Watch magnetic detector

Abstract

To provide a watch dial that includes a standalone device for determining a magnetic event.SOLUTION: A dial 2a includes a visible face 20a and a hidden face. The dial is formed by a stack of thin layers of material extending between these two faces. Each of the layers includes one or more of functional elements included in the device: at least one magnetic sensor 23; a magnetic event reporting module 4; a standalone electric power supply unit; and a control unit for managing operation of the reporting module and the at least one magnetic sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wristwatch comprising a dial including a fully stand-alone device for determining magnetic phenomena.

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, an electromechanical wristwatch with hands driven by a train of a watch movement mechanism and displaying the current time is known. In such a situation, since a magnetic field exists in the environment of the wristwatch, the operation of the mechanism may be hindered. As a result, even if the internal clock of the wristwatch displays the current time accurately, the hour hand and the minute hand are affected by the disturbance applied to the wristwatch and give a distorted display of this current time. Therefore, it may be necessary to resynchronize the positions of the hour hand and the minute hand.

[0003] In this context, it should be understood that there is a need to find a solution that does not have the drawbacks of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by providing a wristwatch comprising a dial including a stand-alone device for determining magnetic phenomena and having effectiveness that is stand-alone and constant over time.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to a wristwatch dial including a stand-alone device for determining magnetic phenomena, the dial including a visible surface and a hidden surface, the dial being formed by a stack of thin layers of material extending between these two surfaces, each layer including one or more of a plurality of functional elements included in the device. The plurality of functional elements are · at least one magnetic sensor, · a magnetic phenomenon reporting module, · a stand-alone power supply unit, and · a control unit for managing the operation of the reporting module and the at least one magnetic sensor.

[0006] In other embodiments, · The at least one magnetic sensor includes a REED magnetic sensor, a Hall effect sensor, and / or a magnetoresistive sensor, · The module for reporting magnetic events includes at least one element capable of generating an optical signal, · The module for reporting magnetic events includes at least one element capable of generating a vibration signal, · The module for reporting magnetic events includes at least one element capable of generating an audible signal, · The stack of thin layers includes a first layer on which the visible surface of the dial is provided, and the first layer includes the at least one magnetic sensor and the reporting module, · The at least one magnetic sensor is disposed in a cavity formed in the hidden surface of the dial, · The first layer is configured such that all or part of it is traversed by light radiation, in particular sunlight radiation, · The first layer is entirely or partially transparent or translucent, · The stack of thin layers of materials includes a second layer including a photovoltaic module constituting a stand-alone power supply unit, · The second layer includes a substrate on which the photovoltaic module is printed, · The photovoltaic module is disposed in the effective area of the second layer, and the area is configured to receive light radiation emitted from the first layer of the stack of thin layers of materials, · The stack includes a third layer including an electrical energy accumulator constituting a stand-alone power supply unit, · The third layer includes a substrate on which the electrical energy accumulator is printed, · The stack includes a fourth layer forming the hidden surface of the dial including a control unit, · The stack includes a third layer including the hidden surface of the dial including a control unit and an electrical energy accumulator constituting a stand-alone power supply unit, · The first layer is rigid compared to the other flexible layers included in the stack of thin layers of materials, · The visible surface and the hidden surface are flat or dome-shaped.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a wristwatch including such a dial.

[0008] Advantageously, the wristwatch includes a mechanical, electronic, or electromechanical movement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] The object, advantages, and features of the wristwatch according to the present invention will become apparent in the following description based on at least one non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the drawings.

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Figure 1 schematically shows a wristwatch 1 including a case 19 having an intermediate part to which a back cover and a crystal 22 are attached, a set of components forming a timepiece movement, and dials 2a, 2b disposed between the timepiece movement and the crystal 22.

[0012] In a manner well known to those skilled in the art, the timepiece movement drives a set of hands including an hour hand, a minute hand, and optionally a second hand. For this purpose, the dials 2a, 2b include through holes for receiving the axes of the hands. These dials 2a, 2b also include two surfaces 20a, 20b. The two surfaces 20a, 20b are · a so-called visible surface 20a that is visible from the outside of the wristwatch 1 and is also known as the "visible part" or "visible upper part" of these dials 2a, 2b, · a so-called hidden surface 20b that is disposed opposite the timepiece movement in the enclosure of the case 19 of the wristwatch 1 and is the surface 20b that is the so-called "hidden part" or "hidden lower part" of these dials 2a, 2b and include.

