Case for a timepiece

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for setting the time of the timepiece (100), especially a watch, in particular a wristwatch, provided with: - at least one hand (101) that is movable about a first axis (A1) to indicate the time; and - a manipulable time-setting member (103), the device comprising: - a sensor assembly (2) for detecting one or more discrete positions of at least one hand (1), - an element (3) for determining the current time, in particular a reference clock (3); - an actuator (4) for actuating a manipulable time-setting member (103); and - a processing logic unit (5) capable of controlling, or configured to control, the actuator (4) according to data received from the sensor assembly (2) and from the element (3) for determining the current time, the device comprising a casing (6) and a movable portion (7) that is, inter alia, rotatably movable about a second axis (A2) relative to the casing (6) between a first position and a second position, the movable portion (7) comprising a masking element (74), in particular a window, which is opaque to visible light and transparent to the radiation detected by the sensor assembly (2).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Watch case.

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a time-setting device for a timepiece. The invention also relates to a time-setting method or a method of operating such a device.

[0005] State of the prior art

[0006] Watch cases have two main functions: to store a watch and to display that watch.

[0007] After prolonged storage in a case (beyond its autonomy), a timepiece stops and therefore no longer indicates the current or desired time. The user must therefore correct the time on the timepiece when they wish to use it again.

[0008] It is known to offer cases adapted to automatic watches that offer a solution to this problem. These cases offer means of holding the watch parts that are rotated within the case.

[0009] As a result, the stored timepieces are also rotated about a non-vertical axis. This causes an oscillating weight of a stored timepiece to move relative to the timepiece movement frame and, consequently, the timepiece to be wound.

[0010] However, even with such a case, an automatic watch may show a very incorrect time after long storage in the case due to a running error of the timepiece. The user must therefore, in this situation, also correct the time of the timepiece when he wishes to use it again.

[0011] Presentation of the invention

[0012] The aim of the invention is to provide a time-setting device and a time-setting method which overcome the drawbacks mentioned above and improve the cases known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a time-setting device which makes it easier to set the time of a timepiece.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, a device is defined by claim 1.

[0015] Different embodiments of the device are defined by claims 2 to 10.

[0016] According to the first aspect of the invention, a method is defined by claim 11.

[0017] Different embodiments of the method are defined by claims 12 to 14.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the invention is defined by the following propositions:

[0019] 1. Time-setting device (1) for a timepiece (100), in particular a watch, in particular a wristwatch, provided with:

[0020] - at least one hand (101) movable around a first axis (A1) to indicate the time, and

[0021] - a time setting manipulator (103), the device comprising:

[0022] - a sensor assembly (2) for detecting one or more discrete positions of at least one needle (1),

[0023] - an element (3) for determining a current time, in particular a reference clock (3),

[0024] - an actuator (4) for actuating a manipulable time-setting member (103), and

[0025] - a logic processing unit (5) capable of or configured to control the actuator (4) as a function of data received from the sensor assembly (2) and from the element (3) for determining a current time. Device according to proposition 1, characterized in that the sensor assembly comprises several sensors (21), the sensors:

[0026] - being of an optical nature, in particular being infrared sensors, and / or

[0027] - each comprising a signal transmitter and a receiver of a reflected signal, and / or

[0028] - being distance or proximity sensors, and / or

[0029] - being arranged and / or configured so as to be positioned around the first axis (A1), in particular positioned according to a regular angular distribution around the first axis (A1). Device according to one of the preceding proposals, characterized in that the device comprises a frame (6) and a movable part (7), in particular movable in rotation around a second axis (A2), relative to the frame (6), between a first position and a second position. Device according to the preceding proposal, characterized in that the frame (6) comprises a housing (61) for receiving and positioning a timepiece (100) on the frame and in that the sensor assembly (2) is arranged on the movable part (7).Device according to the preceding proposal, characterized in that the frame (6) comprises first positioning elements (62, 63) and in that the movable part (7) comprises second positioning elements (72, 73), the first and second positioning elements being capable of positioning the sensor assembly (2) relative to the housing (61). Device according to one of proposals 3 to 5, characterized in that the movable part (7) comprises a masking element (74), in particular a window, opaque to visible light and transparent to the radiation detected by the sensor assembly (2). Device according to one of proposals 3 to 6, characterized in that the device is a presentation box or a case, the frame (6) being for example a case base and the movable part (7) being for example a case cover.Device according to one of the proposals 3 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (1 1 ) for detecting the position of the movable part (7) relative to the frame (6). Device according to one of the preceding proposals, characterized in that the device comprises a battery (8). Device according to one of the preceding proposals, characterized in that the reference clock (3) is a quartz oscillator clock, the quartz oscillator being for example a temperature-compensated quartz oscillator. 1 . Device according to one of the preceding proposals, characterized in that the device comprises a man-machine interface (10) provided with one or more light sources (109) indicating, according to their state, the operating state of the device. 2.Device according to the preceding proposal and according to proposal 7, characterized in that the base comprises a lower face (64) and feet (65) projecting relative to the lower face (64), the light source(s) being arranged on the lower face. 3. Method for setting the time of a timepiece (100) provided with:.

