Timepiece

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece (100), in particular a wristwatch, which comprises a movement (1), which comprises a balance (11), an arrangement (2) for generating a reference timing, a sensor device (3) for detecting a timing of the movement (1), an electronic device (4) and a correction device (5). The electronic device (4) is designed to compare the detected timing of the movement (1) with the reference timing. The correction device (5) is designed to change the frequency of the balance (11) depending on the comparison of the timing of the movement (1) with the reference timing.

Description

[0001] Clock

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a (mechanical) clock with a clockwork for displaying the time.

[0004] Mechanical watches, either manually wound or self-winding, are well known in the art. These watches are generally controlled by the oscillation of a balance wheel, which is part of the movement. However, since the movement consists of moving components whose movement is not very precise, the time cannot always be displayed with pinpoint accuracy.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a watch, in particular a wristwatch, that is as precise as possible.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. The dependent claims contain advantageous developments and aspects of the invention.

[0007] The timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, comprises a movement, an arrangement, a sensor device, an electronic device, and a correction device. The movement comprises a balance wheel. The arrangement is configured to generate a reference timing, and the sensor device is configured to detect a timing of the movement. The electronic device is configured to compare the detected timing of the movement with the reference timing. The correction device is configured to change the frequency of the balance wheel depending on the comparison of the (detected) timing of the movement with the reference timing.

[0008] The present invention proposes a mechanical timepiece to which the accuracy of the reference timing-generating arrangement is transferred. In particular, this enables a mechanical timepiece with a balance wheel and an escapement, in which the balance wheel timers the escapement of the movement, but which nevertheless has the accuracy of the reference timing-generating arrangement. In other words, the present invention enables a timing-controlled timepiece movement based on the reference timing. Thus, an inherent inaccuracy of a mechanical timepiece caused by influences such as movement or a position (horizontal or vertical) of the timepiece can be corrected.In particular, the present invention makes it possible to produce a mechanical watch designed as a wristwatch that is significantly more precise than a wristwatch with a mechanical oscillating device that is slowed or accelerated by every movement of the wearer's wrist, in which the degree of tension of a mainspring of the watch movement influences the escapement and thereby also the timing of the balance / escapement tandem, and whose position influences the oscillation behavior of the balance. The process of changing the frequency of the balance can preferably be carried out at predetermined time intervals, so that the watch is energy-saving despite the improved accuracy. The proposed watch also has the advantage of a simple design, as it does not require a complicated restructuring of the watch movement.

[0009] The result of the aforementioned comparison of the detected timing of the movement with the reference timing can advantageously be used to determine whether the timing of the movement deviates from its standard timing. It should be understood that the correction device is preferably configured to change the frequency of the balance only once such a deviation is detected.

[0010] The reference timing-generating arrangement advantageously exhibits greater accuracy than the balance. In particular, this means that a potential deviation of the balance's timing from its standard timing is greater than a potential deviation of the reference timing of the reference timing-generating arrangement from its nominal reference timing under the same operating conditions, particularly temperature conditions, especially when both the balance and the reference timing-generating arrangement are incorporated into the watch.

[0011] Particularly preferably, the arrangement can have a constant reference clock. A constant reference clock can preferably also be understood as a substantially constant reference clock. Preferably, within the scope of the invention, a substantially constant reference clock is a reference clock which (ie an actual value of the reference clock) has a deviation from its target reference clock (ie a target value of the reference clock) of at most 3.7x10' 5 % amounts.

[0012] Preferably, the sensor device is designed to detect a timing of the balance or another moving component of the movement. In other words, this means that the sensor device for detecting the timing of the movement is preferably configured to detect a timing of the balance or another moving component of the movement. Detecting the timing of the movement by detecting the timing of the balance has the advantage of a simple configuration of the timepiece, since determining a corresponding correction value for changing the frequency of the balance does not require as many calculations as in the case of detecting the timing of the movement by detecting the other moving component of the movement, in which the corresponding correction value for changing the frequency of the balance is based on the detected timing of another moving component.On the other hand, detecting the timing of the movement by detecting the other moving component has the advantage of a more flexible design of the watch, since the timing of the movement does not have to be detected by detecting the timing of the balance wheel.

[0013] Within the scope of the invention, the term "clockwork" advantageously refers to the entire mechanism inside the clock that is responsible for displaying the time. The clockwork can advantageously comprise a drive device, in particular a mainspring, and / or a mechanical clock display device and / or an escapement and / or the balance wheel and / or a gear train. All of these components are movable. The aforementioned other movable component, whose timing can be detected by the sensor device to detect the timing of the clockwork, can be one of these components or correspond to one of their components. These components are described below.

[0014] The balance wheel advantageously comprises a balance ring and a balance spring, and its oscillations synchronize the time display of the watch. In particular, the balance wheel is to be understood as an oscillating system in which the balance spring and the balance ring oscillate. A oscillation, particularly the frequency (oscillation frequency), of the balance wheel can thus also be understood as a oscillation, particularly the frequency (oscillation frequency), of the balance spring.

[0015] The escapement advantageously comprises an escapement piece and an escapement wheel, connecting the balance to the gear train. The escapement can, in particular, be designed as an anchor escapement, with the escapement piece being designed as an anchor. The escapement wheel can also be referred to as the escape wheel.

[0016] The gear train preferably comprises at least one gear. The gear train preferably comprises a second wheel and / or a minute wheel and / or an hour wheel, and in particular also a third wheel arranged between the second wheel and the minute wheel. The gear train is connected to the mechanical clock display device.

[0017] The mechanical timepiece display device preferably comprises an hour hand and / or a minute hand and / or a second hand. The drive device serves to drive the gear train and preferably comprises a mainspring. Within the scope of the invention, the mainspring can also be referred to as a winding spring. The mainspring can be wound in various ways, e.g., by a manually driven crown with an associated winding mechanism (manual winding) or, advantageously, by a rotor driven by a movement of the entire watch case with an associated winding mechanism (automatic watch, self-winding).

[0018] Thus, for example, in order to detect the timing of the clockwork, the timing of a component of the clock display device, e.g. a second hand, can be detected by the sensor device, wherein the correction device is configured to change the frequency of the balance wheel depending on the comparison of the timing of the component of the clock display device with the reference timing.

[0019] Comparing the detected timing of the clock movement with the reference timing advantageously serves to determine whether the detected timing of the clock movement deviates from its standard timing. Preferably, the reference timing can be used as a timing element to determine the deviation of the detected timing of the clock movement from its standard timing. The timing element can be provided / defined by a predetermined number of amplitudes / oscillations of the reference timing in a specific period of time. In particular, it can be checked whether a detected number of amplitudes / oscillations of the clock movement in the specific period of time determined by the predetermined number of amplitudes / oscillations of the reference timing corresponds to an expected number of amplitudes / oscillations or standard number of amplitudes / oscillations of the clock movement.In other words, the expected amplitude number / oscillation number of the movement is the amplitude number / oscillation number of the movement that is expected to be detected in the specific period in which a detected amplitude number / oscillation number of the reference timing corresponds to the predetermined amplitude number / oscillation number of the reference timing.

[0020] In particular, comparing the detected timing of the movement with the reference timing can mean comparing a difference between a number of amplitudes / number of oscillations of the balance wheel or the other moving component of the movement detected by the sensor device and a reference number of amplitudes / number of oscillations of the reference timing-generating arrangement with a predetermined difference over a (same) period of time. The predetermined difference preferably corresponds to an (absolute) difference between a standard number of amplitudes / number of oscillations of the balance wheel or the other moving component of the movement and the reference number of amplitudes / number of oscillations of the reference timing-generating arrangement.It should be understood that the correction device is configured to change the frequency of the balance only when the difference between the number of amplitudes / number of oscillations of the balance or the other moving component of the movement detected by the sensor device and the reference number of amplitudes / number of reference oscillations of the reference timing generating arrangement is greater or smaller than the predetermined difference, ie not equal to the predetermined difference.

