Timepiece with tactile control function provided with antifogging device

Abstract

To improve antifogging capability of a timepiece.SOLUTION: A tactile control device 20 includes at least one capacitive sensor 21, wherein the capacitive sensor 21 includes a first armature Cp1 which is formed of a translucent conductive electrode 22 formed in at least part of an inner surface 13.1 of a protective windshield 13, and a second armature Cp2 which is selectively formed by arranging a finger 200 of a wearer of a timepiece 100 on an outer surface 13.2 of the protective windshield 13, the timepiece 100 includes an antifogging device 30 of the protective windshield 13 which is partially formed of the translucent conductive electrode 22, and a second conductive body 52 that connects the translucent conductive electrode 22 to an electronic unit 50 in a closed circuit, and the electronic unit 50 generates controlled current in the closed circuit, and enables the translucent conductive electrode 22 to be heated by Joule effect.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece with tactile control, which is equipped with an anti-fog device for avoiding or limiting the formation of fog or fine water droplets on the inner surface of the protective windshield. [Background technology]

[0002] Timepieces are routinely worn in a variety of environments which vary widely in terms of relative humidity, pressure and temperature. Although the structure of the timepiece prevents moisture from penetrating into the body, the timepiece, while being watertight, is subject to the exchange of gases between the interior and exterior environments of the body.

[0003] This exchange of gas, known as permeation, takes place across the seals that are mostly made of polymeric materials that have a variable, but non-zero, permeability. Thus, in very hot and humid environments, water vapor can routinely permeate into the timepiece, and this in itself is invisible to the user and is not a problem, unless the inner surface of the protective windshield is visibly clouded.

[0004] Fogging occurs most frequently when the temperature perceived by the wearer drops, for example when swimming or entering an air-conditioned environment where the temperature is several degrees lower than before. Since the windshield is the closest point of contact with the outside environment, fine droplets of water formed by condensation naturally adhere to the inner surface of the windshield. The wearer perceives the presence of fogging inside the watch and mistakenly believes that his or her watch is not waterproof. This phenomenon causes many returns and also leads to a loss of trust among users, which can negatively affect the brand image of portable watches (e.g. wristwatches, pocket watches).

[0005] To prevent water droplets from adhering to the surface of the windscreen, hydrophilic treatments exist, such as applying a surfactant to the inner surface of the windscreen. In fact, this hydrophilic layer allows the water to spread over the entire inner surface of the windscreen and become invisible to the wearer. However, this hydrophilic layer is not always aesthetically pleasing (color, scattering effect, etc.).

[0006] Another approach is based on the principle of absorbing water contained in the steam entering the timer, but such approaches are time-limited and have a limited absorption capacity, so they are not entirely satisfactory. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In such a situation, the anti-fogging capability of the protective windshield and the timepiece equipped with such a protective windshield needs to be improved, especially when the timepiece is equipped with a tactile control interface that allows the user to perform functions by interacting with the screen through the protective windshield, the presence of fogging in this kind of timepiece is not acceptable to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To this end, the present invention provides an approach that overcomes the problems of the prior art.

[0009] In this regard, the present invention provides a timepiece comprising a case forming an electrical earth, said case being closed by a back and a protective windshield, said timepiece comprising a tactile control device connected to an electronic unit configured to perform at least one predetermined function of said timepiece by utilizing the action of said tactile control device, said tactile control device comprising at least one capacitive sensor comprising a first armature formed by a light-transmitting conductive electrode formed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the protective windshield and a second armature selectively formed by the placement of a finger of a wearer of said timepiece on the outer surface of said protective windshield, said light-transmitting conductive electrode being electrically connected to said electronic unit by a first conductor.

[0010] The timepiece according to the invention further comprises an anti-fogging device for the protective windshield, formed in part by the optically transparent conductive electrode and a second conductor connecting the optically transparent conductive electrode in a closed circuit to the electronic unit, the electronic unit comprising a current management module configured to generate a controlled current in the closed circuit to enable the optically transparent conductive electrode to heat up by the Joule effect.

[0011] For example, a current can be generated in a closed circuit by the current management module, triggered by different parameters and information coming from different additional sensors in the timer.

[0012] The anti-fogging device according to the invention can be operated without user intervention, for example based on information regarding usage conditions, internal humidity, internal temperature and / or external temperature, or simply at regular intervals.