[0030] - at least one hand (101) movable around a first axis (A1) to indicate the time, and

[0031] - a time-setting manipulator (103), or method of operating a device according to one of the preceding proposals, the method comprising a time-setting phase comprising the following steps:

[0032] - actuate a correction chain of the timepiece (100) using an actuator (4),

[0033] - detecting at least one passage of the at least one needle (101) in front of a sensor assembly (2),

[0034] - deduce from this detection a time displayed by the timepiece,

[0035] - determine the current time, in particular read the current time indicated by a reference clock (3),

[0036] - defining an amplitude of actuation of the correction chain of the timepiece (100) so that the at least one hand indicates the current time,

[0037] - actuate the correction chain of the timepiece (100) by this amplitude using the actuator (4), via an actuation of the manipulable time-setting member (103).

[0038] 14. Method according to the preceding proposal, characterized in that the time setting phase is launched:

[0039] - automatically, for example at a given time, and / or

[0040] - following a specific action by a user.

[0041] 15. Method according to the preceding proposal, characterized in that the time-setting phase is only started if the moving part (7) is in a given position relative to the frame (6), in particular if the cover (7) of the case is closed.

[0042] 16. Method according to one of proposals 13 to 15, characterized in that the time-setting phase comprises controlling the emission of a signal, in particular switching on one or more light sources (109), indicating that the time-setting phase is in progress.

[0043] Presentation of figures

[0044] The objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention are set forth in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures.

[0045] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a time setting device according to the invention.

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the embodiment of the time setting device. Figure 3 is an illustrative schematic view of a step of implementing an embodiment of a time setting method according to the invention.

[0047] Figure 4 is an illustrative schematic view of another step of implementing the mode of execution of the time setting method according to the invention.

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a signal produced by a sensor when a needle passes in front of the sensor.

[0049] Detailed description

[0050] An embodiment of a time setting device 1 for a timepiece 100 is described below in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0051] The time setting device 1 can be used to automatically set the time of any type of watch 100 having:

[0052] - at least one hand 101 movable around a first axis A1 to indicate a current time, in particular by cooperation with a dial 102, and

[0053] - a time setting manipulator 103, that is to say a manipulator manipulated by a user to correct the time indicated by the hands by modifying the position of the hands.

[0054] For example, in Figures 3 and 4, the timepiece 100 shown is a wristwatch comprising two hands 101 (an hour hand and a minute hand) and a dial 102.

[0055] For example, in Figure 1, the timepiece shown is a wristwatch comprising a regulator-type display, i.e. two hands each rotating around different axes and for example each cooperating with different dials.

[0056] For example, the manipulable organ can be:

[0057] - a crown mounted on a stem, or

[0058] - a wheel, or

[0059] - a wheel.

[0060] The manipulable member is permanently or via a clutch connected to a correction kinematic chain such that a movement of the manipulable member causes a movement of the needles. Furthermore, the transmission ratio of the correction chain is known so that the movement of the needles induced by a given movement of the manipulable member is known.

[0061] The time setting device is particularly useful for mechanical (automatic or not) timepieces (such as watches and wristwatches) due to the problems mentioned above.

[0062] The time setting device 1 for timepiece 100 comprises:

[0063] - a sensor assembly 2 for detecting one or more discrete positions of at least one needle 1,

[0064] - an element 3 for determining a current time, in particular a reference clock 3,

[0065] - an actuator 4 for actuating a manipulable time-setting member 103, and

[0066] - a logic processing unit 5 capable of or configured to control the actuator 4 as a function of data received from the sensor assembly 2 and the time determining element. The sensor assembly 2 preferably comprises several sensors 21. For example, the sensors:

[0067] - are optical sensors, in particular infrared sensors, and / or

[0068] - each comprise a signal transmitter and a receiver of a reflected signal, and / or

[0069] - are distance or proximity sensors, and / or

[0070] - are arranged and / or configured so as to be positioned around the first axis A1, in particular positioned according to a regular angular distribution around the first axis A1. Such a distribution is for example shown in Figure 4 where the sensors are shown arranged opposite the timepiece at directions forming 45° angles with the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock and 12 o'clock directions of the timepiece. In Figure 4, the hour hand is shown opposite a first sensor and the minute hand is shown opposite a second sensor.

