A timepiece comprising a mechanical movement and a device for correcting the displayed time

Abstract

The timepiece (2) is formed by a mechanical movement incorporating a mechanical resonator (14). The timepiece comprises a display (12) for displaying the time, a correction device for correcting the displayed time formed by a receiver (30) for receiving an external correction signal provided by an external electronic device 40 (in particular a mobile phone), a damping device (22A) for damping the mechanical resonator, and an electronic control unit (28). The correction device is configured to be able to correct the displayed time as a function of the time error (lag or advance) contained in the external correction signal. For this purpose, the correction device is configured so that the damping device acts on the mechanical resonator during a correction period to change the operation of the drive mechanism of the display in order to correct at least a large portion of the time error of the displayed time.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a timekeeping device comprising a mechanical movement, a display unit for displaying actual time driven by the mechanical movement, and a device for correcting the actual time. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of mechanical watches, the usual method for correcting the actual time indicated by its display is to use a conventional stem-crown, which, in its protruding position, is generally configured to act on a gear set to drive the hour and minute indicators, thanks to the friction provided to the kinematic chain between these indicators and the escape wheel. Therefore, to set a mechanical watch to actual time, the user or robot must typically pull out the stem-crown, actuate it, and rotate the stem-crown to move the hour and minute indicators to the desired corresponding positions, specifically by visually comparing them with a reference clock, such as one found at a train station, or with digital time provided by a computer, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 177779 [Patent Document 2] Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 711889 [Overview of the Initiative]

[0004] Therefore, in the field of timekeeping devices with mechanical movements, it is clear that, in addition to ensuring the precise operation of the mechanical movement, there is a real need for an effective system to correct the actual time displayed by these timekeeping devices with mechanical movements. Specifically, an object of the present invention is to enable the precise setting of the hands of a timekeeping device, which comprises a mechanical movement driving a time indicator, and preferably the hands can be substantially set to the precise actual time provided by an external system (specifically, a system connected to an atomic clock) configured to provide precise actual time, without requiring a user or robot to individually operate the timekeeping device's stem-crown or other external control member to set the hands on the indicator. Within the scope of the present invention, the accuracy of setting a timekeeping device with a mechanical movement to actual time does not depend on visual determination by the user, which would require determining when various relevant indicators are in their exact corresponding positions.

[0005] The term “actual time” is generally understood to mean the statutory time at a given location where the timer and its user are located. Actual time is generally expressed in hours, minutes, and optionally in seconds. Actual time may be indicated by a timer, particularly by a mechanical timer, with a certain degree of error. In particular, the expression “precise actual time” will be used in this specification to indicate statutory time given with high precision by / via a GPS system, a telephone network, or a computer connected to an Internet network server that receives actual time from a particularly high-precision clock. This expression further applies to actual time given precisely by an electronic clock or electronic time base incorporated in a device outside the timer, which may periodically synchronize with a high-precision clock that gives statutory time. In this context, actual time is simply referred to as “time,” in contrast to actual time displayed by a timer.

[0006] To meet the aforementioned needs that have existed in the field of horology for many years, the present invention proposes a timekeeping device comprising the following: A display unit for showing the actual time, A mechanism for driving a display unit, and a mechanical resonator connected to the drive mechanism, wherein the vibration of the mechanical resonator synchronizes the timing of the operation of the drive mechanism, and a mechanical movement formed by the mechanical resonator, A device for correcting the actual time shown by the display, The timekeeping device, which is equipped with a device for correcting the displayed actual time, is incorporated into the timekeeping device. - A receiver for receiving an external correction signal to correct the displayed actual time, - an electronic control unit, and - k for damping a mechanical resonator, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to process information contained in the external correction signal and to control the damping device as a function of the information. Furthermore, the device for correcting the actual time is configured such that, when the external correction signal received by the timer requires correction of the displayed actual time, the damping device acts on the mechanical resonator during the correction period, changing the operation of the drive mechanism and performing at least one major part of the correction for the displayed actual time, preferably substantially all of the required correction.

[0007] The term “braking device” is generally understood to mean any device that can brake and / or stop an oscillating mechanical resonator, and / or keep such a resonator stopped for a short period of time (i.e., keep it shut off). A braking device may be formed by one or more braking units (one or more actuators). If a braking device is formed by multiple braking units, in particular by two braking units, each braking unit is selected to act on the mechanical resonator in specific situations related to the necessary corrections, specifically in situations where a first braking unit corrects for lag and a second braking unit corrects for advance (the second braking unit is advantageously configured to stop the resonator and shut it off for a short period of time). The phrase “timing the operation of the indicator drive mechanism” is understood to mean setting the pace of the motion of the gear set of this mechanism during operation, specifically determining the rotational speed of the gear set, and therefore of at least one indicator of the indicator. In the following description, when the term “resonator” is used without any specific modifiers, it means a mechanical resonator. “Oscillating resonator” is used to describe a resonator that is considered to be in its activated state, and which is oscillated and sustained by a mechanical energy source via an escapement.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the braking device is formed by an electromechanical actuator configured to apply braking pulses to a mechanical resonator, and the electronic control unit controls the frequency F SUP The system includes a device for generating at least one frequency, configured to generate a first periodic digital signal at F. Whenever an external correction signal received via the receiver unit corresponds to a specified time delay to be corrected, the electronic control unit provides the braking device with a first control signal derived from the first periodic digital signal during a first correction period to activate the braking device, thereby causing the braking device to generate a first series of periodic braking pulses applied to the mechanical resonator at the frequency F. SUPThe system is configured to generate the pulses at the frequency F, and the number of periodic damping pulses in the first series, and therefore the duration of the correction period, is determined by the delay to be corrected. SUP The first series of periodic damping pulses in the frequency F such that the first synchronization phase occurs during the first correction period. SUP A damping device is provided, and the vibration of the mechanical resonator is corrected to a correction frequency FS greater than the setpoint frequency F0c provided to the mechanical resonator. Cor It is synchronized (on average).

[0009] In a preferred alternative embodiment in which the clock movement comprises an escapement associated with a resonator, the frequency F of the first series of damping pulses of the periodic damping pulses SUP The duration is selected such that, during the aforementioned first synchronization phase, each of the aforementioned first series of damping pulses occurs outside the coupling zone of the oscillating resonator with the escapement.

[0010] In one particular embodiment, the timer includes a device for shutting off a mechanical resonator. Furthermore, the electronic control unit is configured to supply a control signal to the shutting off device when an external correction signal received via a receiver unit corresponds to a displayed advance in time to be corrected, the control signal instigating the shutting off device to shut off the vibration of the mechanical resonator during a correction period, the correction period being determined by the advance to be corrected in order to terminate the operation of the drive mechanism during the correction period. The shutting off / correction period typically has a duration substantially equal to the corresponding advance to be corrected.

[0011] Generally, the correction of the time displayed by a display is for errors detected within that displayed time, by an external electronic device configured to supply an external correction signal to the timekeeping instrument. In one particular case, the correction of the displayed time is for changes in seasonal time, or even changes in time zone.

[0012] The present invention further relates to an assembly formed by an external device comprising a timer according to the present invention and a transmitter for transmitting the external correction signal. The external device is -A photographic device comprising a photographic sensor formed by an array of photodetectors, - An image processing algorithm configured to determine the position of at least one determined needle of a timekeeping device in an image captured by a photographic device, - A time base that can provide accurate real time, It is equipped with.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the external device further comprises an algorithm for calculating a time error between a first time data and a second time data, wherein the first time data is displayed by an indicator at a given moment in time and detected by the external device via the external device's photo sensor and image processing algorithm, and the second time data corresponds to the first time data and is supplied substantially at the given moment in time by a time base. If the assembly intends to correct the calculated time error, an external correction signal supplied by a device outside the timekeeper includes information relating to this time error.

[0014] The present invention is described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided as examples and are not limiting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] A partial schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention, which includes a timekeeping device according to the first embodiment, the timekeeping device comprising a mechanical movement, a time display, a device for correcting the displayed time, and an external electronic device according to the first embodiment, the external electronic device being configured to communicate with a correction module. [Figure 2] Figure 1 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of the timing device correction device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]This shows the change in the oscillation frequency of a mechanical resonator during a leading correction period, as indicated by the indicator of the timekeeping instrument, when the ratio of the correction frequency to the setpoint frequency is relatively equal to "1" during correction occurring via a series of periodic damping pulses. [Figure 4] This shows the change in the oscillation frequency of a mechanical resonator during the delay correction period, as indicated by the indicator of the timekeeping instrument, when the ratio of the correction frequency to the setpoint frequency is relatively equal to "1" during correction occurring via a series of periodic damping pulses. [Figure 5] This shows the oscillation of a mechanical resonator at the beginning of a delay correction period accompanied by a series of periodic damping pulses when the ratio between the correction frequency and the setpoint frequency is relatively large, and this correction period has an initial transient phase. [Figure 6] The oscillation periods of a mechanical resonator during the synchronization phase, while delay compensation is performed using a series of periodic damping pulses, are shown for two different synchronization frequencies. [Figure 7A] The following are multiple curves of the maximum relative synchronization frequency as a function of the amplitude of the resonator's free vibration and the resonator's quality coefficient, with respect to the damping frequency, which corresponds to one damping pulse per half-period of the mechanical resonator's vibration. [Figure 7B] The following are multiple curves of the maximum relative synchronization frequency as a function of the amplitude of the resonator's free vibration and the resonator's quality coefficient, with respect to the damping frequency corresponding to one damping pulse per vibration period of the mechanical resonator. [Figure 8] This graph approximates the expected correction frequency range for correcting delays in a time indicator using short periodic damping pulses, as a function of multiple damping frequencies selected for the damping pulses, with respect to a given setpoint frequency. [Figure 9] This graph approximates the expected correction frequency range for correcting a time indicator's advance using short, periodic damping pulses, as a function of multiple damping frequencies selected for the damping pulses, with respect to a given setpoint frequency. [Figure 10]A second embodiment of the timekeeping device according to the present invention is partially shown. [Figure 11] A third embodiment of the timekeeping device according to the present invention is partially shown. [Figure 12] A fourth embodiment of the timekeeping device according to the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 13] A second embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention is partially shown, the assembly comprising a timer according to the present invention and an external electronic device that functions as a housing and a charging station for the timer, according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] The configuration of the electronic elements and functional units in the external electronic device of the second embodiment is schematically shown. [Figure 15] A fifth embodiment of the timekeeping device according to the present invention, which can form an assembly according to the second embodiment, is schematically shown. [Figure 16] A partial schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of the timekeeping device according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 17] Figure 16 shows the vibration of the mechanical resonator during the delay correction period for two alternative embodiments of the timing damping device. [Figure 18] Figure 16 shows the vibration of the mechanical resonator during the delay correction period for two alternative embodiments of the timing damping device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the following description describes a first embodiment of a timekeeping device according to the present invention, and a first embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention comprising the timekeeping device according to the present invention and an external electronic device formed by a mobile phone.

[0017] The timepiece 2 comprises a mechanical movement 4, an analog time display 12, a drive mechanism 10 for driving the display, and a device 6 for correcting the time indicated by the display. The mechanical movement comprises a barrel 8 that forms a mechanical energy source for the drive mechanism 10, which is formed by a gear train 11 kinematically linked to the display; a mechanical resonator 14 formed by a balance 16 associated with a balance spring 15; and an escapement 18 that connects the resonator to the drive mechanism so that the vibration of the resonator synchronizes the timing of the operation of the drive mechanism. The analog display 12 is formed by a dial 32 having indexes 36 that form a scale for displaying actual time, and hands 34 having hour, minute, and second hands. The hands have different shapes, specifically different lengths and / or widths. Preferably, the indexes are configured so that the position of "12 o'clock" in a 12-hour cycle (or "24 o'clock" in a 24-hour cycle) is visually recognizable. In the illustrated case, the angular position at "12 o'clock" is determined by two parallel, substantially radial rods, while the angular positions at other times are determined by a single rod.

[0018] It is possible to provide various alternative embodiments so as to enable determination of at least one angular position of a display corresponding to the number of minutes and / or seconds determined on a scale provided for displaying minutes and / or seconds. It can be seen that the scale is not necessarily visible. More specifically, for example, it can be seen that there is a 12-hour cycle and that the angular position of "12 o'clock" is provided on the axis of a given distinguishable timepiece, and it is sufficient to have a visible mark on the display side, and this mark enables identification of the angular position of 12 o'clock on a given axis and, thus, enables identification of any other angular position corresponding to any hour, any minute and / or any second. For example, the dial may have a pattern that enables definition of the orientation of the dial or may include additional symbols that define determined angular marks corresponding to specific positions of provided scales. Such additional symbols can also be placed on the edge surrounding the dial or bezel of a watch case in which a mechanical movement 4 is incorporated. It should be noted that the angular marks can be provided simply by the shape of the case defining a determined axis that is visually recognizable or by a winding button. It should also be noted that the present invention is not limited to an analog display of actual time and can also relate to other displays that display actual time, such as a display having "jumping hour changes" and / or particularly "jumping minute changes". Therefore, the display is not limited to a system having a needle that advances in a substantially continuous manner. Therefore, the present invention can be further applied particularly to systems having a disk or a ring, particularly to a display provided through at least one opening provided in a dial.

[0019] The correction device 6 comprises a receiver 30 for receiving an external correction signal S for correcting the time displayed by the display 12, and an electronic control unit 28 for displaying the time, and the electronic control unit 28 is configured to process the information contained in the external correction signal S and, in response thereto, generate at least one internal correction signal related to the correction of the displayed time, and the at least one internal correction signal is the external correction signal S Ext and an electronic control unit 28 for displaying the time, and the electronic control unit 28 is configured to process the information contained in the external correction signal S and, in response thereto, generate at least one internal correction signal related to the correction of the displayed time, and the at least one internal correction signal is the external correction signal S Ext and, in response thereto, generate at least one internal correction signal related to the correction of the displayed time, and the at least one internal correction signal is the external correction signal S ExtThe time indicated by the indicator of the timer is determined by the information contained in this external correction signal S received by timer 2. Ext It is configured to allow correction as a function of . To correct the displayed time, the correction device generally comprises a device for damping the mechanical resonator. In the main alternative embodiment, the damping device is formed by an electromechanical actuator, for example, a piezoelectric type actuator 22A. Furthermore, the damping device is controlled by an electronic control unit 28, which controls the power supply circuit of the damping device to manage the timing of the application of mechanical damping force to the mechanical resonator 14, by providing a control signal S Cmd The correction device transmits the external correction signal S received by the timer to the braking device. Generally, the correction device receives the external correction signal S from the timer. Ext However, whenever correction of the displayed time is required, the system is configured such that the braking device acts on the mechanical resonator 14 during the correction period, thereby changing the operation of the drive mechanism 10 to correct at least most of the displayed time.

[0020] In the alternative embodiment shown, the actuator 22A comprises a braking member formed by a flexible strip 24, the braking member having two piezoelectric layers on two opposing surfaces (perpendicular to the plane in Figure 1), each covered with a metal layer to form an electrode. The piezoelectric actuator comprises a power supply circuit 26 to which a specific voltage can be applied between the two electrodes to apply an electric field through the two piezoelectric layers, the piezoelectric layers are configured to curve the strip 24 toward the outer edge 20 of the balance 14 when a voltage is applied between the two electrodes, thereby pressing the ends of the strip, which form a moving braking pad, against the outer circular surface of the outer edge, and thus a mechanical braking force can be applied to the mechanical resonator. It should be noted that the voltage may be variable to change the mechanical braking force, and therefore the mechanical braking torque, applied to the balance. With regard to braking devices, various embodiments of such braking devices in mechanical watch movements can be found in International Publication No. 2018 / 177779. In certain alternative embodiments, the braking device is formed by a strip actuated by a magnetic coil system. In another particular alternative embodiment, the balance comprises a central staff for defining or holding a component, in addition to the outer edge of the balance, e.g., a disc, which defines a circular braking surface. In the above case, the pads of the braking member are configured to apply pressure to this circular braking surface at the moment a mechanical braking force is applied for only a moment.