[0013] The timepiece according to the invention is equipped with an easy-to-use anti-fog device to avoid the formation of fog on the inner surface of the protective windshield or to limit / reduce the presence of visible fog after a large thermal shock.

[0014] A timepiece according to the invention may have, in addition to the features mentioned in the previous paragraph, one or more complementary features from among the following features, to be considered individually or in any technically feasible combination: said optically transparent conductive electrode being a layer of an optically transparent conductive oxide; said transparent conductive electrode comprises a layer of a transparent conductive oxide and at least one layer for optical compensation of said layer of a transparent conductive oxide; the layer of transparent conductive oxide is made of tin-doped indium oxide, aluminium-doped zinc oxide, zinc oxide or fluorine-doped tin dioxide; Alternatively, said optically transparent conductive electrode is a layer based on silver nanowires. Alternatively, said optically transparent conductive electrode is a layer based on carbon nanotubes. the current management module is configured to generate and / or modulate a controlled current to heat the optically transparent conductive electrode in response to at least one information from at least one sensor included in the timer. the timer comprises an accelerometer connected to the electronic unit, making it possible to provide the current management module with information regarding the use of the timer; the timer comprises a temperature sensor connected to the electronic unit, thereby making it possible to provide the current management module with information about the internal temperature of the timer and / or the temperature of the environment external to the timer. said timer comprises a humidity sensor connected to said electronic unit, making it possible to provide said current management module with information regarding the humidity within said timer; - the tactile control device comprises an array of capacitive sensors covering the inner surface of the protective windshield, the anti-fogging device being formed by at least some of the light-transmitting conductive electrodes of the capacitive sensor array, the at least some of the light-transmitting conductive electrodes of the capacitive sensor array forming the anti-fogging device being connected to the electronic unit by first and second conductors to form a plurality of closed electric circuits, the current management module being configured to generate a controlled current in each closed circuit of the plurality of closed circuits, thereby allowing the at least some of the light-transmitting conductive electrodes of the capacitive sensor array to be heated by Joule effect.

[0015] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a tactile timepiece incorporating an anti-fogging device according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a tactile control device and an anti-fogging device of a timepiece according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] In all figures, common elements are assigned the same reference numbers unless otherwise specified.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a timepiece 100 according to the invention comprising a haptic control device 20 and an anti-fogging device 30 .

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electronic means of the tactile control device 20 and the anti-fogging device 30 of the timepiece 100 according to the present invention.

[0020] Timepiece 100, such as a wristwatch, is intended to be in contact with the skin of a user and to be worn, such as on the wrist.

[0021] The timepiece 100 comprises a case intended to receive a timepiece movement (not shown), which may be electromechanical or electronic.

[0022] The case 11 is closed at the bottom by a back 12 and at the top by a protective windshield 13 to protect the timepiece movement and the various elements mounted inside the case 11.

[0023] The case 11 and / or backing 12 are at least partially made of an electrically conductive material and therefore in contact with the wearer's skin form a reference potential, e.g. electrical earth 15.

[0024] Timer 100 also includes a flexible or articulated wristlet (not shown), the two ends of which are intended to be connected, e.g., removably, to case 11 via an ad hoc fastening system not described in detail herein, so that a user can wear timepiece 100 on the wrist or the like, with the exterior surface of back 12 in contact with the wearer's skin.

[0025] The timepiece 100 comprises an electronic unit 50 disposed within the case 11 and connected to the haptic control device 20 .

[0026] The haptic control device 20 comprises at least one capacitive sensor 21 comprising a first armature Cp1 consisting of a light-transmitting conductive electrode 22 arranged on at least a portion of the inner surface 13.1 of the protective windshield 13.

[0027] Preferably, the light-transmitting conductive electrode 22 covers a majority of the inner surface 13.1 of the protective windshield 13, and more preferably covers the entire inner surface 13.1.

[0028] The optically transparent conductive electrode 22 is connected to the electronic unit 50 by a first conductor 51. The first conductor 51 connects a first end of the optically transparent conductive electrode 22 to the electronic unit 50.

[0029] The timepiece 100 is equipped with a source of electrical energy 54 , for example a rechargeable battery, which is connected to the positive terminal of the electronic unit 50 by a conductor 53 .

[0030] The second armature Cp2 of the capacitive sensor 21 is formed by the finger 200 of the wearer of the timepiece 100 when the finger 200 is placed on the outer surface 13.2 of the protective windshield 13 opposite the optically transparent conductive electrode 22, thereby issuing a tactile command to perform a predetermined function of the timepiece 100.