[0071] The use of multiple sensors makes it possible to compensate for any mechanical positioning errors of the sensors relative to the timepiece. These errors can be due to various parameters such as:

[0072] - soldering sensors onto an electronic card,

[0073] - fixing the electronic card to the rest of the device,

[0074] - the positioning of the mobile part 7 on the frame 6, and

[0075] - the positioning of the timepiece in the housing intended to receive it.

[0076] The reference clock 3 is, for example, a quartz oscillator clock. More preferably, the quartz oscillator is, for example, a temperature-compensated quartz oscillator. Consequently, the reference clock can provide a current time indication with high accuracy. The reference clock may be of another type or have other characteristics. The clock may be radio-controlled. The clock may in particular be updated based on information sent by a satellite of a geolocation system. The clock may also be external to the time-setting device.

[0077] The actuator 4 is for example a geared motor comprising a stepping motor and a reducer so as to be able to precisely control the movement of the manipulable time-setting member 103 and therefore the movement of the hands 101. The actuator also comprises a coupling member to the manipulable time-setting member 103. This coupling member may comprise a clamp intended to grip the manipulable time-setting member 103 so as to apply rotational movements to it, or even translational movements to possibly effect a change in the setting mode of the timepiece. According to another embodiment, the manipulable time-setting member 103 may comprise a toothing arranged to cooperate by meshing with another toothing arranged on the coupling member. The coupling member may then be movable between a meshing position of the two toothings and a non-mesh position of the two toothings.According to yet another embodiment, the manipulable time-setting member 103 may comprise a friction surface arranged to cooperate by friction with another friction surface arranged on the coupling member. The coupling member may then be movable between a position of cooperation of the two teeth and a position of non-cooperation of the two teeth.

[0078] The logical processing unit 5 comprises, for example, a microprocessor.

[0079] As shown in Figure 1, the device advantageously comprises a frame 6 and a movable part 7. The frame 6 and the movable part 7 are mounted to be movable in rotation relative to each other around a second axis A2 between a first position (shown in Figure 1) and a second position (not shown).

[0080] The frame 6 comprises a housing 61 for receiving and positioning the timepiece 100 on the frame. Furthermore, the sensor assembly 2 is arranged on the movable part 7. The housing 61 is preferably sized so as to receive a case or the middle of the timepiece with less play. More preferably, means for clamping the timepiece may be provided to press the timepiece, in particular the case of the timepiece, into the housing 61. Less play ensures good coupling cooperation between the actuator 4 and the time-setting manipulator 103, the actuator being mounted on the frame 6. The clamping means may be activated and / or deactivated using an actuator 41.

[0081] Advantageously still:

[0082] - the frame 6 comprises first positioning elements 62, 63, and

[0083] - the movable part 7 comprises second positioning elements 72, 73, the first and second positioning elements being capable of positioning the sensor assembly 2 relative to the housing 61.

[0084] The positioning elements 72 may be pins or dowels cooperating with bores 62. The cooperation of the positioning elements makes it possible to position the movable part 7 relative to the frame 6 in a plane (in particular a plane parallel to the planes of rotation of the hands). The means may be reversed and the pins may be located on the frame 6 while the bores are arranged on the movable part 7. The positioning elements further advantageously comprise two support elements 63 and 73 cooperating to produce a plane support and to consequently position the frame 6 and the movable part relative to each other perpendicular to the plane mentioned above. This makes it possible to precisely position the sensor assembly 2 relative to the timepiece 100 and in particular relative to the at least one hand.

[0085] These different positioning elements cooperate when the mobile part 7 is in its second position (folded down, shown schematically in figure 4) on the frame 6.

[0086] The moving part 7 and the frame 6 are arranged so as to ensure the good and complete cooperation of the different positioning elements in the second position. This makes it possible to guarantee a very precise positioning of the timepiece 100 relative to the sensor assembly 2, for example a positioning with a linear positioning tolerance of less than 0.4 mm or less than 0.2 mm in all directions and an angular positioning tolerance of less than 0.5° or less than 0.3° in all directions.

[0087] Preferably, some or all of the positioning elements 62, 63, 72, 73 are located less than 1 cm or less than 2 cm from the timepiece 100 in the second position of the moving part 7.

[0088] Preferably, the movable part 7 comprises a masking element 74, in particular a window, opaque to visible light and transparent to the radiation detected by the sensor assembly 2. This makes it possible to improve the finish of the device by masking the electronic components such as the sensors 21 of the sensor assembly 2. Preferably, the device 1 is a presentation box or a case. The frame 6 is for example a case base and the movable part 7 is for example a case cover.

