watch case

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for setting the time of a timepiece (100), in particular a miniature timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, provided with at least one hand (101) movable about a first axis (A1) for indicating the time, and with an operable time-setting unit (103), the device comprising a sensor assembly (2) for detecting one or more individual positions of the at least one hand (1), an element (3) for determining the current time, in particular a reference clock (3), an actuator (4) for actuating the operable time-setting unit (103), and a sensor and a processing logic unit (5) controllable or configured to control the actuator (4) based on data received from the assembly (2) and the element (3) for determining the current time, the device comprising a casing (6) and a movable part (7) rotatably movable relative to the casing (6) about a second axis (A2) between a first position and a second position, the movable part (7) including a masking element (74), in particular a window, that is opaque to visible light and transparent to radiation detected by the sensor assembly (2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for setting the time of a clock, and also to a method for setting the time or operating a device of this type. [Background technology]

[0002] A watch case has two main functions: to store the watch and to display the watch.

[0003] After an extended period of storage in the case (beyond its own autonomy), the clock stops and no longer shows the current or desired time, forcing the user to correct the time on the clock when they wish to use it again.

[0004] It is known to propose cases designed for small automatic watches that provide a solution to this problem. These cases propose a holding means for the watch that is rotated within the case, so that the stored watch is rotated about a non-vertical axis. This causes a movement of the oscillating weight of the stored watch relative to the casing of the watch movement, and thus the winding of the watch.

[0005] However, even with this type of case, the automatic miniature watch may show a very wrong time after a long period of storage in the case as a result of operational errors of the watch, and in this situation the user must also correct the time on the watch when he wishes to use it again. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to propose a device for setting the time and a method for setting the time that eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks and improve upon the cases known from the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a device for setting the time that makes it possible to simplify the setting of the time of a watch. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus is defined in claim 1.

[0008] Various embodiments of the device are defined in claims 2 to 10.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method is defined in claim 11.

[0010] Various embodiments of the method are defined in claims 12 to 14.

[0011] According to a second aspect, the invention is defined by the following propositions:

[0012] 1. At least one hand (101) movable about a first axis (A1) to indicate said time; an operable unit (103) for setting the time; A device (1) for setting the time of a timepiece (100), in particular of a miniature timepiece, in particular of a wristwatch, provided with: The device comprises: a sensor assembly (2) for detecting one or more discrete positions of at least one needle (1); an element (3) that determines the current time, in particular a reference clock (3); an actuator (4) for actuating an operable unit (103) for setting the time; a processing logic unit (5) adapted or configured to control said actuator (4) based on data received from said sensor assembly (2) and said element (3) for determining the current time; 1. An apparatus comprising:

[0013] 2. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of sensors (21), the sensors comprising: optical properties, in particular infrared sensors; and / or each including a signal emitter and a reflected signal receiver; and / or is a distance or proximity sensor, and / or are arranged and / or configured to be arranged around the first axis (A1), in particular to be arranged according to a certain angular distribution around the first axis (A1); The device described in proposal 1.

[0014] 3. The device comprises a casing (6) and a movable part (7) which is rotatably movable relative to the casing (6) about a second axis (A2), in particular between a first position and a second position; 10. The device according to proposal 1 or 2.

[0015] 4. The casing (6) includes a place (61) for receiving and positioning the watch (100) on the casing, and the sensor assembly (2) is disposed on the moving part (7). The device described in proposal 3.

[0016] 5. The casing (6) includes first positioning elements (62, 63) and the movable part (7) includes second positioning elements (72, 73), and the first and second positioning elements are capable of positioning the sensor assembly (2) relative to the storage location (61). The device described in proposal 4.

[0017] 6. The moving part (7) includes a masking element (74), in particular a window, that is opaque to visible light and transparent to the radiation detected by the sensor assembly (2); 6. A device according to any one of proposals 3 to 5.

[0018] 7. The device is a presentation box or case, the casing (6) is, for example, a case base, and the movable part (7) is, for example, a case cover. 7. A device according to any one of proposals 3 to 6.

[0019] 8. The device includes a sensor (11) for detecting the position of the movable part (7) relative to the casing (6); 8. A device according to any one of proposals 3 to 7.

[0020] 9. The device includes a battery (8). 9. A device according to any one of proposals 1 to 8.

[0021] 10. The reference clock (3) is a crystal oscillator clock, and the crystal oscillator is, for example, a crystal oscillator having temperature compensation. 10. A device according to any one of proposals 1 to 9.