[0013] Such a visible surface 20a may, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner, · Reference (or display) elements such as numbers, indices, lines, or dots that contribute to the display of horological information / measurements or physical information / measurements measured by sensors included in the movement, regardless of the presence or absence of hands, · Inscriptions, patterns, texts, logos, etc. and may include at least one graphic representation such as.

[0014] These visible surfaces 20a and hidden surfaces 20b are substantially flat and / or parallel and / or on opposite sides of each other. Note that in other variations, the dials 2a, 2b may include a domed visible surface and a hidden surface that may be domed or flat. These surfaces 20a, 20b are also joined together by a peripheral wall of these dials 2a, 2b.

[0015] Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, it should be noted that the dials 2a, 2b preferably have a circular shape. It should be understood that the present invention can also be implemented for dials 2a, 2b having other shapes such as triangular or square shapes.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the watch movement is a mechanical movement. Alternatively, this movement may be an electromechanical or electronic movement. Hereinafter, a watch with a mechanical movement is referred to as a mechanical wristwatch, a watch including an electronic movement is referred to as an electronic wristwatch, and a watch including an electromechanical movement is referred to as an electromechanical wristwatch.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, such dials 2a, 2b include a stand-alone device 3 that determines a magnetic phenomenon. This device 3 for determining the magnetic phenomenon includes its own stand-alone power supply means, as will be described later. This device 3 for determining such a magnetic phenomenon 3 is said to be stand-alone, particularly with respect to the movement of the wristwatch 1 and particularly with respect to the energy source of this movement (for example, when this energy source is a power supply as in an electromechanical movement). Under these conditions, it should be understood that the energy used by this device 3 for determining the magnetic phenomenon does not impair the autonomy of the movement.

[0018] In this context, the dials 2a, 2b can be removably mounted on the wristwatch 1 regardless of the type of the wristwatch 1. The only condition is that the dials 2a, 2b include this device 3 for determining the magnetic phenomenon and are stand-alone with respect to the movement of the wristwatch 1. Since these dials 2a, 2b are also not connected, particularly electrically, to the movement of the wristwatch 1, they are also referred to as "stand-alone dials". These dials 2a, 2b may be regarded as parts attached to the wristwatch 1.

[0019] The device 3 for determining the magnetic phenomena included in these dials 2a, 2b includes a module 4 for reporting magnetic phenomena, a stand-alone power supply unit 21, at least one magnetic sensor 23, and a control unit 7.

[0020] In this device 3, the reporting module · At least one element capable of generating an optical signal 4, such as a light source 4 also known as a light source, which enables the device 3 to broadcast a visual message related to the determined magnetic phenomenon. · At least one element capable of generating a vibration signal, such as a vibrator including an ERM motor (abbreviation for eccentric rotating mass vibration motor) or an LRA motor (abbreviation for linear vibration motor), such as a piezoelectric vibrator, which enables the device 3 to broadcast a message in the form of vibrations related to the determined magnetic phenomenon, and / or · At least one element capable of generating an audible signal, such as a loudspeaker, which enables the device 3 to broadcast an audible message related to the determined magnetic phenomenon.

[0021] As described above, the at least one light source 4 is implemented to particularly serve to display a visual / light-emitting message related to the determined magnetic phenomenon. Each light source 4 can correspond to any electroluminescence element selected from a non-exhaustive and non-limiting list. The list includes · An electroluminescence capacitor well-known by the initials LEC of "Light-Emitting Capacitor", · Light-emitting diodes such as LED (initials of "Light-Emitting Diode"), OLED (initials of "Organic Light-Emitting Diode"), AMOLED (initials of "Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode"), QLED (initials of "Quantum Light-Emitting Diode"), etc. · Any electroluminescent material activated by a local electric field, · Any electroluminescent material activated by an electric current, · Any combination of these electroluminescent elements.

[0022] It should be noted that this light source 4 may be a light source 4 capable of forming an extended light source in some embodiments of the present invention. Thereby, a predetermined shape can be imparted to the extended light source, and typically, although not exhaustive or limiting, shapes related to graphic representations of numbers, letters, logos or texts are allowed to be imparted. It should also be noted that this light source 4 can generate light of any color and / or in any direction.

[0023] In the device 3 for determining this magnetic phenomenon, the at least one magnetic sensor 23 is configured to detect a magnetic field present in the enclosure of the case 19 of the wristwatch 1.

[0024] This magnetic sensor 23 is an electronic device designed to participate in the detection and measurement of at least one magnetic field. This magnetic field 23 to which the wristwatch 1 can be exposed can be generated by a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or an electric current. This sensor 23 includes an element sensitive to a magnetic field, such as a Hall effect transistor or a magnetoresistor, and an electronic circuit that converts the magnetic signal into an electrical output that can be used.

