaic cell unit, also known as a solar cell unit. The photovoltaic module 5 is transmitted via... Figure 3 and5 Connecting elements labeled 17b and 18 are connected to the energy storage device 6. The photovoltaic module 5 may include one or more heterojunction or multijunction type basic cell cells connected in parallel or series. Each photovoltaic cell cell of the module 5 may be made of semiconductor materials based on copper, indium, gallium, and selenium, cadmium telluride, monocrystalline gallium arsenide, or monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon, or made of perovskite, in a manner known to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that these examples are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will be able to find types of photovoltaic cells suitable for this invention.

[0072] In this transmitting device 3, the control unit 7 (also referred to as a microcontroller) includes electronic circuitry 8, which includes hardware resources, particularly at least one processor that works in conjunction with storage elements and address, data, and control buses. The control unit 7 is connected to the at least one light source 4, the at least one activation sensor 23, and a separate power supply unit 21.

[0073] This control unit 7 includes a message transmission algorithm in its storage element. This algorithm enables message transmission by defining a sequence of light pulses for the light radiation broadcast by the at least one light source 4 and thus by means of light modulation or encoding applied to the radiation. This modulation or encoding provides control over the flickering of the light source 4 by alternating between two states (on or off). In this case, the light pulse sequence, also called the "transmission sequence" or "transmitted light pulse sequence," depends on the content of the message, in other words, on the information contained in the message. Therefore, by executing this algorithm, the control unit 7 can drive / control the flickering of the point light source 4 according to the defined transmission sequence.

[0074] In this transmitting device 3, the message transmitting activation sensor 23 (which may also be specifically referred to as the activation sensor 23 of the transmitting device 3) may include:

[0075] - At least one optical sensor capable of receiving a sequence of light pulses, also known as a "start-up sequence" or "start-up light pulse sequence", from a point light source of an electronic device to trigger the activation of message transmission;

[0076] - At least one acoustic sensor capable of detecting, for example, a tap on a decorative element of the watch (e.g., the watch glass) to trigger the activation of message sending;

[0077] - At least one accelerometer-type sensor is used to detect vibrations, such as shaking applied to the table, to trigger the activation of message sending;

[0078] - At least one gyroscope-type sensor is used to detect vibrations, vibrations imparted to the watch, to trigger the activation of message sending;

[0079] - At least one accelerometer-type sensor and at least one gyroscope-type sensor are used together to detect vibrations, which are applied to the watch to trigger the activation of message transmission.

[0080] The activation sensor 23 is configured to generate at least one electrical signal to the control unit 7 to trigger or cause the transmission of the message.

[0081] Furthermore, it should be noted that the control unit 7 may also include in its storage elements an algorithm for managing the energy storage device 6, particularly the management of recharging of the energy storage device 6 via the photovoltaic module 5, and the management of power consumption via the light source 4 and the power consumption of the activation sensor 23.

[0082] Therefore, as already mentioned, the independent transmitting device 3 is thus included in the dials 2a and 2b. In this configuration, the components of the transmitting device 3 (i.e., the light source 4, the energy storage device 6, the photovoltaic module 5, the activation sensor 23, and the control unit 7) are included in one or more layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 forming the dials 2a and 2b.

[0083] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The dials 2a and 2b are formed or composed of stacks 9a and 9b of multiple thin / fine layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. These layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are connected together by connecting elements such as adhesive materials to bind them together, thereby obtaining a stack of thin layers 9a and 9b, thus forming a single-piece dial 2a and 2b. The connecting element can also be a clip or a screw. These layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are stacked in the layer stacks 9a and 9b, that is, they are arranged one on top of another in a defined order in the dials 2a and 2b. Note that these layer stacks 9a and 9b can also be referred to as a layer assembly. In these stacks 9a and 9b, the layers are substantially similar, having upper and lower surfaces with substantially the same area / surface, which helps to form the outer walls of the dials 2a and 2b without relief.

[0084] It should be noted that these thin or fine layers are each a layer with a thickness of one micrometer. In practice, each layer can have a thickness ranging from 1 to 100 μm, preferably 2 μm, or preferably 3 μm. As for the thickness of the dials 2a and 2b, it can be between 8 and 400 μm, preferably 6 μm, or preferably 12 μm, or preferably 100 μm, or preferably 200 μm, or preferably 300 μm.

[0085] Therefore, in addition to facilitating integration within the case 19, these one-piece dials 2a and 2b have the additional advantage of being removably mounted within the case 19 of the watch 1.

[0086] exist Figure 3 In the first variant of the stack 9a shown, the stack 9a consists of four successive thin / fine layers 10, 11, 12, and 13:

[0087] - The first layer 10, which forms / constitutes the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, includes the at least one light source 4 and the at least one activation sensor 23 of the transmitting device 3;

[0088] - The second layer 11 contains photovoltaic module 5;

[0089] - The third layer 12 contains the energy storage unit 6, also known as a rechargeable battery; and

[0090] - The fourth layer 13, which forms the hidden surface 20b of the dial 2a, contains the control unit 7.