[0021] The receiver unit 30 is preferably a non-contact receiver, for example, a sensor for optical signals coded according to a given communication protocol, a "Bluetooth" receiver (preferably "Bluetooth Low Energy": BLE), or a receiver for short-range wireless communication known as NFC. In the latter two cases, it should be noted that there is actually a communication unit that enables the transmission and reception of signals according to a predefined standard. The receiver unit 30 receives an external correction signal S Ext Demodulate the signal S Ext Digital correction signal S corresponding to this signal CorIt is configured to enable the supply of this to the electronic control unit 28.

[0022] One preferred alternative to the first embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention comprises a time counter according to the present invention and a mobile phone 40, the mobile phone 40 having at least one time correction application installed for carrying out the present invention, the time correction application, in particular, detects the time error displayed by the indicator of the time counter and a corresponding external correction signal S Ext This is to provide the timekeeping device with the following: The mobile phone comprises its own resources used by the time correction application, in particular an energy source 42, a time base 48 that provides accurate real time, and a photographic device having a photographic sensor formed by an array of photodetectors. The time base may be formed by an electronic clock that is periodically synchronized with accurate real time provided by a telephone network or WIFI and / or GPS receiver. Thus, the time base provides a reference time that is fairly accurate and can be synchronized, for example, with an electronic clock and indicate the accurate real time of the mobile phone and the mobile phone user's location. The photographic device 44 has a sensor formed by a pixel array that captures an accurate image of the analog display 12.

[0023] A time correction application installed on a mobile phone comprises an image processing algorithm 46, or the application is configured to enable the use of such an algorithm targeting a specific image processing application installed on the mobile phone or on a server accessible by the mobile phone, particularly via the Internet. The image processing algorithm is configured to determine the position of at least one determined needle of the analog display 12 in an image captured by a photographic device 44. That is, the position of this needle is relative to a scale provided on the display, which can be reduced to a single visual mark to determine a specific position on a virtual scale, as shown above. In the case of a display with two hands (hour and minute hands), the angular position of at least the minute hand is determined relative to a mark on the dial 32, or another part of the timekeeping instrument visible from the display side, making it possible to determine the minutes displayed relative to the minute scale (whether visible or not). In the case of a display with three hands (hour, minute, and second hands), the angular positions of at least the minute and second hands are determined. See also the above text for various alternative embodiments that may be provided for determining at least one angular position of the display.

[0024] In this case, the time correction application includes an algorithm for calculating the time error between first time data and second time data, the first time data being displayed by a display at a given moment in time and detected by an external device, in particular a mobile phone 40, via its photo sensor and image processing algorithm, and the second time data corresponding to the first time data and supplied by a time base 48 at the given moment in time. As described above, the first time data may be displayed minutes, displayed minutes and seconds, or displayed actual time (hours, minutes and seconds).

[0025] Finally, the mobile phone 40 receives an external correction signal S ExtThe system includes a transmitter unit (transmitter) for transmitting a time correction signal S. The transmitter unit is of the same type as the receiver unit of the timer (receiver), and is in particular optical (photodiode) or wireless (e.g., BLE or NFC communication unit). The time correction application transmits the result obtained by an algorithm for calculating the time error to an external correction signal S. Ext This includes the ability to encode the information into a format specific to the transmitter unit 52 that transmits it. Therefore, if it is intended to correct the detected time error, an external correction signal supplied by a device outside the timekeeping instrument includes information relating to this time error. Preferably, the information transmitted is the time error detected in the most precise units that the time indicator allows, typically in seconds or tenths of a second. It can be seen that the decision of whether or not to correct the display can be made by the application in the portable device or by the electronic control unit in the timekeeping instrument. If the detected error is zero, it is obvious that no correction is needed. If the detected error is not zero but small, for example less than 5 seconds, in an alternative embodiment it may be determined that this error does not require correction. In other words, in at least one operating mode, a range of values ​​can be defined for the detected time error that does not result in correction to the indicator.

[0026] In another alternative embodiment, the algorithm for calculating the time error described above is provided to be incorporated into the timer. In such a case, an external correction signal S ExtThis includes first time data and second time data, which are then processed by an algorithm for calculating time errors, which is incorporated into an electronic control unit located within the timekeeper. In one embodiment where the timekeeper has an internal electronic clock, particularly in the case of a "fitness" type electronic module, the time based on the mobile phone's time may be further transmitted to the timekeeper as additional information. More specifically, the second time data relates to the moment the image was captured and does not strictly correspond to the moment the external correction signal was transmitted. For this reason, supplemental data relating to a third time data is advantageous when it is desirable to provide accurate time to the timekeeper's internal electronic clock for further functionality.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a device for calibrating a timekeeping device according to a first embodiment. The receiver unit 30A is formed by a sensor that detects an optical signal. This optical sensor comprises at least one element of the phototransistor type. In an alternative embodiment, the optical sensor is composed of part of or a solar cell, the solar cell is used to form an energy harvester 54 and supply power to an electric accumulator 56. In another alternative embodiment, the optical sensor 30A is a separate element from the energy harvester 54 which acts as an energy source for the power supply circuit 58 of the calibration device. The energy harvester can be formed by various types of devices known to those skilled in the art, for example, by a magnetic, optical, or thermal energy harvester. In an alternative embodiment, a magnetic energy harvester is configured to receive energy from an external magnetic source, allowing the electric accumulator to be recharged without electrical contact. In another advantageous alternative embodiment, the energy harvester is formed by a magnet-coil system capable of harvesting a small amount of energy from the vibration of the mechanical resonator of the timepiece, and therefore from the vibration of the barrel that sustains this vibration. In the alternative embodiment described above, at least one magnet is configured on the vibrating element of the resonator or on the support of the resonator, and at least one coil is configured, respectively, on the aforementioned support or on the aforementioned vibrating element, so that when the resonator vibrates within its usable range of motion, most of the magnetic flux generated by the magnet passes through the coil. Preferably, the magnet-coil coupling is provided around the neutral position (resting position) of the resonator. In another alternative embodiment where the mechanical movement is an automatic movement, a vibrating weight is used to drive a microgenerator to generate electricity, which is stored in an accumulator. Energy harvesters can also be made hybrid, meaning they are composed of multiple different units, particularly wireless / contactless types, and are intended to harvest various energies from various energy sources and convert these various energies into electrical energy.

[0028] The electronic control unit 28A controls the device 22 for damping the resonator 14, specifically the electromechanical actuator 22A schematically shown in Figure 1. Other types of actuators can be provided that allow a damping force to be applied to the mechanical resonator for only a momentary period. Optionally, the electronic control unit includes a circuit 68 for detecting the level of available electrical energy, which signals the control logic circuit 60 with a signal S NE This provides information about the level of available electrical energy, so that this logic circuit can know whether the correction module has enough energy before initiating the operation to correct the displayed time. If not, the following various options are available: 1) The timekeeping device has a transmitter that can directly notify the user, for example, via an optical or acoustic signal generated by the transmitter, that the accumulator must be recharged in order to enable complete correction of the displayed time. The timekeeping device will not perform any correction operation as long as the electrical energy level is insufficient to complete the correction operation. 2) The timer has a transmitter, specifically a BLE or NFC communication unit, or an optical transmitter consisting of at least one light-emitting diode, which enables it to notify the mobile phone 40 that the accumulator needs to be recharged to fully correct the displayed time. Thus, the mobile phone can display information on the mobile phone's electronic display to the user. Alternatively, the timer will not perform any correction operation as long as the electrical energy level is insufficient to complete the correction operation. According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the mobile phone directly activates a recharge function to recharge the electrical accumulator 56 via an energy harvester 54 or via another energy harvesting device specialized in transferring energy from the mobile phone, for example by magnetic induction. 3) The timer uses the available energy in the accumulator 56 to perform only a partial correction of the displayed time, preferably notifying the mobile phone via a transmitter located within the timer that the correction performed is only partial and, optionally, that there is a remaining error that the logic circuit 60 can calculate. 4) The timer does not perform any correction operations and does not transmit any information (a simple alternative using a "dumb" timer).

[0029] If an electrical energy management system as described above does not exist, the timer can initiate the necessary correction operation if sufficient voltage is available, and this correction operation can be performed as long as the voltage supplied by the power supply circuit 58 is sufficient. In an advantageous alternative embodiment, in order to conserve the available electrical energy in the accumulator 56, the correction device is placed in standby mode when no operation to correct the displayed time is scheduled. If necessary, different parts of the correction module can be activated for different periods of time. Similarly, see below for control of the power supply of the correction device according to the present invention within the scope of another embodiment.

[0030] The electronic control unit 28A incorporated in the first embodiment of the timer 2 receives an external correction signal S Ext Digital correction signal S supplied by receiver 30A that receives the signal S Cor A control logic circuit 60 that receives a signal and a given frequency F SUP The system comprises a generating device 62 that generates a periodic digital signal having (the generating device 62 is called a "frequency generator", or simply frequency F) SUP (Also referred to as a "generator" in this context). The corrected overall time error T Err However, in the display, there is a delay in actual time (negative T). Err ) corresponds to or advances (positive T Err Depending on the corresponding condition, the control logic circuit 60 sends two control signals S1 to the frequency generator 62 and timer 63, respectively. R and S2 R, or one control signal S to send to timer 70 A Timers 63 and 70 are programmable and have an intended correction period, i.e., a period PR to correct the delay. Cor , and period PA for correcting the advance Cor It is used to measure the time error T. By definition, a lead corresponds to a positive error and a lag corresponds to a negative error. As mentioned above, logic circuits are used to correct the time error T. Err (Preferred alternative embodiment) receives either the time displayed by a timer at a given moment in time, or the corresponding accurate actual time provided by the time base of an external electronic device. In the second case, the logic circuit receives the time error T Err Calculate itself.

[0031] First, the configuration of the electronic control unit 28A for correcting the delay detected in the time display will be described, and then only the configuration of this unit for correcting the advance will be described.

[0032] In the case of a negative time error corresponding to a delay, according to the first delay correction mode, the present invention provides a series of periodic damping pulses at frequency F SUP The system provides that these periodic braking pulses are generated and applied to the oscillating resonator by the braking device 22, in particular by the actuator 22A. For this purpose, the control logic circuit 60 provides the signal S1 R The frequency generator 62 is activated via and the correction period PR Cor A timer 63 is activated which counts up to a time interval corresponding to or from that time interval, and whose duration (its value) is determined by a logic circuit (by definition, the expression "timer" includes timers that count up to a given time interval, in addition to timers that count down from a given time interval which are initially input into the timer).

[0033] In the alternative embodiment shown, when the frequency generator is activated, the frequency generator generates a periodic digital signal SFS frequency F SUP The output of timers 63 and 64 is provided to another timer 64 (the timer has a value Tp corresponding to the selected duration for the periodic damping pulse). The outputs of timers 63 and 64 are provided to an "AND" logic gate 65, which performs the intended correction period PR Cor During this time, via the "OR" logic gate 66, or the periodic activation signal S C1 A periodic activation signal S is transmitted to the braking device via any other switching circuit. C1 The periodic activation signal S is output to periodically activate the braking device 22. C1 The control signal S is used to correct for delays detected in the time displayed by the timer. Cmd Therefore, the braking device forms a correction period PR. Cor During this time, periodic damping pulses are set at frequency F. SUP The braking pulse is applied to the mechanical resonator, and its duration (value) depends on the delay to be corrected. As a general principle, braking pulses have the property of dissipating because some of the energy of the vibrating resonator dissipates during these braking pulses. In the main embodiment, as described above with reference to Figure 1 in the description of the timer 2, the mechanical braking torque is applied substantially by friction, specifically by a mechanical braking member that applies a constant pressure to the braking surface of the resonator, preferably a circular braking surface.

[0034] Preferably, in the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 1, the system formed by a mechanical resonator and a device for damping the resonator is configured such that the damping device can initiate a mechanical damping pulse at substantially any moment in the natural oscillation period of the oscillating resonator within the usable operating range of the oscillating resonator. In other words, one of the periodic damping pulses, particularly the first damping pulse occurring during the correction period, can begin at substantially any angular position of the oscillating resonator.

[0035] According to the disclosure in International Publication No. 2018 / 177779, which was cited earlier, the average frequency of the oscillating resonator is favorably determined by applying periodic damping pulses to the resonator, and setting the frequency F0. C The value obtained by dividing twice by a positive integer N, i.e., F FR =2·F0 C / N, corresponding to the braking frequency F FR By continuously applying the signal, precise adjustment is possible. Once a positive integer N is given, the damping frequency F FR The braking frequency F is proportional to and depends only on the setpoint frequency F0c for the mechanical resonator. During the synchronization phase, the braking torque applied by the braking pulses and the duration of these braking pulses are selected such that a braking pulse occurs when the mechanical resonator passes its furthest point in its oscillation, i.e., a reversal of the direction of the oscillation motion occurs between each braking pulse or at the end of each braking pulse, and the braking frequency F FR International Publication No. 2018 / 177779 discloses that after a transient phase occurs when a damping device that applies periodic damping pulses starts up, a synchronization phase is established during which the vibration of the mechanical resonator synchronizes on average to the setpoint frequency F0c. The latter solution occurs in particularly reliable and advantageous cases, in which the mechanical resonator is stopped by each damping pulse and then remains isolated by the damping device until this damping pulse ends.

[0036] Although of little interest, Patent Publication No. 2018 / 177779 describes a damping frequency F greater than twice the setpoint frequency (2F0). FR In particular, we have shown that synchronization can also be obtained for values ​​equal to M·F0, where M is an integer greater than 2 (M>2). FR In the alternative embodiment where =4·F0, the system simply loses energy and is ineffective during the synchronization phase because one of the pulses occurs at the neutral point of the resonator, which is unfavorable. FRRegarding this, in the synchronization phase, pulse pairs that do not occur at the furthest positions cancel each other's effects. Therefore, these are understood to be theoretical scenarios of little practical interest. Other damping frequencies may lead to synchronization of the resonator to a setpoint frequency, but it should be noted that the conditions for implementing the adjustment method are far more cumbersome and difficult to implement.

[0037] Within the scope of development in the origin of this invention, it has been emphasized that, using the remarkable phenomenon disclosed in International Publication No. 2018 / 177779, it is possible not only to continuously synchronize a resonator to its setpoint frequency, but also to vary the resonator's oscillation frequency in a determined manner within two frequency ranges located below and above the setpoint frequency, respectively. That is, a determined average frequency can be imposed on a mechanical resonator, which is different from the setpoint frequency, either greater or less, and by applying periodic damping pulses, the resonator can be synchronized to a frequency different from, but sufficiently close to, the setpoint frequency, thereby enabling the establishment of a synchronization phase between the oscillating resonator and the damping device, generating damping pulses at a frequency selected for this purpose, while simultaneously maintaining the oscillating resonator within a functional range to synchronize the operation of a timer. This invention proposes, using this remarkable discovery, to correct the time displayed by a timekeeping device by changing the operation of the mechanical clock movement under consideration, that is, by changing the frequency of the resonator that synchronizes the operation of the mechanism driving the indicator of the timekeeping device in question during a given correction period.

[0038] In particular, the first embodiment of the electronic control unit described herein provides for correcting a delay detected in a given time according to a first delay correction mode, in which the correction mode is a correction period PR Cor During this time, the vibrating resonator has a correction frequency FS greater than the setpoint frequency F0c. Cor It is synchronized to a given correction frequency F, similar to the case of synchronization to a setpoint frequency.Cor The braking frequency F Bra The following formula: F Bra =2·F Cor / N (where N is a positive integer) It has been shown that selecting a setting that satisfies this condition yields the best results for correction frequencies that are greater or less than the setpoint frequency.

