Portable watch equipped with a mechanical-electric generator

Abstract

We offer a portable watch equipped with a low-profile mechanical-electric generator. [Solution] A portable watch comprising a movement 44a and a mechanical-electric generator 88 within a case 6b, wherein the mechanical-electric generator 88 comprises stators 106a, 106b, 18a, 18b and a rotor 92, one end of which supports permanent magnets 18a, 18b and the other end which supports a coil 14. The rotor 92 has an annular structure and is rotationally guided by at least one ball bearing 100a, and the rotor 92 has a free space throughout its entire height, through which the geometric axis of rotation of the rotor 92 passes, and the movement 44a is at least partially positioned within this free space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable timepiece (e.g., a wristwatch, a pocket watch) equipped with a mechanical-electric generator. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable timepiece provided with a mechanical movement. This means that the driving of the analog time display is completely mechanical, with the barrel as the energy source.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a portable timepiece provided with an illumination device for a display space having an analog display device, and this illumination device is powered by a mechanical-electric generator.

Background Art

[0003] Mechanical portable timepieces with various additional illumination systems are already on the market. In a particular form disclosed in European Patent Document EP3838424, the illumination device is powered by a micro-generator, also called a "generator", which is rotated by a barrel spring and functions as a speed regulator for a striking mechanism. A coil in the micro-generator is carried by a stator in the micro-generator, and the rotor carries a permanent magnet in a traditional manner.

[0004] In the case of a microgenerator, the generator and its corresponding electrical and electronic circuitry are entirely housed within the timekeeping movement, occupying a relatively large space within the movement. When the timekeeping movement is viewed through a transparent plate on the back of the portable watch case, the generator is clearly visible. This gives the timekeeping movement a mixed mechanical and electrical appearance, which is unsuitable, especially for the highest-end portable watches where the value of the watch lies in its mechanical timekeeping movement. Furthermore, the considerable space occupied by the generator within the movement increases the volume of the movement. In addition, the height of the generator increases because the rotor has at least one disk on which multiple magnets axially overlap the coils in the stator, and a central axis supporting at least one disk, and this central axis rotates at both ends of the support for the movement, such as the generator plate or bar.

[0005] Furthermore, the lighting system presents challenges for portable watches equipped with mechanical movements, especially for high-end portable watches where maintaining only the mechanical properties of the movement is crucial as much as possible. The lighting system actually comprises at least one light-emitting element, e.g., at least one LED, an electrical circuit, an electronic circuit, and at least one electrical energy storer, which are arranged on the support of the timekeeping movement around the rotor in a microgenerator. This introduces an electronic device and an electrical energy storage means to the timekeeping movement. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The first objective of the present invention is to provide a portable watch equipped with a mechanical-electric generator that solves the various problems mentioned above that arise when incorporating a micro-generator (hereinafter referred to as "mechanical-electric generator" or simply "generator") into the movement of a portable watch.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a portable clock equipped with a mechanical-electric generator and a lighting device that solves the various problems related to lighting systems mentioned above.

[0008] The present invention further aims to provide a lighting device for the display components of an analog portable watch, particularly the hands and dial, which is aesthetically pleasing, elegant, suitable for the highest quality portable watch, and eliminates the need to provide special optical means to the elements of the analog display component itself, particularly the dial. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates, firstly, to a portable watch comprising a movement, a mechanical-electric generator, and a case for mounting the movement and the mechanical-electric generator, wherein the generator comprises a stator and a rotor, one of the stator and the rotor carrying a permanent magnet, and the other of the stator and the rotor carrying a coil, wherein the permanent magnet and the coil move sequentially within a reference frame connected to the coil as the rotor rotates, the permanent magnet at least partially facing each coil, and each magnetic axis of the coil passing through the coil, the rotor having an annular structure and being rotatably guided by at least one ball bearing, the rotor having a free internal space over its entire height, the geometric axis of rotation of the rotor moving through the internal space, and the movement at least partially positioned within the internal space.

[0010] In one preferred embodiment, the rotor on the mechatronic generator is positioned substantially entirely, preferably entirely, within the space surrounding the movement. “Completely within the space surrounding” means that the movement is contained within a geometric volume extending from the inner sides of the space surrounding, and the rotor does not enter this volume. However, the internal teeth of the rotor that mesh with the wheels of a mechanical drive device in the generator may be an exception if this mechanical drive device is included in the movement. In certain embodiments not described herein, the mechanical rotor drive device may be separate from the movement and positioned outside the volume of the movement within the portable watch case. In one preferred embodiment, the stator on the mechatronic generator is positioned substantially entirely, preferably entirely, within the space surrounding the movement. With respect to the stator, “substantially entirely within the space surrounding” means, in this case, that the coil is substantially outside the volume of the movement, although a portion of the coil support may optionally enter this volume, particularly for attachment to the movement.

[0011] In one advantageous embodiment, the axial dimension of the mechanical-electric generator is smaller than the axial dimension of the movement.

[0012] In one advantageous embodiment, the portable watch comprises a plurality of ball bearings having a diameter smaller than the inner radius of the rotor, preferably a diameter smaller than half the inner radius, each of the plurality of ball bearings having a fixed portion and a movable portion that moves between the fixed portion and the rotor, the movable portion and the rotor are configured such that the rotor can rotate around a geometric axis of rotation, supported only by the plurality of movable portions of the plurality of ball bearings.

