Timepiece

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece (100), in particular a wristwatch, which comprises a first clock generator assembly (1) for generating a first clock signal, a second clock generator assembly (2) for generating a second clock signal, a useful-signal generating device (3), an electronic device (4), and a time display device (5). The useful-signal generating device (3) is designed to generate a useful signal on the basis of the first clock signal. The electronic device (4) is designed to compare a frequency of the first clock signal with a frequency of the second clock signal and to correct the generation of the useful signal depending on this comparison. The time display device (5) is designed to display the time based on the useful signal. The first clock generator assembly (1) is designed to generate the first clock signal continuously, and the second clock generator assembly (2) is designed to generate the second clock signal intermittently with intermediate pauses.

Description

[0001] Clock

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a clock.

[0004] Quartz watches and self-winding or hand-wound mechanical watches are known from the state of the art. Quartz watches are timed by the frequency of an oscillating quartz crystal. On the other hand, self-winding mechanical watches, also known as automatic watches, and hand-wound mechanical watches are generally controlled by the oscillation of a balance wheel, which controls the escapement.

[0005] The object of the invention is to propose a clock that is as precise as possible.

[0006] This object is achieved by a watch, in particular with the combination of features of independent claim 1. The subclaims show preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0007] The timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, comprises a first clock arrangement for generating a first clock signal, a second clock arrangement for generating a second clock signal, a useful signal generating device, an electronic device, and a time display device. The first clock arrangement serves in particular as the clock-generating element of the timepiece, with the second clock arrangement serving as a reference clock arrangement by means of which the accuracy of the displayed time can be adjusted.

[0008] The useful signal generating device is configured to generate a useful signal based on the first clock signal. The electronic device is configured to compare a frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal and, depending on this comparison, to correct the generation of the useful signal. The time display device is configured to display the time based on the useful signal. The time can be displayed using a mechanical or electronic time display device.

[0009] The first clock generator arrangement is configured to continuously generate the first clock signal, while the second clock generator arrangement is configured to generate the second clock signal in time segments with pauses in between. Preferably, the second clock generator arrangement is configured to generate the second clock signal at predetermined time intervals.

[0010] From the result of the aforementioned comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal, it can advantageously be determined whether the frequency of the first clock signal deviates from a target frequency. The electronic device is advantageously configured to correct the generation of the useful signal only when such a deviation is detected, in particular when the deviation is greater than or equal to a predetermined deviation. If no deviation was detected or if the deviation is smaller than the predetermined deviation, the generation of the useful signal is advantageously not corrected. Here, the time is displayed without correction based on the useful signal generated by the useful signal generating device.

[0011] The fact that the second clock generator arrangement is configured to generate the second clock signal in time segments with pauses in between means, in particular, that there are time periods during which the second clock signal is generated, with a pause between two consecutive time periods during which the second clock signal is not generated. The pauses can be at least several seconds, at least several minutes, at least several hours, or at least several days.

[0012] Generating the second clock signal in time segments with pauses in between also means, in particular, that the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal also takes place in time segments with pauses in between. This means, in particular, that there are time periods in which a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal takes place, wherein two consecutive comparisons are separated by a pause during which no comparison takes place. It is further understood that if / while the second clock generator arrangement is not generating the second clock signal, the time display device is configured to display the clock based on the useful signal without any correction process having taken place and thus also without any corrections having been made.Preferably, the second clock generator arrangement is configured to generate the second clock signal (only) when the electronic device switches on / activates the second clock generator arrangement in time segments with pauses in between, based on the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement. The phrase "based on the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement" means, in particular, that the first clock generator arrangement advantageously indicates the time at which the second clock generator arrangement is activated to generate the second clock signal.

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

[0014] Correcting the generation of the useful signal advantageously means that at least one parameter or at least one component of the clock that contributes to the generation of the useful signal is corrected / adjusted.

[0015] Preferably, correcting the generation of the useful signal can comprise direct and / or indirect correction. Indirect correction means, in particular, that at least one component of the clock that is arranged upstream of the useful signal generating device in terms of signaling, in particular a parameter of this component, is corrected / adjusted. In this respect, correcting the generation of the useful signal can comprise correcting the generation of the first clock signal, since the first clock signal generated by the first clock generator arrangement is thus changed compared to the last generated first clock signal before the correction. Since the at least one component to be corrected here is the first clock generator arrangement, which is arranged upstream of the useful signal generating device in terms of signaling, this correction is understood as indirect correction within the scope of the invention.Direct correction means, in particular, that the useful signal generation device, in particular a parameter of the useful signal generation device, is corrected / adjusted. Correcting the generation of the useful signal will be explained in more detail later.

[0016] Correcting the generation of the useful signal can in particular also be understood as correcting the useful signal, since by correcting the generation of the useful signal the generated useful signal is changed in comparison to the last generated useful signal.

[0017] The present invention enables a clock with the highest possible precision, in which the accuracy of the second clock generator arrangement is transferred to the first clock generator arrangement. It should be understood that the first clock generator arrangement is the component of the clock responsible for timing the clock and is thus used to display the time. Advantageously, the useful signal generating device is configured to generate the useful signal based on the frequency of the first clock signal.