[0025] This sensor may be a REED magnetic sensor or a reed switch based on MEMS technology, which takes the initials of "Micro-Electronic-Mechanical System", and is composed of a series of electrodes arranged in a sealed chip. When a magnetic field is detected, the contacts inside the REED switch close or open, generating an electrical signal.

[0026] This sensor may be a Hall effect sensor that can measure changes in a magnetic field that are converted into an electrical signal. This sensor is a so-called Hall effect sensor when the electronic circuit inside the sensor enhances its performance by amplifying or processing the signal before transmission, thereby suppressing the risk of environmental interference.

[0027] This sensor may be a magnetoresistive sensor that uses changes in the electrical resistance of a material in the presence of a magnetic field. When the magnetic field changes, the resistance of the material changes proportionally. This change in resistance is measured and converted into an electrical signal to determine the strength of the magnetic field.

[0028] In addition, in other variations, this magnetic sensor 23 may be any combination of at least one REED magnetic sensor, at least one Hall effect sensor, and at least one magnetoresistive sensor.

[0029] In this determination device 3, the stand-alone power supply unit 21 includes an electrical energy accumulator 6 and a photovoltaic module 5 including at least one photovoltaic cell also known as a solar cell. This photovoltaic module 5 is connected to the electrical energy accumulator 6 via connection elements referred to as 17b and 18 in FIGS. 3 and 5. This photovoltaic module 5 may include one or more basic cells of a heterojunction or multi-junction type connected in parallel or in series. Each photovoltaic cell of this module 5 may be made of a semiconductor material based on copper, indium, gallium, and selenium, a semiconductor material based on cadmium telluride, a semiconductor material based on single-crystal gallium arsenide, or a semiconductor material based on single-crystal or polycrystalline silicon, or may be made of perovskite, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that these examples are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will be able to find a type of photovoltaic cell suitable for the present invention.

[0030] In the device 3 for determining this magnetic phenomenon, a control unit 7, also known as a microcontroller, includes an electronic circuit 8, which includes a memory element as well as hardware resources that cooperate with an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus, in particular at least one processor. This control unit 7 is connected to the at least one light source 4, to the at least one magnetic sensor 23, and to a stand-alone power supply unit 21. Such a control unit 7 includes an algorithm for determining the magnetic phenomenon in the memory element 4.

[0031] This algorithm can be the subject of an automatic training, also known as machine learning. To do this, the control unit 7 participating in the implementation of such training includes training data from magnetic field measurements and training data from specific magnetic phenomena related to the wristwatch 1. This training aims to improve the algorithm, in particular the resulting model, in order to minimize the "estimation and reality" error when evaluating a given magnetic field present in the enclosure of the case 19 of the wristwatch 1 as a function of magnetic field measurements related to this phenomenon.

[0032] It should be noted that such an algorithm executed by the processor of this control unit 7 may also take into account other types of events based on data transmitted from the event sensors included in this determination device 3 in order to improve the determination of the magnetic phenomenon. These events may include, but are not limited to, the detection of a specific light intensity level in the environment of the wristwatch 1, the detection of a specific visual object, and the detection of movements made by a part of the body of the user wearing this wristwatch 1. In this context, the event sensors of this determination device 3 are, in particular, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner, · a light sensor for detecting the ambient light intensity level, · a movement sensor for detecting the movement of a part of the body of the user wearing the wristwatch 1, in the form of an electronic component of the gyro and / or inertial electromechanical microsystem circuit type, such as a gyro sensor and / or an inertial sensor, and / or · A photo sensor type optical sensor is included.

[0033] Furthermore, when the determination device 3 includes several light sources 4, these operations can be managed / controlled simultaneously and / or sequentially by the control unit 7. In addition, each light source 4 is managed / controlled separately by this control unit 7. In this context, the management of the operation of each light source 4 can be composed of the following operations, namely, sequential switching on or off, simultaneous switching on or off of two or more light sources 4, flashing of one or more light sources 4, definition of the flashing frequency of each light source 4, the flashing time of each light source 4, the switching on or off time of each light source 4, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0034] Such a control unit 7 may also include in its memory element algorithms for the management of the electrical energy accumulator 6 (in particular, its charging by the photovoltaic module 5), the management of the electrical consumption by the said light source 4 and at least one magnetic sensor 23.