[0022] 11. The device includes a man-machine interface (10) provided with one or more light sources (109) whose respective states indicate the operating state of the device; 11. A device according to any one of proposals 1 to 10.

[0023] 12. The base includes a lower surface (64) and a foot (65) protruding from the lower surface (64), and the light source is disposed on the lower surface. The device described in Proposal 11 is based on Proposal 7.

[0024] 13. At least one hand (101) movable about a first axis (A1) to indicate said time; an operable unit (103) for setting the time; A method for setting the time of a clock (100) or a method for operating a device according to any one of proposals 1 to 12, comprising: The method comprises: activating the correction chain of the timepiece (100) using an actuator (4); detecting at least one passage of said at least one needle (101) in front of a sensor assembly (2); From the detection, the time displayed by the clock is estimated. determining the current time by reading the current time indicated by a reference clock (3); defining the amplitude of the operation of the correction chain of the timepiece (100) so that the at least one hand indicates the current time; activating the correction chain of the clock (100) from the amplitude using the actuator (4) through the activation of the operable unit (103) for setting the time; The time setting step includes the steps: method.

[0025] 14. The step of setting the time comprises: automatically, e.g., at predetermined times, and / or After certain user actions, To be undertaken, The method described in Proposal 13.

[0026] 15. The setting step of the time is initiated only when the movable part (7) is in a predetermined position relative to the casing (6), in particular when the cover (7) of the case is closed. The method described in Proposal 14.

[0027] 16. The setting of the time step includes controlling the emission of a signal, in particular the switching on of one or more light sources (109), indicating that the setting of the time step is in progress. The method according to any one of proposals 13 to 15.

[0028] The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of specific embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example in connection with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a device for setting the time of day according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a device for setting the time. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of performing an embodiment of the method for setting the time of day according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating further steps in the implementation of an embodiment of the method for setting the time of day according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the signal generated by the sensor during the passage of a needle in front of the sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] An embodiment of a device 1 for setting the time of a watch 100 will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0031] The time setting device 1 is at least one hand 101 movable about a first axis A1 in order to indicate the current time, in particular in cooperation with a dial 102; a time-setting operable unit 103, i.e. a unit operable by the user to modify the position of the hands and thereby the time they indicate; This can be used to automatically set the time of any kind of miniature clock 100 having a clock.

[0032] For example, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the illustrated timepiece 100 is a wristwatch that includes two hands 101 (hour and minute hands) and a dial 102 .

[0033] For example, in FIG. 1, the timepiece shown is a wristwatch with a regulator type display, i.e. with two hands each rotating around a different axis and each cooperating with, for example, a different dial.

[0034] For example, the operable unit may be - a crown mounted on the rod, or - Gears, or - knurled rollers, may be.

[0035] The maneuverable unit is connected, either permanently or via a coupling, to a kinematic correction chain such that a displacement of the maneuverable unit causes a displacement of the needle, and the transmission ratio of the correction chain is known so that a given displacement of the maneuverable unit causes a displacement of the needle.

[0036] A time-setting device is particularly advantageous for mechanical timepieces (such as watch-pieces and wristwatches), whether automatic or not, because of the problems mentioned above.

[0037] The device 1 for setting the time of the clock 100 is a sensor assembly 2 for detecting one or more distinct positions of at least one needle 1; an element 3 for determining the current time, in particular a reference clock 3; - an actuator 4 for actuating an operable unit 103 for setting the time; a processing logic unit 5 capable of controlling or adapted to control the actuator 4 on the basis of data received from the sensor assembly 2 and from the element for determining the time of day; Includes.

[0038] The sensor assembly 2 preferably includes a plurality of sensors 21. For example, the sensors may include: - an optical sensor, in particular an infrared sensor; and / or - each including a signal emitter and a receiver of the reflected signal; and / or - is a distance or proximity sensor, and / or - designed and / or configured to be arranged about a first axis A1, in particular arranged according to a certain angular distribution about the first axis A1. This type of distribution is shown, for example, in Figure 4, where the sensors are illustrated arranged facing the clock in a direction that forms an angle of 45° with the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock and 12 o'clock directions. In Figure 4, the hour hand is illustrated facing the first sensor and the minute hand is illustrated facing the second sensor.