[0089] Furthermore, the device 1 may advantageously comprise a sensor 11 for detecting the position of the movable part 7 relative to the frame 6. Preferably, the sensor makes it possible to determine whether or not the movable part 7 is in the second position relative to the frame 7.

[0090] As shown in Figure 2, the device 1 may further comprise any combination of one or more of the following:

[0091] - a battery 8 for storing electrical energy,

[0092] - a human-machine interface 10,

[0093] - an actuator for winding the timepiece.

[0094] Preferably, the battery 8 allows the device 1 to be autonomous and makes it possible to power all the elements of the device 1 which need electrical energy for their operation.

[0095] The winding actuator 42 may be different from the time-setting actuator 4 if the organs of the timepiece for performing the time-setting and winding are different.

[0096] The human-machine interface 10 is for example arranged in the frame 6, in particular next to the housing 61 for receiving the timepiece 100. Advantageously, the frame or the base 6 comprises a flap 108 intended to cover the human-machine interface 10 in order to mask it. For example, the flap is articulated on the rest of the frame 6. The human-machine interface 10 may comprise any combination of one or more of the following elements:

[0097] - a display screen 107, in particular a screen displaying the current time indicated by the reference clock 3,

[0098] - one or more control buttons 106 making it possible in particular to control the launch of an operating method of the device 1 making it possible to automatically set the timepiece 100,

[0099] - a socket 105, in particular a female USB plug, allowing the battery 8 to be recharged with an external energy source,

[0100] - one or more adjustment buttons 104 allowing in particular the current time provided by the reference clock 3 to be adjusted,

[0101] - one or more light sources 109 indicating, depending on their state, the operating state of the device.

[0102] Advantageously, the base 6 comprises a lower face 64 and feet 65 projecting relative to the lower face 64. The light source(s) are arranged on the lower face. Thus, the feet 65 provide a space between the lower face and the surface on which the device 1 rests. It follows that when one or more light sources are lit, they produce a backlight visible to the user by reflection of the light rays on the surface. Each light source may be a light-emitting diode.

[0103] The time setting device 1, in particular the logic processing unit 5, comprises all the hardware and / or software means necessary to govern its operation and to implement the method which is the subject of the invention and in particular the method described below.

[0104] The means mentioned may comprise software modules. A mode of execution of a method for setting the time of a timepiece 100 is described below in detail. This method can also be seen as a method of operating the time setting device described previously.

[0105] In a first step, a user places the timepiece 100 in the housing 61.

[0106] In a second step, the user controls the launch of a time setting phase, for example by acting on a control button 106.

[0107] In a third step, the user positions the moving part 7 in its second position relative to the frame 6. This second position is detected by the sensor 11 and the launch of the time setting phase (comprising the following fourth to ninth steps) then begins.

[0108] In a fourth step, the device 1 couples the actuator 4 to the time-setting manipulator 103 and actuates a time-setting correction chain of the timepiece 100 by driving the time-setting manipulator 103 into motion using the actuator 4. Such a step is illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0109] In a fifth step, the device 1 detects at least one passage of the at least one needle 101 in front of the sensor assembly 2. This passage causes a temporal variation of the signal emitted by a sensor as illustrated in Figure 5. At the extremum, the needle is facing the sensor. It is noted that the shape of the signal produced during a passage of a needle in front of a sensor depends on several parameters including in particular any combination of one or more of the following parameters: - the rotation speed of the needle,

[0110] - the geometry of the needle, in particular its width,

[0111] - the location of the needle in a direction perpendicular to dial 102,

[0112] - the optical appearance of the needle, in particular its color and / or surface condition.

[0113] Thus, with these different influencing parameters, the device 1 can discriminate, by analyzing the sensor signals, a passage of an hour hand from the passage of a minute hand. The passage of other hands can still be detected and discriminated.

[0114] After several detections of passages of one or more hands in front of sensors, in a sixth step, the device 1 analyzes signals from the sensors and deduces the time displayed by the timepiece during the last detection of passage of a hand in front of a sensor.

[0115] In a seventh step, the device 1 determines the current time, in particular by reading the current time indicated by the reference clock 3.

[0116] In an eighth step, the device 1 defines, by calculation, an amplitude of actuation of the correction chain of the timepiece 100 so that the at least one hand indicates the current time. To do this, the device 1 uses the current time determined previously and the time displayed by the timepiece during the last detection of a hand passing in front of a sensor.