[0035] Thus, as described above, the stand-alone device 3 for determining magnetic events is included in the dials 2a, 2b. In this configuration, the components of this device 3 for determining magnetic events, namely the reporting module 4, the electrical energy accumulator 6, the photovoltaic module 5 and the said at least one magnetic sensor 23 and the control unit 7, are included in one or more layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 forming this dial 2a, 2b.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, these dials 2a, 2b are formed by or consist of a laminate 9a, 9b of a plurality of thin / fine layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and these layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are joined together by a joining element such as an adhesive material so as to integrate them to obtain a monolithic laminate 9a, 9b of thin layers, and thus an integral dial 2a, 2b is formed. This joining element may be a clip or a screw. Such layers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are stacked within the laminate 9a, 9b of a plurality of layers. That is, within these dials 2a, 2b, they are arranged on top of each other in a defined order. Note that such a laminate 9a, 9b of layers may also be referred to as an assembly of a plurality of layers. In this laminate 9a, 9b, the plurality of layers are substantially the same, having substantially the same upper and lower surfaces of the same area / surface, and thus contribute to the formation of the peripheral wall of the dials 2a, 2b without relief.

[0037] It should be noted that these thin layers or fine layers are layers each having a micrometer thickness. In fact, each layer may have a thickness included between 1 and 100 μm, preferably 2 μm, more preferably 3 μm. Regarding the thickness of the dials 2a, 2b, this thickness may be between 8 and 400 μm, preferably 6 μm, or preferably 12 μm, or preferably 100 μm, or preferably 200 μm, or preferably 300 μm.

[0038] That is, such an integral dial 2a, 2b not only can be removably mounted on the case 19 of the wristwatch 1, but also has the advantage of facilitating its incorporation into this case 19.

[0039] In a first modification of this laminate 9a shown in FIG. 3, the laminate 9a is the following four consecutive thin layers 10, 11, 12, 13, that is, · A first layer 10 that forms / composes the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a including the at least one magnetic sensor 23 and / or the at least one light source 4, · A second layer 11 including a photovoltaic module 5; · A third layer 12 including an electrical energy accumulator 6, also known as a rechargeable battery; · A fourth layer 13 forming a hidden surface 20b of the dial 2a including the at least one magnetic sensor 23 and / or the control unit 7 and consisting of.

[0040] The first layer 10 of this laminate 9a is preferably rigid or semi-rigid compared to the second, third, and fourth thin / fine layers 11, 12, 13, which are preferably soft or flexible. It should be understood herein that such a first layer 10 serves to structurally stiffen the laminate 9a of thin layers and thus the dial 2a.

[0041] In this laminate 9a, the first, second, third, and fourth layers 10, 11, 12, and 13 each include an upper surface and a lower surface.

[0042] With respect to the first layer 10, it is formed by a transparent or translucent, or at least partially transparent or translucent, rigid or semi-rigid substrate. Such a substrate is made of a material having a transmittance (also known as UVT, "ultraviolet transmittance") to solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet radiation, included between 65 and 95 percent. This transmittance is preferably 85 percent. Such a material may be transparent or translucent. Such a material may be, but is not limited to, a polymer, glass, or ceramic.

[0043] In this context, this substrate is · configured such that the light generated by the at least one light source can escape outside the dials 2a, 2b and thus outside the wristwatch 1; · configured such that the light emitted from the environment of the wristwatch 1 (which includes solar radiation if it is of natural origin) can pass through the dials 2a, 2b in the direction of the photovoltaic module 5 of the device 3 for determining magnetic phenomena. It should be understood that it is configured as such.

[0044] In other words, this transparent or translucent substrate is configured to allow light, particularly solar radiation, to pass through and supply power to the photovoltaic module 5, so that the photovoltaic module 5 can convert solar energy derived from this radiation into electrical energy.

[0045] This first layer 10 also includes at least one light source 4 disposed on the body of the substrate. Such an arrangement of the light source 4 on this substrate is configured to reliably illuminate all or part of the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a. For example, it is the illumination of graphic representations such as reference elements (or displays) like numbers, indices, lines, dots, or the illumination of one or more hands, or the illumination of all or part of the visible surface of the dial 2a. In one variant, this light source 4 may have a predetermined shape such as the shape of numbers, letters, indices, lines, dots, logos or text.

[0046] This illumination can be backlighting or semi - direct illumination when the light source 4 is disposed in a cavity defined in the substrate. Specifically, this cavity may be a blind opening made on the lower surface of this substrate. In this configuration, when the bottom of this cavity includes a graphic representation, the light radiation or light generated by this light source 4 can escape towards the outside of the dial 2a through the visible surface 20a of this dial 2a, and thus, at least one graphic representation can be seen in the dark. Specifically, the light radiation escaping from the visible surface 20a outlines the contour of this graphic representation. In this context, this graphic representation included on the upper or lower surface of the substrate forming the first layer 10 is preferably opaque or non - transparent or non - transmissive.