[0039] Therefore, the periodic braking pulse has a braking frequency F. Bra Applied to a mechanical resonator, the damping frequency is advantageously the correction frequency F Cor This corresponds to the value obtained by dividing twice this value by a sufficiently small positive integer N, preferably. This equation is for a correction frequency F that is larger than the setpoint frequency. Cor =FS Cor For, and for a correction frequency F smaller than the setpoint frequency, Cor =FI Cor This is also effective for (the first lead correction mode, which occurs in another embodiment of the timer according to the present invention). Therefore, once a positive integer N is selected, the damping frequency F Bra The provided correction frequency F Cor It is proportional to and depends only on this correction frequency. The term "synchronization to a given frequency" is understood to mean synchronization on average with respect to this given frequency. This definition is important for numbers N greater than 2. For example, when N=6, as a result of the time difference generated by each damping pulse of the resonator's vibration, only one of the three vibrations undergoes a change in its duration with respect to the setpoint period T0c=1 / F0c (and therefore the natural / free vibration period T0=1 / F0).

[0040] Similar to synchronization to a setpoint frequency, in certain situations it is possible to use other damping frequencies to achieve synchronization to the desired correction frequency, but the damping frequency F Bra =2·F Cor The selection of / N is more effective and stable in terms of frequency F CorIt should be noted that this makes it possible to achieve synchronization to . In general, the mathematical equation that describes the relationship between the damping frequency and the correction frequency is F Bra =(p / q)·F Cor In the equation, p and q are two positive integers, and advantageously, the number q is greater than the number p. A person skilled in the art can experimentally produce a list of suitable decimals p / q and which conditions are appropriate (in particular which braking torques are appropriate).

[0041] It can be seen that damping pulses can be applied by a constant or non-constant couple (e.g., substantially a Gaussian or sinusoidal curve). The term “damping pulse” refers to the application of a momentary couple to the resonator that dampens the vibrating member (balance) of the resonator, i.e., counteracts the vibrational motion of this vibrating member. In the case of variable torque, the pulse duration is generally defined as the portion of the pulse that has a large couple for damping the resonator, specifically the portion where the couple is greater than half of the maximum value. It should be noted that damping pulses can exhibit large fluctuations. Damping pulses are constantly changing and may even form a series of shorter pulses. Generally, the duration of each damping pulse is provided to be less than half of the setpoint period T0c for the resonator, but advantageously less than a quarter of the setpoint period, preferably less than T0c / 8.

[0042] Figures 3 and 4 show the frequency F for a mechanical resonator with a setpoint frequency F0c = 4 Hz and vibration 72, respectively, when the natural frequency is F0 = 4.0005 Hz. INF =2·FI Cor FI Cor The first series of periodic damping pulses applied to the resonator at =0.99975·F0c=3.999Hz, and the frequency F when the natural frequency is F0=3.9995Hz. SUP =2·FS Cor , FS CorThe second series 76 of periodic damping pulses applied to the resonator at =1.00025·F0c=4.001Hz is shown. The lower figures of Figures 3 and 4 show the change in the vibration frequency of the resonator during the correction period, where the damping pulse has a frequency F INF or F SUP This is defined as the period applied to the resonator. Curve 78 shows the change with respect to the vibration frequency of the mechanical resonator during the first series 74 of periodic damping pulses to compensate for the advance detected in the indicated time, and the damping frequency F INF As a result, the correction frequency FI is given by the synchronization frequency. Cor This is obtained, which is smaller than the setpoint frequency F0c (first lead correction mode). Curve 80 shows the change with respect to the vibration frequency of the mechanical resonator during a second series 76 of periodic damping pulses to correct the delay detected in the indicated time, and the damping frequency F SUP As a result, the correction frequency FS is given by the synchronization frequency. Cor This is obtained, and it is greater than the setpoint frequency (first delay compensation mode).

[0043] The very short correction periods in FIGS. 3 and 4 are taken to show the whole of the correction period while clearly showing the vibration of the resonator and the periodic braking pulses in a graph giving the angular position of the resonator as a function of time. More specifically, in seconds, the expected correction is relatively small and in fact less than 1 second. Thus, for the correction frequencies selected in FIGS. 3 and 4, the correction is very small. Thus, since the natural frequency (natural / free frequency) of the vibrating resonator corresponds to a daily difference of approximately 10 seconds (advance or retard) per day, in this case it is within the standard range of a mechanical wristwatch, but the correction frequency is given for illustrative purposes only and is very close to the setpoint frequency compared to the correction frequencies normally provided to implement the first advance correction mode or retard correction mode. In conclusion, FIGS. 3 and 4 are given schematically only to show the behavior of the vibrating resonator when subjected to a series of periodic braking pulses at a correction frequency close to but different from the setpoint frequency and in the case of a natural frequency that causes a normal time drift. A more detailed and precise consideration regarding the expected correction frequency will be described later.

[0044] In two graphs showing the frequency curves 78 and 80, at the start of the correction period the transient phase PH Tr can be seen, during which the frequency changes, and after which, following the transient phase, during the synchronous phase PH Syn the frequencies stabilize at FI Cor or FS Cor respectively. In the two cases shown, the transient phase PH TrThe transient phase is relatively short (less than 2 seconds), and the frequency change occurs in the direction of the desired correction frequency. In the two cases shown, the average correction per unit time during the transient phase is approximately equal to the average correction that occurs during the synchronization phase. However, it should be noted that the transient phase can be longer, for example, 3 to 10 seconds, and the frequency change during the transient phase will vary depending on the case, thereby the average correction will be variable and undetermined, although in practice it will remain small. Figures 9 to 11 of International Publication No. 2018 / 177779 can be seen, in this document, that the transient phase for synchronizing the resonator from its natural frequency to a setpoint frequency F0c that is close to but different is longer. In Figure 10 of this document, it can be seen that when the setpoint frequency is greater than the natural frequency of the resonator, the vibration frequency initially decreases at the start of the transient phase, then increases and eventually exceeds the natural frequency, stabilizing at the setpoint frequency.

[0045] The duration of the transient phase and the frequency change during this transient phase depend on various factors, specifically the damping torque, pulse duration, initial amplitude of the vibration, and the moment the first damping pulse is applied in the vibration period. Therefore, it is difficult to control the time deviation from the setpoint frequency that results from the transient phase. For example, F Cor Assuming that =1.05·F0c=4.2Hz, and that the transient phase lasts for a maximum of 10 seconds, and that the average frequency during this transient phase is equal to F0c, then F Cor The absolute time deviation for is a maximum of 0.5 seconds. Therefore, this uncertainty causes a small error in the correction generated during the correction period, but this error is not negligible. To prevent such errors, a solution is described below. In the first embodiment of the electronic control unit, the correction period (duration) PR Cor However, the time error T that needs to be corrected... ErrWhen determined based on this, by defining this correction period as the period during which a series of periodic braking pulses are applied to the resonator at the intended braking frequency, and by applying the assumption that the oscillation frequency during the correction period is the oscillation frequency of the synchronization frequency, there will be, therefore, a small error that is expected in the resulting correction.

[0046] The synchronization frequency determines the correction frequency. By definition, the correction frequency F Cor is equal to the synchronization frequency. In the synchronization phase of the correction period, it can be seen that the duration of the braking pulse must be sufficient for the braking torque applied to the resonator to be able to stop the resonator during or at the end of each braking pulse (passage of the farthest angular position that defines its instantaneous amplitude). In the case of a synchronization frequency greater than the setpoint frequency for correcting the delay, the time interval during which the resonator remains stopped between braking pulses reduces the possible correction per unit time. Therefore, considering a certain safety margin, it is preferable to limit this time interval and shorten the correction period due to the larger synchronization frequency. It should be noted that the frequency of the braking pulse, the maintenance energy supplied to the resonator at each half-cycle of the oscillation of the resonator, and the value of the braking torque occur during the time interval required to bring the oscillating resonator to a stop. A person skilled in the art will know how to determine the braking torque and duration for the braking pulse, especially in an experimental manner or by simulation, in order to optimize the braking system for a given braking frequency and the resulting correction frequency. For a setpoint frequency of 2 Hz to 10 Hz, a braking torque in the range of 0.5 μNm to 50 μNm and a braking pulse in the range of 2 ms to 10 ms are generally considered to be appropriate as advantageous correction frequencies for practical use (these value ranges are given non-limitingly for illustrative purposes).

[0047] Based on the hypothesis described above, that is, when the synchronization frequency is applied over the entire correction period PR Cor the value of the correction period provided is the time error T to be corrected Err the setpoint frequency F0c, and the correction frequency FCor It can be determined based on the following: And the synchronization frequency determines the equal correction frequency, so the value of the correction period provided is also the time error T to be corrected. Err , setpoint frequency F0c, and damping frequency F Bra This can be determined based on the following: By definition, the displayed time advance corresponds to a positive error, while the delay corresponds to a negative error. The following formula was obtained to determine the value of the correction period: P Cor =T Err ·F0c / (F0c-F Cor )=2T Err ·F0c / (2F0c-N·F Bra )

[0048] In the first delay correction mode (negative error), the correction frequency F Cor =FS Cor P Cor The value is greater than F0c so that it is positive. In such cases, the damping frequency F Bra =F SUP Therefore, the following equation is obtained: PR Cor =T Err ·F0c / (F0c-FS Cor )=2T Err ·F0c / (2F0c-N·F SUP )

[0049] In the first lead correction mode (positive error), the correction frequency F Cor =FI Cor P Cor The value is smaller than F0c so that it is positive. In such cases, the damping frequency F Bra =F INF Therefore, the following equation is obtained: PA Cor =T Err ·F0c / (F0c-FI Cor )=2T Err ·F0c / (2F0c-N·F INF )

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, an external electronic device (mobile phone 40) has in memory the setpoint frequency for the mechanical resonator of the timer, and a higher frequency supplied to compensate for this delay (optionally, as a function of the delay value range), or receives these from the timer under consideration. Thus, in this alternative embodiment, the time compensation application implemented in the external electronic device is the value PR of the compensation period. Cor Determine the external correction signal S Ext This information can be transmitted to the timer via [a specific method]. In this alternative embodiment, the electronic control unit of the timer determines the time error T to be corrected. Err Based on this, no resources are required to calculate the values ​​for the correction period.

[0051] Following the general explanation that correction of the operation of a mechanical timekeeping device is obtained by a series of periodic damping pulses applied to its resonator, we can now return to the first embodiment of the timekeeping device according to the present invention. The electronic control unit 28A (Figure 2) receives the external correction signal S received by the receiver unit of the timekeeping device 2. Ext However, in order to address the indicated time delay that needs to be corrected, the periodic digital signal S provided by the frequency generator 62 is always used. FS Control signal S derived from C1 PR during the correction period Cor The braking device is supplied with power to activate the braking device 22, causing this braking device to generate a series of periodic braking pulses, which have a frequency F SUP It is configured to be applied to a resonator. The correction period (duration) is determined by the delay to be corrected, and therefore the number of periodic damping pulses in a series of periodic damping pulses is also determined by the delay to be corrected. Frequency F SUP Each of the series of periodic damping pulses can enter a first synchronization phase during the corresponding correction period, so that the vibration of the resonator synchronizes (by definition, "synchronizes on average") to a correction frequency FScor greater than the setpoint frequency F0c provided to the mechanical resonator, at frequency F SUP A braking device is provided and configured.

[0052] Referring to Figures 5 to 10, the following paragraphs relate to the braking pulse, specifically the braking frequency F. Bra and the corresponding correction frequency F Cor Several findings related to this are presented, which are advantageously considered for preferred alternative embodiments of the first lag correction mode, and further for preferred alternative embodiments of the first lead correction mode (which will be implemented in embodiments described later), and the lead detected in the indicated time is the frequency F already defined above. INF The braking pulses are corrected by a series of pulses, resulting in a correction frequency FI that is smaller than the setpoint frequency F0c, as defined above. Cor It is intended to become that.

[0053] Figure 5 shows the first part of the correction period, and the correction frequency FS Cor There is a relatively large ratio between =3.5Hz and the setpoint frequency F0c=3.0Hz (which is substantially equal to the natural frequency of the resonator when it is freely oscillating, as shown by vibration 82), i.e., ratio RS=FS Cor / F0c = 3.5 / 3.0 = 1.167. Damping frequency F Bra =F SUP =2·FS Cor A damping pulse 84 having a frequency of =7.0Hz (in the case of N=1) and a sufficient damping couple is applied to the mechanical resonator, and the transient phase PH Tr In this case, if the amplitude of the vibration 86 of the vibrating resonator is sufficiently reduced and can eventually be stopped between each damping pulse, the corresponding correction frequency, i.e., FS Cor A frequency of 3.5 Hz can be applied to this resonator relatively quickly. In the given embodiment, the desired synchronization is achieved after just 1 second, but the oscillation stabilizes in phase PH. St Synchronized Phase PH Syn This occurs at the beginning. In the shown case, the amplitude increases again during the stabilization phase and eventually stabilizes at an amplitude corresponding to about 1 / 3 of the initial amplitude of the free resonator.

[0054] A demonstrator (a prototype of the timer according to the present invention) was fabricated for the case shown in Figure 5. A mechanical resonator was subjected to periodic damping pulses at frequency F. SUP By applying a pulse of 7.0 Hz, a 7-hour advance was obtained on the timekeeping indicator with great precision for a 6-hour correction period. Thus, in 6 hours of actual time, it was exactly 1 hour "advanced". Such a result opens the way to a method of correcting the time indicated by the indicator, which differs from the correction performed on the indicator's time drift, which is a result of the inaccuracy of a freely operating (i.e., no damping pulses) resonator. Thus, as can be seen from another embodiment described below, the present invention makes it possible to correct the 1-hour jump that occurs with seasonal time changes (in particular, with respect to the change from standard time to daylight saving time, in which statutory time is advanced). Correction for time zone changes that may occur during travel can also be considered.

[0055] Figure 6 shows the free vibration 82A of the mechanical resonator and the first vibration 86A of the resonator during the synchronization phase of the correction period, with the correction frequency FS Cor A first vibration 86A in which the ratio RS between and the setpoint frequency F0c is relatively small (i.e., relatively close to "1"), and a second vibration 86B of this resonator in the synchronization phase of the correction period, with the correction frequency FS Cor The second oscillation 86B is shown, where the ratio RS between the first oscillation and the setpoint frequency F0c is relatively large (i.e., relatively far from "1"). The first oscillation 86A arises from a series of relatively low-intensity periodic damping pulses 84A, occurring once per oscillation period (this is N=2, F SUP =FS Cor (This corresponds to the case of...). However, the second oscillation 86B arises from a series of relatively high-intensity periodic damping pulses 84B, occurring once every half-period of the oscillation (this is when N=1, i.e., F SUP =2·FS Cor (This corresponds to the case of...)

[0056] By appropriately selecting the braking torque and braking frequency, the correction frequency is set to compensate for the displayed time delay, with a setpoint frequency F0c and a specific higher frequency FSC.max It can be continuously changed between and to correct the displayed time advance, with a setpoint frequency F0c and a specific lower frequency FIC. max It can be seen that it can be continuously changed between these two values. Higher frequency FSC max and lower frequency FIC max These are not values ​​that can be easily calculated theoretically. They must be determined in practice for each timer. This information is of interest but not essential. What is important is that a braking frequency is selected and that the available braking torque is appropriate to generate a synchronization phase during each correction period, preferably very quickly, during which the mechanical resonator can oscillate at the correction frequency provided by the mathematical equations described above without its oscillation stopping (i.e., the resonator must not stop in such a way that it cannot be restarted from its stop position, which would cause the indicator's drive mechanism to stop).