[0018] The second clock generator arrangement can advantageously have a higher accuracy than the first clock generator arrangement. In particular, this means that a potential deviation of the frequency of the first clock signal from its target frequency is greater than a potential deviation of the frequency of the second clock signal from its target frequency under the same operating conditions, in particular temperature conditions, especially when both the first clock generator arrangement and the second clock generator arrangement are incorporated into the clock. For example, the accuracy of clock generation by the first arrangement can exhibit a deviation of up to 5% from its predetermined timing.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the second clock generator arrangement can generate a constant second clock signal, ie, in particular with a constant frequency. A constant second clock signal can preferably also be understood as a substantially constant second clock signal, ie, in particular with a substantially constant frequency. Within the scope of the present invention, the term "substantially" in this respect means, in particular, that a deviation of the frequency of the second clock signal from its nominal frequency is a maximum of 3.8 x 10' 5 %, amounts.

[0020] As already described, comparing the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal advantageously serves to determine whether the frequency of the first clock signal deviates from its target frequency. Preferably, the frequency of the second clock signal can be used as a timing element to determine the deviation of the frequency of the first clock signal from its target frequency. The timing element can be provided / defined by a predetermined number of amplitudes (number of oscillations) of the second clock signal of the second clock generator arrangement within a specific period of time.In particular, it can be checked whether a detected amplitude number of the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement in the specific period determined by the predetermined amplitude number of the second clock signal corresponds to an expected amplitude number (oscillation number) or target amplitude number (target oscillation number) of the first clock signal. In other words, the expected amplitude number of the first clock signal is the amplitude number of the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement that is expected to be detected in the specific period in which a detected amplitude number of the second clock signal corresponds to the predetermined amplitude number of the second clock signal.

[0021] For this purpose, the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal can preferably comprise a comparison of a difference between a detected number of amplitudes (number of oscillations) of the first clock generator arrangement and a detected number of amplitudes (number of oscillations) of the second clock generator arrangement with a predetermined difference over a (the same) period of time. The predetermined difference preferably corresponds to an (absolute) difference between a target number of amplitudes of the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement and a target number of amplitudes of the second clock generator arrangement. If the second clock generator arrangement is configured to generate a constant second clock signal, ie, in particular with a constant frequency, the detected number of amplitudes of the second clock signal preferably corresponds to its target number of amplitudes.The number of amplitudes of the first clock generator arrangement and / or the second clock generator arrangement can preferably each be detected by a pulse counter. It should be understood that the electronic device is preferably configured to correct the generation of the useful signal only if the difference between the detected number of amplitudes of the first clock signal and the detected number of amplitudes of the second clock signal is greater or smaller than the predetermined difference, i.e., not equal to the predetermined difference, in particular if a deviation of said difference from the predetermined difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined deviation.

[0022] Preferably, the electronic device for correcting the generation of the useful signal is configured to correct the first clock generator arrangement, in particular the generation of the first clock signal, based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal. Within the scope of the invention, this correction process is considered an indirect correction process for correcting the generation of the useful signal.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the electronic device can be configured to correct the first clock generator arrangement, in particular the generation of the first clock signal, such that the first clock signal has a target frequency. In other words, the electronic device can be configured to correct / adjust the first clock generator arrangement such that it generates a first clock signal having a target frequency. This means that the electronic device preferably outputs a control signal based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal, by means of which control signal the first clock generator arrangement is controlled / adjusted to generate a first clock signal with its target frequency. This correction can increase the precision of the clock.

[0024] Furthermore, the electronic device for correcting the generation of the useful signal can preferably be configured to correct the useful signal generation device based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal. Within the scope of the invention, this correction process is considered a direct correction process for correcting the generation of the useful signal.

[0025] Preferably, the electronic device is configured to determine a lag and / or an advance of the first clock generator arrangement based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal. Based on this, the electronic device is configured to correct the generation of the useful signal in order to at least partially subsequently compensate for the lag or advance. By compensating for the lag or advance, the precision of the clock can be increased.

[0026] Preferably, the electronic device can be configured to detect a temperature of the first clock arrangement and / or an environment of the first clock arrangement and / or to detect a temperature of the second clock arrangement and / or an environment of the second clock arrangement and to take this into account for correcting the generation of the useful signal. For this purpose, the clock can, for example, comprise a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the first clock arrangement and / or an environment of the first clock arrangement and / or to detect the temperature of the second clock arrangement and / or an environment of the second clock arrangement.

[0027] The first clock generator arrangement can preferably comprise a piezoelectric oscillating crystal for generating the first clock signal. The useful signal generating device is preferably configured to generate the useful signal based on an oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal. The frequency of the first clock signal advantageously corresponds to the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal is a quartz oscillating crystal. The quartz oscillating crystal can be synthetic or natural and, in particular, have an oscillation frequency of 32,768 Hz. According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal can be a tourmaline oscillating crystal. The tourmaline oscillating crystal can, for example, have an oscillation frequency of 888 kHz. However, it is also possible for other piezoelectric oscillating crystals to be used for the first clock generator arrangement and / or for the piezoelectric oscillating crystal used to have an oscillation frequency other than the aforementioned oscillation frequencies of 32,768 Hz or 888 kHz.