[0091] Compared to the second, third, and fourth thin / fine layers 11, 12, 13, which are preferably soft or flexible, the first layer 10 of the stack 9a is preferably rigid or semi-rigid. It should be understood herein that this first layer 10 helps to structurally reinforce the stack of thin layers 9a, and thus reinforce the dial 2a.

[0092] In this stack 9a, each of the first, second, third, and fourth layers 10, 11, 12, and 13 includes a top surface and a bottom surface.

[0093] Regarding the first layer 10, it is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid substrate that is transparent or translucent, or at least partially transparent or at least partially translucent. This substrate is made of a material with a transmittance between 65% and 95% to solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet radiation (also known as UVT (for "ultraviolet transmission")). This transmittance is preferably 85%. This material can be transparent or translucent. This material can be, but is not limited to, polymers, glass, or ceramics.

[0094] In this context, it should be understood that the base is configured such that:

[0095] - Light generated by the at least one light source can escape to the outside of dials 2a and 2b, and thus to the outside of table 1; and

[0096] - Light from the environment originating from Table 1 can penetrate dials 2a and 2b along the direction of photovoltaic module 5 of transmitting device 3. When the light is from a natural source, the light includes solar radiation.

[0097] In other words, the transparent or translucent substrate is configured to allow light to pass through it, which can supply the photovoltaic module 5 so that the latter can convert solar energy derived from the radiation into electrical energy.

[0098] The first layer 10 also includes at least one light source 4, which is arranged in the body of the substrate. This arrangement of the light source 4 in the substrate is configured to ensure illumination of the dotted areas of the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a.

[0099] When the light source 4 is arranged in a cavity defined in the substrate, the illumination can be direct illumination. The cavity can be a blind opening formed in the lower surface of the substrate, and its bottom forms or includes a dotted area. In this configuration, the light radiation or light generated by the light source 4 can escape through the dotted area of ​​the cavity toward the outside of the dial 2a, and thus escape through the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a.

[0100] When the light source 4 is arranged in a through-hole extending through the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10, with openings at its two ends in the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate respectively, this illumination can also be direct illumination. In this configuration, all or part of the light source 4 can protrude from the upper surface of the substrate, and thus from the first layer 10 or from the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, to form a dotted area.

[0101] When the at least one light source 4 is coupled to at least one waveguide, this illumination can also be remote illumination. Such a waveguide (also called an optical guide) allows light to be transmitted from a point injected into the waveguide to a point-like region of the substrate defined in the upper surface of the substrate. This optical guide can be an optical fiber, which allows avoidance of any obstacles that may be erected in the substrate, such as obstacles between the electroluminescent element and the point-like region through which the light will escape. Thus, in this variation, light is transmitted via the waveguide from the electroluminescent element to the point-like region to be illuminated.

[0102] In this configuration, the first end of the waveguide is coupled to the light source 4, and the second end of the waveguide can be arranged in one of the following:

[0103] A cavity, which may be a blind opening formed in the lower surface of the substrate of the first layer 10, the bottom of which constitutes a dotted region; or

[0104] - A through opening extending through the thickness of the base layer 10 and opening at both ends to the upper and lower surfaces of the base, and thus to the upper and lower surfaces of the first layer 10. Therefore, the second end can protrude from the upper surface of the base or from the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a to form a dotted area.

[0105] In the first layer 10, the light source 4 and the activation sensor 23 are applied / secured to the lower or upper surface of the substrate of the first layer 10, in the cavity or on the inner wall of the through opening, by printing or evaporation.

[0106] In the first layer 10, an activation sensor 23 is disposed in / on the substrate to receive light radiation modulated according to a activation sequence from an electronic device. The activation sensor 23 may be disposed above or below the upper surface of the substrate forming the first layer 10. When disposed in the substrate, the activation sensor 23 is positioned in a blind cavity formed in the upper surface. In one variation, it may be disposed in a blind cavity formed in the lower surface of the substrate, which has the upper surface as its bottom. In another variation, the activation sensor 23 may be disposed in a through-opening formed in the substrate, the through-opening connecting the upper and lower surfaces together.

[0107] In addition, it should be noted that the lower surface of the first layer 10 may be self-adhesive in order to facilitate its assembly with the second layer 11.