[0057] Figure 6 shows the safe angle θ. Sec This indicates that, in absolute terms, below this value, the mechanical resonator is prevented from stopping (i.e., -θ). Sec ~θ Sec Therefore, beyond that point, the amplitude in absolute value must be maintained, at least after the stabilization phase, during the synchronization phase. Beneficial for the operation of a mechanical resonator, angle θ Sec is, angle θ ZI (See Figure 10) equal to, or preferably, an angle θ ZI Larger than, angle θ ZI This corresponds to the coupling angle between the resonator and its associated escapement on both sides of the resonator's neutral position and is determined by the angular position of the coupling pin supported by the balance plate when the resonator is in its resting position or passing through that resting position. To stop the mechanical resonator during the damping pulse, the coupling zone (-θ) of the mechanical resonator with the escapement is determined. ZI ~θ ZI) is therefore declared a “forbidden zone” (it is understood that while braking is possible in this forbidden zone during the transient phase, the resonator is prevented from stopping in this forbidden zone). Within the usable range of operation of the resonator, in order to maintain the correct operation of the escapement and to ensure the unlock phase in particular, a safety angle θ is set. Sec The bond angle θ ZI It should be noted that it may need to be larger than . Those skilled in the art will know that for each mechanical movement associated with the compensating device according to the first embodiment, the safety angle θ Sec It should be possible to determine the value for the connection angle θ. ZI This can vary depending on the mechanical movement, especially between 22° and 28°.

[0058] It is important that the resonator is not shut off in the angle safety zone during the delay compensation period. This is because, during this delay compensation period, the passage time must continue to be counted via the escapement (i.e., the timing of the operation of the time indicator's drive mechanism). Therefore, in a very advantageous form, the aforementioned frequency F SUP The duration of the periodic damping pulses is selected such that, during the aforementioned synchronization phase of the correction period within the range of the first delay correction mode, each periodic damping pulse occurs outside the coupling zone with the escapement of the oscillating mechanical resonator, preferably outside the safety zone defined for the mechanical movement. This is within the range of the first advance correction mode, the aforementioned frequency F SUP This also applies when selecting the duration of the periodic braking pulse.

[0059] To guide those skilled in the art regarding the selection of correction frequencies and corresponding damping frequencies, a mathematical model was created based on the equations of motion of a mechanical oscillator. To determine the maximum positive and negative corrections, the resonator is assumed to be in a synchronous and stable phase. Furthermore, a simplification is introduced with respect to the sustaining force, assumed to be of type cos(ωt), which is applied to the resonator by the energy source via the escapement. This simplification assumes that all the energy supplied to the resonator is within the aforementioned forbidden zone θZI It should be noted that this is practical because it reduces the maximum value compared to the actual case that occurs. Finally, in the equation of motion given below, equation F Cor =N·F Bra The safe angle θ in 1 / 2 half-periods corresponds to the number N selected by / 2. Sec The value of the time T at which the resonator reaches Sec The reciprocal of is the damping frequency F. Bra By defining this, the duration of the braking pulse is assumed to be very short and therefore isolated.

[0060] Depending on whether the time error to be corrected is negative (lagging) or positive (leading), a damping pulse is given at time t=0 to determine the maximum correction, and therefore the minimum or maximum period, and during the damping pulse the oscillator is at a safe angle θ. Sec It is stopped at. Furthermore, in a stable synchronization phase, the resonator is provided with a safety angle (-1) in a time range given by the fact that the correction frequency is provided to be greater than or less than the setpoint frequency F0c in order to correct for lag or lead by value N, and to correct for lag or lead by setting the correction frequency to be greater than or less than the setpoint frequency F0c. N )·θ Sec Therefore, the subsequent braking pulse must be stopped as quickly as possible, or as slowly as possible.

[0061] In such cases, the equation of motion is given by:

[0062]

number

[0063] Here, τ = Q·T0 / π, where T0 is the free oscillation period (assumed to be equal to T0c = 1 / F0c in the calculation), and θ0 is the amplitude of the free oscillation.

[0064] Therefore, it can be understood that the quality factor Q of a mechanical resonator is included in the equation of motion.

[0065] Correction frequency FS is greater than the setpoint frequency F0c. Cor To obtain T Sec This must occur in the half-period after the resonator has passed its neutral / resting position. Therefore, for a given N, we obtain: θ(T Sec )=-1 N θ Sec Here,

[0066]

number

[0067] That is the case.

[0068] The maximum braking frequency is FSB max (N) = 1 / T Sec , and the maximum correction frequency is FSC max (N) = N·FSB max It is / 2.

[0069] Correction frequency FI is less than the setpoint frequency F0c. Cor To obtain T Sec This must occur in the half-period before the resonator passes its neutral / resting position. Therefore, for a given N, we obtain: θ(T Sec )=-1 N θ Sec Here,

[0070]

number

[0071] That is the case.

[0072] The minimum braking frequency is FIB min (N) = 1 / T Sec , and the minimum correction frequency is FIC min = N·FIB min It is / 2.

[0073] Figures 7A and 7B show RS max (N=1)=FSC max (N=1) / F0c, and RS max (N=2)=FSC max The curve (N=2) / F0c is shown as a function of the amplitude θ0 of the free vibration of the mechanical resonator for various quality factors Q of this mechanical resonator. The smaller the quality factor, the lower the ratio RS. max It can be seen that (N) is large.

[0074] Figure 8 shows the quality factor Q = 100, free amplitude θ0 = 300°, and safety angle θ Sec For a resonator having =25°, the setpoint frequency F0c and various corresponding N values ​​can be considered to be within the range of the first lag correction mode, and in a larger range of correction frequencies, the values ​​"1" and RS max The ratio between (N) and RS = FS Cor This indicates / F0c.

[0075] Figure 9 shows the quality factor Q = 100, free amplitude θ0 = 300°, and safety angle θ Sec For a resonator having =25°, the correction frequency is smaller for a setpoint frequency F0c and various corresponding N values, which can be considered to be within the range of the first lead correction mode, RI max The ratio RI = FI between (N) and the value "1". Cor / F0c indicates.

[0076] As mentioned above, the ranges given in Figures 8 and 9 are the results of a simplified theoretical model. It can be seen that the maximum correction frequency and the corresponding minimum correction frequency depend on several parameters. These figures show the reality well for mechanical movements with appropriately standard characteristics. However, for each given mechanical movement, if one attempts to approach the limit value in order to make a large correction over a relatively short correction period, a limit value must be defined.

[0077] After describing in detail the configuration of the electronic control unit and the operation of the correction device of the first embodiment of the timer according to the present invention for correcting the time delay displayed by the timer, the configuration of the electronic control unit according to this first embodiment for correcting the advance of the displayed time using a second advance correction mode will be described here.

[0078] To enable the implementation of a second lead correction mode, the timekeeper is equipped with a device for blocking the mechanical resonator. Generally, within the range of the second lead correction mode, the electronic control unit is then configured to supply a control signal to the blocking device when an external correction signal received by the receiving unit corresponds to a displayed time advance to be corrected, the control signal activates the blocking device so that it blocks the vibration of the mechanical resonator during the correction period, and the correction period is determined by the advance to be corrected so that the operation of the aforementioned drive mechanism is stopped during this correction period.

[0079] In the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the timer 2 includes a braking device 22, which is also used to implement a first delay correction mode, and a cutoff device formed in particular by a piezoelectric actuator 22A. The external correction signal S received by the receiver unit 30 Ext However, when correcting for an advance in the displayed time, the logic circuit 60 of the electronic control unit 28A (Figure 2) sends a control signal S to the programmable timer 70. A Therefore, this timer 70 provides a correction period PA via the "OR" gate 66 or other switches. Cor Signal S for activating the braking device 22 over time C2 It generates a signal, and the duration of that signal corresponds to the advance T that needs to be corrected. Err It is substantially equal to the periodic activation signal S. C2 is the control signal S Cmd Forms the activation signal S. C2 This lasts for a relatively long period, i.e., substantially the entire correction period PA Cor =T ErrDuring this time, it is understood that the damping device 22 controls the mechanical resonator in the cutoff mode. For this purpose, the voltage supplied by the power supply circuit 26 between the two electrodes of the piezoelectric strip 24 may therefore be different from the voltage provided to generate periodic damping pulses to compensate for the lag. This voltage is selected so that the damping force applied to the mechanical resonator can stop the mechanical resonator, preferably very rapidly, and continue to cut off the mechanical resonator until the compensation period ends.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric strip 24 is variable during the correction period. For example, a higher voltage may be provided at the beginning of the correction period, which is selected to rapidly stop the resonator, particularly during the half-period of the resonator's oscillation when the correction period begins, and the voltage can subsequently be reduced to a value that is still sufficient to keep the resonator stopped, although it is lower. Advantageously, the voltage is such that the resulting braking force is within the prohibited angle zone (-θ) described above. ZI ~θ ZI The mechanical resonator is selected so as not to be stopped in the angle safety zone (-θ). For this purpose, the braking torque is selected so as to be strong enough to stop the resonator and shut it off at any angular stop position, and so as to be weak enough to prevent the resonator from stopping in the no-go angle zone. Preferably, the resonator is positioned within the angle safety zone (-θ) described above. Sec ~θ Sec This prevents the system from stopping. The above conditions are important when the resonator is not self-starting. Generally, it is sufficient for the resonator to be able to reliably restart at the end of the correction period.

[0081] According to one particular alternative embodiment in which the resonator is reliably and rapidly stopped outside the angular safety zone described above, a preparatory phase is provided that occurs before the correction period in which the resonator is shut off (i.e., where the resonator remains stopped after being rapidly stopped at the beginning of the correction period). During the preparatory phase, the first lag correction mode available in the first embodiment is used. It is clear that in the synchronization phase of the first correction mode described herein, the passage of the furthest angular position occurs between each damping pulse. Thus, the damping pulse is synchronized with the passage of the mechanical resonator through one of its two furthest angular positions, each of these passages defining the beginning of a half-cycle. This can be taken advantage of by activating the frequency generator 62 during the preparatory phase, and although the preparatory phase has a relatively short duration, the resonator reaches frequency FS Cor It is intended to be sufficient to establish a synchronized phase that is synchronized with the other phase. The pre-phase ends, for example, during the final braking pulse, immediately followed by a compensation period, after which the braking device is activated in cutoff mode. Thus, the resonator is cut off outside the angular safety zone. The braking torque for the pre-phase may differ from that used to compensate for the delay as described above.

[0082] The frequency behavior at the beginning of a series of periodic damping pulses during the transient phase can vary depending on the circumstances, making it virtually impossible to determine the error generated by the pre-phase. However, it is possible to estimate the maximum error. For example, frequency F SUP = 1.05·F0c (30-second correction over 10 minutes), and if the duration of the preparatory phase is 10 seconds (the selected duration is greater than the duration of any transient phases that may occur), the maximum error can be estimated to be equal to 0.5 seconds (half a second). While such an error is not negligible for a mechanical movement, this error is relatively small, as conventional mechanical movements generally have a daily variation in the range of 0 to 5-10 seconds.

[0083] Referring to Figure 10, a second embodiment of the timekeeping device according to the present invention will be described, which differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the interruption device, thereby advantageously making it possible to implement a second mode for correcting advances in the time indicator associated with the mechanical movement of the timekeeping device. This mechanical movement 92 comprises a conventional escapement 94 formed by a pallet wheel 95 and a pallet lever 96 that can oscillate between two pegs 95. The pallet lever has a fork 97 between the horns, which is usually inserted every half period, and a pin 98 also forms the escapement, supported by a plate 100, which is integral with or formed integrally with the staff 102 of a mechanical resonator balance 104 (partially shown) (i.e., the staff is machined to have a longitudinal contour to define the plate). The plate 100 is circular and centered on the central axis of the staff 102, which defines the axis of rotation of the balance 104.

[0084] The timer includes a cutoff device 106, which is separate from a braking device 22A (Figure 1) used to compensate for lag. Thus, this cutoff device is dedicated to implementing a second lead correction mode. The cutoff device is formed by an electromechanical actuator, specifically by a piezoelectric actuator of the same type as described with reference to Figure 1. According to the alternative embodiment shown, the actuator comprises a flexible piezoelectric strip 24A, to which voltage is supplied by a power supply circuit 26A to its two electrodes. The strip 24A has a projection 107 at its free end that forms a stud, which is located on the plate 100 side. The strip extends in a direction parallel to the tangent to the circumference of the plate, in a short distance from this circular circumference. The plate has a through cavity 108 that is radially open from the periphery of the plate, and its contour in the overall plane of the plate is provided such that the stud 107 can be housed therein when the stud 107 is positioned angularly to this cavity and when the piezoelectric actuator 106 is activated. According to the alternative embodiment shown, the cavity 108 is located opposite the pin 98 along its diameter, and the stud is positioned angularly at the pin's zero position (i.e., the angular position of the pin when the resonator is at rest or passing through its neutral position). This zero angular position of the pin typically defines the zero angular position of the balance 104, and therefore the mechanical resonator, in a fixed angular coordinate system with respect to the mechanical movement 92 and around the axis of rotation of the balance.

[0085] In an equivalent alternative embodiment, the cavity can be configured at a different angle to the pin, for example, 90°, and thus the actuator 106 is positioned around the plate such that the stud 107 is on the opposite side of the cavity along the diameter when the resonator is stationary. Thus, when the piezoelectric actuator is activated, regardless of the half-period and angular position, the stud will enter the cavity when the resonator is at an angular position substantially equal to 180° in absolute terms (this is precisely the case when the balance phases are aligned, i.e., when the resonator is stationary and the pin is aligned with the respective centers of rotation of the balance and the pallet lever). The value of 180° is clearly outside the safety zone (greater than the safety angle defined above), and the value is typically smaller than the amplitude range of a mechanical resonator corresponding to its usable operating range.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the advantageous alternative embodiment shown in Figure 10, the side walls of the cavity 108 are parallel to the radius passing through the center of the cavity and to the axis of rotation of the balance. In the equivalent alternative embodiment, these side walls are radial. Similarly, the stud 107 has two side walls perpendicular to the main plane of the plate, and the side walls are parallel to the radius passing through the center of the balance and to the axis of rotation of the balance, or, in the equivalent alternative embodiment, substantially radial with respect to the axis of rotation. Thanks to this configuration, when the stud 107 is inserted into the cavity 108 and thus the cavity functions as a housing for the stud, the stud blocks the rotation of the plate 100 and therefore the balance 104 by a substantially tangential force, the direction of which is substantially parallel to the overall longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric strip 24A. When actuator 106 is activated, the end of the strip holding the stud 107 is subjected to a substantially radial displacement with respect to the axis of rotation of the balance, and thus the stud can at this point either apply an essentially radial force to the circular outer surface of plate 100 as a function of the angular position of the balance, or at least partially enter the cavity 108. The actuator only needs to be configured such that, when the actuator is activated, the stud receives a displacement sufficient to insert into the cavity if the cavity is positioned at an angular position substantially corresponding to the angular position of the stud (in an angular coordinate system fixed to the stud).

[0087] If the cavity is not facing the stud when the proximal surface of the stud reaches the circular circumference of the plate, a relatively small frictional force may be applied when the stud comes into contact with the circular outer surface of the plate at the start of the correction period, i.e., after the actuator is activated. Thus, it can be ensured that the amplitude of the resonator does not decrease significantly during the initial damping caused by the stud applying a radial force against this circular outer surface. Furthermore, if the stud is inserted into the cavity while the cavity is positioned facing the stud, the radial force applied to the plate by the piezoelectric strip may be very small or zero. Thus, the electrical energy required to shut off the resonator during the correction period may be relatively small, and may be much smaller than in the case of the first embodiment.

[0088] When the timekeeping device receives an external correction signal corresponding to the correction of a time advance detected in the time indicator, the control logic circuit transmits a control signal S over a period substantially equal to the time error to be corrected, similar to that described above within the scope of the first embodiment. C2 The deactivation device 106 is activated in the same manner as the operation method of the first embodiment by supplying the braking device with power. Thanks to the configuration of a cavity in a circular plate centered on the axis of rotation of the resonator, and an actuator having a corresponding portion, preferably narrower than the cavity, configured to be capable of substantially radial movement between a non-interacting position corresponding to a state not supplied by the actuator and a position interacting with the balance of the resonator corresponding to a state supplied by the actuator, the activation of the deactivation device 106 can be initiated at any time, regardless of the angular position of the resonator and the direction of the vibrational motion (and thus, without depending on the current half-period of the two half-periods that form each vibrational period). This is highly advantageous.