[0029] The first clock generator arrangement preferably further comprises an oscillator circuit configured to excite the piezoelectric oscillating crystal to oscillate. The electronic device is preferably configured to correct the generation of the useful signal by using the oscillator circuit to correct the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal based on the comparison between the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal. This means that the oscillator circuit is configured to adjust the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal and can preferably be controlled by the electronic device to correct or adjust the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the oscillator circuit comprises a trimming capacitor, particularly preferably a capacitance diode, for adjusting the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal by adjusting a capacitance of the trimming capacitor, particularly preferably the capacitance diode, using an electrical signal. The electronic device for correcting the generation of the useful signal can preferably be configured to correct or adjust the electrical signal based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal.

[0031] As an alternative to the piezoelectric oscillating crystal, the first clock generator arrangement can comprise an electronic oscillator, in particular an RC oscillator, for generating the first clock signal or can be designed as 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 first clock signal. 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).

[0032] The second clock generator arrangement can preferably comprise an oscillation system with an optical fiber arrangement, an electro-optical converter, and an opto-electrical converter. The frequency of the second clock signal corresponds to the oscillation frequency of the oscillation system.

[0033] The optical fiber arrangement preferably has at least one optical fiber. The electro-optical converter, also called an electrical-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.

[0034] The frequency of the second clock signal is advantageously based on the propagation speed of light (speed of light) in the optical fiber arrangement. The time difference between the light entering the optical fiber arrangement and the light exiting on the other side of the optical fiber arrangement depends solely on the distance the light travels in the optical fiber arrangement and on the propagation speed of light (speed of light) in the optical fiber arrangement. With a known length and known physical properties of the optical fiber arrangement, a clock signal with a fixed frequency or period can be advantageously generated in this way. This means that the optical fiber arrangement is the frequency-determining element of the oscillation system.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first clock generator arrangement comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal, in particular a quartz oscillating crystal, and the second clock generator arrangement comprises an oscillating system with an optical fiber arrangement, an electro-optical converter, and an optoelectric converter. According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first clock generator arrangement comprises a quartz oscillating crystal, and the second clock generator arrangement comprises a tourmaline oscillating crystal.

[0036] As already described, the second clock generator arrangement can preferably have a higher accuracy than the first clock generator arrangement. However, it is also possible for the second clock generator arrangement to have a lower accuracy than the first clock generator arrangement. Advantageously, the second clock generator arrangement can have a second clock signal with a predetermined second frequency. “Predetermined” here means in particular that a desired frequency is first selected and then the second clock generator arrangement is designed such that it has the desired frequency. Thus, in a first step, it can be selected that the frequency of the second clock signal should be, for example, 888 kHz or 10 MHz, and in a second step, the second clock generator arrangement can be designed such that it generates a second clock signal with the selected frequency of 888 kHz or 10 MHz.

[0037] The first clock arrangement can preferably have a lower electrical power consumption than the second clock arrangement. This, in combination with the fact that the second clock signal is generated in time segments with pauses in between, offers the advantage that the energy consumption of such a clock is relatively low, even though the clock can, on average, have the accuracy of the second clock arrangement. The useful signal generating device can preferably have a pulse counter for counting the first clock signal of the first clock arrangement or a signal based on the first clock signal of the first clock arrangement. Here, the useful signal generating device is configured to generate the useful signal when a count value of the counted first clock signal of the first clock arrangement or of the counted signal based on the clock signal of the first clock arrangement is equal to a predetermined count value.

[0038] If the useful signal generating device has only one pulse counter for generating the useful signal, the pulse counter is advantageously configured to count the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement. The pulse counter is programmed to the frequency of the first clock signal. However, a combination of a frequency divider and a pulse counter is also possible for generating the useful signal. In other words, this means that the useful signal generating device can comprise both a frequency divider and a pulse counter for generating the useful signal. In this case, the frequency divider is advantageously arranged upstream of the pulse counter in terms of signaling. In this configuration, the pulse counter is advantageously configured to count a signal based on the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement. This signal is advantageously an output signal of the frequency divider.The pulse counter is preferably programmed to the frequency of this signal.

[0039] Preferably, the electronic device for correcting the generation of the useful signal is configured to correct the predetermined count value by means of the useful signal generation device based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal. In other words, the electronic device can preferably be configured to control the useful signal generation device such that it corrects the predetermined count value based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal.

[0040] The timepiece may preferably comprise a gear train and a (mechanical) drive device for driving the gear train. The drive device may preferably be a mainspring. The timepiece may further preferably comprise a self-winding device or a manual winding device for winding the mainspring.