[0047] This lighting may be direct lighting when the light source 4 is arranged in a cavity defined in the substrate. This cavity may be a blind opening made on the lower surface of this substrate, and there is no graphic representation at its bottom. In this configuration, the light emission or light generated by this light source 4 can escape through the bottom of this cavity towards the outside of the dial 2a, and thus can escape through the visible surface 20a of this dial 2a.

[0048] This lighting may also be direct lighting when the light source 4 is arranged in a through-opening extending through the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10, and both ends thereof open to the upper surface and the lower surface of this substrate respectively. In this configuration, all or part of the light source 4 may protrude from the upper surface of this substrate, and thus from the first layer 10, or from the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, so as to form a graphic representation such as an index, a number, a dot, a line.

[0049] Such lighting may also be remote lighting when the at least one light source 4 is coupled to at least one waveguide. This waveguide is also known as an optical waveguide and allows light to be conveyed from the point where the light enters the waveguide to the substrate or to an area of the substrate close to the upper surface of the substrate (such as a cavity or a through-opening). Such an optical waveguide may be an optical fiber in the substrate that can avoid obstacles that may occur, for example, between an electroluminescent element and an area close to the upper surface of the substrate, and light will escape through this optical fiber. Therefore, in this variant, the light is brought from the electroluminescent element via the waveguide to this area of the substrate to be illuminated.

[0050] In such a configuration, the first end of the waveguide is coupled to the light source 4, and the second end of the waveguide is, · a cavity that can be a blind opening made on the lower surface of the substrate of this first layer 10, or · A through-opening that penetrates the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10, with both ends of the through-opening opening to the upper surface and the lower surface of this substrate, and thus the first layer 10, respectively. That is, this second end may protrude from the upper surface of the substrate or the first layer 10, or from the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, so as to form a graphic representation of a reference element such as, for example, an index, a number, a dot, a line, etc.

[0051] In this context, the indirect lighting is achieved by a single light source 4 coupled to several waveguides included in the lower surface of the substrate of the first layer 10, and the second ends of these waveguides are · Each cavity that emits the light radiation emitted from this light source 4 (since this radiation escapes outside the dial 2a through the visible surface 20a, at least one graphic representation can be seen in the dark. In this context, this graphic representation included in the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a or on the upper surface of the substrate is preferably opaque), and / or A through-opening that protrudes or does not protrude from the upper surface of this substrate so as to form marker elements such as an index, a line, a dot, each of which emits the light radiation emitted from this light source 4 are arranged.

[0052] In this first layer 10, the light source 4 is applied / fixed by printing or vapor deposition on the lower surface of the substrate of this first layer 10 that is in the cavity or on the inner wall of the aforementioned through-opening.

[0053] In this first layer 10, a magnetic sensor 23 is disposed within / on this substrate so as to be able to measure a magnetic field present in the enclosure of the watch case 19. This magnetic sensor 23 may be disposed on or under the upper surface of this substrate forming the first layer 10. When disposed within the substrate, this magnetic sensor 23 is positioned in a blind cavity formed in this upper surface. In one variant, it may be disposed in a blind cavity made in the lower surface of this substrate (having this upper surface as its bottom). In this configuration, a magnetic field passing through the dial 2a, 2b and thus the visible face 20a can be measured by the said magnetic sensor 23. This substrate may also include through holes connecting the upper and lower surfaces together, and the magnetic sensor 23 may be disposed in this through hole.

[0054] Furthermore, it should be noted that the lower surface of this first layer 10 may be self - adhesive so as to contribute to the assembly with the second layer 11.

[0055] In this laminate 9a, the second layer 11 comprises a substrate including a photovoltaic module 5. Such a substrate is preferably flexible or soft. The substrate of the second layer 11 may be a film on which the photovoltaic module 5 is disposed. Finally, this substrate may be made of a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0056] In this second layer 11, the photovoltaic module 5 preferably extends over the entire so - called active area of the upper surface of this substrate. This active area is a part of the upper surface of the substrate capable of receiving light emitted from the lower surface of the first layer 10 of the dial 2a. This light that has passed through all or part of the first layer 10 is emitted from the dial 2a and thus from the external environment of the watch 1, and in this case mainly, when of natural origin, from sunlight.