[0089] Finally, with respect to a second embodiment, the electromechanical actuator may be of a different type than that shown in Figure 10. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the actuator may comprise a ferromagnetic or magnetized core that can be displaced by the effect of the magnetic field generated by the coil. In particular, this core is collinear with the coil and has at least an end extending from the coil when the actuator is activated, this end forming a finger configured to be inserted into the cavity of the plate, and this finger in particular having a terminal portion in the form of a stud 107. In a preferred alternative embodiment, the actuator is a bistable actuator. The actuator supply is advantageously maintained while the actuator is activated and moves from a non-interacting position to an interacting position until the stud enters at least partially into the cavity 108. Such an alternative embodiment is of particular interest because the actuator should not apply any blocking force by applying radial pressure to the resonator balance element at the two stable positions of the actuator, corresponding to the provided non-interacting and interacting positions, respectively. In this preferred alternative embodiment, power consumption may be very small regardless of the duration of the correction period, which is very advantageous.

[0090] Referring to Figure 11, a third embodiment of the timekeeping device according to the present invention will be described, which differs in nature from the first embodiment by the configuration of the interruption device, which advantageously allows for the implementation of a second mode for correcting the advance in the time indicator associated with the mechanical movement of the timekeeping device. References already made with reference to Figures 1 and 2 will not be described in detail again here. Similar to the second embodiment, the timekeeping device 112 according to the third embodiment includes an interruption device 114, which is separate from a braking device 22B used to correct the delay. The braking device 22B is similar to and operates similarly to the braking device 22A described above, i.e., the braking device 22B is adapted to implement the first delay correction mode, as described in detail above. The braking device 22B includes a power supply unit 26B, which is partially shared with the power supply of the interruption device 114 and the control signal SC1 The timer receives a piezoelectric strip 24B within a bracket-shaped portion, which, in a possible alternative configuration, is provided to allow for easier placement of the piezoelectric strips 24B and 25 forming the interruption device on the same surface of the support of the shared power supply unit 26B. However, other alternative embodiments may provide the same braking device as shown in Figure 1, in particular, where the power supply circuit is completely separate from the power supply circuit of the interruption device.

[0091] The isolation device 114 is noteworthy for at least two reasons. Firstly, without requiring any modifications, and especially without requiring any specific machining as in the second embodiment, the isolation device acts on the conventional mechanical resonator 14. Furthermore, the isolation device is a bistable element; that is, the isolation element has two stable positions, in this case the isolation element is a lever 115. The isolation device is configured such that the first of the two stable positions of the lever corresponds to a position in which it does not interact with the balance 16, while the second of these two stable positions corresponds to a position in which it locks the resonator via a radial force applied to the outer edge 20 of the balance by the strip 116 forming the lever 115. The strip 116 pivots about an axis formed by the mechanical movement 4A (in another alternative embodiment, the lever is configured on a support whose pivot axis is separate from the mechanical movement and belongs to a compensating module). In the alternative embodiment, this axis is formed by a fixed peg, and the annular end of the strip 116 is attached around the fixed peg. This strip is rigid or semi-rigid, and slight flexibility may be advantageous.

[0092] The strip 116 is associated with a particular magnetic system that gives the lever 115 and, therefore, the bistable nature of the shut-off device 114. The magnetic system comprises a first magnet 118 supported by the strip and therefore fixed to and rotating with the strip; a second magnet 119 configured to be fixed inside or to the mechanical movement; and a small ferromagnetic plate 120 configured between the first and second magnets at a fixed short distance from the second magnet 119, or against the second magnet 119 (for example, the small plate is bonded to this magnet, and therefore only an adhesive layer separates the magnet from the small plate).

[0093] The first magnet 118 and the second magnet 119 have opposite magnetic polarities, and their respective magnetic axes are substantially aligned. Therefore, in the absence of the small ferromagnetic plate, these two magnets would always exert a repulsive force on each other, and if there were no force outside the magnetic system, the lever would either remain in a position where the strip abuts against the peg 124 and its rotation is restricted, or always return to that position. However, thanks to the configuration of the small ferromagnetic plate, the magnetic force acting between the two magnets is reversed. More specifically, when the moving magnet 118 moves from its distant position to a closer position (as shown in Figure 11), the repulsive force decreases as the moving magnet moves closer to the small ferromagnetic plate, then cancels out and eventually reverses. Therefore, when the moving magnet 118 is positioned very close to or opposite the small ferromagnetic plate 120, this moving magnet is subjected to a magnetic attractive force. This remarkable physical phenomenon is described in detail in Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 711889 (Patent Document 2), which further includes several applications in horology.

[0094] The lever 114 is configured to take two stable positions when there is no external force on the magnetic system of the shielding device. The first stable position is a non-interacting position, where the strip 116 is in contact with the peg 124, and therefore the moving magnet 118 is exposed to a magnetic repulsive force that holds the lever relative to this peg. The second stable position is an interacting position, where the strip 116 is in contact with the outer edge 20 of the balance 16, and therefore the moving magnet 118 is exposed to a magnetic repulsive force that holds the lever relative to this outer edge. A small ferromagnetic plate 120 is configured to apply a radial force that shields the strip from the balance 16 and therefore from the resonator 14 when the lever is in its second stable position. For the strip to apply a shielding force against the outer surface of the outer edge 20, the surface of the small plate 120 facing the moving magnet 118 must be slightly recessed relative to the proximal surface of the moving magnet when the strip 116 is in contact with the outer edge. If the strip is semi-rigid and therefore has a certain degree of flexibility, the moving magnet can eventually come into contact with the proximal surface of a small ferromagnetic plate, but in this case, the strip is bent.

[0095] To displace the bistable lever 115 in both directions between its two stable positions, the tripping device includes a device for acting on the lever. This actuation device 126 is controlled by the logic circuit of the electronic control unit via its power supply circuit, and the electronic control unit controls the control signal S C2 The signal is received. It is worth noting in this embodiment that the interruption force applied by the interruption device originates not from the power supply to the interruption device, but from the magnetic system forming the interruption device. Therefore, for the second lead correction mode, the interruption device requires power only at the beginning and end of the interruption period while switching the bistable lever between its two stable states.

[0096] For illustrative purposes only, the actuation device 126 is formed by a piezoelectric device comprising a piezoelectric strip 25, which can be bent in both directions from its resting position (non-activated position) between two electrodes having positive and negative electrical polarity, respectively, by applying a voltage supplied by a power supply circuit 26B. The lever 115 comprises a fork 122 defining a cavity, within which the free end of the piezoelectric strip 25 is housed. The width of the cavity is preferably provided such that the width of the cavity is greater than the free end of the strip 25, and the strip is configured such that the strip contacts the first side wall of the cavity when the bistable lever is in a first stable position, and contacts the second side wall of the cavity when the bistable lever is in a second stable position. By adjusting the width of the cavity, the piezoelectric strip 25 can be manufactured to be substantially straight, i.e., without bending in the two stable positions of the lever. However, taking into account the path taken by the end of the piezoelectric strip, it may be advantageous to leave a slight bend in the absence of voltage applied by the power supply unit, as shown in the figure.

[0097] In one advantageous alternative embodiment, the lever actuation device is formed by an electromagnet-coil system, where the magnet is specifically fastened to the lever, and the coil is fastened to the lever support in a manner substantially aligned with the magnet. Depending on the polarity of the voltage applied to the coil, the lever is subjected to magnetic attraction or repulsion, thus allowing the lever to be easily moved in both directions, from one of two stable positions to the other.

[0098] In another alternative embodiment that produces the same physical phenomenon and therefore the same desired effect, a small ferromagnetic plate 120 is configured to be firmly connected to the moving magnet 118. Finally, another alternative embodiment provides a combination of the second and third embodiments. For this purpose, the lever strip is provided with a stud projecting toward the outer edge 20 in the area where contact with the outer edge is made, the outer edge having a cavity along its overall circular circumference. Those skilled in the art will know how to configure the shut-off device such that, as a result, the first stable position of the shut-off device is a non-interacting position and the second stable position is an interacting position, the stud is at least partially inserted into the cavity, and when the lever is actuated by the actuating device, the stud initially applies a total dynamic dry friction to the outer surface of the outer edge, and before penetrating the cavity, while the cavity is facing the stud during balance oscillation, it moves from the first stable position to the second stable position at the beginning of the lead correction period.

[0099] A fourth embodiment of the timer is described below with reference to Figures 1 and 12. This fourth embodiment is a preferred embodiment that substantially differs from the first embodiment as a result of its lead correction mode, as well as several extensions and alternative forms for some units of the correction device 132.

[0100] First, the receiver unit 30B of the correction device is a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) unit. Next, the power supply unit 130 to the correction device is more advanced than the alternative configuration shown in the first embodiment (Figure 2). The energy harvester is a solar cell 54A, specifically located on the dial, or the bezel holding the glass protecting the dial. This dial forms part of the time display as a whole. Furthermore, a photodiode 136 is provided, which receives an external correction signal S supplied by an external electronic device. ExtBased on this, the timer receives an optical signal to activate a correction device, supplied by an external electronic device, particularly a mobile phone 40, so as to start / initiate a cycle of correcting the displayed time (in other words, to start the method for correcting the displayed time implemented inside the correction device 132).

[0101] The power supply unit 130 includes a circuit 134 for managing the power supply to the correction device 132. This circuit can receive various information from the electrical accumulator 56, and when the photodiode 136 receives a specific optical signal from the mobile phone 40, it receives a wake-up signal S W-UP The signal is received from the photodiode 136. Various measures known to those skilled in the art can be taken to prevent the photodiode from transmitting unwanted wake-up signals to the correction device. In particular, a specific narrow frequency band can be selected. Furthermore, the optical signal can be coded, in particular by modulating the intensity of the light, so that the photodiode 136 or the control circuit 134 can be configured to determine whether the logic code corresponding to this modulation is actually related to the intended wake-up signal. Once the control circuit 134 receives a valid wake-up signal, the control circuit detects the available energy level in the accumulator 56. As in the first embodiment, if the energy level is insufficient to complete the correction method, the control circuit can take various actions. In particular, the control circuit can activate the BLE unit and send a message to the mobile phone via the BLE unit so that this external device provides this information to the user via an electronic display. In this case, the control circuit can remain in standby mode to receive an electrical energy supply via the solar cell or other energy harvesting also provided, or it can start the correction cycle as far as possible, knowing that there is a risk that the cycle cannot be completed properly due to insufficient available energy.

[0102] If the available energy level is sufficient for the correction cycle, the control circuit 134, in the first alternative embodiment, first receives the external correction signal S Ext The BLE unit that is holding the signal is activated. The BLE unit typically has resources to check whether an external signal received at the correct frequency is in the standard format, but it may be necessary to activate the control logic circuit 60A to analyze the received signal to determine whether the signal was received at the correct frequency and has the correct format. In this case, the analysis is performed using the digital correction signal S Cor This is an analysis of the digital correction signal S. Cor This indicates, if necessary, that the received signal is not appropriate or incomplete. Therefore, in a second alternative embodiment, the management circuit directly activates the BLE unit and control logic circuit, but preferably does not activate other elements of the correction device. If the correction signal is not received or is not received correctly, the management circuit 134 can, in an alternative embodiment, notify the mobile phone of this (directly or via the control logic circuit 60A) (therefore the control logic circuit 60A must be activated for notification) and return to a “standby” mode to wait for a new external correction signal within a further time period or to hold a new wake-up signal. In another alternative embodiment, where the timer has electronic or electromechanical means to give a signal visible to the user, the management circuit 134 may use this means to notify the user that the management circuit 134 is unable to perform correction because it has not received or has not received an external correction signal correctly.

[0103] In the first alternative embodiment described above, the BLE unit receives an external correction signal S Ext If the digital signal S is received at the correct frequency and in the correct format, the BLE unit activates at least one control logic circuit 60A and supplies the digital correction signal to the control logic circuit 60A for analysis and continuation of the correction cycle. Cor This includes expected time information, particularly the time error T that needs to be corrected. ErrIf the information includes mathematical symbols "+ / -" indicating whether a lag or lead should be corrected (since this last piece of information is binary, a single bit may be provided for this purpose), the control circuit 134 activates the power supply circuit 26C for the entire correction device and the braking device.

[0104] The fourth embodiment is characterized by an implementation of a first lag correction mode similar to that of the first embodiment, and by an implementation of a first lead correction mode described above but not implemented in the first embodiment, so that any correction provided herein is performed by a series of periodic braking pulses during the correction period. One main alternative embodiment provides all braking pulses having the same duration Tp. Thus, only one timer 64 is required to determine the duration of the braking pulses, which in the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 12 is configured within the power supply circuit 26C. This timer receives an activation / operation signal S from a switch 138 placed between a voltage source 140 and a braking member 24C acting on the balance. Act The braking member 24C is similar to, for example, the piezoelectric strip of another embodiment shown for the first embodiment (Figure 1). Thus, the switch 138 controls the power supply to the actuator forming the braking device. The timer 64 receives the first control signal S1 from the switching device 66A. Cmd Upon receiving the signal, the switching device is controlled by logic circuit 60A, and as a result, the first control signal is transmitted at three different frequencies F. SUP F INF Three periodic digital signals S are provided, each having F0c, and F0c respectively. FS S FI , and S F0c It is selectively formed by one of the periodic digital signals. The periodic digital signal periodically resets the timer to a selected frequency, and in response, the timer momentarily conducts switch 138, generating a series of periodic damping pulses at this selected frequency, thereby periodically activating the actuator over a duration Tp.

[0105] If the digital correction signal indicates that the time error corresponds to a delay to be corrected, or if the control logic circuit itself has determined such a time error to be corrected based on the information contained in the external correction signal, then the logic circuit 60A will set the selected frequency F SUP As a function of the corresponding correction period PR Cor or frequency F during the current correction cycle SUP Determine the number of periodic damping pulses generated. To achieve this, the logic circuit uses the above formula for this calculation. A correction frequency FS greater than the setpoint frequency. Cor The frequency F that brings about this SUP To apply a series of damping pulses, the logic circuit uses the frequency generator 62 described above to send a periodic digital signal S via a switch 66A controlled by a control logic circuit for this purpose. FS frequency F SUP Provided to Timer 64.

[0106] If the digital correction signal indicates that the time error corresponds to an advance that needs to be corrected, or if the control logic circuit itself has determined such a time error to be corrected based on the information contained in the external correction signal, then the logic circuit 60A will set the selected frequency F INF As a function of the corresponding correction period PA Cor or during the current correction cycle, the frequency F defined above. INF Determine the number of periodic damping pulses generated. To achieve this, the logic circuit uses the above formula for this calculation. A correction frequency FI smaller than the setpoint frequency. Cor The frequency F that brings about this INF To apply a series of damping pulses, the logic circuit uses a frequency generator 142 to generate a periodic digital signal S via a switch 66A controlled by a control logic circuit for this purpose. FI frequency F INF Provided to Timer 64.

[0107] Generally, in order to enable the implementation of the first time advance correction mode, the electronic control unit 28B generates a frequency F by the frequency generator when the external correction signal received by the receiver unit corresponds to the indicated time advance to be corrected. INF A control signal derived from the periodic digital signal provided is supplied to the damping device during the correction period to activate the damping device and to supply the damping device with a series of periodic damping pulses applied to the mechanical resonator at frequency F INF It is configured to be able to generate at frequency F. INF A series of periodic damping pulses in the system can bring about a synchronization phase during the correction period, and the vibration of the mechanical resonator can be corrected to a correction frequency FI smaller than the setpoint frequency F0c provided to the mechanical resonator. Cor To synchronize with this frequency F INF A braking device is provided. The correction period (duration), and therefore the number of periodic braking pulses in the aforementioned series of periodic braking pulses, is determined by the advance to be corrected.