[0021] For example, if the reference timing generating arrangement has a reference timing or reference frequency of 32,768 Hz, it will have a reference amplitude number / reference oscillation number per day equal to 28,311,552,000 amplitudes / oscillations (= 32,768 amplitudes / oscillations per second x 86,400 seconds per day). For example, if the balance wheel or other moving component of the movement has a standard timing or standard frequency of 5 Hz, a standard amplitude number / standard oscillation number is equal to 432,000 amplitudes or oscillations per day (= 5 amplitudes / oscillations per second x 86,400 seconds per day).However, if after one day of operation of the watch, the balance or other moving component has, for example, only 431,950 amplitudes / oscillations, the electronic device will determine, by comparing the detected timing of the balance or other moving component of the movement with the reference timing, that the watch is missing 50 amplitudes / oscillations of the balance or other moving component, i.e., 10 seconds of time, in its time representation. Based on this, the correction device can adjust the frequency of the balance. In this example, the difference between the number of amplitudes / oscillations of the balance or other moving component detected by the sensor device and the reference amplitude / oscillation number of the reference timing generating arrangement is equal to 283,115,520 amplitudes / oscillations, where the predetermined difference is equal to 283,115,5200 amplitudes / oscillations.Since the comparison of these two values ​​shows that they are unequal, the correction device will change the frequency of the balance.

[0022] In other words, comparing the detected timing of the movement with the reference timing can, in particular, mean checking whether a detected number of amplitudes / oscillations of the balance or the other moving component of the movement corresponds to an expected number of amplitudes / oscillations in the period indicated by the reference number of amplitudes / oscillations of the reference timing-generating arrangement. In the above example, this means checking whether the detected number of amplitudes / oscillations of the balance or the other moving component of the movement corresponds to the standard number of amplitudes / oscillations of 432,000 amplitudes / oscillations in one day, where the day is indicated by the reference number of amplitudes / oscillations of 283,115,200 amplitudes / oscillations. In other words, the reference timing represents a time element.By comparing, an inaccuracy of the balance wheel relative to the reference timing can be detected and the frequency of the balance wheel can be changed.

[0023] It should be noted that the standard timing of the movement, in particular of the balance wheel or the other moving component of the movement, is a predetermined timing at which the movement must move, in particular at which the balance wheel must move, in particular oscillate, or the other moving component must move, in order for the time to be correctly displayed by the watch comprising the movement for that particular watch.

[0024] In the context of the invention, the balance wheel can also be referred to as the first moving component and the other moving component as the second moving component of the movement.

[0025] The movement, and thus also the watch, can exhibit a lag or overrun at a specific point in time. With this in mind, the electronic device is preferably configured to determine a lag and / or an operation of the movement based on the comparison between the detected timing of the balance wheel and the reference timing, and is configured to subsequently compensate for the lag or operation at least partially, particularly preferably completely, by means of the correction device. "Subsequently" means that the electronic device compensates for the lag or operation after it has occurred. Here, the aforementioned change in the frequency of the balance wheel preferably occurs by subsequently compensating for the determined lag or operation.

[0026] Preferably, the subsequent compensation of the determined process or delay is carried out by adjusting the balance.

[0027] To compensate for a determined lag, the correction device can preferably be configured to set the balance such that the balance moves for a first predetermined period of time at a timing that is faster / shorter than a standard timing of the balance. In particular, to compensate for a lag, the correction device can be configured to additionally set the balance such that the balance moves for a second predetermined period of time at a timing that is slower / longer than the standard timing of the balance. To compensate for an operation, the correction device can preferably be configured to set the balance such that the balance moves for a first predetermined period of time at a timing that is slower than a standard timing of the balance.In addition, to compensate for an operation, the correction device may preferably be arranged to set the balance such that the balance moves for a second predetermined period of time at a timing that is faster than the standard timing of the balance.

[0028] A balance wheel timing that is faster / slower than a standard balance wheel timing means a balance wheel frequency that is greater / smaller than a standard balance wheel frequency.

[0029] A delay or lag can be determined by comparing the balance's timing detected by the sensor device with the reference timing. With reference to the previously given example, in which the reference timing-generating arrangement has a reference timing of 32,768 Hz and the balance has a standard timing of 5 Hz, the described comparison will determine a lag of 10 seconds after one day.

[0030] Preferably, the electronic device is configured by means of the correction device to change the frequency of the balance to compensate for the lag or advance and, after at least partial, in particular complete, compensation, to at least partially, in particular completely, reverse the change. The extent to which the change in the frequency of the balance is reversed can advantageously be decided based on a comparison of the timing of the movement with the reference timing after the lag or advance has been compensated. By at least partially reversing the change in the frequency, it is possible to prevent the balance from continuing to oscillate at the changed frequency and thereby causing a deterioration in the accuracy of the watch.

[0031] The correction device preferably comprises an actuator and an adjusting device against which the balance spring rests and / or against which the balance spring is struck. Here, the actuator is configured to adjust the position of the adjusting device in order to change the frequency of the balance spring and thus also the frequency of the balance. The position of the adjusting device can preferably be achieved by a translational and / or rotational movement of the adjusting device.

[0032] The actuator can preferably comprise at least one electric motor, in particular a stepper motor. According to an advantageous variant, the actuator comprises a single electric motor which is configured to rotate in a first direction of rotation and in a second direction of rotation. The first direction of rotation and the second direction of rotation are opposite to one another. The electric motor can be bidirectional. Alternatively, the electric motor can be configured to rotate only in the first direction of rotation, wherein the actuator can comprise a gear device for reversing the direction of rotation. According to an alternative advantageous variant, the actuator can comprise a first electric motor and a second electric motor, wherein the first electric motor is configured to rotate in the first direction of rotation and the second electric motor is configured to rotate in the second direction of rotation.

[0033] The adjusting device preferably comprises at least one regulator pin which can be moved by means of the actuator. The fact that the regulator pin is movable means in particular that its position can be adjusted. This allows the timing of the balance spring to be changed. In this design of the watch, the balance spring preferably rests against the at least one regulator pin. Depending on the position of the regulator pin relative to the balance spring, the latter has a different timing or frequency (oscillation frequency), since this increases or decreases the oscillating length of the balance spring. Preferably, a first end of the balance spring is firmly connected to the balance ring. A second end of the balance spring is preferably firmly connected to a hairspring stud or struck against it.

[0034] Particularly preferably, the adjustment device comprises two index pins. The balance spring is arranged such that a portion of the balance spring is located between the index pins. Thus, the balance spring can swing between the index pins and can be alternately applied to them, or it rests against them.

[0035] The at least one regulator pin limits the oscillating part of the balance spring and causes the actual oscillation of the balance spring to begin after the regulator pin (in the direction of extension of the balance spring).