[0031] The wearer's finger 200, as well as the wearer's entire body, is connected to a reference potential, e.g., earth 15 of the electronic unit 50, via the case 11 and / or back part 12, which are in contact with the wearer's wrist and connected to the negative pole of the electronic unit 50 and the source of electrical energy 54.

[0032] By design, a parasitic capacitance Cpp exists between the optically transparent conductive electrode 22 and its environment, which is represented in FIG. 2 by a capacitor 23 connected in parallel with the capacitive sensor 21 between the first conductor 51 and a reference potential, e.g., ground 15.

[0033] When the wearer's finger 200 is not placed on the outer surface 13.2 of the protective windshield 13, the capacitive sensor 21 is not formed and the control unit 50 detects the parasitic capacitance Cpp of the capacitor 23.

[0034] When the wearer's finger 200 is placed on the outer surface 13.2 of the protective windshield 13, a second armature Cp2 of the capacitive sensor 21 is formed (in parallel with the parasitic capacitance) and the electronic unit 50 detects a total capacitance equal to the sum of the parasitic capacitance Cpp and the (predominant) capacitance of the capacitive sensor 21, and by detecting changes in this capacitance it is possible to achieve the desired function of the timepiece.

[0035] The operation of this type of capacitive sensor is well known and does not require further explanation.

[0036] For example, the transparent conductive electrode 22 is a layer of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO).

[0037] Preferably, the layer of light-transmitting conductive oxide is deposited on the inner surface 13.1 of the protective windshield 13 by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, but other thin film deposition methods known to those skilled in the art are also possible.

[0038] For example, the optically transparent conductive electrode 22 is a layer of optically transparent conductive oxide composed of tin-doped indium oxide, aluminum-doped zinc oxide, zinc oxide, or fluorine-doped tin dioxide.

[0039] The transparent conductive electrode 22 may further comprise at least one optical compensation layer having an optical refractive index that configures the layer of transparent conductive oxide to be more transparent, the structuring of the transparent conductive oxide to form a separate electrode tending to make said layer slightly less transparent. This type of optical compensation is widely known and does not need to be described further.

[0040] In one variation, the optically transparent conductive electrode 22 is a silver nanowire-based layer.

[0041] In one variation, the optically transparent conductive electrode 22 is a carbon nanotube-based layer.

[0042] The timepiece 100 further comprises an anti-fogging device 30 on the protective crystal 13, which makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of fogging on the inner surface 13.1, i.e. on the surface facing the movement of the watch, or to suppress / reduce the presence of visible fogging after a strong thermal shock.

[0043] The anti-fogging device 30 is an active device that requires a power source to operate.

[0044] Advantageously, the anti-fogging device 30 utilizes the thermal and conductive properties of the at least one light-transmitting conductive electrode 22 already disposed within the timepiece 100 to ensure that the temperature of the protective windshield 13 increases, preventing the formation of fog.

[0045] As a result, the anti-fogging device 30 is partially formed by the light-transmitting conductive electrode 22 and has a second conductor 52 connecting a second end of the light-transmitting conductive electrode 22 to the electronic unit 50, thereby forming a closed circuit including the light-transmitting conductive electrode 22, the two conductors 51, 52, and the electronic unit 50.

[0046] The anti-fogging device 30 comprises a connection / disconnection means for electrically connecting / disconnecting the second end of the light-transmitting conductive electrode 22 of the electronic unit 50. For example, this connection / disconnection means consists of electronic means mounted on the electronic unit 50. This connection / disconnection means makes it possible to ensure that the tactile interface has an optimal sensitivity when the anti-fogging device 30 is inactive.

[0047] For example, when using a tactile control interface, the connection / disconnection means receives information from the capacitive sensor 20 to deactivate the electrical link between the second end of the optically transparent conductive electrode 22 and the electronic unit 50 .

[0048] For example, the electrical link between the second end of the optically transparent conductive electrode 22 and the electronic unit 50 is deactivated by default, allowing the user to access the tactile interface of the timepiece 100 if desired.

[0049] For example, the electronic unit 50 may comprise means for programming automatic and regular activation of the electrical link between the second end of the optically transparent conductive electrode 22 and the electronic unit 50 at regular intervals, e.g., twice per day, for a given period of time, e.g., within 10 seconds, as long as the tactile interface is not being used, thereby reducing or even eliminating the possibility of fogging occurring on the inner surface of the protective windshield 13.