[0108] The correction device of the fourth embodiment includes enhancements to improve the accuracy of the correction performed without the risk of continuously stopping the mechanical resonator, and to enable the application of a relatively larger braking torque, particularly for corrections at frequencies relatively far from the setpoint frequency, by stopping the mechanical resonator within the angular coupling zone of the resonator with the escapement, or generally within the angular safety zone described above, during the braking pulse at the beginning of the correction period. With this enhancement, the timer includes a device for determining the passage of the oscillating mechanical resonator through at least one specific position, the device which determines the specific position of the mechanical resonator, and enables the electronic control unit to determine a specific moment when the oscillating mechanical resonator is at the aforementioned specific position, and thus determine the phase of the resonator. Furthermore, the electronic control unit is configured such that a first activation of the braking device, which occurs at the beginning of the correction period and generates a first interaction between the braking device and the mechanical resonator, is activated as a function of the aforementioned specific moment.

[0109] According to the advantageous alternative embodiment of the enhancement described above, and referring to Figure 12, the correction device further comprises a frequency generator 144, the frequency generator generates a periodic digital signal S F0c The system is configured to generate a periodic digital signal S at a setpoint frequency F0c provided for the resonator. The electronic control unit 28B controls the periodic digital signal S F0c The control signal derived from is provided to the braking device during the preliminary period immediately preceding the correction period to activate the braking device, thereby causing the braking device to generate a preliminary series of periodic braking pulses, which can be applied to the mechanical resonator at a setpoint frequency F0c. For this purpose, the control logic circuit 60A provides the generator 144 with the control signal S PP The supply of the periodic braking pulses during the preliminary series of periodic braking pulses, the duration Tp of the periodic braking pulses and the braking force applied to the oscillating resonator, are (θ) in the coupling zone between this oscillating resonator and its associated escapement. ZI and θ ZI Between the two, or preferably a predetermined safety zone (θ) that covers the coupling zone. Sec and θ Sec Between these zones, none of these damping pulses are provided to stop the vibrating resonator (these zones are described above).

[0110] Furthermore, during the preliminary series of periodic damping pulses, the duration of the periodic damping pulses and the damping force applied to the oscillating resonator are provided to generate a preliminary synchronization phase, at least at the end of the preliminary period, and the oscillation of the mechanical resonator is synchronized (on average) to the setpoint frequency F0c. In the alternative embodiment shown, the voltage source 140 is variable and controlled by the logic circuit 60A, and the logic circuit sends a control signal S2 to the voltage source. Cmd This provides the ability to change the voltage level applied to the braking member 24C in order to vary the braking force. Therefore, a weaker braking force can be applied during the preparatory period than that applied during the subsequent correction period. The braking force can also be varied during the preparatory and / or correction periods.

[0111] The correction period, intended to correct for a lead or lag, follows directly from the buffer period. More specifically, at the beginning of the period for correcting the displayed time, the frequency F INF or F SUP The initiation of the first damping pulse occurs after a determined time interval from the moment the last damping pulse of the preparatory period began, such that this first damping pulse occurs outside the predetermined safety zone covering the aforementioned coupling zone. This condition is easily satisfied because the resonator is in the synchronous phase at least at the end of the preparatory period, which means that the resonator stops during the last damping pulse of this preparatory period. Thus, the reversal of the rotation direction occurs during the aforementioned last damping pulse, and as a result, the start of a new half-cycle of resonator oscillation occurs during this last damping pulse. Thus, the compensation device can know the oscillation phase with an accuracy of Tp / 2 (e.g., an accuracy of 3 ms). Consequently, the electronic control unit can be configured so that the control logic circuit can determine the initial moment to initiate the first damping pulse that satisfies the aforementioned condition by activating the frequency generator 62 or 142 according to the necessary compensation, after the determined time interval has elapsed since the aforementioned last damping pulse and it is certain that the first damping pulse is outside the predetermined safety zone.

[0112] Furthermore, the braking force applied to the oscillating resonator at the moment the aforementioned braking pulse is initiated, between this first pulse, and subsequently during the periodic braking pulses in the correction period, is at the correction frequency FI Cor or FS Cor The synchronization phase in the correction period is preferably initiated immediately upon the application of the first damping pulse, or immediately upon the application of the second damping pulse if the first damping pulse is intended to reduce the amplitude of the vibration without attempting to stop the resonator, thereby providing that this synchronization phase persists throughout the entire duration of the correction period. In certain alternative embodiments, the first damping pulse of the correction period occurs after the moment the last damping pulse of the preparatory period occurs, at a frequency F depending on the required correction.SUP or F INF This occurs after a time interval corresponding to the reciprocal of the above. In another specific alternative embodiment, the aforementioned time interval is the correction frequency FS, depending on the required correction. Cor or FI Cor The reciprocal of twice this frequency, or this frequency FS Cor or FI Cor It is selected to be equal to the reciprocal of . The enhancements mentioned above are noteworthy in that, in order to determine the vibration phase of the resonator, available resources are used, specifically by using damping devices provided to perform the necessary corrections. No specific sensor is required to determine this phase. Moreover, no significant time drift is induced by the preparatory period (generally up to T0c / 4). In Figure 12, various frequency generators are shown separately, but it can be seen that a single programmable frequency generator can be used.

[0113] A second embodiment of the assembly 150 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 13 to 15. The assembly 150 comprises a timepiece 154 according to the fifth embodiment and an external device 152 according to the second embodiment of the assembly according to the present invention. The timepiece is a wristwatch (hereinafter referred to as a watch), and the external device forms a housing with a recess for receiving the watch in a given position. The housing 152 comprises a photographic device 156, which is positioned inside the lid of the housing so as to capture an image of the entire display of the timepiece when the lid is closed with the timepiece 154 precisely placed in the recess.

[0114] The enclosure 152 is equipped with various electronic circuits and units. This enclosure is -A photographic device comprising a photographic sensor formed by an array of photodetectors, - An image processing algorithm configured to determine the position of at least one determined needle on the timer's display in an image captured by a photographic device (note that this algorithm may be processed within an external server communicating with the housing), - A time base that can provide accurate real time, - An algorithm for calculating the time error between first time data and second time data, wherein the first time data is indicated by a display at a given moment in time supplied substantially by a time base at that moment in time, detected by an external device via a photo sensor and an image processing algorithm, and the second time data corresponds to the first time data, and the algorithm and - A transmitter that transmits an external correction signal containing information related to the aforementioned time error, The transmitter is provided, and in the illustrated alternative embodiment, it is formed by a BLE unit.

[0115] The housing 152 further comprises an electronic display 153, a central control unit capable of receiving accurate real time periodically or on demand, a communication unit (RF unit) capable of receiving accurate real time via an antenna provided for this purpose (wireless synchronization), or a WIFI unit or GPS unit for receiving accurate real time via the internet. The housing further comprises a power supply that can be powered or charged via a USB plug or other plug. Finally, the housing comprises a wireless magnetic induction charging unit for the watch 154, particularly equipped with a fitness module. This wireless charging unit is preferably positioned in a support that is inserted into a recess of the housing so as to be close to and beneath the watch when the watch is placed inside the housing, in order to charge the watch's battery 56A in particular.

[0116] The clock 154 comprises various electronic circuits and elements. Those already mentioned above will not be described in detail again here. The clock includes a BLE unit 30B for receiving various signals, including signals for correcting the time displayed by the clock, and a braking device 22C. A start signal S is received from the electronic control unit described below. ActThe components of the braking device 22C that receives the signal have already been described above. In this case, the watch 154 preferably comprises a rechargeable battery 56A that is recharged by magnetic induction (by non-contact means) and a power management circuit 134A similar to those described above with reference to the watch in Figure 12. Optionally, the watch further comprises a fitness module 156 and, in particular, an electronic display 158 associated with the fitness module, the electronic display 158 may use a BLE unit to communicate with an electronic device outside the watch, in particular the housing 152, a mobile phone, or any other suitable electronic device, such as a computer.

[0117] The electronic control unit 28C of the clock 154 is configured to implement a first delay correction mode and to correct a run according to the first or second correction mode described above, according to an enhanced alternative embodiment. Accordingly, this electronic control unit comprises a control logic circuit 60B, the control logic circuit 60B controls frequencies F0c, F INF , and F1 SUP and F2 SUP This controls the switching device 66B together with the frequency generating device. F1 SUP and F2 SUP This is the frequency F defined above. SUP It has two different values ​​to be selected for. This frequency generating device is a generator 144 at frequency F0c for carrying out the preliminary period already described in the fourth embodiment of the timer of the present invention, and frequency F as similarly described in the fourth embodiment. INF The generator 142 in and the respective frequencies F1 SUP and F2 SUP Two periodic digital signals S having FS1 and S FS2 It consists of two generators 62A and 62B, respectively, which supply frequency F1. In other words, the frequency generating device supplies frequency F1 to compensate for the displayed time delay. SUP and F2 SUP The system is configured to selectively generate a periodic digital signal, allowing control of the braking device. Frequency F1 SUPand F2 SUP The first correction mode uses a correction frequency FS to compensate for the delay. Cor However, each has two frequencies F1 SUP and F2 SUP For this, two different values ​​F1 Cor and F2 Cor It is provided so that it can take the correction frequency F2 Cor The correction frequency F1 Cor It's higher than that.

[0118] Frequency F1 SUP This is advantageously selected when the delay to be corrected is lower than a given value in absolute terms, while frequency F2 SUP This is selected if this delay is greater than or equal to this given value. Therefore, frequency F SUP F1 is a function of the delay value to be corrected, and consists of at least two different values. SUP and F2 SUP It is possible to obtain the control signal S1 in response to the activation of the generator. Cmd is a periodic digital signal S F0c S FI S FS1 and S FS2 It is formed by one of these signals S1 Cmd The thing itself is the activation signal S Act It is directly formed. It is found that a timer is not provided to determine the duration of the braking pulse. This is because, in this alternative embodiment, a periodic digital signal S F0c S FI S FS1 and S FS2 This is because the duration is intended to be defined by a duty cycle determined between logic-high ("1") and logic-low ("0"). Thus, for example, the duration of logic-high determines the duration of each damping pulse, and switch 138 is closed (transistor turns on) on the rising edge of the supplied periodic digital signal and opened (transistor turns off) on the falling edge of this periodic digital signal.

[0119] Furthermore, the electronic control unit 28C is equipped with a timer 70 similar to that described with reference to Figure 2, enabling the implementation of the second correction mode already described in the first embodiment of the clock according to the present invention. This timer 70 controls the control signal S1 Cmd The control signal S3 activates the braking device via the "OR" logic gate 166 which further receives the signal. Cmd (A switch operated by a logic gate can be incorporated into switch 66B, making it unnecessary to use this logic gate incorporated in Figure 15 to distinguish between the first and second correction modes.) Thus, either the first or second correction mode can be selected to correct the lead.

[0120] If the lead to be corrected is less than a given value, the first correction mode is favored, while if the lead to be corrected is greater than or equal to this given value, the second correction mode is selected. The first lead correction mode allows the braking device of the electromechanical actuator type (e.g., piezoelectric actuator 22A in Figure 1) to consume less electrical energy compared to the second correction mode, which has a single stable position in the absence of power; therefore, the selection of the first or second correction mode may also depend on the level of the rechargeable battery 56A. Similarly, the first lag correction mode requires a stronger braking torque a priori when the ratio between the correction frequency and the setpoint frequency is relatively high; therefore, the selection of generator 62A or generator 62B may also depend on the level of the rechargeable battery.

[0121] A fifth embodiment of the timekeeping device includes not only means for correcting displayed time errors resulting from time drift of an oscillating resonator or inaccurate manual time setting operations, but also means for enabling changes in the displayed time (change from standard time to daylight saving time, or from daylight saving time to standard time) at appropriate moments during seasonal time changes. For this purpose, the clock 154 includes an internal clock circuit 162 and a programmable counter 160. An application installed on an external device (a housing 152 in Figure 1 or a mobile phone 40) includes a “seasonal time change” function to communicate with the clock and activate the clock’s correction device, and to program the clock 154 to advance by one hour (or, where appropriate, half an hour) or set back by one hour on the night of a scheduled time change. For this purpose, the external device is configured to transmit correction signals related to seasonal time changes to the clock via a transmitter provided for communicating with the clock. This correction signal includes instructions for the scheduled time jump and the direction of the jump (+ / - hours), as well as the remaining time until the scheduled time change (e.g., a period of 15 days, 8 hours, and 20 minutes). Therefore, the external device has not only the resources necessary to know the exact actual time, but also the resources necessary to know the date. Based on the date at the moment the "seasonal time change" function is activated, the application can easily calculate the aforementioned remaining time.

[0122] If the clock 154 receives an external correction signal indicating that this signal relates to an upcoming time change, the control logic circuit 60B, after receiving a reset signal from the logic circuit, programs the counter 160 to measure the remaining time until the scheduled time change. Alternatively, the start of time measurement occurs immediately after the counter is programmed and the clock circuit 162 is activated. This activation is performed quickly after receiving the external correction signal. To perform the seasonal time change on a scheduled night, the clock 154 can take advantage of the fact that it can be recharged by a charging unit in the housing 152. More specifically, since the time change is typically scheduled to occur at night after midnight, the user can place the clock in the housing at that night to initiate recharging of the clock battery (if this charging does not occur automatically). This ensures that the clock has enough energy to perform corrections for a relatively long period of time. In the case of such corrections, the clock performs corrections for a period PA Cor After this is achieved, you can select a second advance correction mode by activating timer 70, or a correction period PR calculated for the delay corresponding to a "1 hour" jump. Cor For this purpose, generator F2 SUP By starting generator F2 SUP Select the appropriate value. For example, the ratio RS = F2Cor / F0c is provided to be greater than 1.10, preferably greater than 1.15. As shown above, the first delay compensation mode allows for, for example, a 1-hour compensation within a 6-hour compensation period. It is even possible to compensate for a 1-hour compensation within a 5-hour period.

[0123] The braking device may be formed by a different type of actuator than those described above, in particular by an electromagnetic actuator having a magnet-coil coupling system configured to directly brake a mechanical resonator, where at least one magnet is fastened to the resonator balance or balance support, and at least one coil is supported by this support or the resonator balance.

[0124] A sixth embodiment of the timekeeping device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 16 to 18. This sixth embodiment is configured to implement the second lead correction mode described above in the preceding embodiment, in addition to the second lag correction mode which will be described in more detail herein.

[0125] A timekeeping device 170 according to the sixth embodiment is partially shown in Figure 16, where only the mechanical resonator 14A of the mechanical movement is shown. Except for a device for correcting the displayed time, the other elements of the timekeeping device are similar to those shown in Figure 1. The mechanical resonator comprises a balance 16A associated with a balance spring 15. The balance comprises an outer edge 20A having projections 190 that extend radially around it. No other elements of the balance extend to the radial position of the ends of the projections 190.

[0126] The balance comprises a mark 191 formed by asymmetrical, consecutive bars having different optical reflection coefficients to light emanating from the optical sensor 192, or simply having different reflections to this light, wherein the consecutive bars are, specifically, at least two consecutive black bars of different widths separated by a white bar, such that the width of one of the two black bars is equal to the sum of the widths of the other black bar and the white bar. Thus, the bars are understood to form a kind of code with a transition in the center of the mark 191. Other colors can be used instead of the black and white bars. In alternative embodiments, the black bars correspond to the non-glossy areas of the outer edge, while the white bars correspond to the glossy areas of this outer edge. The black bars may also correspond to notches within the outer edge having inclined surfaces. Thus, multiple alternative embodiments are possible. Although the mark 191 is shown in its description on the upper part of the outer edge, it should be noted that in the alternative embodiments shown, the mark is located on the outer surface of the outer edge, since the optical sensor is configured on the main plane of the balance 16A. In another alternative embodiment, the mark is located on the upper or lower surface of the outer edge, as shown, and the sensor is therefore rotated 90° to illuminate this mark.