[0036] For example, if a watch with an adjustment device with two regulator pins is 4.75 seconds behind on a particular day, the adjusting drive can move the regulator pins so that the frequency of the balance spring, and thus the watch's running speed, is increased by 24 seconds / day for 5 hours. The adjusting drive can then move the regulator pins so that the balance runs 12 seconds / day slower than normal for half an hour. This compensates for the 4.75 second deviation. After the correction, the balance spring can return to its standard mode. This means that the adjusting drive is set up to move the regulator pins after the correction so that they return to their original position before the correction and / or their standard position (position which leads to the standard timing of the balance spring). This reverses the change in the frequency of the balance spring.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment device can comprise the hairspring stud, which can be moved by means of an actuator. By moving the hairspring stud, the oscillating part of the balance spring, which is not limited by the at least one regulator pin, can be adjusted, analogous to moving the at least one regulator pin.

[0038] The sensor device preferably comprises an acoustic sensor device and / or an optical sensor device and / or a magnetic sensor device and / or an electronic sensor device for detecting the timing of the balance wheel. In particular, the acoustic sensor device can comprise at least one microphone, preferably a plurality of microphones. The at least one microphone can be designed so small that it fits into the case of a wristwatch. The at least one microphone can preferably have a maximum dimension of less than 1 mm. The optical sensor device can, for example, comprise a light barrier with a light beam source (transmitter) and an optoelectric sensor (receiver). For example, the light beam source can be designed as a light-emitting diode and the optoelectric sensor as a photodiode.The balance or other moving component of the movement can be arranged between the light beam source and the optoelectric sensor in such a way that the balance or other moving component of the movement interrupts the light beam in a timed manner. Each interruption can then be recorded by the electronic device. In particular, if the timing of the balance spring or other moving component of the movement is detected by a light barrier, the balance spring or other moving component of the movement oscillates back and forth between the light beam source and the optoelectric sensor, thus interrupting the light beam from the light beam source in a timed manner.

[0039] The arrangement for generating the reference clock frequency can preferably comprise a piezoelectric oscillating crystal. The piezoelectric oscillating crystal can, in particular, be a tourmaline oscillating crystal or a quartz oscillating crystal. In this case, the reference clock frequency can advantageously correspond to a reference oscillation frequency at which the piezoelectric oscillating crystal is or is oscillating.

[0040] Alternatively or in addition to the piezoelectric oscillating crystal, the arrangement for generating the reference clock can comprise an oscillating system with an optical fiber arrangement, an electro-optical converter, and an optoelectrical converter. The reference clock advantageously corresponds to a clocking / oscillation frequency at which the oscillating system oscillates. The optical fiber arrangement preferably has at least one optical fiber. The electro-optical converter, also called an electro-optical converter, is designed to feed a clocked light signal (optical signal) into the optical fiber arrangement, in particular into the at least one optical fiber. The optoelectrical converter, also called an optical-electrical or photoelectrical converter, is designed to receive the light signal from the optical fiber arrangement and to generate an electrical signal based on the received light signal.

[0041] The reference clock here is based on the propagation speed of light (speed of light) in the optical fiber array. The time difference between the light entering the optical fiber array and the light exiting on the other side of the optical fiber array depends solely on the distance the light travels in the optical fiber array and the propagation speed of light (speed of light) in the optical fiber array. Given a known length and known physical properties of the optical fiber array, a clock signal with a fixed frequency or period can be generated in this way. This means that the optical fiber array is the frequency-determining element of the oscillation system.

[0042] Alternatively or in addition to the piezoelectric oscillating crystal and / or the described oscillating system, the arrangement for generating the reference clock can comprise an electronic oscillator, in particular an RC oscillator. Within the scope of the invention, an electronic oscillator is understood to be a purely electronic oscillator, i.e., an oscillator with only electrical and / or electronic components for generating the reference clock. This means, in particular, that within the scope of the present invention, an oscillator having a piezoelectric oscillating crystal is not an electronic oscillator. The electronic oscillator can preferably be a low-frequency oscillator (e.g., 10 kHz).

[0043] Preferably, the electronic device is configured to take into account a temperature of the arrangement (arrangement for generating the reference timing) and / or an environment of the arrangement (arrangement for generating the reference timing) for changing the frequency of the balance.

[0044] To detect this temperature, the timepiece can preferably further comprise a temperature sensor. Based on a comparison of the detected temperature with a predetermined temperature, a corrected reference timing can preferably be determined and / or calculated, wherein the electronic device is configured to compare the detected timing of the timepiece movement with the corrected reference timing. Accordingly, the correction device is configured to correct the timepiece movement depending on the comparison of the detected timing of the timepiece movement with the corrected reference timing. The corrected reference timing can in particular be determined / calculated from a lookup table containing temperature values ​​with associated values ​​of the reference timing and / or associated correction values ​​for correcting the reference timing, and / or by means of a predetermined formula for the detected temperature.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, a temperature of the arrangement (arrangement for generating the reference clock) and / or an environment of the arrangement (arrangement for generating the reference clock) can be determined by the electronic device based on a comparison between the generated reference clock and a predetermined reference clock, ie a reference clock at a predetermined temperature.

[0046] Preferably, the electronic device can be configured to compare the detected timing of the clockwork with the reference timing in time segments with pauses in between. Advantageously, the frequency of the balance wheel is thereby changed depending on the comparison of the timing of the clockwork with the reference timing, also in time segments with pauses in between. This enables an energy-efficient yet accurate clock, since the electronic device and / or correction device, which consume electrical energy, are operated only in time segments with pauses in between. Preferably, the comparison and / or correction can take place at predetermined time intervals, for example, every 24 hours or only a few times per hour, day, or week.

[0047] Preferably, the aforementioned arrangement can be a first arrangement and the aforementioned reference timing can be a first reference timing, wherein the timepiece further comprises a second arrangement for generating a second reference timing. The electronic device is configured to compare the first reference timing with the second reference timing. The correction device is configured to additionally change the frequency of the balance depending on the comparison of the first reference timing with the second reference timing. “Additionally” means that the correction device in this embodiment of the invention is configured to change the frequency of the balance depending on the comparison of the detected timing of the timepiece movement with the reference timing and depending on the comparison of the first reference timing with the second reference timing.In particular, based on the comparison of the first reference timing with the second reference timing, in a manner corresponding to the comparison between the detected timing of the balance of the movement and the first reference timing, it can be determined whether the first reference timing deviates from a target reference timing and / or whether the first arrangement exhibits an advance or lag. This is then taken into account when changing the frequency of the balance. In particular, a detected deviation and / or a detected lag or process can be taken into account when comparing the detected timing of the balance and the first reference timing. Advantageously, the first arrangement can be corrected by comparing the first reference timing with the second reference timing.

[0048] In particular, the second arrangement may consume higher electrical power than the first arrangement.

[0049] The second arrangement preferably has a higher accuracy than the first arrangement. For example, the accuracy of clock generation by the first arrangement can have a deviation of up to 5% from its predetermined clock speed. However, it is also possible for the second arrangement to have a lower accuracy than the first arrangement. Advantageously, the second arrangement can have a predetermined second reference clock speed. "Predetermined" here means that first a desired reference clock speed is selected and then the second arrangement is configured such that it has the desired reference clock speed (second reference clock speed). For example, the second reference clock speed can be 888 kHz.

[0050] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first arrangement can comprise a piezoelectric quartz oscillating crystal or be designed as a piezoelectric quartz oscillating crystal. The piezoelectric quartz oscillating crystal can be natural or synthetic. In particular, the piezoelectric quartz oscillating crystal can have a reference clock frequency of 32768 Hz. This means, in particular, that the first reference clock frequency is 32768 Hz. The second arrangement can preferably comprise a piezoelectric tourmaline oscillating crystal or be designed as such. According to an alternative advantageous variant of the invention, the second arrangement can comprise an oscillating system with an optical fiber arrangement, an electro-optical converter, and an optoelectric converter, or can be designed as such an oscillating system.