[0041] According to a first advantageous embodiment of the timepiece, the first clock generator arrangement further comprises an electromechanical device. The timepiece further comprises the aforementioned gear train and the aforementioned (mechanical) drive device for driving the gear train, in particular the mainspring. The time display device is connected to the gear train and can be moved by the gear train. The electromechanical device can be moved by means of the useful signal, as a result of which the electromechanical device engages the gear train directly or indirectly in a clocked manner. In particular, the electromechanical device engages the gear train directly or indirectly in an inhibiting manner in order to alternately bring the gear train to a standstill and release it again. The speed of the timepiece is thus controlled by a frequency-controlled orfrequency-controlled device (the electromechanical device), wherein the drive energy for the gear train is provided by the drive device. The electromechanical device is a frequency-controlled or frequency-controllable device because it can be moved by means of the useful signal generated by the useful signal generating device, and the useful signal can be generated based on the frequency of the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement.

[0042] According to an advantageous variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical device engages indirectly with the gear train. "Indirectly" in the context of the present invention means, in particular, that at least one further component is located between the electromechanical device and the gear train. This means that in this embodiment of the timepiece, the electromechanical device can be moved by means of the aforementioned useful signal, whereby the electromechanical device engages indirectly with the gear train for escapement.

[0043] For this purpose, the timepiece preferably comprises an escapement. The escapement engages with the gear train. The electromechanical device drives the escapement. This means that in this embodiment of the timepiece, the electromechanical device can be moved by means of the useful signal, whereby the electromechanical device engages with the gear train via the escapement. In other words, the escapement corresponds to the above-mentioned at least one further component located between the electromechanical device and the gear train.

[0044] The escapement preferably comprises an escape wheel and an escapement piece. The escapement piece serves to escape the escape wheel. The electromechanical device is arranged to drive the escapement piece, with the escape wheel meshing with the gear train.

[0045] In particular, the escapement is 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.

[0046] According to an alternative advantageous variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical device can directly engage the gear train. "Direct" or "immediate" in the context of the present invention means, in particular, that no other component is located between the electromechanical device and the gear train. This means that in this embodiment of the timepiece, the electromechanical device can be moved by means of the aforementioned useful signal, whereby the electromechanical device directly engages the gear train in a timed manner.

[0047] Regardless of whether the electromechanical device engages the gear train directly or indirectly, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical device can be designed as an actuator. In the context of the present invention, an actuator is particularly referred to as a drive device or assembly that converts an electrical signal into a mechanical movement.

[0048] Particularly preferably, the actuator can comprise a magnetic armature and a magnetic coil. The magnetic coil is configured to move the magnetic armature using the useful signal.

[0049] Alternatively, the electromechanical device can advantageously be designed as a stepper motor. With this configuration of the electromechanical device, it is particularly advantageous if the electromechanical device engages the gear train in a timed manner.

[0050] According to a second (alternative) advantageous embodiment of the invention, the timepiece further comprises a gear train and a drive device for driving the gear train. The drive device is controllable by means of the useful signal. The time display device is connected to the gear train and movable by the gear train. The drive device is preferably designed as a stepper motor. In this timepiece, no mainspring is present. In particular, the first clock arrangement can comprise a piezoelectric oscillating crystal designed as a quartz oscillating crystal. This embodiment of the timepiece corresponds in particular to a quartz timepiece with a stepper motor for driving a mechanical time display device, in which the accuracy of the second clock arrangement is transferred to the first clock arrangement.

[0051] It should be understood that in the two advantageous embodiments of the invention described above, the above-mentioned time display device is a mechanical time display device. The time display device preferably comprises an hour hand and / or a minute hand and / or a second hand.

[0052] The gear train preferably comprises at least one hour wheel and / or one minute wheel and / or one second wheel, and in particular also a third wheel arranged between the second wheel and the minute wheel. According to a third (alternative) advantageous embodiment of the timepiece, the time display device is an electronic time display device configured to display the time based on the useful signal. In particular, the first clock arrangement can comprise a piezoelectric oscillating crystal configured as a quartz oscillating crystal. This embodiment of the timepiece corresponds in particular to an electronic quartz timepiece, in which the accuracy of the second clock arrangement is transferred to the first clock arrangement.

[0053] The watch preferably further comprises a power supply device for supplying power to the first clock arrangement and / or the second clock arrangement and / or the electronic 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The energy supply device is particularly designed to supply all electrically operable components of the watch with electrical energy.

[0056] 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:

[0057] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic view of a watch designed as a wristwatch according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0058] Figure 2 is a simplified schematic view of a portion of the watch according to the first embodiment of the invention,

[0059] Figure 3 is a simplified schematic view of a portion of a watch according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0060] Figure 4 is a simplified schematic view of a portion of a watch according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

[0061] Figure 5 is a simplified schematic view of a portion of a watch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a simplified schematic view of a portion of a watch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] A watch 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0063] As can be seen from Figure 1, the clock 100 is designed as a wristwatch and thus has two lugs 14 for a bracelet 16. 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.