[0127] The optical sensor 192 is configured to detect the passage of the vibrating resonator through its neutral position (corresponding to angular position "0" for the protrusion 190) and to determine the direction of motion of the balance between each passage through this neutral position. The optical sensor comprises an emitter 193 that emits a ray toward the outer edge 20A and is configured to illuminate the mark 191 as the resonator passes through its neutral position, and a photodetector 194 configured to receive at least a portion of the ray reflected by the outer edge at the mark. Thus, the optical sensor forms a device for detecting a specific angular position of the balance, enabling an electronic control unit to determine a specific moment when the vibrating mechanical resonator is at a specific angular position, and further forms a device for determining the direction of motion of the balance while the vibrating resonator passes through a specific angular position. Other types of detectors for detecting the position and direction of motion of the resonator, specifically capacitive detectors, detectors, or inductive detectors, may be provided in other alternative embodiments.

[0128] Furthermore, the timekeeper 170 includes a device for damping the resonator, which is formed by an electromechanical device 174 having a bistable moving contact portion. An alternative embodiment is provided in Figure 16 as a non-limiting embodiment. The electromechanical device 174 comprises a small-dimensional, clock stepping motor type electromechanical motor 176, which is powered by a power supply circuit 178, which comprises a control circuit, and the power supply circuit 178 controls a control signal S4 CmdUpon receiving a signal, the system is configured to generate a series of three electrical pulses, which are supplied to the motor's coils, thereby causing the motor's rotor 177 to advance one step, or half a rotation, with each electrical pulse. The series of three electrical pulses are provided to rapidly drive the rotor in a continuous or nearly continuous manner. The rotor's pinion meshes with an intermediate gear 180, which in turn meshes with a gear that holds a first bipolar permanent magnet 182 fixedly in place, having a diameter equal to three times the diameter of the rotor's pinion. Assuming the aforementioned diameter ratio between the pinion and the gear holding the magnet 182, the gear rotates half a rotation between the three series of electrical pulses. Therefore, the first magnet has a first resting position and a second resting position, and the first magnet has a magnetic polarity opposite to the magnetic polarity of the first resting position (the term “resting position” is understood to mean the position in which the magnet 182 is placed after the motor 176 has executed a series of three electrical pulses as instructed, and its rotor has subsequently stopped rotating).

[0129] Furthermore, the actuator 174 includes a bistable lever 184 that pivots about an axis 185 fastened to a mechanical movement, and whose rotation is restricted by two pegs 188 and 189. The bistable lever has a second bipolar magnet 186 at its free end forming the head of the lever, which is movable and can be substantially aligned with the first magnet 182, and the magnetic axes of these two magnets are set up such that they are substantially collinear when the first magnet is in either of its two resting positions. Thus, with respect to the second magnet 186, the first resting position of the first magnet corresponds to a position of magnetic attraction, and the second resting position of the first magnet corresponds to a position of magnetic repulsion. Control signal S4 CmdHowever, each time the power supply circuit is activated to execute a series of three electrical pulses, the first magnet rotates half a turn, and the lever alternately moves from a stable position that does not interact with the resonator balance to a stable position that interacts with the balance, so that the lever 184 forms a contact point with the projection 190, and the projection contacts the head of the lever when the resonator vibrates and when the projection reaches this head, regardless of the rotational direction of the balance at the point of impact.

[0130] In the non-interaction position, when the resonator oscillates at an amplitude within its usable operating range, the moving lever is outside the space through which the projection 190 intersects. However, in the interaction position, the moving lever is partially located inside this space through which the projection intersects, and thus forms a contact with the resonator. The term “stable position” is understood to mean the position in which the lever is maintained in both directions without any power supply from the motor 176 used to operate the lever between its two stable positions. Thus, the lever forms a bistable moving contact with respect to the resonator. Thus, this lever forms a retractable stop member with respect to the resonator. The actuator 174 is configured so that the lever can remain in the non-interaction position and the interacting position without maintaining a power supply to the motor 176.

[0131] The stopping member and the protrusion at the point of interaction are at a first angular stopping position θ relative to the balance of the vibrating resonator, which is different from the neutral position of balance. B The projection is determined, and during the second half-period of the first determined half-period of the two half-periods of each vibration period of the resonator, when the projection reaches this first angular stopping position from its angular position "0" corresponding to the neutral position of the resonator, the projection will come into contact with the stopping member at this first angular stopping position. Furthermore, θ B It is provided such that the amplitude is less than the minimum amplitude within the usable operating range of the vibrating mechanical resonator. Furthermore, as described above, the angle θ BThe oscillating resonator is provided to be stopped by a stop member outside the coupling zone between the oscillating resonator and the escapement of the mechanical movement. The stop member and the projection, in their interacting positions, further define a second angular stop position, close to but greater than the first angular stop position, relative to the balance of the oscillating resonator, when the projection reaches it from the angular position at the outermost edge of the resonator during the first half-period of the second half-period of the two half-periods of each oscillation period. This second angular stop position is also provided to be less than the minimum amplitude in the usable operating range of the oscillating mechanical resonator.

[0132] In another alternative embodiment, the projection 190 extends axially from the outer edge or from one of the balance arms, and thus the bistable electromechanical device 174 is configured such that the bistable lever moves in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation of the balance. In this other alternative embodiment, the respective magnetization axes of the two magnets 182 and 186 remain axial and substantially collinear, and thus magnet 182 is configured below the head of the lever. It can be seen that in such a configuration of the bistable electromechanical device, projections extending radially from the outer edge may also be provided within the scope of the shown alternative embodiment. It should be noted that in another alternative embodiment, the projection of the resonator may be configured around the balance staff, in particular around a plate supported by or formed integrally with this staff. In the alternative embodiment, such a plate is a plate that holds the escapement pins.

[0133] Finally, the timer 170 includes an electronic control unit 196, which is associated with an optical sensor 192 and configured to control a power supply circuit 178 of an electromechanical device, and the unit 196 sends a control signal S4 to the power supply circuit 178. Cmd The electronic control unit comprises a control logic circuit 198, an up / down counter 200, and a clock circuit 202. This control unit and an external correction signal S ExtThe receiver 204, which receives the external correction signal S, is associated with the electromechanical device 174 and enables the implementation of a second lead correction mode, in addition to a second mode described later, for correcting the time lag displayed by the timekeeping indicator. The “lead” and “lag” of the displayed time should be understood to mean both errors detected by an external device having a specific application to the present invention, and jumps that advance or retreat in the displayed time. Whether these jumps relate to seasonal time changes as described above, or to time zone changes when the user of the timekeeping device moves from one time zone to another, the external correction signal S Ext It is necessary to supply power to the timer via an external device.

[0134] To implement the second correction mode implemented in this sixth embodiment, the electronic control unit 196 is configured to control an electromechanical device (also referred to as "actuator" or "electromechanical actuator") so that the stopping member (bistable lever 184) can be selectively actuated depending on whether the correction is delayed or advanced in the time displayed by the timer, and as a result, the stopping member has a projection 190 that is in the aforementioned first angular stopping position θ during the aforementioned second half-period of the aforementioned first half-period of the oscillation period. B Before reaching the aforementioned second angular stop position, and before the projection 190 reaches the aforementioned second angular stop position during the aforementioned first half-period of the aforementioned second half-period of the vibration period, it is displaced from its non-interacting position to its interacting position.

[0135] Generally, to correct a lead (positive time error) at least partially, an electromechanical device is configured such that, when a stopping member is actuated to stop the mechanical resonator in a first half-period, the stopping member momentarily prevents the mechanical resonator from continuing the natural oscillation motion specific to this first half-period after the projection has contacted the stopping member, thereby momentarily interrupting this natural oscillation motion in the first half-period and continuing after a certain cutoff time has ended due to the retraction of the stopping member. Preferably, the case of a bistable electromechanical device as described above provides that substantially all of the positive time error determined by a correction external signal supplied to the timer according to the present invention is corrected during a continuous cutoff period that defines a correction period substantially equal to the lead to be corrected. For this purpose, in the alternative embodiment described, during the aforementioned second half-period of the vibration period (the half-period in which the projection 190 reaches the head of the lever 184 before the resonator passes its neutral position), that is, during this second half-period detected by the optical sensor 192, after the moment the resonator passes its neutral position, the electronic control unit waits until time T0c / 4 arrives and activates the actuator so that the actuator, via its motor, drives the lever 184 from its non-interacting stable position to its interacting stable position, so that the head of the lever forms contact with the projection. For example, depending on the value of the angular stop position in the range of 90° to 120°, a time less than T0c / 4, for example T0c / 5, is provided to start a series of three electrical pulses, enabling the motor 176 to be driven, thereby rapidly rotating its rotor by one and a half revolutions, and thus the time interval that allows the lever to pivot between its two stable positions by reversing the direction of the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 182 is extended. In the latter case, in the half-cycle preceding the first half-cycle in which the resonator is intended to be shut off during the correction period, the projection must be reliably actually beyond the angular stop position.

[0136] Generally, to compensate for a delay (negative time error) at least partially, if a stopping member is actuated to stop the mechanical resonator in a second half-period of at least one of the aforementioned first half-periods of the oscillation period (the half-period being the half-period in which the projection 190 reaches the head of the lever 184 after the resonator has passed its neutral position), the stopping member will therefore terminate this second half-period prematurely by reversing the direction of the oscillation motion of the resonator without interrupting the resonator, thereby causing the mechanical resonator to immediately begin another half-period after being stopped instantaneously or nearly instantaneously by the collision of the projection and the stopping member. Therefore, within the range of the second delay correction mode, the detector for detecting the position and direction of motion of the resonator and the electronic control unit are configured such that each time the external correction signal received by the receiver unit corresponds to a delay of the indicated time, the actuator is activated, thereby causing the actuator to actuate its stopping member so that the protruding part of the vibrating resonator comes into contact with this stopping member for multiple 1 / 2 half-periods of the vibration of the mechanical resonator, thereby ending each of these 1 / 2 half-periods early without interrupting the mechanical resonator, and each 1 / 2 half-period follows the passage of the resonator through the neutral position. The number of 1 / 2 half-periods in the aforementioned multiple 1 / 2 half-periods is determined by the delay to be corrected.

[0137] In the preferred alternative embodiments shown in Figures 17 and 18, the electronic control unit and actuator maintain the lever in the interacting position until the end of a correction period in which the projection of the vibrating mechanical resonator periodically contacts the head of the lever multiple times, after the lever has been actuated from its non-interacting position to its interacting position, when the vibrating resonator is located on the side of the neutral position in the angular direction relative to the angular stop position. The duration of this correction period, during which the lever is maintained in the interacting position, is determined by the delay to be corrected. The rotation of the lever from its non-interacting position to its interacting position preferably occurs immediately after detection of passage through the neutral position, so that the projection stops at angle θ. B Before reaching the point, the lever is in its interacting position (where a collision with the projection is intended to occur, and this first half-cycle is detected by detecting the direction of rotation of the balance) during the aforementioned first half-cycle, or immediately after detecting passage through the neutral position, the aforementioned second half-cycle (also detected by detecting the direction of rotation of the balance), which in this second alternative embodiment may occur in either the second half-cycle (stopping angle is defined to be 180° or less) that allows more time to actuate the lever and allows the lever to be placed stably in its interacting position. For example, θ B = 120°, and the amplitude of the resonator's free vibration is θ L If =270°, in the second alternative embodiment, the angle θ with respect to the axis of rotation defined by the lever head. T When is approximately equal to 10°, a time interval is provided corresponding to the rotation between angle "0" and an angle slightly less than 240° (360°-120°), i.e., 230°, allowing the lever to rotate (so that the balance is not disrupted by exceeding the position of the protrusion in the second half-cycle), whereas in the first alternative embodiment, a time interval is obtained corresponding only to the rotation between angle "0" and 120°. θ L <360°-θ B -θ TTherefore, in the second alternative embodiment, it can be seen that more time is available for rotating the lever.

[0138] Generally, to determine the duration of the delay correction period, the electronic control unit includes a measurement circuit associated with an optical sensor, which comprises a clock circuit that provides a clock signal at a given frequency and a comparator circuit that enables the measurement of the time drift of an oscillating resonator with respect to its setpoint frequency, and the measurement circuit is configured to measure a time interval from the beginning of the correction period that corresponds to the time drift of a mechanical resonator. The electronic control unit is configured to end the correction period as soon as the aforementioned time interval becomes equal to or slightly greater than the time error introduced by the external correction signal.

[0139] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 16, the measurement circuit comprises a clock circuit 202 that provides a periodic digital signal at frequency F0c / 2, and an up / down counter 200 (reversible counter). This up / down counter receives the periodic signal from the clock circuit (decreasing the counter by 2 units for each setpoint period T0c = 1 / F0c) at its "-" input, and receives a digital signal from the optical sensor 192, including a pulse or logic state change, each time the resonator 14A passes through its neutral position "0". Since such passages occur every half-period of the oscillating resonator, the counter 200 increases by 2 units for each oscillation period. Therefore, the counter (integer M) Cb The state of ) represents the time drift of the mechanical resonator with respect to the setpoint frequency determined by a clock circuit with the precision of a quartz oscillator. Cb This corresponds to the number of additional half-periods performed by the resonator from the initial moment when the invertible counter is reset, for the case of oscillation at the setpoint frequency.

[0140] The control logic circuit 198 receives a digital signal from the optical sensor 192 that enables the logic circuit to determine the passage of the resonator through its neutral position and the direction of the oscillation motion in each of these passages. To compensate for a given delay, after the passage of the resonator through its neutral position is detected as described above, the control logic circuit activates, on the one hand, the actuator 174 to actuate the lever to its interacting position, and on the other hand, the clock circuit 202 and the up / down counter 200 which determine the start of the compensation period. It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment, this reset may be performed before power is supplied to the actuator 174 to pivot the lever, but after the electronic control unit 196 and the optical sensor 192 have been activated. According to the alternative embodiment, the reset of the clock circuit is not provided for this purpose. In other alternative embodiments, the optical sensor is replaced with another type, such as a magnetic or capacitive sensor. In certain alternative embodiments, the detector that detects the passage of the mechanical resonator through its neutral position is formed by a miniaturized acoustic sensor (MEMS-type microphone) capable of detecting acoustic pulses generated by the impact between the balance pin and the pallet-lever fork that forms the escapement of the mechanical movement.

[0141] Negative time error T Err The number of half periods at the setpoint frequency F0c for (a given delay) is -T. Err It is equal to 2·F0c. Therefore, the number of up / down counters M Cb As soon as it reaches this value or slightly exceeds it (since this value is not necessarily an integer), the given delay is corrected, and the displayed time is again accurate (thus the actual time is given precisely, specifically with an accuracy of 1 second). Thus, the control logic circuit determines the state of the counter by value -T. Err ·2·F0c can be compared with several million CbAs soon as it detects that the value is greater than or equal to this value, the power supply circuit 178 to the actuator is controlled so that the actuator moves the lever from its stable position where it interacts to its stable position where it does not interact, thereby ending the correction period.

[0142] Figures 17 and 18 show the vibration of the resonator 14A at the beginning of a period for compensating for a given delay, for two specific extreme cases of the preferred alternative embodiment described above, respectively. Figure 17 relates to the case in which the kinetic energy of the resonator is completely absorbed between the balance projection and the contact head between each impact. In particular, the free vibration 210 in the subsequent first half-period detects time t0 at the point in time when the resonator passes through its neutral position (position "0" of projection 190) before the second free half-period A2 L The lever has a time t0 which indicates the start of a period for correcting a given delay. Immediately after time t0, the lever is displaced to its interacting position. After the first impact between the projection and the lever, a relatively large positive phase difference DP1 is obtained between the aerial free vibration 211 and vibration 212. At that time, a stable phase is established, where vibration 212 is shortened relative to the aerial free vibration 213 by the stopping of the preceding resonator by the stopping member during the second half half period of the first half period A1 of each vibration period, and thus a smaller positive phase difference DP2 than DP1 is obtained. The second half period A2 of vibration 212 is not impaired by the lever.