[0050] For example, the electrical link between the second end of the optically transparent conductive electrode 22 and the electronic unit 50 can be activated after receiving information from an additional sensor about a risk of fog formation or a change in the state of the timepiece 100 due to fog formation.

[0051] The anti-fogging device 30 further comprises a current management module 53 mounted in the electronic unit 50 of the timepiece 100, which is configured to generate a controlled current in a closed electric circuit, thereby making it possible to heat the transparent conductive electrode 22 by the Joule effect.

[0052] Thus, the timepiece 100 allows for regulated and controlled active heating of the protective windshield 13 to occur and simultaneously prevent fogging, while enabling the manufacture of a tactile control device.

[0053] The current generated by the current management module 53 in the closed circuit can be triggered and modulated by different parameters and information generated by different sensors in, for example, a timer.

[0054] For example, the light-transmitting conductive electrode 22 can be heated at regular intervals and in combination or alternatively depending on information emitted by at least one additional sensor present in the timer.

[0055] The current management module 53 can further detect, via the tactile control device 20, any sudden change in the capacitance value of the capacitive sensor 21 due to the presence of condensed water and heat the light-transmitting conductive electrode 22 as soon as a given value is reached.

[0056] For example, the timepiece 100 can be equipped with an accelerometer 61 connected to the electronic unit 50. This accelerometer 61 makes it possible to provide the current management module 53 with information about the movement of the timepiece 100 and therefore about whether it is being used by a wearer or not. It is therefore possible to trigger the heating of the protective crystal 13 only when the watch is being worn, thus avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.

[0057] For example, additionally or alternatively, the timepiece 100 may comprise a temperature sensor 62 connected to the electronic unit 50. This temperature sensor makes it possible to provide the current management module 53 with information about the internal temperature of said timepiece 100 and / or the temperature of the external environment. For example, a set temperature can be defined which triggers the heating of the light-transmitting conductive electrode 22, and thus the protective windshield 13, by the generation of a current.

[0058] For example, additionally or alternatively, the timepiece 100 can comprise a humidity sensor 63 connected to the electronic unit 50. This humidity sensor mounted in the case 11 makes it possible to provide the current management module 53 with information regarding the humidity inside said timepiece 100. In this way, a set humidity level can be defined that triggers the heating of the light-transmitting conductive electrode 22, and thus of the protective windshield 13, by passing a current through it.

[0059] The current management module 53 is configured to modulate the current for heating the light-transmitting conductive electrode 22 in response to various information from various sensors present in the timer, thereby optimizing the consumption of the anti-fogging device 30.

[0060] The tactile control device 20 may comprise a plurality of capacitive sensors 21, and thus a plurality of light-transmitting conductive electrodes 22, on the inner surface 13.1 of the protective windshield 13, thereby forming an array of capacitive sensors 21. Advantageously, such an array makes it possible to selectively activate different functions or to detect sequences of movements of the wearer's finger 200 (combinations of lateral sliding, longitudinal sliding, simultaneous activation of two or more sensors, etc.).

[0061] In such an embodiment, the anti-fogging device 30 of the present invention uses at least a portion of the light-transmitting conductive electrodes 22 of the capacitive sensor array 21 .

[0062] In this case, at least a portion of the optically transparent conductive electrodes 22 of the capacitive sensor array 21 forming the first selection group are connected to the electronic unit 50 by first conductors 51 and second conductors 52 to form a plurality of closed electrical circuits, allowing the optically transparent conductive electrodes 22 forming the first selection group to be heated by the Joule effect.

[0063] In addition, another portion of the optically transparent conductive electrodes 22 of the capacitive sensor array 21, which form a second selection group different from the first selection group, is similarly connected to the electronic unit 50 by a first conductor 51 and a second conductor 52 to form a second plurality of closed electrical circuits, allowing the optically transparent conductive electrodes 22 forming the second selection group to be heated by the Joule effect.

[0064] Also, each of the optically transparent conductive electrodes 22 of the capacitive sensor array 21 can be connected to the electronic unit 50 by a first conductor 51 and a second conductor 52 to form multiple closed electrical circuits, allowing each of the optically transparent conductive electrodes 22 of the capacitive sensor array 21 to be heated by the Joule effect.