[0039] The use of multiple sensors makes it possible to compensate for any mechanical positioning errors of the sensors relative to the watch. These errors can be, for example: - welding of sensors onto electronic boards, - Fixing the electronic board to the rest of the device, - positioning of the moving part 7 in the casing 6, and - the positioning of the clock within the space designed to receive it; This can be caused by a variety of parameters.

[0040] The reference clock 3 is, for example, a quartz crystal clock. Preferably, the quartz crystal is, for example, a temperature-compensated quartz crystal. The reference clock can therefore provide a highly accurate indication of the current time. The reference clock may also be of other types or have other properties. The clock may be radio-controlled. In particular, the clock may be updated based on information transmitted by satellites of the geolocation system. The clock may also be external to the device for setting the time.

[0041] The actuator 4 may, for example, be a gear motor including a stepper motor and a reducer, in order to enable precise control of the displacement of the time-setting unit 103 and thus of the hands 101. The actuator also includes a unit for coupling to the time-setting unit 103. The coupling unit may include a gripper designed to grip the time-setting unit 103 so as to impart a rotational or even a translational movement to the unit, optionally for effecting a change in the setting mode of the watch. According to another embodiment, the time-setting unit 103 may include teeth designed to cooperate by meshing with other sets of teeth arranged on the coupling unit. In this way, the coupling unit is movable between a position in which the two sets of teeth are meshed and a position in which the two sets of teeth are not meshed. According to yet another embodiment, the time-setting unit 103 may include a friction surface designed to cooperate by friction with other friction surfaces arranged on the coupling unit. In this way, the coupling unit is movable between a position in which the two sets of teeth cooperate and a position in which the two sets of teeth do not cooperate.

[0042] The processing logic unit 5 includes, for example, a microprocessor.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1, the device advantageously comprises a casing 6 and a movable part 7. The casing 6 and the movable part 7 are adapted to be rotatably movable relative to each other about a second axis A2 between a first position (shown in Figure 1) and a second position (not shown).

[0044] The casing 6 includes a place 61 for receiving and positioning the watch 100 on the casing. In addition, the sensor assembly 2 is arranged on the movable part 7. The place 61 is preferably dimensioned to receive the housing so that the watch case has little play. Also preferably, means for flanging the watch may be provided to position the watch, and in particular the watch housing, in the place 61. A small play makes it possible to ensure good coupling cooperation between the actuator 4 and the operable unit 103 for setting the time, where the actuator is fitted to the casing 6. The flanging means may be activated and / or deactivated using the actuator 41.

[0045] Also advantageously, the casing 6 comprises first positioning elements 62, 63, and the movable part 7 comprises second positioning elements 72, 73, The first and second positioning elements are capable of positioning the sensor assembly 2 relative to the receptacle 61 .

[0046] The positioning elements 72 may be studs or pins which cooperate with the holes 62. The cooperation of the positioning elements allows the positioning of the movable part 7 relative to the casing 6 in a plane, in particular a plane parallel to the plane of rotation of the needle. The means may also be reversed, with the studs being arranged on the casing 6 and the holes being arranged in the movable part 7.

[0047] The positioning element also advantageously comprises two support elements 63 and 73 which cooperate to provide a flat support and to position the casing 6 and the moving part relative to each other and perpendicular to the above-mentioned plane, which makes it possible to accurately position the sensor assembly 2 relative to the timepiece 100, and in particular relative to at least one hand.

[0048] These various positioning elements cooperate when the mobile part 7 is in the second position on the casing 6 (folded as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4).

[0049] The movable part 7 and the casing 6 are arranged in such a way as to ensure good and complete cooperation of the various positioning elements in the second position, which makes it possible to guarantee very accurate positioning of the watch 100 relative to the sensor assembly 2, for example with linear positioning tolerances of less than 0.4 mm, or even less than 0.2 mm in all directions, and with angular positioning tolerances of less than 0.5°, or even less than 0.3° in all directions.

[0050] Preferably, certain positioning elements, or all positioning elements 62, 63, 72, 73, are located less than 1 cm, or less than 2 cm, from the clock 100 in the second position of the movable part 7.

[0051] Preferably, the moving part 7 comprises a masking element 74, in particular a window, that is opaque to visible light and transparent to the radiation detected by the sensor assembly 2. This makes it possible to improve the finish of the device by masking electronic components such as the sensor 21 of the sensor assembly 2.

[0052] Preferably, the device 1 is a presentation box or case. The casing 6 is, for example, a case base, and the movable part 7 is, for example, a case cover.