[0143] Figure 18 relates to a special case of a strong impact or elastic collision between the projection and the lever head. In this case, assuming there is no dissipation of kinetic energy between impacts and only a reversal of the direction of the vibrational motion, the kinetic energy of the resonator is retained between each impact. Thus, the amplitude of vibration 216 during the corrected period remains the same as the amplitude of free vibration 210 and therefore the amplitude of hypothetical free vibration 217 for each vibration period. After time t0, stable phases with half-periods A1* and A2* having a duration T2 much smaller than T0 / 2 are established, and a relatively large positive phase difference DP3 occurs in each vibration period. To obtain an elastic collision, the lever can be considered to have a certain elasticity, specifically the body and / or head of the lever being formed of an elastic material that can be subjected to a certain degree of compression so as to absorb the kinetic energy of the balance for a moment and redistribute it immediately after the vibrational motion is reversed. In such a case, vibration 216 stops at angle θ B This will slightly exceed [the specified value]. In another, more elaborate alternative embodiment, it is a projection that is elastically attached to the outer edge of the balance. For example, the projection has a base that forms a slide configured within a circular sliding surface machined within the outer edge, and when the projection is in its angular position "0", an elastic element, specifically a small helical spring, is configured behind the slider, i.e., within the sliding surface opposite the head of the lever relative to the projection. In practice, the impact between the projection of the balance and the contact point of the electromechanical device typically occurs in a manner corresponding to the physical conditions between the two extreme situations described in Figures 17 and 18.

[0144] Finally, in other embodiments, the electromechanical device is formed by a monostable electromechanical actuator, which comprises a movable finger, which is configured to alternately displace between a first radial position and a second radial position when the actuator is not activated (no power is supplied) and when it is activated (i.e., power is supplied). The first radial position of the finger corresponds to a position that does not interact with the balance of the vibrating resonator, and the second radial position of the finger corresponds to a position that interacts with the balance of the vibrating resonator, and thus the finger forms a contact portion with the projection of the vibrating balance, similar to the head of the lever 184.

Claims

1. - A display (12) for displaying the actual time, - A drive mechanism (10) for the display, and a mechanical resonator (14; 14A) coupled to the drive mechanism, the mechanical resonator having vibrations that synchronize the operation timing of the drive mechanism, a mechanical movement (4; 4A; 92) comprising the mechanical resonator, - A device for correcting the actual time displayed by the display, In a timepiece (2; 112; 132; 154; 170) comprising: - The device for correcting the actual time displayed is - A receiver unit (30, 30A; 30B; 204) for receiving an external correction signal (S Ｅｘｔ ) for correcting the actual time represented. - An electronic control unit (28, 28A; 28B; 196), and - A braking device (22; 22A; 22A, 106; 22B, 114; 24C, 26C; 22C; 174) for braking the mechanical resonator Formed by The electronic control unit is configured to process the information contained in the external correction signal and control the braking device as a function of the information, and the device for correcting the actual time is such that when the external correction signal received by the timepiece requires correction of the actual time displayed, the braking device acts on the mechanical resonator during the correction period to change the operation of the drive mechanism and execute at least one major part of the required correction. A timepiece (2; 112; 132; 154; 170) characterized by being configured to be able to.

2. Comprising a device (144; 192) for determining the passage of the vibrating mechanical resonator through at least one specific position, the device (144; 192) for determining the passage of the vibrating mechanical resonator enables the electronic control unit to determine a specific instant when the vibrating mechanical resonator is at the specific position, and the electronic control unit generates a first interaction between the braking device and the mechanical resonator that occurs at the start of the correction period. The timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that the first activation of the braking device is configured to be started as a function of the specific instant.

3. The mechanical movement includes a detent associated with the mechanical resonator, and the braking device includes an actuator (174) provided with a stop member (184) for stopping the vibrating mechanical resonator. The stop member can be actuated between a position where it does not interact with the mechanical resonator and a position where it interacts. The stop member forms a contact portion against a protrusion (190) of the vibrating mechanical resonator, and the protrusion is configured to contact the stop member when the stop member is in the interacting position with the protrusion. The stop member and the protrusion in the interacting position define a stop position (θ Ｂ ) for the vibrating mechanical resonator that is different from the neutral position of the mechanical resonator. The neutral position corresponds to the minimum potential energy state of the mechanical resonator, and the stop position is less than the minimum amplitude of the vibrating mechanical resonator in the available operating range of the mechanical resonator. The stop position is further provided such that the vibrating mechanical resonator is stopped outside the coupling zone (θ ＺＩ ) of the detent with the vibrating mechanical resonator by the stop member. The device for determining the passage of the vibrating mechanical resonator and the electronic control unit can activate the actuator when the external correction signal (S Ｅｘｔ ) received by the receiver unit corresponds to the delay at the displayed time to be corrected. Thereby, the actuator actuates the stop member of the actuator, and the protrusion (190) of the vibrating mechanical resonator contacts the stop member (184) in a plurality of 1 / 2 half-cycles of the vibrating mechanical resonator, and each of the 1 / 2 half-cycles is configured to follow the passage of the mechanical resonator through the neutral position so as to end each of the 1 / 2 half-cycles early without interrupting the mechanical resonator. The number of 1 / 2 half-cycles of the plurality of 1 / 2 half-cycles, or the duration of the correction period during which the stop member is held in the interacting position, is determined by the delay to be corrected. The timepiece according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The device for determining the passage of the vibrating mechanical resonator comprises a detector (192) for detecting the position and direction of movement of the mechanical resonator, the detector and the mechanical resonator being such as to enable detection of the passage of the vibrating mechanical resonator through the specific position (“0”) at each of the periods of its vibration, and the electronic control unit (196) being enabled to determine the direction of movement of the vibrating mechanical resonator during the half-period in which the passage of the vibrating mechanical resonator through the specific position is detected. The electronic control unit is configured so as to be able to at least partially correct the delay so that the electronic control unit can control the actuator (174). Thereby, when the vibrating mechanical resonator is located on the neutral position side with respect to the stop position, the actuator actuates the stop member of the actuator from a non-interacting position of the stop member to an interacting position of the stop member, whereby the actuator subsequently holds the stop member in the interacting position for a determined duration sufficient for the projection of the vibrating mechanical resonator to abut against the stop member at least once. A timepiece according to claim 3, characterized in that.

5. The actuator (174) is of the bistable type and is configured to be able to remain in the non-interacting position and the interacting position without maintaining the power supply to the actuator. The electronic control unit and the actuator are such that when the vibrating mechanical resonator is located on the neutral position side with respect to the stop position, in order to at least partially correct the delay, after the stop member has been actuated from the non-interacting position of the stop member to the interacting position of the stop member, the stop member (184) is maintained in the interacting position of the stop member until the end of the correction period in which the projection (190) of the vibrating mechanical resonator periodically abuts against the stop member a plurality of times. A timepiece according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. The electronic control unit includes a measurement circuit, the measurement circuit is associated with the detector, the measurement circuit includes a clock circuit (202) that provides a clock signal at a determined frequency (F0c / 2), and a comparator circuit (200) that enables measurement of the time drift of the vibrating mechanical resonator with respect to its setpoint frequency (F0c). The measurement circuit is configured to measure a time interval corresponding to the time drift of the mechanical resonator from the start of the correction period. The electronic control unit is configured to end the correction period immediately when the time interval becomes greater than or equal to the time error supplied by the external correction signal. The timepiece according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that.

7. The braking device is formed by an electromechanical actuator (22, 22A; 22B; 22C; 24C and 26C) configured to apply a braking pulse to the mechanical resonator, and the electronic control unit has a frequency F ＳＵＰ at which a first periodic digital signal (S ＦＳ， S ＦＳ１， S ＦＳ２， ) can be generated, and is provided with a device for generating at least one frequency (62, 62A, 62B). The electronic control unit, when the external correction signal received by the receiver unit corresponds to the displayed time delay to be corrected, provides a first control signal (S Ｃ１ , S Ａｃｔ (S ＦＳ ), S1 Ｃｍｄ (S ＦＳ１， S ＦＳ２ )) derived from the first periodic digital signal to the braking device during a first correction period to activate the braking device, whereby the braking device is configured to generate a first series of periodic braking pulses applied to the mechanical resonator at the frequency F ＳＵＰ , and the duration of the first correction period, and thus the number of periodic braking pulses in the first series, is determined by the delay to be corrected. The frequency F ＳＵＰ is provided such that the first series of periodic braking pulses at the frequency F ＳＵＰ can be in a first synchronization phase during the first correction period. The braking device is configured such that the vibration of the mechanical resonator (14) is synchronized with a correction frequency FS Ｃｏｒ greater than the setpoint frequency F0c provided to the mechanical resonator. The timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that.

8. The frequency F ＳＵＰ is a function of the delay to be corrected and takes at least two different values F1 ＳＵＰ and F2 ＳＵＰ The device for generating at least one frequency is a frequency generation device configured to cause selection of the first periodic digital signal at frequencies F1 ＳＵＰ and frequency F2 ＳＵＰ Frequencies F1 ＳＵＰ and frequency F2 ＳＵＰ are such that the correction frequency FS Ｃｏｒ takes two different values F1 ＳＵＰ and F2 ＳＵＰ for each of frequencies F1 Ｃｏｒ and F2 Ｃｏｒ F2 Ｃｏｒ is greater than F1 Ｃｏｒ Frequency F1 ＳＵＰ is selected when the delay is less than a given value, while frequency F2 ＳＵＰ is selected when the delay is greater than or equal to the given value. The timer according to claim 7, characterized in that.

9. The device for generating at least one frequency is a frequency generation device (62, 142; 62A, 62B, 142) configured to further generate a second periodic digital signal (S ＩＮＦ ) at a frequency F ＦＩ . The electronic control unit (28B; 28C) provides, during a second correction period, a second control signal (S Ａｃｔ (S ＦＩ ), S1 Ｃｍｄ (S ＦＩ )) derived from the second periodic digital signal to activate the braking device when the external correction signal received by the receiver unit corresponds to the displayed time advance to be corrected, whereby the braking device is configured to generate a second series of periodic braking pulses applied to the mechanical resonator at the frequency F ＩＮＦ . The duration of the second correction period, and thus the number of periodic braking pulses in the second series, is determined by the advance to be corrected. The frequency F ＩＮＦ is provided such that the second series of periodic braking pulses at the frequency F ＩＮＦ can be in a second synchronization phase during the second correction period. The braking device is configured such that the vibration of the mechanical resonator is synchronized to a correction frequency FI Ｃｏｒ that is less than the setpoint frequency F0c provided to the mechanical resonator. A timepiece according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that.

10. The mechanical movement comprises a detent associated with the mechanical resonator, and the frequency F of the braking pulses of the first series of the periodic braking pulses ＳＵＰ and the duration of the first correction period are such that, during the first synchronization phase, each of the braking pulses of the first series occurs outside the coupling zone (θ ＺＩ ) of the oscillating mechanical resonator with the detent, as claimed in claim 7 or 8.

11. The mechanical movement comprises a detent associated with the mechanical resonator, and the frequency F of the braking pulses of the second series of the periodic braking pulses ＩＮＦ and the duration of the second correction period are such that, during the second synchronization phase, each of the braking pulses of the second series occurs outside the coupling zone (θ ＺＩ ) with the detent of the mechanical resonator that is oscillating. A timepiece according to claim 9, characterized in that it is selected as such.

12. The device for generating at least one frequency is configured to further generate, for the mechanical resonator, a third periodic digital signal (S Ｆ０ｃ ), a frequency generation device (62, 142, 144; 62A, 62B, 142, 144), and the electronic control unit is configured to generate a third control signal (S Ａｃｔ (S Ｆ０ｃ ), S1 Ｃｍｄ (S Ｆ０ｃ )) during a preliminary period preceding the correction period, and provide the braking device with the third control signal to activate the braking device so that the braking device generates a preliminary series of periodic braking pulses, and the series can be applied to the mechanical resonator at the setpoint frequency F0c. The duration of the periodic braking pulses and the braking force applied to the vibrating mechanical resonator during the preliminary series of periodic braking pulses are such that none of the braking pulses stop the vibrating mechanical resonator inside the coupling zone (θ ＺＩ ) of the vibrating mechanical resonator with the decelerator. The electronic control unit is configured such that the duration of the periodic braking pulses and the braking force applied to the vibrating mechanical resonator during the preliminary series of periodic braking pulses enable the generation of a preliminary synchronization phase at least at the end of the preliminary period. The vibration of the mechanical resonator is synchronized with the setpoint frequency F0c and is configured to enable the generation of a preliminary synchronization phase. The electronic control unit is configured such that the start of the first braking pulse of the first series of periodic braking pulses during the correction period occurs after a time interval determined with respect to the instant when the last braking pulse of the preliminary period is started. The braking force applied to the vibrating mechanical resonator between the instant when the first braking pulse is started and the first series of periodic braking pulses is such that the first synchronization phase at the correction frequency FS Ｃｏｒ starts immediately at the first braking pulse or the second braking pulse. A timepiece according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that.

13. It includes a device (22; 106; 114; 174) for blocking the mechanical resonator. The electronic control unit is configured to be able to supply a fourth control signal to the blocking device when the external correction signal received by the receiver unit corresponds to the progress of the time to be corrected. The fourth control signal activates the blocking device so that the blocking device blocks the vibration of the mechanical resonator during the correction period. The correction period is determined by the progress to be corrected in order to end the operation of the drive mechanism during the correction period. The timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7 and 8.

14. The timepiece according to claim 13, characterized in that the correction period has a duration substantially equal to the progress to be corrected.

15. The blocking device is formed by a device (114) separate from the braking device and includes a bistable lever (115). The first stable position of the bistable lever corresponds to a position where it does not interact with the mechanical resonator, and the second stable position of the bistable lever corresponds to a position for stopping and blocking the mechanical resonator. The timepiece according to claim 13, characterized in that.

16. During said period for correcting a given advance, when said blocking device is activated to block said mechanical resonator, said blocking device (106) forms a lock on said mechanical resonator, and a component (107) of said blocking device is inserted into a cavity (108) configured within a balanced circular element (100) forming said mechanical resonator. The timepiece according to claim 13, characterized in that.

17. The correction of the displayed time is for a time error detected within the displayed time by an external device capable of supplying said external correction signal to said timepiece. The timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7, and 8, characterized in that.

18. The correction of the displayed time is for a change in time zone or a change in seasonal time. The timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7, and 8, characterized in that.

19. Further comprising a measurement circuit, said measurement circuit being formed by a programmable counter and a clock circuit, for receiving an external correction signal for a change in seasonal time and measuring the remaining time interval between the date and time scheduled to make said change in seasonal time. The timepiece according to claim 18, characterized in that.

20. In an assembly formed by a timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7, and 8, and an external device (40; 152) comprising a transmitter (52) for transmitting said external correction signal, said external device - A photographic device (44; 1156) comprising a photographic sensor formed by an array of photodetectors; - An image processing algorithm configured to be able to determine at least one determined hand position of said display of said timepiece in an image captured by said photographic device; - A time base (48) capable of supplying an exact actual time used to generate said external correction signal for correcting the actual time displayed by said display; Characterized in that it comprises.

21. The external device (40; 152) further comprises an algorithm for calculating a time error between the first time data and the second time data, the first time data being displayed by the display at a given instant in time and detected by the external device via the photo sensor and the image processing algorithm of the external device, the second time data corresponding to the first time data and being supplied substantially at the given instant in time by the time base, and when the assembly is intended to correct the determined time error, the external correction signal supplied by the external device (40; 152) outside the timer comprises information related to the time error. The assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that.

22. The assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the external device is a mobile phone (40).

23. The assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the external device is incorporated in a housing (152), the housing (152) being provided for the timer and comprising a recess for receiving the timer (154) in a given position.

Images