[0051] According to a further alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first arrangement can comprise an electronic oscillator or be designed as an electronic oscillator. According to a first advantageous variant, the second arrangement can comprise a piezoelectric tourmaline oscillating crystal or be designed as such. According to a second advantageous variant, the second arrangement can comprise an oscillating system with an optical fiber arrangement, an electro-optical converter, and an optoelectric converter, or can be designed as such an oscillating system.

[0052] The description with reference to the previously described oscillation system in a watch with an arrangement for generating a reference timing, which includes an oscillation system with an optical fiber arrangement, an electro-optical converter, and an opto-electrical converter, can also be used for these watch embodiments. Within the scope of the invention, the first arrangement for generating the first reference timing can also be referred to as the first reference timing-generating arrangement, while the second arrangement for generating the second reference timing can also be referred to as the second reference timing-generating arrangement.

[0053] Preferably, the first arrangement is configured to continuously generate the first reference clock, while the second arrangement is configured to generate the second reference clock in time segments with pauses in between. This means that the generation of the second reference clock can be deactivated (stopped) in time segments. For this purpose, the electronic device can be configured to deactivate (stop) the generation of the second reference clock in time segments. This allows electrical energy to be saved, which is particularly advantageous when the second arrangement consumes a high amount of power.

[0054] Advantageously, the second arrangement is arranged to generate the second reference clock at predetermined time intervals.

[0055] Preferably, the second arrangement is configured to generate the second reference clock (only) when the electronic device switches on / activates the second arrangement in time segments with pauses in between, based on the first reference clock of the first arrangement. The phrase "based on the first reference clock of the first arrangement" means, in particular, that the first arrangement advantageously indicates the time at which the second arrangement is activated to generate the second reference clock.

[0056] A predetermined time interval for generating the second reference clock can advantageously be generated by frequency division in the first arrangement.

[0057] Advantageously, a predetermined time interval for carrying out the detection of the timing of the balance and / or a detection of the reference timing can be generated by a frequency division in the first arrangement.

[0058] An example of a clock with a first arrangement and a second arrangement is described below.

[0059] For example, the second arrangement of the clock may comprise an oscillating system with an optical fiber arrangement, an electro-optical converter, and an opto-electrical converter, which has a second reference clock frequency of 10 MHz. This means, in particular, that the electro-optical converter must operate 10 million times per second, and the opto-electrical converter at the other end of the optical fiber arrangement must register the light signal emitted by the electro-optical converter and convert it into an electrical signal 10 million times per second, amplify this electrical signal 10 million times and send it back to the electro-optical converter, and so on. Likewise, for example, a pulse counter provided with the clock must register a counting operation to count the electrical signal 10 million times per second, and so on. Due to these operations, such a second arrangement consumes a high level of electrical power.The fact that the intensity of the light signal from the electro-optical converter decreases over a path in the fiber optic arrangement can also contribute to the high electrical performance. The first arrangement of the clock can, on the other hand, comprise a piezoelectric quartz oscillating crystal with an oscillation frequency of 32,768 Hz, which is very energy-efficient due to its design and mode of operation. It is also possible for the first arrangement of the clock to have an electronic oscillator, in particular an RC oscillator, in particular with a similarly low frequency. Thus, in contrast to the second arrangement, which can generate the second reference clock in time segments with pauses in between, preferably at predetermined time intervals, in order to save electrical energy, the first arrangement can generate the first reference clock continuously (permanently).

[0060] Based on a comparison, carried out in particular at certain time intervals, e.g. every 24 hours, between the first reference timing and the recorded timing, for example of the balance, which has a standard timing (standard frequency) of 5 Hz, an exact deviation of the timing of the balance from the standard timing of the balance via the first reference timing of the piezoelectric quartz oscillating crystal can be determined. If, for example, the piezoelectric quartz oscillating crystal had 2831155200 amplitudes / oscillations per day (=32768 amplitudes / oscillations per second x 86400 seconds per day) amplitudes / oscillations, and the balance wheel did not have 432000 mechanical oscillations (amplitudes / oscillations) (=5 oscillations / second x 86400 seconds / day), but only 431950 mechanical oscillations, it can be determined that the clock is missing 50 oscillations of the balance wheel, i.e. 10 seconds of time in its time representation.As already described, the correction device can be configured to change the balance's frequency based on the comparison between the first reference timing and the detected balance's timing. In particular, the correction device can set the balance to its standard timing so that it, and thus the movement and the watch, run 10 seconds faster the following day. Furthermore, the correction device can be configured to set the watch to run 10 seconds faster for a predetermined period of time in order to compensate for the 10-second lag or, in other words, to make up for the lost 10 seconds. A further comparison after 24 hours would then likely result in a positive or negative difference between the total number of amplitudes / oscillations of the balance and the number of amplitudes / oscillations of the quartz oscillating crystal.Based on this shortfall, the correction device would then correct the movement again, in particular reset the balance.

[0061] Thus, the frequency of the balance can be continuously changed based on the quartz oscillating crystal, whereby the balance takes on the accuracy of the quartz oscillating crystal.

[0062] However, due to the provision of the first reference timing generating arrangement and the second reference timing generating arrangement, the balance can assume the accuracy of the oscillating system. To this end, the electronic device can compare the first reference timing of the quartz oscillating crystal with the second reference timing of the oscillating system, just as it can compare the detected timing of the balance with the reference timing of the quartz oscillating crystal.

[0063] However, this comparison advantageously does not take place by continuously counting the second reference clock. Instead, the electronic device wakes up the second reference clock generating arrangement every predetermined time interval and, for a predetermined time, allows the first reference clock generating arrangement to run in parallel for generating the first reference clock and the second reference clock generating arrangement to run in parallel for generating the second reference clock, from which the electronic device draws a comparison.Since the oscillating system oscillates 100 million times in 10 seconds, and the quartz crystal 327,680 times, and since the individual amplitudes / oscillations of the quartz crystal can be measured so precisely that one can even divide each amplitude / oscillation into different segments, thus determining the oscillation frequency of the quartz crystal to decimal places, a very precise comparison can be made. Furthermore, a quartz crystal oscillates very consistently, and its oscillation frequency can be continuously recorded. This makes it possible to perform a 100-second comparison every 10 hours.

[0064] This comparison again reveals differences, as the oscillating system and the quartz crystal oscillate at different frequencies and with different levels of accuracy. In this example, the oscillating system operates more accurately than the quartz crystal. However, it is also possible for the second reference clock generating arrangement to have a lower accuracy than the reference clock generating arrangement if it is more important that the second reference clock generating arrangement has a specific design or a specific second reference clock, e.g., a tourmaline crystal oscillating with a specific frequency of 888 kHz, or a very power-efficient design.

[0065] The difference between the second reference rate of the oscillating system and the first reference rate of the quartz oscillating crystal is then calculated, allowing the first reference rate to be compensated accordingly. This means that the electronic device knows that the reference rate of the first arrangement is missing a certain amount of amplitude / oscillations or is too high, and takes this difference into account when the electronic device adjusts the difference between the first reference rate and the detected rate of the balance. This thus corresponds, in particular, to a direct comparison of the detected rate of the balance with the second reference rate of the oscillating system.

[0066] The watch preferably further comprises a power supply device for supplying power to the arrangement for generating the reference clock and / or the sensor device and / or the electronic device and / or the correction device. The power supply device preferably comprises an energy harvesting device and a rechargeable battery. The energy harvesting device can preferably comprise a solar cell and / or a thermogenerator. Particularly preferably, the solar cell can be designed as a dial. In other words, a solar cell dial can be used as the dial of the watch. In particular, the solar cell dial can have an area of ​​at least 4 cm 2 have.