[0108] In this stack 9a, the second layer 11 includes a substrate containing the photovoltaic module 5. This substrate is preferably flexible or soft. The substrate of the second layer 11 can be a film on which the photovoltaic module 5 is disposed. Finally, the substrate can be made of a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0109] In this second layer 11, the photovoltaic module 5 preferably extends over the entire so-called effective area of ​​the upper surface of the substrate. This effective area is a portion of the upper surface of the substrate that is capable of receiving light originating from the lower surface of the first layer 10 of the dial 2a. This light source, which has already passed through all or part of the first layer 10, originates from the external environment of the dial 2a, and therefore also from the external environment of the dial 1, in this case, primarily from solar radiation when it is a natural source.

[0110] It should be noted that the photovoltaic module 5 is applied to the upper surface of the substrate using inkjet printing, screen printing, or thermal evaporation printing. We will refer to the second layer 11, which includes the printed photovoltaic module 5, in this document. Specifically, the photovoltaic module 5 is printed on the substrate of the second layer 11.

[0111] One may note that once the photovoltaic module 5 has been applied to the substrate, a self-adhesive layer can be deposited on all or part of the upper and / or lower surfaces of the substrate. Under these conditions, the second layer 11 can be a self-adhesive layer, which helps to facilitate its assembly with other layers, particularly with the first layer 10 and / or the third layer 12 of the stack 9a.

[0112] In the stack 9a, the third layer 12 also includes a preferably flexible or soft substrate containing an energy storage device 6 for an independent transmitting device 3. This substrate of the third layer 12 may be a membrane on which the energy storage device 6 is contained. Such a substrate may be made of a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0113] The energy storage device 6 can be a lithium battery or a semiconductor battery. This energy storage device 6 is applied to the upper surface of the substrate using processes known in the prior art, such as:

[0114] - Printing processes on flexible polymer substrates, such as those used in lithium batteries; or

[0115] - 3D printing technology, for example, for semiconductor batteries, such as lithium metal semiconductor batteries.

[0116] In this article, we will refer to the third layer 12, which includes the printed energy storage device 6. In particular, the energy storage device 6 is printed on the substrate of the third layer 12.

[0117] Therefore, this process allows for the creation of a third layer 12 including the energy storage device 6, which is flexible and ultra-fine.

[0118] Furthermore, it can be noted that once the accumulator 6 has been applied to the substrate, a layer of self-adhesive material can be deposited on all or part of the upper and / or lower surface of the substrate. Under these conditions, the third layer 12 can be a self-adhesive layer, which helps to facilitate its assembly with other layers, particularly with the second layer 11 and / or the fourth layer 13 of the stack 9a.

[0119] Note that the energy storage device 6 is used to store the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic module 5 and release the electrical energy when needed to power the transmitting device 3, the at least one light source 4 and the at least one activation sensor 23.

[0120] In this stack 9a, the fourth and final layer 13 forms the hidden surface of the dial 2a. This fourth layer 13 is formed from a preferably flexible or soft substrate containing the control unit 7. This substrate of the fourth layer 13 can be, for example, a flexible PCB on which the control unit 7 is disposed, particularly on the upper surface of the PCB, and therefore also on the upper surface of the substrate. In this case, the control unit 7 can be constructed on the upper surface of the substrate using a 3D printing process or a polymer printing process.

[0121] In the second variant, the stack 9b forming the dial 2b comprises three thin / fine layers 10, 11, and 14 connected together. It can be noted that this second variant differs from the first variant in that it therefore comprises three layers 10, 11, and 14, instead of four layers 10, 11, 12, and 13 as in the first variant. In this second variant, the energy storage unit 6 of the transmitting device 3 is now included in the third and final layer 14 of the stack 9b, which has the control unit 7.

[0122] The third and final layer 14 of the stack 9b forming the hidden surface of the dial 2b is preferably composed of a flexible or soft substrate, on which the energy storage device 6 and the electronic circuitry 8 constituting the control unit 7 are constructed, preferably on the upper surface of the substrate. This construction of the energy storage device 6 and the control unit 7 can be performed on the upper surface of the substrate using 3D printing or polymer printing processes. It should be noted that such a substrate can be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0123] In summary, in this second variant, stacking 9b includes:

[0124] - The first layer 10, which forms the visible surface 20a of the dial 2b, includes the at least one light source 4 and the at least one activation sensor 23 of the transmitting device 3;

[0125] - The second layer 11 contains photovoltaic module 5; and

[0126] - The third layer 14 forms a hidden surface 20b of the dial 2b containing the energy storage 6 and the control unit 7.

[0127] Note that in this second variant, the first and second layers 10 and 11 are similar to the first variant of stack 9a.

[0128] In addition, refer to Figure 3 and 5 The electronic circuit 8 of the control unit 7 includes a first connecting element 15a, which is connected to connecting elements 16 of the following:

[0129] - The at least one light source 4 is used to manage the operation of the light source 4, particularly the sending of messages; and

[0130] - The at least one activation sensor 23 is used to help trigger the sending of a message.

[0131] The electronic circuit 8 also includes a second connecting element 15b connected to the first connecting element 17a of the energy storage 6.