[0057] It should be noted that the photovoltaic module 5 is applied to the upper surface of this substrate using an inkjet printing or screen printing process, or using a thermal evaporation printing process. Here, a second layer 11 including the printed photovoltaic module 5 is mentioned. Specifically, it is the photovoltaic module 5 printed on the substrate of the second layer 11.

[0058] It should be noted that once the photovoltaic module 5 is applied to the substrate, a layer of self - adhesive substance may be deposited on all or part of the upper and / or lower surfaces of the substrate. Under these conditions, the second layer 11 may be a self - adhesive layer that helps facilitate the assembly with other layers, especially the first layer 10 and / or the third layer 12 of this laminate 9a.

[0059] In the laminate 9a, this third layer 12 also preferably includes a flexible or soft substrate. The substrate includes the electrical energy accumulator 6 of the stand - alone decision device 3. The substrate of this third layer 12 may be a film containing the accumulator 6. Such a substrate may be made of a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0060] This accumulator 6 may be a lithium battery or a semiconductor battery. Such a battery 6 · a printing process in a flexible polymer substrate (for example, in the case of a lithium battery), or · a three - dimensional printing process for a semiconductor battery such as a lithium metal semiconductor battery is applied to the upper surface of this substrate using processes known in the state of the art such as these.

[0061] Here, a third layer 12 including the printed electrical energy accumulator 6 is mentioned. Specifically, it is the electrical energy accumulator 6 printed on the substrate of the third layer 12.

[0062] That is, by such a process, a third layer 12 including this flexible and extremely thin accumulator 6 can be obtained.

[0063] Furthermore, it should be noted that once the accumulator 6 is applied to the substrate, a layer of self - adhesive material can be deposited over all or part of the upper and / or lower surfaces of this substrate. Under these conditions, the third layer 12 may be a self - adhesive layer that helps facilitate the assembly with other layers, in particular with the second layer 11 and / or the fourth layer 13 of this laminate 9a.

[0064] Note that this accumulator 6 is used to store the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic module 5 and to release it as required to supply power to the decision device 3, the at least one light source 4, and the at least one magnetic sensor 23.

[0065] In this laminate 9a, this fourth and last layer 13 forms the hidden face of the dial 2a. Such a fourth layer 13 is formed by a substrate that preferably contains a control unit 7 and is flexible or soft. The substrate of such a fourth layer 13 may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), and this control unit 7 is arranged on the upper surface of this PCB, and thus of this substrate. In this context, the construction of the control unit 7 on this upper surface of the substrate can be carried out using a three - dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process.

[0066] In this last and fourth layer 13, the magnetic sensor 23 is arranged within / on the substrate so as to be able to receive the magnetic field present in the case 19 of the wristwatch 1. This magnetic sensor 23 can be arranged on or below the lower surface of the substrate forming the fourth layer 13. When arranged within the substrate, this magnetic sensor 23 is positioned in a blind cavity formed in this lower surface. In a variant, it may be arranged in a blind cavity made on the upper surface of this substrate (having this lower surface as its bottom). In this configuration, a magnetic field passing through the dials 2a, 2b and thus through the hidden face 20b can be measured by the magnetic sensor 23. This substrate may also include through - holes connecting the upper and lower surfaces together, and the magnetic sensor 23 may be arranged in these through - holes.

[0067] In the second modification, the laminate 9b forming the dial 2b includes three thin layers 10, 11, 14 joined together. Note that this second modification differs from the first modification in that it includes three layers 10, 11, 14 instead of the four layers 10, 11, 12, 13 as in the first modification. In this second modification, the electrical energy accumulator 6 of the determination device 3 is here included in the third and last layer 14 of this laminate 9b together with the control unit 7.

[0068] Such a third and last layer 14 of such a laminate 9b forms the hidden surface of the dial 2b and preferably consists of a flexible or soft substrate. On this substrate, preferably on the upper surface of this substrate, the battery 6 and the electronic circuit 8 constituting the control unit 7 are constructed. The construction of the battery 6 and the control unit 7 on this upper surface of the substrate can be carried out using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process. It should be noted that such a substrate may be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0069] In this last and third layer 14 of this second modification, the magnetic sensor 23 is arranged within / on this substrate so as to be able to receive the magnetic field present in the enclosure of the case 19 of the wristwatch 1. This magnetic sensor 23 can be arranged on the lower surface of this substrate forming the third layer 14 or below it. When arranged within the substrate, this magnetic sensor 23 is positioned in a blind cavity formed in this lower surface. In one modification, it may be arranged in a blind cavity made on the upper surface of this substrate (having this lower surface as its bottom). In this configuration, the magnetic field passing through the dials 2a, 2b and thus the hidden surface 20b can be measured by the said magnetic sensor 23. This substrate may also include through holes connecting the upper and lower surfaces together, and the magnetic sensor 23 may be arranged in these through holes.