[0064] The watch 100 comprises a watch case 11 and a watch glass 15 arranged thereon. The watch 100 preferably further comprises a dial 12 as well as an hour hand 51, a minute hand 52, and a second hand 53. The hour hand 51, the minute hand 52, and the second hand 53 are parts of a (mechanical) time display device 5 for displaying the time.

[0065] According to Figure 2, the clock 100 further comprises a first clock generator arrangement 1 for generating a first clock signal, a second clock generator arrangement 2 for generating a second clock signal, a useful signal generating device 3 and an electronic device 4.

[0066] In particular, the first clock generator arrangement 1 is configured to generate the first clock signal continuously, wherein the second clock generator arrangement 2 is configured to generate the second clock signal in time segments with pauses in between. In other words, the first clock generator arrangement 1 generates the first clock signal continuously (without pauses) during the operation of the clock 100, whereas the second clock generator arrangement 2 has operating phases and non-operating phases. During the operating phases, the second clock signal is generated, wherein no second clock signal is generated during the non-operating phases. The non-operating phases correspond to the aforementioned pauses. In particular, the second clock generator arrangement 2 is configured to generate the second clock signal at predetermined time intervals.

[0067] In this exemplary embodiment, the first clock generator arrangement 1 comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 for generating the first clock signal. The piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 is, in particular, a quartz oscillating crystal, which can be natural or synthetic. For example, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 can have an oscillation frequency of 32,768 Hz. Alternatively, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 can be a tourmaline oscillating crystal or another oscillating crystal and / or have a different oscillation frequency. The oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 advantageously corresponds to the aforementioned frequency of the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement 1. The piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 can be understood as the clock generator of the first clock generator arrangement 1.

[0068] In addition, the first clock generator arrangement 1 comprises an oscillator circuit 115 configured to excite the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 to oscillate. To adjust the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10, the oscillator circuit 115 preferably comprises a trimming capacitor, particularly preferably a varactor diode. Adjusting the oscillation frequency can be achieved by adjusting a capacitance of the trimming capacitor, particularly preferably the varactor diode, using an electrical signal.

[0069] In this embodiment, the second clock generator arrangement 2 comprises an oscillation system 20 with an optical fiber arrangement, an electro-optical converter 124 and an opto-electrical converter 125.

[0070] The optical waveguide arrangement here has only one optical waveguide 126. The electro-optical converter 124 is configured to feed a clocked light signal (optical signal) into the optical waveguide 126, while the opto-electrical converter 125 is configured to receive the light signal from the optical waveguide 126 and to generate an electrical signal based on the received light signal. The electro-optical converter 124 is connected to the opto-electrical converter 125 via the optical waveguide 126.

[0071] Furthermore, the oscillation system 20 advantageously comprises an (electrical) amplifier 127 and a signal conditioning device 128. A circuit is formed by the electro-optical converter 124, the optical fiber 126, the opto-electrical converter 125, the amplifier 127, and the signal conditioning device 128. In other words, the oscillation system 20 forms a circuit. The amplifier 127 is arranged between the electro-optical converter 124 and the opto-electrical converter 125 and is configured to amplify the electrical signal generated by the opto-electrical converter 125. Furthermore, the signal conditioning device 128 is arranged between the electro-optical converter 124 and the amplifier 127 and is configured to condition the electrical signal and send it to the electro-optical converter 124.

[0072] During operation of the clock 100, a clocked light signal is fed into the optical fiber 126 and received by the optoelectrical converter 125. The electrical signal generated by the optoelectrical converter 125 is amplified by the amplifier 127 and, after being processed, sent to the electro-optical converter 124 via the signal conditioning device 128. 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 126. 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 20 of 10 MHz, which can be tapped between the signal conditioning device 128 and the electro-optical converter 124. In particular, the oscillation system 20 is designed such that it has a constant oscillation frequency.The oscillation system 20 can be understood as the clock generator of the second clock generator arrangement 2, wherein its oscillation frequency advantageously corresponds to the above-mentioned frequency of the second clock signal of the second clock generator arrangement 2. This means that the second clock generator arrangement 2 generates a constant second clock signal, ie, in particular, with a constant frequency. It should also be noted that the second clock generator arrangement 2 advantageously has a higher accuracy than the first clock generator arrangement 1.

[0073] The useful signal generating device 3 is configured to generate a useful signal based on the first clock signal, in particular on a frequency of the first clock signal. The useful signal is used to display the time by means of the time display device 5. This means that the first clock generator arrangement 1 clocks the clock 100. In this exemplary embodiment, the useful signal generating device 3 has a pulse counter for counting the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement 1 and is configured to generate the useful signal when a count value of the counted first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement is equal to a predetermined count value. It is also possible for the useful signal generating device 3 to have, in addition to the pulse counter, a frequency divider that is arranged upstream of the pulse counter in terms of signaling.

[0074] The electronic device 4 is configured to compare a frequency of the first clock signal with a frequency of the second clock signal and to correct the generation of the useful signal as a function of this comparison.