[0065] The current management module 53 can therefore be configured to electrically power all the optically transparent conductive electrodes 22 of the array, only a predetermined selected group of the optically transparent conductive electrodes 22 of the array of the capacitive sensor 21, or various selected groups of the optically transparent conductive electrodes 22, simultaneously or sequentially (selected group by group or electrode by electrode), to reduce consumption peaks of the energy source 54 while optimizing the degree of heating of the inner surface 13.1 of the protective windshield 13.

[0066] It is also conceivable that all the light-transmitting conductive electrodes 22 of the array of capacitive sensors 21 are heated sequentially according to a particular heating pattern. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 11 Cases 12 Back 13 Protective windshield 13.1 Inner Surface 13.2 External surface 15 Electrical Earth 20 Haptic Control Device 21 Capacitive Sensor 22 Transparent conductive electrode 30 Anti-Fog Device 50 Electronic Unit 51 First conductor 52 Second Conductor 54 Energy Sources 61 Accelerometer 62 Temperature Sensor 63 Humidity Sensor 100 clock 200 fingers Cp1 First armature Cp2 Second armature

Claims

1. A timepiece (100) comprising a case (11) forming an electrical earth (15), The case (11) is closed by a back part (12) and a protective windscreen (13), The timepiece comprises a haptic control device (20) connected to an electronic unit (50), The electronic unit (50) is configured to perform at least one predetermined function of the timepiece (100) using the action of the haptic control device (20); The haptic control device (20) comprises at least one capacitive sensor (21); The capacitive sensor (21) comprises a first armature (Cp1) formed by a light-transmitting conductive electrode (22) formed on at least a portion of the inner surface (13.1) of the protective windshield (13), and a second armature (Cp2) selectively formed by the placement of a finger (200) of the wearer of the timepiece (100) on an outer surface (13.2) of the protective windshield (13), The transparent conductive electrode (22) is electrically connected to the electronic unit (50) by a first conductor (51); The timepiece (100) comprises an anti-fogging device (30) of the protective windscreen (13), which is formed in part by the light-transmitting conductive electrode (22) and by a second conductor (52) connecting the light-transmitting conductive electrode (22) to the electronic unit (50) in a closed circuit, The electronic unit (50) comprises a current management module (53) configured to generate a controlled current in a closed circuit to allow the light-transmitting conductive electrode (22) to heat by Joule effect. A timer (100).

2. The transparent conductive electrode (22) is a layer of a transparent conductive oxide.

2. The timer (100) of claim 1 .

3. The transparent conductive electrode (22) includes a layer of a transparent conductive oxide and at least one layer for optical compensation of the transparent conductive oxide layer.

2. The timer (100) of claim 1 .

4. The transparent conductive oxide layer is made of tin-doped indium oxide, aluminum-doped zinc oxide, zinc oxide, or fluorine-doped tin dioxide. A timepiece (100) according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The transparent conductive electrode (22) is a silver nanowire-based layer.

2. The timer (100) of claim 1 .

6. The transparent conductive electrode (22) is a carbon nanotube-based layer.

2. The timer (100) of claim 1 .

7. The current management module (53) is configured to generate and / or modulate a controlled current to heat the optically transparent conductive electrode (22) in response to at least one information from at least one sensor (61, 62, 63) included in the timer (100).

2. The timer (100) of claim 1 .

8. an accelerometer (61) connected to said electronic unit (50), thereby making it possible to provide said current management module (53) with information regarding the use of said timepiece (100); A timepiece (100) according to claim 7.

9. a temperature sensor (62) connected to said electronic unit (50), which makes it possible to provide said current management module (53) with information about the internal temperature of said timepiece (100) and / or the temperature of the environment outside said timepiece (100); A timepiece (100) according to claim 7.

10. a humidity sensor (63) connected to said electronic unit (50), making it possible to provide information regarding the humidity in said timepiece (100) to said current management module (53); A timepiece (100) according to claim 7.

11. The haptic control device (20) comprises an array of capacitive sensors (21) covering an inner surface (13.1) of the protective windshield (13), The anti-fogging device (30) is formed by at least a part of the light-transmitting conductive electrodes (22) of the capacitive sensor array (21); at least a portion of the light-transmitting conductive electrodes (22) of the capacitive sensor array (21) are connected to the electronic unit (50) by first conductors (51) and second conductors (52) to form a plurality of closed electrical circuits; The current management module (53) is configured to generate a controlled current in each closed circuit of the plurality of closed circuits, thereby enabling heating of at least some of the optically transparent conductive electrodes (22) of the capacitive sensor array (21) by Joule effect.

2. The timer (100) of claim 1 .

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