[0053] In addition, the device 1 may advantageously include a sensor 11 for detecting the position of the movable part 7 relative to the casing 6. Preferably, the sensor makes it possible to determine whether the movable part 7 is in a second position relative to the casing 6.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the device 1 may also include any combination of one or more of the following elements: - electric energy storage battery 8, - Man-machine interface 10, - Clock winding actuator.

[0055] Preferably, the battery 8 makes it possible to make the device 1 autonomous and to power all elements of the device 1 that require electrical energy for their operation.

[0056] The winding actuator 42 may be different from the actuator 4 for setting the time, if the unit for setting the time of the watch and the unit for winding the watch are different.

[0057] The man-machine interface 10 may be arranged in the casing 6, for example, adjacent to a place 61 that receives the watch 100 in particular. Advantageously, the casing or base 6 includes a shutter 108 designed to cover the man-machine interface 10 for masking purposes. For example, the shutter is articulated to the rest of the casing 6.

[0058] The human-machine interface 10 may include any combination of one or more of the following elements: a display screen 107, in particular a screen for displaying the current time indicated by the reference clock 3; one or more control buttons 106, which in particular make it possible to control the initiation of the operating procedure of the device 1 and to automatically set the time of the clock 100; - a socket 105, in particular a female USB socket, which allows the battery 8 to be recharged by an external energy source; one or more adjustment buttons 104, making it possible in particular to adjust the current time provided by the reference clock 3; one or more light sources 109, the state of which indicates the operational state of the device.

[0059] Advantageously, the base 6 includes a lower surface 64 and feet 65 that protrude relative to the lower surface 64. The light sources are located on the lower surface. The feet 65 thus provide a space between the lower surface and the surface on which the device 1 is supported. Thus, when one or more light sources are lit, they produce backlighting that is visible to a user due to the reflection of light rays on the surface. Each light source may be a light emitting diode.

[0060] The device for setting the time 1, in particular the processing logic unit 5, includes all the hardware and / or software means necessary to control its operation and to implement the methods that are the subject of the present invention, in particular the methods described below.

[0061] The above-mentioned means may include software modules.

[0062] An embodiment of a method for setting the time of the watch 100 is described in detail below, which may also be understood as a method for operating the device for setting the time as described above.

[0063] In the first step, the user places the clock 100 in the storage location 61 .

[0064] In a second step, the user commands the initiation of the time setting phase, for example by acting on the control button 106 .

[0065] In a third step, the user places the movable part 7 in its second position relative to the casing 6. This second position is detected by the sensor 11, initiating the initiation of the time setting phase (which includes steps four to nine below).

[0066] In a fourth step, the device 1 couples the actuator 4 to the time-setting operable unit 103 and activates the time-setting operable unit 103 using the actuator 4, thereby activating the time-setting correction chain of the clock 100. This type of step is illustrated in Figure 3.

[0067] In a fifth step, the device 1 detects at least one passage of at least one needle 101 in front of the sensor assembly 2. The passage causes a temporal variation in the signal emitted by the sensor, as illustrated in Figure 5. At extreme values, the needle faces the sensor. It is noted that the shape of the signal generated during the passage of the needle in front of the sensor depends on several parameters, including in particular any combination of one or more of the following parameters: - needle rotation speed, - The shape of the needle, especially its width, - the position of the hands in a direction perpendicular to the dial 102, - The optical appearance of the hands, in particular their colour and / or surface condition. Thus, by analyzing the sensor signals based on these various influence parameters, the device 1 is able to distinguish the passage of the hour hand from the passage of the minute hand. Passages of other hands are detected and distinguished as well.

[0068] After multiple detections of the passage of one or more hands in front of the sensor, in a sixth step the device 1 analyzes the sensor signal and deduce therefrom the time displayed by the clock during the last detection of the passage of a hand in front of the sensor.

[0069] In a seventh step, the device 1 determines the current time, in particular by reading the current time indicated by the reference clock 3 .

[0070] In an eighth step, the device 1 defines by calculation the amplitude of the actuation of the correction chain of the watch 100 so that at least one hand indicates the current time. For this purpose, the device 1 uses the predetermined current time and the time displayed by the watch during the last detection of the passage of the hand in front of the sensor.

[0071] In a ninth step, the device 1 activates the chain of correction of the clock 100 at the amplitude in question by means of the actuator 4, through the activation of the operable unit 103 for setting the time. For this purpose, the device: - the transmission rate of the correction chain of the watch between the operable unit 103 for setting the time and the hands; - the transmission ratio between the motor and the actuator outlet, Use your knowledge.