[0075] From the result of the aforementioned comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal, it can be determined whether the frequency of the first clock signal deviates from its target frequency. For this purpose, the frequency of the second clock signal can be used as a timing element. In particular, it can be checked whether a number of amplitudes of the first clock signal detected over a specific period of time corresponds to an expected number of amplitudes (target number of amplitudes). The specific period of time is determined by a number of amplitudes of the second clock signal. If this is the case, it is determined that the first clock signal has its target frequency. If this is not the case, i.e., if the detected number of amplitudes of the first clock signal does not correspond to the expected number of amplitudes in the aforementioned specific period of time, it is determined that the first clock signal has a frequency other than its target frequency.Accordingly, the electronic device 4 is configured to correct the generation of the useful signal only if such a deviation has been detected. Otherwise, the generation of the useful signal is not corrected, and the time is displayed without correction based on the useful signal generated by the useful signal generation device 3.

[0076] To prevent the generation of the useful signal from being corrected even in the case of small deviations in the frequency of the first clock signal from its target frequency, the electronic device can advantageously be configured to perform the correction of the generation of the useful signal only if the detected deviation is greater than or equal to a predetermined deviation. If the deviation is smaller than the predetermined deviation, the generation of the useful signal is preferably not corrected. Here, the time is displayed based on the useful signal generated by the useful signal generation device 3 without correction. This reduces the required computing effort and saves power.

[0077] Due to the described discontinuous generation of the second clock signal, the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal also takes place in time segments with pauses in between, in particular at predetermined time intervals. This means, in particular, that there are time periods in which a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal takes place. Two consecutive such time periods or comparisons are separated by a pause during which no comparison takes place. Accordingly, the correction of the generation of the useful signal is also carried out in time segments with pauses in between, i.e., discontinuously.

[0078] The electronic device 4 can, in particular, be configured to carry out the correction of the generation of the useful signal directly and / or indirectly. "Direct" means that the correction takes place at the level of the useful signal generating device 3. In other words, the useful signal generating device 3 is corrected or adjusted. "Indirect," on the other hand, means that the correction takes place at the level of a component of the clock 100 that is arranged upstream of the useful signal generating device 3 in terms of signaling. In particular, correcting the generation of the useful signal by correcting the first clock generator arrangement 1, in particular correcting the generation of the first clock signal, can be understood as indirect.

[0079] Based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal, a lag and / or an operation of the first clock generator arrangement 1 can be determined. Based on this, the electronic device 3 is configured to correct the generation of the useful signal in order to at least partially subsequently compensate for the lag or operation.

[0080] For this purpose, the useful signal generating device 3 can correct the predetermined count value of the pulse counter accordingly based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal. It is also possible for the generation of the useful signal to be corrected to compensate for the lag or process by correcting the first clock generator arrangement 1, in particular by correcting the generation of the first clock signal. In particular, in this regard, the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 can be corrected or adjusted accordingly. For this purpose, in particular, the capacitance of the trimming capacitor, particularly preferably the capacitance diode, of the oscillator circuit 115 can be adjusted or corrected accordingly using the above-mentioned electrical signal. In both cases, the electronic device 4 is configured to control the respective component accordingly.

[0081] Additionally, based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal, the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 or the frequency of the first clock signal can be corrected or adjusted to its target frequency. In other words, the generation of the first clock signal can be corrected based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal, so that after the correction, the first clock generator arrangement generates a first clock signal having its target frequency.

[0082] The present invention enables a clock in which the accuracy of the second clock generator arrangement is transferred to the first clock generator arrangement. It should be understood that the first clock generator arrangement is the arrangement responsible for timing the clock and thus also for displaying the time.

[0083] As can also be seen from Figure 2, the timepiece 100 comprises a gear train 104 and a drive device 101 for driving the gear train 104. The gear train 104 is connected to the time display device 5 so that the hour hand 51, the minute hand 52, and the second hand 53 are moved. In particular, the gear train 104 comprises at least an hour wheel, a minute wheel, and a second wheel, which are connected to the hour hand 51, the minute hand 52, and the second hand 53, respectively.

[0084] The drive device 101 advantageously comprises a mainspring. A winding device 121 is provided in the watch 100 for winding or tensioning the mainspring. The watch 100 is designed, in particular, as a self-winding watch. The winding device is an automatic winding device or also called a self-winding device. This is designed, in particular, as a flywheel, so that the mainspring is automatically wound by the flywheel due to the movement of the hand of the wearer of the watch 100. When the mainspring 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. The winding device 121 is a hand-winding device that can be operated manually or by hand.

[0085] Furthermore, the watch 100 has an electromechanical device 106. The electromechanical device 106 is designed, in particular, as an actuator comprising a magnetic core (magnetic armature) 107 and a magnetic coil 108. The magnetic coil 108 interacts with the magnetic core 107. In particular, the magnetic coil 108 is configured to move the magnetic core 107 when energized.

[0086] The electromechanical device 106 is movable by means of the useful signal generated by the useful signal generating device 3. As a result, the electromechanical device 106, in particular the magnetic core 107, engages the gear train 104 in a timed manner.