[0117] In a ninth step, the device 1 actuates the correction chain of the timepiece 100 by this amplitude using the actuator 4, via an actuation of the manipulable time-setting member 103. To do this, the device uses the knowledge: - of the transmission ratio of the correction chain of the timepiece between the manipulable time-setting member 103 and the hands, and

[0118] - the transmission ratio between the motor and the actuator output.

[0119] The timepiece is now on time. The time-setting phase is complete.

[0120] In a tenth step, the user can move the moving part to its first position and remove the timepiece from the movement.

[0121] Contrary to what has been described in detail, the time setting phase can alternatively be implemented automatically, for example at regular intervals, for example at a given time each day or each week if the timepiece is in place in the device 1.

[0122] Preferably again, the time-setting phase is only started if the moving part 7 is in its second position relative to the frame 6, in particular if the cover 7 of the case is closed.

[0123] More preferably, the time-setting phase comprises controlling the emission of a signal, in particular switching on one or more light sources 109, indicating to the user that the time-setting phase is in progress.

[0124] The method may also include a phase of winding the timepiece 100, in particular by activating:

[0125] - a winding actuator 42 dedicated to winding if the organs of the timepiece for setting the time and winding are different, or - the actuator 4 after having configured the manipulable organ 103 in a position allowing winding.

[0126] This winding phase can be implemented: - before the time setting phase, in particular between the third and fourth stages mentioned above, or

[0127] - after the time setting phase.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Time-setting device (1) for a timepiece (100), in particular a watch, in particular a wristwatch, provided with: - at least one hand (101) movable around a first axis (A1) to indicate the time, and - a time setting manipulator (103), the device comprising: - a sensor assembly (2) for detecting one or more discrete positions of at least one needle (1), - an element (3) for determining a current time, in particular a reference clock (3), - an actuator (4) for actuating a time-setting manipulator (103), and - a logic processing unit (5) capable of or configured to control the actuator (4) as a function of data received from the sensor assembly (2) and from the element (3) for determining a current time, the device comprising a frame (6) and a movable part (7), in particular movable in rotation about a second axis (A2), relative to the frame (6), between a first position and a second position, the movable part (7) comprising a masking element (74), in particular a window, opaque to visible light and transparent to the radiation detected by the sensor assembly (2).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor assembly comprises several sensors (21), the sensors: - being of an optical nature, in particular being infrared sensors, and / or - each comprising a signal transmitter and a receiver of a reflected signal, and / or - being distance or proximity sensors, and / or- being arranged and / or configured so as to be positioned around the first axis (A1), in particular positioned according to a regular angular distribution around the first axis (A1). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (6) comprises a housing (61) for receiving and positioning a timepiece (100) on the frame and in that the sensor assembly (2) is arranged on the movable part (7). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the frame (6) comprises first positioning elements (62, 63) and in that the movable part (7) comprises second positioning elements (72, 73), the first and second positioning elements being capable of positioning the sensor assembly (2) relative to the housing (61).Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is a presentation box or a case, the frame (6) being for example a case base and the movable part (7) being for example a case cover. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (1 1) for detecting the position of the movable part (7) relative to the frame (6). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a battery (8). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reference clock (3) is a quartz oscillator clock, the quartz oscillator being for example a temperature-compensated quartz oscillator. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a human-machine interface (10) provided with one or more light sources (109) indicating, according to their state, the operating state of the device. Device according to the preceding claim and according to claim 5, characterized in that the base comprises a lower face (64) and feet (65) projecting relative to the lower face (64), the light source(s) being arranged on the lower face. Method for setting the time of a timepiece (100) provided with: - at least one hand (101) movable around a first axis (A1) to indicate the time, and - a time-setting manipulator (103), or method of operating a device according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising a time-setting phase comprising the following steps: - actuate a correction chain of the timepiece (100) using an actuator (4), - detecting at least one passage of the at least one needle (101) in front of a sensor assembly (2), - deduce from this detection a time displayed by the timepiece, - determine the current time, in particular read the current time indicated by a reference clock (3), - define an actuation amplitude of the correction chain of the timepiece (100) such that the at least one hand indicates the current time, - actuate the correction chain of the timepiece (100) by this amplitude using the actuator (4), via an actuation of the manipulable time-setting member (103). Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the time-setting phase is launched: - automatically, for example at a given time, and / or - following a specific action by a user. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the time-setting phase is only launched if the movable part (7) is in a given position relative to the frame (6), in particular if the cover (7) of the case is closed. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the time-setting phase comprises controlling the emission of a signal, in particular the switching on of one or more light sources (109), indicating that the time-setting phase is in progress.

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