[0067] However, it is also possible for the energy supply device to comprise a battery in addition to or as an alternative to the energy harvesting device and the rechargeable battery.

[0068] The energy supply device is preferably configured to supply the aforementioned second arrangement for generating the second reference clock and / or the aforementioned temperature sensor with electrical energy.

[0069] The energy supply device is particularly designed to supply all electrically operable components of the watch with electrical energy.

[0070] If a non-use state of the watch has been detected, the electronic device is preferably configured to deactivate (stop) the generation of the reference timing by the arrangement and / or the comparison of the detected timing of the movement with the reference timing by the electronic device and / or the correction of the movement depending on the comparison of the timing of the movement with the reference timing and / or the movement of the movement. The electronic device is preferably configured to detect the termination of the non-use state.If the arrangement for generating a reference timing is a first arrangement and the reference timing is a first reference timing and the watch further comprises a second arrangement for generating a second arrangement, the electronic device can further preferably be configured, when a non-use state of the watch is detected, to deactivate (stop) the generation of the second reference timing and / or the comparison of the first reference timing with the second reference timing and / or the changing of the frequency of the balance wheel additionally depending on the comparison of the first reference timing with the second reference timing.

[0071] If the first arrangement comprises an electronic oscillator or is designed as an electronic oscillator, the electronic oscillator can preferably be used to continue running during the non-use state and to detect a renewed use state at predetermined time intervals. This means, in particular, that the electronic oscillator is preferably configured to check at predetermined time intervals whether the non-use state has ended or whether a renewed use state has occurred. High timing accuracy is not required for this.

[0072] If the correction device is configured to take into account a temperature of the arrangement and / or an environment of the arrangement when changing the frequency of the balance wheel as a function of the comparison of the detected timing of the movement with the reference timing, the electronic device can preferably be configured to deactivate the detection of the temperature by means of the temperature sensor and / or the determination of the temperature according to the above-mentioned procedures when a non-use state of the watch is detected.

[0073] By deactivating the above-mentioned functions (generating the reference clock(s), comparing, correcting, detecting / determining the temperature), the watch's energy consumption can be reduced while the watch is not in use. This can extend the lifespan of a battery provided with the watch and / or the time until a rechargeable battery needs to be recharged.

[0074] The watch is preferably configured to deactivate at least one of the aforementioned functions, in particular all of the aforementioned functions, when a mainspring is only slightly tensioned or no longer tensioned. This means that the state in which the mainspring is only slightly tensioned or no longer tensioned can be understood as a non-use state of the watch. Within the scope of the invention, "slightly tensioned" preferably means that the mainspring has a spring travel that is less than or equal to 30%, preferably less than or equal to 20%, particularly preferably less than or equal to 10%, of a maximum spring travel of the mainspring in the mounted state of the mainspring in the watch.

[0075] By deactivating (stopping) the movement of the clockwork when such a non-use state of the clock is detected, it can be ensured that there is still sufficient tension in the mainspring when the clock is used again. This is because the clock was not put out of operation by fully discharging the mainspring, but by deliberately deactivating (stopping) the clockwork after detecting a non-use state of the clock. This means that the clock could be used again after one month, for example. Advantageously, before deactivating the clockwork, it can be checked whether the mainspring is still at least partially tensioned. According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the arrangement for generating the reference clocking can continue to run and thus generate the reference clocking. This occurs, of course, as long as the energy supply device has sufficient electrical energy.When the watch is used again, the correction device is advantageously designed to change the frequency of the balance based on the reference timing.

[0076] This makes it possible to create a mechanical watch with a long power reserve, perhaps equivalent to that of a battery-powered quartz watch. In particular, if the power supply device includes a rechargeable battery and an energy-harvesting device, it is possible to create a mechanical watch that has both the power reserve and the accuracy of a quartz watch, yet does not have a jump second or require a battery change. Thus, the watch can combine all the advantages of both watch types (a mechanical watch and a quartz watch) in one, without the disadvantages of even one of the two types. Such a watch has neither the disadvantages of battery changes and jump seconds of a quartz watch, nor the disadvantage of the inaccuracy of a mechanical watch and a small power reserve.The term “power reserve” (also called running time) refers to the period of time that elapses from the maximum tension to the complete relaxation of the mainspring without new mechanical energy being supplied in the meantime.

[0077] Deactivating the movement of the movement is particularly advantageous when the non-use state of the watch corresponds to the watch not being moved for a predetermined period of time. In other words, the electronic device is preferably configured to block the movement of the movement when the watch has not been moved for a predetermined period of time. If the watch is an automatic watch, i.e., if the watch comprises a self-winding mechanism, the non-movement of the watch for a predetermined period of time may preferably comprise the non-movement of a balance weight for the predetermined period of time. In particular, the predetermined period of time may be at least eight hours, in particular greater than 24 hours.

[0078] Deactivating the movement of the clockwork can be achieved, in particular, by deactivating (stopping) the movement of a single component of the clockwork. To deactivate the movement of the clockwork, an adjusting device, for example an electromechanical device, can preferably be used, which can be designed as a separate device or as part of the correction device.

[0079] Detecting whether the mainspring is still at least partially tensioned or no longer tensioned can preferably be done directly or indirectly. Direct detection can be achieved, for example, by detecting a change in the position of a portion of the mainspring using a sensor. Indirect detection can be achieved, in particular, by detecting a change in the position of another moving component of the movement using a sensor. Depending on the design of the watch, the previously used sensor device for detecting the timing of a moving component can also be used to detect the tension state of the mainspring.

[0080] Preferably, the timepiece further comprises a manual winding or a self-winding mechanism for manually winding or self-winding a mainspring configured to drive a timepiece display device.

[0081] Further details, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. It shows:

[0082] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic view of a watch designed as a wristwatch according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0083] Figure 2 is a simplified schematic view of a portion of the watch according to the first embodiment of the invention,

[0084] Figure 3 is a simplified schematic view of a portion of the watch according to the first embodiment of the invention,

[0085] Figure 4 is a simplified schematic view of a portion of a watch according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0086] Figure 5 is a simplified schematic view of a portion of a watch according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and

[0087] Figure 6 is a simplified schematic view of a portion of a watch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A mechanical watch 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0088] As can be seen from Figure 1, the clock 100 is designed as a wristwatch and thus has two lugs 101 for a bracelet 102. However, it is also possible for the clock 100 to be a wall clock, a grandfather clock, a table clock, or a clock of another type.

[0089] The watch 100 comprises a watch case 103 and a watch crystal 104 arranged thereon. The watch 100 preferably further comprises a dial 105 and an hour hand 151, a minute hand 152, and a second hand 153. The hour hand 151, the minute hand 152, and the second hand 153 are parts of a mechanical watch display device 15 for displaying the time, which is illustrated in Figure 2.

[0090] Figure 2 shows that the timepiece 100 further comprises a movement 1 with a balance wheel 11, an escapement 12, a gear train 13, a drive mechanism 14, and the aforementioned mechanical display device 15. The balance wheel 11, the escapement 12, the gear train 13, the drive mechanism 14, and the mechanical display device 15, as well as their respective components, which are described below, are movable components of the movement 1.

[0091] The balance 11 comprises a balance ring 111 and a balance spring 112 and, through its oscillation, clocks the display of the time of the clock 100. The balance 11 is shown in more detail in Figure 3. This shows that a first end of the balance spring 112 is firmly connected to the balance ring 111 and a second end of the balance spring 112 is struck on a hairspring stud 114.