[0070] In summary, in this second modification, the laminate 9b is in this case · A first layer 10 forming a visible surface 20a of a dial 2a including the at least one magnetic sensor 23 and / or the at least one light source 4; · A second layer 11 including a photovoltaic module 5; · A third layer 14 forming a hidden surface 20b of a dial 2b including the at least one magnetic sensor 23 and / or a battery 6 and a control unit 7 and comprising.

[0071] Note that in this second modification, the first and second layers 10, 11 are the same as those of the first modification of the laminate 9a.

[0072] Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, an electronic circuit 8 of the control unit 7 includes a first connection element 15a, which is · The at least one light source 4 for managing the operation of this light source 4, in particular for displaying a message related to a determined magnetic event, and · The at least one magnetic sensor 23 useful for determining a magnetic event is connected to a connection element 16.

[0073] This electronic circuit 8 also includes a second connection element 15b connected to a first connection element 17a of the battery 6.

[0074] It should be noted that the event sensor of the aforementioned determination device 3 is preferably arranged in the first layer 10 and / or the last layer 13, 14 of the multi-layer laminate 9a, 9b while being connected to the control unit 7 of this device 3.

[0075] In a third modification, not shown, the stack of thin / fine layers forming the dial includes two interconnected layers. Note that this third modification differs from the second modification in that it includes two layers instead of the three layers 10, 11, 14 as in the second modification. In this third modification, the photovoltaic module 5 of the stand-alone determination device 3 is here included in the first layer, particularly on the lower surface of the substrate forming this first layer. This photovoltaic module 5 can be applied to this lower surface of the substrate of this first layer using an inkjet printing or screen printing process, or using a thermal evaporation printing process. Therefore, this first layer is in this case similar to the first layer 11 of the first and second modifications, but it should be noted that in this third modification, the first layer additionally includes a photovoltaic module.

[0076] Furthermore, in the third modification, similar to the second modification, the electrical energy accumulator 6 of the stand-alone determination device 3, together with the control unit 7, is included in the second and last layer of this stack. Such a second layer forming the hidden surface of the dial preferably includes a flexible or soft substrate. On this substrate, preferably on the upper surface of this substrate, the accumulator 6 and the electronic circuit 8 constituting the control unit 7 are constructed. This construction of the battery 6 and the control unit 7 on the upper surface of the substrate can be performed using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process. It should be noted that such a substrate may be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0077] In summary, in this third modification, the stack of multiple layers is in this case · a first layer forming the visible surface 20a of the dial including the at least one magnetic sensor 23 and / or the at least one light source 4 and the photovoltaic module 5, and · a second layer forming the hidden surface 20b of the dial including the at least one magnetic sensor 23 and / or the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7 and includes.

[0078] That is, in these dials 2a, 2b, the determination device 3 includes a magnetic sensor 23 that converts the received magnetic field into an electrical signal and transmits it to the control unit 7. In this context, when at least one magnetic field is detected in the enclosure of the watch case 19, an electrical signal containing data related to one or more magnetic fields is transmitted by the magnetic sensor 23 to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 then processes these data based on an algorithm for determining magnetic events. Such processing allows, in particular, the characteristics of at least one magnetic field picked up by the magnetic sensor to be identified, that is, in particular, the magnetic field to be specified as a function of the magnetic induction magnetic field and the magnetic excitation magnetic field of the at least one magnetic field.

[0079] By determining such magnetic events, these dials 2a, 2b may be able to implement various functions of this watch. For example, the function of this watch may correspond to the detection of a magnetic field present in the environment of the watch 1 (which is likely to cause a loss of timekeeping accuracy). In fact, the operation of the mechanism may be hindered by the magnetic field present in the environment of the watch 1. As a result, even if the internal clock of the watch accurately displays the current time, the hour hand and the minute hand, under the influence of this magnetic field, the train is stopped, so it gives a distorted display of this current time. Therefore, it is necessary to resynchronize the positions of the hour hand and the minute hand. Therefore, as part of this function, the control unit 7 can generate visual, vibration and / or audible messages in response to this event, and this message reports this loss of accuracy by controlling / driving the reporting module 4.

[0080] Advantageously, such dials 2a, 2b provided with this device 3 can solve, for example, the accuracy problems in a mechanical wristwatch that has not been demagnetized after being exposed to a magnetic field that generates residual magnetization in the internal components of the wristwatch 1. In this context, when the value detected by the device 3 exceeds a threshold value, the reporting module 4 generates an audible, visual and / or vibrating message related to this specific magnetic event. Such a message can be used to warn the wearer to take the wristwatch in for after-service demagnetization.