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

[0133] Furthermore, in the third variation, and similar to the second variation, the energy storage unit 6 of the independent transmitting device 3 is included in the second and final layer of the stack having the control unit 7. This second layer, forming the hidden surface of the dial, is composed of a preferably flexible or soft substrate on which the energy storage unit 6 and the electronic circuitry 8 constituting the control unit 7 are constructed, preferably on the upper surface of the substrate. This construction of the battery 6 and the control unit 7 on the upper surface of the substrate can be performed using 3D printing or polymer printing processes. It should be noted that, for example, this substrate can be a flexible PCB.

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

[0135] - A first layer forming the visible surface 20a of the dial, which includes the at least one light source 4 and photovoltaic module 5, and the at least one activation sensor 23 of the transmitting device 3; and

[0136] - The second layer forming the hidden surface 20b of the dial contains the energy storage device 6 and the control unit 7.

[0137] Therefore, in the example of message transmission, the electronic device, and specifically its point light source, is arranged opposite the optical sensor of the activation sensor 23 of the transmitting device 3 forming dials 2a and 2b. The point light source then emits light radiation that flashes according to a sequence of activation light pulses, which are defined to trigger dials 2a and 2b to transmit the message to / from the electronic device. More specifically, upon receiving the activation sequence, the control unit 7 generates a sequence of transmission light pulses associated with the message to be conveyed to the device. Next, the control unit 7 triggers the at least one light source 4 of the device 3 to emit a light beam by controlling / driving its flashing according to the transmission sequence. Once the light pulse sequence has been received by the optical sensor in the electronic device, it is decoded by the device's microcontroller to reconstruct the transmitted message, which can then be broadcast.

[0138] Furthermore, it should be noted that the aforementioned event sensor of the transmitting device 3 is preferably arranged in the first layer 10 and / or the last layer 13, 14 of the layer stack 9a, 9b, and is connected to the control unit 7 of the device 3.

[0139] It goes without saying that this invention is not limited to the embodiments just described, and that various simple modifications and variations can be considered by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dial (2a, 2b) for a watch (1), characterized in that, The device includes a separate device (3) for sending messages to an electronic device. This device has a dial (2a, 2b) comprising a visible surface (20a) and a hidden surface (20b). The dial (2a, 2b) is formed by a stack (9a, 9b) of thin material layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) extending between these two surfaces. Each of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) includes one or more functional elements contained within the device (3). At least one message is sent to activate the sensor (23); At least one light source (4); Independent power supply unit (21); and Control unit (7) for managing the operation of the at least one light source (4) and the at least one activation sensor (23).

2. The dial (2a, 2b) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The at least one activation sensor (23) is configured to generate at least one electrical signal toward the control unit (7), thereby triggering the transmission of a message to the electronic device.

3. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one light source (4) is a point light source.

4. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit (7) is configured to control the at least one light source (4) by controlling the blinking of the at least one light source (4) according to the information contained in the message.

5. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stack (9a, 9b) of the material thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) includes a first layer (10) having a visible surface (20a) of the dial (2a, 2b) and including the activation sensor (23) and the at least one light source (4).

6. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The activation sensor (23) is arranged in a cavity formed in the hidden surface of the dial (2a, 2b).

7. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first layer (10) is configured to be fully or partially penetrated by light radiation.

8. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The light radiation mentioned is solar radiation.

9. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first layer (10) is completely or partially transparent or semi-transparent.

10. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stack (9a, 9b) of the material thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) includes a second layer (11) which includes a photovoltaic module (5) constituting an independent power supply unit (21).

11. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second layer (11) includes a substrate on which the photovoltaic module (5) is printed.

12. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The photovoltaic module (5) is arranged on the effective area of ​​the second layer (11), which is configured to receive light radiation from the first layer (10) of the stack (9a, 9b) of material thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14).

13. The dial (2a) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stack includes a third layer (12) which includes an energy storage device (6) that constitutes an independent power supply unit (21).

14. The dial (2a) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The third layer (12) includes a substrate on which the energy storage device (6) is printed.

15. The dial (2a) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stack includes a fourth layer (13) that forms a hidden surface (20b) of the dial (2a) including the control unit (7).

16. The dial (2b) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The stack includes a third layer (14), which includes a hidden surface (20b) of the dial (2a), a control unit (7), and an energy storage device (6) that constitutes an independent power supply unit (21).

17. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 5, characterized in that, Compared to the other layers (11, 12, 13, 14) included in the stack (9a, 9b) of thin material layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14), the first layer (10) is rigid, while the other layers are flexible.

18. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The visible surface (20a) and the hidden surface (20b) are flat or dome-shaped.

19. A table (1), characterized in that, Includes the dial (2a, 2b) according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. The table (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, These include mechanical, electronic, or electromechanical watch movements.

Images