[0092] Referring again to Figure 2, the escapement 12 comprises an escapement piece 121 and an escapement wheel 122 and connects the balance 11 to the gear train 13. The escapement piece 121 serves to escape the escapement wheel 122. In particular, the balance 11, via the escapement piece 121 engaging the escapement wheel 122, causes the periodic stopping (stopping) of the gear train 13 and thus the timed running of the watch. The escapement 12 can in particular be designed as an anchor escapement, with the escapement piece 121 being designed as an anchor. The escapement wheel 122 can also be referred to as an escape wheel.

[0093] In this embodiment, the gear train 13 comprises a second wheel 131, a minute wheel 132, an hour wheel 133, and a third wheel 134, which is arranged between the second wheel 131 and the minute wheel 132. It is connected to the mechanical timepiece display device 15 so that the hour hand 151, the minute hand 152, and the second hand 153 are moved to display the time. The second wheel 131, the minute wheel 132, the hour wheel 133, and the third wheel 134 are gears of the timepiece movement 1.

[0094] The drive device 14 serves to drive the gear train 13 and comprises a mainspring 140. The mainspring 140 is designed, in particular, as a mainspring. A winding device 16 is provided in the watch 100 for winding and thus tensioning the mainspring 140. The watch 100 can be designed, in particular, as a self-winding watch. In this configuration, the winding device 16 is an automatic winding device, which is designed, in particular, as a flywheel, so that the mainspring 140 is automatically wound by the flywheel due to the movement of the hand of the wearer of the watch 100. When the mainspring 140 is tensioned, this supplies the energy required to drive the gear train 104. However, it is also possible for the watch 100 to be designed as a hand-wound watch. In this case, the winding device 16 can be operated manually or by hand.

[0095] From Figure 2 it can also be seen that the clock 100 further comprises an arrangement 2 for generating a reference timing, a sensor device 3 for detecting a timing of the clockwork 1, an electronic device 4 and a correction device 5.

[0096] In this exemplary embodiment, the arrangement 2 for generating a reference clock comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal 21. The piezoelectric oscillating crystal 21 is preferably a quartz oscillating crystal, which, for example, has a reference oscillation frequency of 32,768 Hz. The reference clock of the arrangement corresponds in particular to the reference oscillation frequency of the quartz oscillating crystal. However, it is also possible for other piezoelectric oscillating crystals to be used. For example, a tourmaline oscillating crystal can be provided as the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 21 of the arrangement 2. It is also possible for the arrangement 2 to comprise an electronic oscillator for generating a reference clock instead of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 21.

[0097] The sensor device 3 can be designed to detect the timing of the balance 11, in particular the balance spring 112. By detecting the timing of the balance 11, in particular the balance spring 112, the timing of the clockwork movement 1 is detected. The sensor device 3 can comprise an acoustic sensor device and / or an optical sensor device and / or an electronic sensor device. For example, at least one microphone can be provided in the housing, which is configured to detect the noise caused by the movement of the balance 11, in particular the balance spring 112, and to analyze the resulting acoustic signal in order to determine the timing of the balance 11, in particular the balance spring 112.The electronic device 4, which can be designed in particular as a chip or microcontroller, is configured to compare the detected timing of the balance 11, in particular of the balance spring 112, with the reference timing, wherein the correction device 5 is configured to change the frequency of the balance 11 depending on the comparison of the detected timing of the balance 11 with the reference timing.

[0098] In order to change the frequency of the balance 11, the correction device 5 is particularly designed to adjust the balance 11, in particular the balance spring 112.

[0099] However, it is also possible for the sensor device 3 to be configured to detect the timing of the movement 1 by detecting a timing of another moving component of the movement 1, in particular from the aforementioned moving components of the movement 1. In this configuration, the electronic device 4 is configured to compare the timing of the other moving component with the reference timing instead of the timing of the balance 11, in particular the balance spring 112. If the sensor device 3 comprises a microphone, this is configured to detect the noise caused by the movement of the other moving component and to analyze the resulting acoustic signal in order to determine the timing of the other moving component.In order to change the frequency of the balance wheel 11, the correction device 5 is here particularly designed to change the frequency of the balance wheel 11 as a function of the comparison of the detected timing of the other movable component with the reference timing.

[0100] Changing the frequency of the balance 1 or adjusting the balance spring 112 can be achieved by arranging the electronic device 4 to determine a lag and / or an advance of the movement 1 based on the comparison between the timing of the balance spring 112 and the reference timing, and subsequently compensating for the lag or advance at least partially thereafter. The latter means that the electronic device 4 is configured to control the correction device 5 such that the correction device 5 adjusts the balance spring 112 to compensate for the determined lag or advance.

[0101] For these purposes, the correction device 5 advantageously has an actuator 51 and an adjusting device 52. As shown in Figure 3, the adjusting device 52 comprises two regulator pins 113, against which the balance spring 112 rests during its oscillation. To adjust the balance spring 112, the regulator pins 113 can be moved by means of the actuator 51. This means that their position can be adjusted by the actuator 51. This can be done by means of a translatory and / or rotary movement of the regulator pins 113. For example, the regulator pins 113 can be arranged on a rotating and / or sliding element. The rotating and / or sliding element can be considered part of the adjusting device 52. To rotate the rotating and / or sliding element and thereby move the regulator pins 113, the actuator 51 can, for example, comprise an electric stepper motor.The rotating and / or sliding element can be designed, in particular, as a gear or crank element that can be rotated by a gear connected to the stepper motor. To move the regulator pins 113 in both directions, the stepper motor itself can be bidirectional. However, it is also possible for the stepper motor to include a gear mechanism, by means of which the rotating and / or sliding element can rotate in opposite directions.

[0102] By adjusting the position of the index pins 113 relative to the balance spring 112, the frequency of the balance spring 112 can be changed, as the oscillating part of the balance spring 112 is thus lengthened or shortened. The part of the balance spring 112 between the hairspring stud 114 and the index pins 113 is a so-called dead zone of the balance spring 112, which does not contribute to the oscillation of the balance spring 112 or does not oscillate.

[0103] In order to account for the influence of a temperature change on the generating reference timing of the arrangement 2, in particular of the quartz oscillating crystal, the timepiece 100 further comprises a temperature sensor 7. The temperature sensor 7 is configured to detect a temperature of the arrangement 2 and / or its surroundings. The correction device 5 is configured to take the detected temperature into account when setting the balance spring 112 as a function of the comparison of the detected timing of the balance spring 112 with the reference timing. For this purpose, in particular, the reference timing can be replaced by a corrected reference timing for the detected temperature, wherein the electronic device 4 is configured to compare the timing of the balance spring 112 with the corrected reference timing.

[0104] To supply energy to the arrangement 2 for generating the reference clock, the sensor device 3, the electronic device 4, the correction device 5, and the temperature sensor 7, the clock 100 is equipped with a power supply device 6. The power supply device 6 comprises an energy harvesting device 61 and a rechargeable battery 62 that can be charged by the energy harvesting device 61.

[0105] The energy harvesting device 61 can preferably comprise at least one thermogenerator and / or at least one solar cell. The thermogenerator can, in particular, comprise a Peltier element.