[0081] In this context, it should be understood that various threshold values can be defined as a function of at least one characteristic of the magnetic field, and in particular, different levels of severity become apparent in the context of the movement operation. Under these conditions, various implementation examples of at least one light source 4 of the reporting module can occur. That is, a first embodiment may report that demagnetization of the wristwatch is recommended, and a second embodiment may report that demagnetization is necessary.

[0082] It should be noted that threshold detection can also be used as a preventive measure. When the magnetic sensor records a rapidly increasing magnetic field, by implementing at least one light source, the wearer can be warned that their wristwatch is approaching a "magnetic" danger area. Thereby, for example, the wearer can be prevented from placing their watch near a magnet-equipped smartphone where the watch can be magnetized.

[0083] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments just described, and various simple modifications and variations can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dial (2a, 2b) for a wristwatch (1) comprising a stand-alone device (3) for determining magnetic phenomena, said dial (2a, 2b) comprising a visible face (20a) and a hidden face (20b), said dial (2a, 2b) being formed by a laminate (9a, 9b) of thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of material extending between these two faces (20a, 20b), said layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) each being a functional element included in said device (3) - at least one magnetic sensor (23); - a magnetic phenomenon reporting module (4); - a stand-alone power supply unit (21); - and a control unit (7) for managing the operation of said reporting module (4) and said at least one magnetic sensor (23) The dial (2a, 2b) comprising one or more of the above.

2. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one magnetic sensor (23) comprises a Reed magnetic sensor, a Hall effect sensor and / or a magnetoresistive sensor.

3. The magnetic phenomenon reporting module comprises - at least one element capable of generating an optical signal (4); - at least one element capable of generating a vibration signal; and / or - at least one element capable of generating an audible signal The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1.

4. The laminate (9a, 9b) of thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of material comprises a first layer (10) on which the visible face (20a) of said dial (2a, 2b) is provided, said first layer (10) comprising said at least one magnetic sensor (23) and said reporting module (4). The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1.

5. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one magnetic sensor (23) is arranged in a cavity formed in the hidden face of said dial (2a, 2b).

6. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein said first layer (10) is configured such that light radiation, in particular sunlight radiation, crosses all or part of it.

7. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein said first layer (10) is wholly or partly transparent or translucent.

8. The laminate (9a, 9b) of the thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of the material includes a second layer (11) comprising the photovoltaic module (5) constituting the stand-alone power supply unit (21), the front panel (2a, 2b) according to claim 1.

9. The laminate (9a, 9b) of the thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of the material includes a second layer (11) comprising the photovoltaic module (5) constituting the stand-alone power supply unit (21), and the second layer (11) includes a substrate on which the photovoltaic module (5) is printed, the front panel (2a, 2b) according to claim 1.

10. The laminate (9a, 9b) of the thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of the material includes a second layer (11) comprising the photovoltaic module (5) constituting the stand-alone power supply unit (21), and the photovoltaic module (5) is disposed in the effective area of the second layer (11), and the area is configured to receive light radiation emitted from the first layer (10) of the laminate (9a, 9b) of the thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of the material, the front panel (2a, 2b) according to claim 1.

11. The laminate (9a) includes a third layer (12) comprising an electrical energy accumulator (6) constituting the stand-alone power supply unit (21), the front panel (2a) according to claim 1.

12. The laminate (9a) includes a third layer (12) comprising an electrical energy accumulator (6) constituting the stand-alone power supply unit (21), and the third layer (12) includes a substrate on which the electrical energy accumulator (6) is printed, the front panel (2a) according to claim 1.

13. The laminate (9a) includes a fourth layer (13) forming the hidden surface (20b) of the front panel (2a) including the control unit (7), the front panel (2a) according to claim 1.

14. The laminate (9b) includes a third layer (14) comprising the hidden surface (20b) of the front panel (2a) including the control unit (7) and the electrical energy accumulator (6) constituting the stand-alone power supply unit (21), the front panel (2b) according to claim 1.

15. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the first layer (10) is rigid compared to other layers (11, 12, 13, 14) that are soft and are included in a laminate (9a, 9b) of thin layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) of the material.

16. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the visible and hidden surfaces (20a, 20b) are flat or domed.

17. A wristwatch (1) comprising the dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1.

18. The wristwatch (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises a mechanical, electronic or electromechanical timekeeping movement.

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