[0072] Thus the clock is set accurately. The time setting stage is complete.

[0073] In a tenth step, the user can displace the moving parts to their first position and remove the watch from the movement.

[0074] Contrary to what has been described in detail above, the time setting step may alternatively be carried out automatically when the clock is placed in the device 1, for example at regular intervals, for example at a predetermined time each day or week.

[0075] Also preferably, the time setting phase is initiated only when the movable part 7 is in its second position relative to the casing 6, in particular when the case cover 7 is closed.

[0076] Preferably, the setting the time step also includes controlling the emission of a signal, in particular the switching on of one or more light sources 109, to indicate to the user that the setting the time step is in progress.

[0077] The method also includes, in particular - a winding actuator 42 dedicated to winding, if the time-setting unit and the winding unit of the watch are different, or - the actuator 4 after configuring the operable unit 103 in a position allowing hoisting, This may include a winding step of the watch 100 by activating the

[0078] The winding stage is - before the time setting phase, in particular during the third and fourth steps mentioned above, or - After the time setting stage, It may be implemented.

Claims

1. A device having at least one hand (101) that is movable around a first axis (A1) to indicate the time, The operable unit (103) for setting the aforementioned time, A sensor assembly (2) that detects one or more individual positions of at least one needle (1), The element that determines the current time (3), An actuator (4) adapted to operate the operable unit (103) for setting the aforementioned time, A processing logic unit (5) is adapted to control the actuator (4) based on data received from the sensor assembly (2) and the element (3) that determines the current time, Casing (6) and Movable parts (7) and Includes, The movable part (7) includes a masking element (74) that is opaque to visible light and transparent to the radiation detected by the sensor assembly (2). A device (1) for setting the aforementioned time of a clock (100).

2. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of sensors (21), and the sensors are Optical properties, and / or Each includes a signal emitter and a receiver of reflected signals, and / or It is a distance or proximity sensor, and / or Arranged around the first axis (A1), The apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The casing (6) includes a rest (61) on the casing for receiving and positioning the clock (100), and the sensor assembly (2) is positioned on the movable part (7). The apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The casing (6) includes first positioning elements (62, 63), the movable part (7) includes second positioning elements (72, 73), and the first and second positioning elements enable the sensor assembly (2) to be positioned relative to the storage area (61). The apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned device is a cosmetic box or case. The apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The device includes a sensor (11) for detecting the position of the movable part (7) relative to the casing (6), The apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The device includes a battery (8), The apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned reference clock (3) is a crystal oscillator clock. The apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The device includes a human-machine interface (10) which is provided with one or more light sources (109) that indicate the operating state of the device based on the state of the light sources (109). The apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The apparatus is a cosmetic box or case, the casing (6) is a case base, the case base includes a bottom surface (64) and feet (65) protruding from the bottom surface (64), and the one or more light sources are arranged on the bottom surface. The apparatus according to claim 9.

11. A method for operating the apparatus described in Claim 1, The aforementioned method, The actuator (4) is used to activate the chain of corrections for the clock (100). To detect at least one passage of the at least one needle (101) in front of the sensor assembly (2), From the above detection, the time displayed by the clock is estimated. The current time is determined as follows: The amplitude of the operation of the correction chain of the clock (100) is defined. By activating the operable unit (103) that sets the time, the actuator (4) is used to activate the correction chain of the clock (100) based on the amplitude. Including the step, including the time setting step, method.

12. The setting stage of the aforementioned time is, Automatically, and / or After a specific action by the user, To be started, The method according to claim 11.

13. The setting step at the aforementioned time is initiated only when the movable part (7) is in a predetermined position relative to the casing (6). The method according to claim 12.

14. The setting stage of the aforementioned time includes control of signal emission, The method according to claim 11.

15. The setting step of the time includes switching one or more light sources (109) to indicate that the setting step of the time is in progress. The method according to claim 14.

16. The setting step of the time is initiated only when the cover (7) of the case is closed. The method according to claim 13.

17. The element (3) that determines the current time is a reference clock (3). The apparatus according to claim 1.

18. The movable part (7) is rotatable around the second axis (A2) relative to the casing (6) between the first position and the second position. The apparatus according to claim 1.

19. The masking element (74) is a window. The apparatus according to claim 1.

20. The sensors are arranged around the first axis (A1) according to a certain angular distribution. The apparatus according to claim 2.

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