[0106] For example, the dial 105 of the watch 100 can be designed as a solar cell. It is also possible for a solar cell to be arranged beneath the dial 105. In this case, the dial 12 must be either semi-transparent or have a recess at the location where the solar cell is arranged. If a thermogenerator is provided for the watch 100, it can preferably be attached to the case back of the watch 100. This can thus generate power from a difference between the skin temperature of the wearer of the watch 100 and the temperature of the environment of the watch 100 (and thus the temperature of the rest of the watch). It is also possible for the at least one solar cell and / or the at least one thermogenerator to be built into the strap 102 of the watch 100.

[0107] To save electrical energy, despite the continuous generation of the reference timing by arrangement 2, electronic device 4 can be configured to compare the detected timing of balance spring 112 with the reference timing in time segments with intermediate pauses, based on which the frequency of balance spring 112 is changed in time segments by correction device 5 depending on this comparison. The comparison process and the correction process can be repeated, in particular, at predetermined time intervals, for example, every 24 hours.

[0108] For the same purpose, namely to reduce energy consumption of the watch 100, when a non-use state of the watch 100 is detected, the electronic device 4 is configured to deactivate the generation of the reference timing by the arrangement 2 and / or the comparison of the detected timing of the balance spring 112 with the reference timing by the electronic device 4 and / or the changing of the frequency of the balance spring 112 depending on the comparison of the detected timing of the balance spring 112 with the reference timing and / or the detection of the temperature by means of the temperature sensor 7. This can occur in particular when the mainspring 140 is only slightly tensioned. This prevents the energy already stored in the battery 62 from being used without the watch 100 being used. Thus, the watch 100 can continue to be used after the mainspring 140 has been wound, and the time until the battery 62 needs to be recharged can be extended.

[0109] Furthermore, the electronic device 4 is configured to stop the movement of the movement 1 when a non-use state of the watch 100 has been detected, in particular when the watch 100 has not been moved for a predetermined period of time. Since the watch 100 is an automatic watch, the non-movement of the watch 100 can be determined by the non-movement of the automatic winding device, in particular the balance weight, for a predetermined period of time. For this purpose, the watch 100 can advantageously comprise a non-use detection device. In particular, the sensor device 3 can be used as the non-use detection device and configured to detect the non-movement of the watch 100. Alternatively, a separate non-use detection device can be provided in the watch 100. For example, the predetermined period of time can be at least eight hours, in particular greater than 24 hours.For this purpose, the correction device 5 can be used in particular, in that it is designed to engage with the movement 1 and block its movement. By blocking the movement 1, it can be ensured that a tension stored in the mainspring 140 at the time the movement 1 was blocked is still available when the watch 100 is used again. If, in this case, the generation of the reference timing by the arrangement 2 continues while the movement of the movement 1 is blocked, the watch 100 can continue to be used normally after an adjustment of the movement 1.

[0110] If the watch 100 is a manually wound watch, the sensor device 3 can advantageously be used to detect a standstill of the movement 1. In this case, the balance wheel 11 is advantageously continuously checked.

[0111] Figure 4 shows a portion of a timepiece 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Figure 4 shows an arrangement 2 for generating a reference timing of the timepiece 100 according to the second embodiment, together with the electronic device 4.

[0112] The difference between the watch 10 according to the second embodiment and that according to the first embodiment lies in the arrangement 2.

[0113] Here, the arrangement 2 does not comprise a piezoelectric oscillating crystal, but rather an oscillating system 22 with an optical waveguide arrangement 221, an electro-optical converter 222, and an opto-electrical converter 223, as shown in Figure 4. An optical signal path 229 is formed in the optical waveguide arrangement 221 from the electro-optical converter 222 to the opto-electrical converter 223, and an electrical signal path 230 is formed from the opto-electrical converter 223 to the electro-optical converter 222.

[0114] The optical waveguide arrangement 221 comprises an optical waveguide 224. The electro-optical converter 222 is configured to feed a clocked light signal into the optical waveguide arrangement 221, in particular the optical waveguide 224. The opto-electrical converter 223 is configured to receive the light signal from the optical waveguide 224 and to generate an electrical signal based on the received light signal. The electro-optical converter 222 can be controlled based on the electrical signal from the opto-electrical converter 223.

[0115] In particular, the electro-optical converter 222 is configured to feed a light pulse into the optical waveguide arrangement 221, in particular directly into the optical waveguide 224. The optoelectric converter 223 is thus configured, in particular, to receive the light pulse and convert it into a current pulse.

[0116] Furthermore, the oscillating system 22 comprises a trigger 226 and a monoflop 227. The trigger

[0117] 226 is arranged in the direction of the electrical signal in the electrical signal path 230 after an electrical amplifier 225.

[0118] The trigger 226 is configured to drive the monoflop 227 using the electrical signal from the optoelectric converter 223, in particular using the amplified electrical signal after the electrical amplifier 225. The monoflop 227 is thus configured to generate an output pulse for driving the electro-optical converter 222.

[0119] To operate the clock 100, a light pulse is first sent from the electro-optical converter 222 through the optical fiber 224. Due to the length of the optical fiber 224, the light pulse traveling from the electro-optical converter 222 to the opto-electrical converter 223 requires a certain amount of time to reach the opto-electrical converter 223. In other words, this time is determined by the length of the optical fiber 224. The opto-electrical converter 223 converts the light pulse into a current pulse and forwards it to the electrical amplifier 225. The electrical amplifier 225 amplifies the current pulse and converts it into a voltage pulse. This voltage pulse controls the monoflop via the trigger 226.

[0120] 227, which generates a short pulse with a precisely defined duration (approximately 1 ns or less). This pulse drives a driver 228 of the electro-optical converter 222, causing the electro-optical converter 222 to emit another light pulse. The circuit is thus closed.

[0121] This process repeats a certain number of times per second. The number of repetitions per second is determined by the length of the optical fiber 224. With a length of approximately 20 m, the process repeats 10 million times per second. This results in an oscillation frequency of the oscillation system 22 of 10 MHz, which can be tapped as the frequency of the electrical signal (pulse train) between the monoflop 227 and the driver 228 and reported to the electronic device 4.

[0122] Based on the frequency of the electrical signal between the monoflop 227 and the driver 228, the reference timing can be determined, which is compared with the detected timing of the balance spring 112 by the electronic device 4.

[0123] Figure 5 shows a portion of a clock 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The clock 100 according to the third embodiment differs from that according to the first embodiment in that, in addition to the previously described arrangement 2, the clock 100 according to the third embodiment also comprises a further arrangement for generating a reference clock.

[0124] Here, the previously described arrangement 2 is a first arrangement for generating a first reference clock (corresponds to the previously mentioned reference clock), the further arrangement being a second arrangement 8 for generating a second reference clock.

[0125] In this embodiment, the second arrangement 8 comprises the oscillation system 22 from Figure 4 and advantageously has a higher accuracy than the first arrangement.

[0126] Here, the electronic device 4 is configured to compare the first reference timing with the second reference timing, wherein the correction device 4 is configured to additionally change the frequency of the balance 11 depending on the comparison of the first reference timing with the second reference timing. In particular, the result of the comparison of the first reference timing with the second reference timing can be taken into account when comparing the detected timing with the first reference timing, so that the result of this comparison can be directly used to change the frequency of the balance 11, in particular to adjust the balance spring 112.

[0127] In order to ensure that the clock 100 has a high accuracy without requiring too much electrical energy, the first arrangement is configured to generate the first reference clock pulse continuously, whereas the second arrangement 8 is configured to generate the second reference clock pulse in time sections with intermediate pauses, in particular at predetermined time intervals.