[0087] Figure 2 further shows that the timepiece 100 also has an escapement 105, which is arranged between the electromechanical device 106 and the gear train 104. Thus, the electromechanical device 106, in particular the magnetic core 107, engages the gear train 104 indirectly via the escapement 105. The escapement 105 can be driven by the electromechanical device 106.

[0088] In particular, the electromechanical device 106 indirectly engages the gear train 104 in an inhibiting manner to alternately stop and release the gear train 104.

[0089] Figure 2 further shows that the escapement 105 comprises an escapement wheel 109 and an escapement piece 110 and is designed, in particular, as an anchor escapement. The escapement wheel 109 engages with the gear train 104, and the magnetic core 107 can be brought into engagement with the escapement piece 110 by its movement. In particular, the escapement piece 110 can be driven by the magnetic core 107.

[0090] In particular, the magnetic coil 108 builds up and down a magnetic field in sync with the desired signal, causing the magnetic core 107 to move back and forth in sync with the desired signal. The moving magnetic core 107 then engages the escapement 110, thus replacing a conventional balance wheel of a mechanical watch.

[0091] To power the first clock generator arrangement 1, the second clock generator arrangement 2, the useful signal generating device 3, the electronic device 4, the oscillator circuit 115, and the electromechanical device 106, the watch 100 is equipped with a power supply device comprising a rechargeable battery and an energy harvesting device for charging the 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 However, it is also possible for the energy supply device to comprise, in addition to or alternatively to the energy harvesting device and the rechargeable battery, a battery that can supply the aforementioned components of the watch 100 with power.

[0092] During normal operation of the timepiece 100, in which the mainspring supplies the energy required to drive the gear train 104, the desired signal is transmitted to the electromechanical device 106. This allows the electromechanical device 106 to control the escapement 105 by moving the escapement piece 110 at the time the desired signal is transmitted. The frequency-controlled control (based on the oscillation frequency of the clock generator 1) of the escapement 105 allows the gear train 104 to be timed.

[0093] When the tension of the mainspring (drive device 101) has expired, the electromechanical device 106 can be configured to move such that the electromechanical device 106, in particular the magnetic core 107, drives the gear train 104. This ensures that the watch 100 continues to run even if the mainspring can no longer supply the required mechanical energy. This can be the case, for example, if the watch 100 is not used for some time, e.g., during the night, as a result of which the mainspring cannot be tensioned by the automatic winding device 121. For this purpose, the watch 100 can preferably be provided with a device for decoupling the mainspring from the escapement 109 and the gear train 104.

[0094] The present invention provides a watch 100 that is clocked by means of the first clock generator arrangement 1, but with the accuracy of the second clock generator arrangement 2 due to the provided correction process described, and is simultaneously driven like an automatic watch or mechanical watch. The watch 100 is thus a hybrid watch in which the clocking is controlled by means of the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal, and the gear train 104 is driven by a mainspring. Due to the rechargeable battery, which supplies the electrically operated components of the watch 100 accordingly and can be charged by the energy harvesting device, the watch 100 also has a high power reserve. Figure 3 refers to a watch 100 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0095] The timepiece 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the timepiece 100 according to the first embodiment in that the electromechanical device 106 in the timepiece 100 according to the third embodiment engages the gear train 104 in a directly timed manner. In other words, no escapement is provided in the timepiece 100 according to the second embodiment. This means that the combination of the first timing device 1 and the electromechanical device 106 replaces the combination of a conventional balance wheel and a conventional escapement of a conventional mechanical timepiece.

[0096] In particular, the electromechanical device directly engages the gear train 104 in an inhibiting manner to alternately stop and release the gear train 104.

[0097] The electromechanical device 106 is also designed as an actuator in the watch 100 according to the second embodiment, which comprises a magnetic armature 107 and a magnetic coil 108.

[0098] Thus, the magnetic armature 107 engages directly in the gear train 104 in a timed manner.

[0099] However, it is also possible for the electromechanical device 106 to be designed as a stepper motor that engages directly in the gear train 104 in a clocked manner.

[0100] Except for the described special features of the watch 100 according to this embodiment, the functionality of this watch 100 is fundamentally the same as that of the watch 100 according to the first embodiment. Here, however, the electromechanical device 106 does not control an escapement, but rather directly controls the gear train 104, which is thus timed. As in the first embodiment, the gear train 104 is driven by the drive device 101 comprising the mainspring.

[0101] Figure 4 shows a watch 100 according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0102] The watch 100 according to the third embodiment differs from that according to the first or second embodiment in that the watch 100 according to the third embodiment comprises neither the escapement 105 nor the electromechanical device 106.

[0103] Instead, a drive device 101, which is particularly designed as a stepper motor, is arranged between the useful signal generating device 3 and the gear train 104. The drive device 101 is configured to move the gear train 104 and thus the hour hand 51, the minute hand 52, and the second hand 53 by means of the useful signal generated by the useful signal generating device 3 in order to display the time.

[0104] Figure 5 shows a watch 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0105] In contrast to the watches 100 according to the first, second, and third embodiments, the watch 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention does not have a mechanical time display device, but rather an electronic time display device 5. The electronic time display device 5 is configured to display the time using the useful signal generated by the useful signal generating device 3. It is further noted that the watch 100 according to the fourth embodiment does not include the electromechanical device 106, the drive device 101, and the gear train 104 of the watches 100 according to the previous embodiments.

[0106] Figure 6 shows a watch 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0107] The clock 100 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the clock 100 according to the fourth embodiment in that the first clock generator arrangement 1 in the clock 100 according to the fifth embodiment has an electrical oscillator 17 for generating the first clock signal instead of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 and the oscillator circuit 115 of the clock 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0108] The electronic oscillator 17 is advantageously an RC oscillator, which is designed in particular as a relatively low-frequency oscillator (e.g. 10 kHz).

[0109] The advantage of the clock 100 according to the fifth embodiment is that the electronic oscillator 17 is very power-efficient, so that the power consumption for generating the first clock signal can be reduced, in particular minimized. This can significantly increase the battery life of the power supply device before it needs to be recharged.

[0110] In addition to the above written description of the invention, reference is hereby explicitly made to the drawings in the figures for its supplementary disclosure. List of reference symbols

[0111] 1 first clock generator arrangement

[0112] 2 second clock generator arrangement

[0113] 3 Useful signal generating device

[0114] 4 Electronic device

[0115] 5 Time display device

[0116] 10 piezoelectric oscillating crystal

[0117] 11 watch cases

[0118] 12 Dial

[0119] 14 Connection

[0120] 15 watch glass

[0121] 16 Bracelet

[0122] 17 electronic oscillator

[0123] 20 Oscillating system

[0124] 51 hour hand

[0125] 52 minute hand

[0126] 53 second hand

[0127] 100 o'clock

[0128] 101 Drive device

[0129] 104 Gearwork

[0130] 105 Inhibition

[0131] 106 electromechanical device

[0132] 107 Magnetic core

[0133] 108 solenoid coil

[0134] 109 Escape wheel

[0135] 110 Stopper

[0136] 115 Oscillator circuit

[0137] 121 Lifting device

[0138] 124 electro-optical converter

[0139] 125 optoelectric converter

[0140] 126 optical fibers

[0141] 127 amplifiers

[0142] 128 Signal conditioning device

Claims

Claims 1 . Watch (100), in particular a wristwatch, comprising: • a first clock generator arrangement (1) for generating a first clock signal, • a second clock generator arrangement (2) for generating a second clock signal, • a useful signal generating device (3) which is arranged to generate a useful signal based on the first clock signal, • an electronic device (4) which is arranged to compare a frequency of the first clock signal with a frequency of the second clock signal and to correct the generation of the useful signal in dependence on this comparison, and • a time display device (5) which is configured to display the time based on the useful signal, wherein the first clock generator arrangement (1) is configured to generate the first clock signal continuously, and wherein the second clock generator arrangement (2) is configured to generate the second clock signal in time segments with pauses in between.

2. Clock (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device (4) for correcting the generation of the useful signal is configured to correct the first clock generator arrangement (1), in particular the generation of the first clock signal, based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal.

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

4. Clock (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device (4) for correcting the generation of the useful signal is configured to correct the useful signal generating device (4) based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal.

5. Clock (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 first clock generator arrangement (1) based on the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal and, based thereon, to correct the generation of the useful signal in order to at least partially subsequently compensate for the lag or operation.

6. Clock (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first clock generator arrangement (1) comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal for generating the first clock signal, preferably wherein the first clock generator arrangement (1) further comprises an oscillator circuit (115) which is configured to excite the piezoelectric oscillating crystal to oscillate, wherein the electronic device (4) for correcting the generation of the useful signal is configured to correct the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal by means of the oscillator circuit (115) based on the comparison between the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal.

7. Clock (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first clock generator arrangement (1) comprises an electronic oscillator (23), in particular an RC oscillator, for generating the first clock signal.

8. Clock (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second clock generator arrangement comprises an oscillation system (20) with an optical fiber arrangement, an electro-optical converter (124) and an opto-electrical converter (125).

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

10. A clock (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first clock arrangement has a lower electrical power consumption than the second clock arrangement.

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

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

13. A watch (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: • the time display device (5) is a mechanical time display device, • the first clock generator arrangement (1 ) further comprises an electromechanical device (106), and • the clock (100) further comprises a gear train (104) and a drive device (101) for driving the gear train (104), wherein the time display device (5) is connected to the gear train (104) and is movable by the gear train (104), wherein the electromechanical device (106) is movable by means of the useful signal, whereby the electromechanical device (106) engages the gear train (104) directly or indirectly in a timed manner.

14. Clock (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: • a gear train (104), • a drive device (101) for driving the gear train (104), wherein: • the drive device (101) can be controlled by means of the corrected useful signal, and » the time display device (5) is a mechanical time display device.

15. A clock (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the time display device (5) is an electronic time display device configured to display the time based on the useful signal.

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