[0128] In addition to deactivating the functions described with reference to the first exemplary embodiment when a non-use state of the watch 100 is detected, the electronic device 4 can further be configured to deactivate the generation of the second reference timing and / or the comparison of the first reference timing with the second reference timing and / or the changing of the frequency of the balance wheel 11 additionally as a function of the comparison of the first reference timing with the second reference timing when a non-use state of the watch 100 is detected.

[0129] Although in this exemplary embodiment, the second reference clock is derived from the above-described oscillation system 22, it is also conceivable that the second arrangement 8, instead of the oscillation system 22, comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal that differs from the piezoelectric oscillating crystal of the first arrangement in terms of its oscillation frequency and, in particular, its type, particularly its material. For example, the second arrangement 8 can comprise a tourmaline oscillating crystal.

[0130] It should also be noted that the precise structure of the oscillation system 22 according to Figure 4, which is included in the second arrangement 8, represents only one possible embodiment of an oscillation system 22 with an optical fiber arrangement 221, an electro-optical converter 222, and an opto-electrical converter 223 for generating the second reference clock. Thus, the oscillation system 22 can also be constructed differently.

[0131] Figure 6 shows a portion of a watch 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] The watch 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is basically the same as the watch 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0133] However, the first arrangement 2 in the watch 100 according to the fourth embodiment comprises an electronic oscillator 23, i.e., an oscillator with only electrical and / or electronic components, instead of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 21 in the watch 100 according to the third embodiment. The electronic oscillator 23 is configured to generate the first reference clock.

[0134] The electronic oscillator 23 is advantageously an RC oscillator, which is designed in particular as a relatively low-frequency oscillator (e.g. 10 kHz).

[0135] The advantage of the clock 100 according to the fourth embodiment is that the electronic oscillator 23 is very power-efficient, so that the power consumption for generating the first reference clock can be reduced, in particular minimized. This can significantly increase the operating time of the battery 62 of the power supply device 6 before it needs to be recharged.

[0136] In addition to the above written description of the invention, reference is hereby explicitly made to the drawings of the invention in Figs. 1 to 6 for its supplementary disclosure. List of reference symbols

[0137] 1 clockwork

[0138] 2 Arrangement for generating a reference clock

[0139] 3 Sensor device

[0140] 4 Electronic device

[0141] 5 Correction device

[0142] 6 Power supply device

[0143] 7 Temperature sensor

[0144] 8 second arrangement for generating a second reference clock

[0145] 11 Balance wheel

[0146] 12 Inhibition

[0147] 13 gear work

[0148] 14 Drive device

[0149] 15 mechanical clock display device

[0150] 16 Lifting device

[0151] 21 piezoelectric oscillating crystal

[0152] 22 Oscillating system

[0153] 23 electronic oscillator

[0154] 51 Actuator

[0155] 52 Adjustment device

[0156] 61 Energy Harvesting Device

[0157] 62 battery

[0158] 100 o'clock

[0159] 101 Kick-off

[0160] 102 Bracelet

[0161] 103 watch cases

[0162] 104 Watch glass

[0163] 105 Dial

[0164] 111 Balance Ring

[0165] 112 Balance spring

[0166] 113 regulator pin

[0167] 114 spiral blocks

[0168] 121 Stopper

[0169] 122 Escape wheel

[0170] 131 Second wheel 132 Minute wheel

[0171] 133 Hour wheel

[0172] 134 small third wheel

[0173] 140 Mainspring 151 Hour hand

[0174] 152 minute hand

[0175] 153 second hand

[0176] 221 optical fiber arrangement 222 electro-optical converter

[0177] 223 optoelectric converter

[0178] 224 optical fibers

[0179] 225 electrical amplifier

[0180] 226 Trigger 227 Monoflop

[0181] 228 drivers

[0182] 229 optical signal path

[0183] 230 electrical signal path

Claims

Claims 1. Watch (100), in particular a wristwatch, comprising: • a clockwork (1) comprising a balance wheel (11), • an arrangement (2) for generating a reference clock, • a sensor device (3) for detecting a timing of the clockwork (1), • an electronic device (4) which is arranged to compare the detected timing of the clockwork (1) with the reference timing, and • a correction device (5) which is designed to change the frequency of the balance wheel (11) as a function of the comparison of the timing of the movement (1) with the reference timing.

2. Clock (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device (3) is designed to detect the timing of the balance wheel (11) or another moving component of the clockwork (1).

3. Watch (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic device (4) is configured to determine a lag and / or an operation of the movement (1) based on the comparison between the detected timing of the balance wheel (11) and the reference timing, and is configured to at least partially subsequently compensate for the lag or operation by means of the correction device (5).

4. Clock (100) according to claim 3, wherein the electronic device (4) is designed by means of the correction device (5) to change the frequency of the balance wheel (11) to compensate for the lag or advance and, after at least partial compensation, to at least partially reverse the change.

5. A watch (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the correction device (5) comprises an actuator (51) and an adjusting device (52) against which a balance spring (112) rests and / or against which the balance spring (112) is struck, wherein the actuator (51) is configured to set a position of the adjusting device (52) in order to change the frequency of the balance spring (112).

6. Clock (100) according to claim 5, wherein the adjusting device (52) comprises at least one regulator pin (113) and the at least one regulator pin (113) is displaceable by means of the actuator (51).

7. Clock (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (3) comprises an acoustic sensor device and / or an optical sensor device and / or an electronic sensor device for detecting the timing of the clockwork (1).

8. Clock (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement (2) comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal (21) or an oscillating system (22) with an optical waveguide arrangement (221), an electro-optical converter (222) and an opto-electric converter (223) or an electronic oscillator (23), in particular an RC oscillator.

9. Clock (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic device (4) is configured to detect a temperature of the arrangement (2) and / or an environment of the arrangement (2) and to take it into account for changing the frequency of the balance wheel (11).

10. Clock (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic device (4) is arranged to compare the detected timing of the clockwork (1) with the reference timing in time sections with intermediate pauses, 11. Clock (100) according to one of the preceding claims, • wherein the arrangement (2) is a first arrangement and the reference clock is a first reference clock, • and wherein the clock (100) further comprises a second arrangement (8) for generating a second reference clock, • wherein the electronic device (4) is arranged to compare the first reference clock with the second reference clock, and • the correction device (5) is configured to additionally change the frequency of the balance wheel (11) depending on the comparison of the first reference timing with the second reference timing. Preferably, the first arrangement comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal (21) or an electronic oscillator (23), in particular an RC oscillator, and the second arrangement (8) comprises an oscillation system (22) with an optical fiber arrangement (221), an electro-optical converter (222), and an opto-electric converter (223).

12. Clock (100) according to claim 11, wherein the first arrangement is arranged to generate the first reference clock continuously, and the second arrangement (8) is arranged to generate the second reference clock in time segments with pauses in between.

13. Clock (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a power supply device (6) for supplying power to the arrangement (2) for generating the reference clock and / or the sensor device (3) and / or the Electronic device (4) and / or the correction device (5), wherein the energy supply device (6) comprises an energy harvesting device (61) and a battery (62).

14. A watch (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when a non-use state of the watch (100) has been detected, the electronic device (4) is configured . to deactivate the generation of the reference clock by the arrangement (2), and / or . to deactivate the comparison of the detected timing of the moving component of the movement (1) with the reference timing by the electronic device (4), and / or . to deactivate the variation of the frequency of the balance wheel depending on the comparison of the detected timing of the movement (1) with the reference timing and / or . to block the movement of the clockwork (1), and in particular wherein the electronic device (4) is arranged to detect an end of the non-use state.

15. A watch (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a manual winding and / or a self-winding of a mainspring configured to drive a watch display device.

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