[0013] In the first primary embodiment, the rotor includes an unbalanced element that allows the rotor to be actuated to rotate freely by the action of a user of a portable watch, and the coil is connected to an electroaccumulator via a rectifier.

[0014] In a second primary embodiment, a mechanical rotor drive device is provided, which includes a barrel and is configured to be activated in response to instructions from the user of the portable watch.

[0015] In one advantageous embodiment, the portable watch comprises a lighting device powered by a coil. In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the rotor supports the coil, and the coil is connected directly to the lighting device, which is positioned to be fixed on the rotor, or via an electrical circuit that does not include a storage device, and, if applicable, an electronic circuit.

[0016] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These are given as examples and are not limiting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a portable watch according to the first main embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a portable watch according to a second main embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figures 4 and 5 show a horizontal cross-sectional view along line III-III of a portable clock, illustrating one advantageous embodiment for using a mechanoelectric generator as an energy source for a lighting device in the display space of the portable clock. [Figure 4] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a portable watch along line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portable watch along line VV. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, a first main embodiment of the portable watch according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0019] The portable watch 2 comprises a movement 4, a mechanical-electric generator 8, and a case 6 that houses the movement and the mechanical-electric generator. The generator 8 comprises a stator 10 and a rotor 12, the rotor 12 carrying permanent magnets 18a and 18b, and the stator 10 carrying a coil 14. Generally, the permanent magnets and coils are configured such that, as the rotor rotates, the magnets move sequentially within a reference frame linked to the coils, so that each magnetic axis of the magnets (indicated by arrows in the figure) passes through the coils and faces at least a portion of each coil. According to the present invention, the rotor 12 has an annular structure and is rotatably guided by at least one ball bearing 20. The rotor also has a free internal space 24 along its entire height, through which the geometric axis of rotation of the rotor (similar to the axis 34 shown in Figure 2) passes, and the movement 4 is partially positioned within it.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the first main embodiment shown in Figure 1, the rotor 12 has a ferromagnetic structure, in this case formed by two annular portions 17a and 17b, the cross-section of which is generally C-shaped (more precisely, U-shaped with a straight portion). In particular, the annular portion 17a has an L-shaped cross-section and supports a first permanent magnet row 18a located above the coil 14, and the annular portion 17b has a straight cross-section and supports a second permanent magnet row 18b located below the coil 14. Thus, advantageously, the coil 14 is positioned between pairs of magnets of the same polarity and is aligned axially, and the magnetic axes of those magnets are also in the axial direction. To reduce the thickness of the generator and to easily allow each magnet in the magnet pair to be equidistant from the coil, the coil is placed in an opening in a support 15, and the coil is fixed in this opening. This support 15 can optionally form a PCB. The coil 14 and magnet pairs 18a and 18b are arranged in a ring shape with the rotor's rotation axis as the central axis. In the first embodiment, the number of magnets in each magnet row is equal to the assumed number of coils, and although this number is not limited, it is assumed to be advantageous to have 24 to 48 magnets. In this case, all magnets have the same polarity (the direction of polarization is the same). In the second embodiment, the generator has twice the number of magnets per magnet row, i.e., the number of magnet pairs, as the number of coils. In this latter case, the magnets in each row, or the magnets in each magnet pair, have alternating polarities.

[0021] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a single ball bearing 20 is provided, consisting of a fixed annular portion 21 and a movable annular portion 22, with a ball 23 positioned between these two portions. In this embodiment, the movable annular portion 22 forms part of the rotor 12. In the first embodiment (shown in Figure 1), the fixed portion 21 of the ball bearing 20 is located outside the rotor 12 and is fixed to the case 6. The rotor on the mechanical-electric generator 8 is positioned entirely within the space surrounding the movement 4. This configuration is advantageous because the rotor does not obstruct the movement, and this design allows the rotor and stator coil to be positioned outside the cylindrical space rising axially from the lower translucent body of the case 6. In the embodiment under consideration, only the support 15 for the coil 14 can partially enter this cylindrical space. "Surrounding space" is interpreted to include the geometric volume defined by the movement 4, i.e., the space that laterally surrounds all outer surfaces of the movement 4.

[0022] To attach the generator 8 inside the case 6 of the portable watch 2, first, together with the upper part 17a of the rotor that carries the upper magnet 18a, the ball bearing 20 is introduced into the case through the lower opening of the case middle part from the back of the case (the back of the case is removed to attach the generator and the movement), and the fixed annular part 21 is assembled to the case 6. Note that the upper part 17a is pre-fixed to the movable annular part 22 of the ball bearing. Next, the movement 4 and the stator 10, optionally together with the dial, are inserted into the case through the lower opening in the same manner, and the movement is fixed inside the case. Note that the stator can be fixed to the movement in advance, or can be fixed to the movement after being attached to the case 6. In an embodiment not shown, the stator is fixed to the fitting circle on the movement 4. Finally, the magnet 18b is added to the lower part 17b of the rotor, and this lower part 17b is fixed to the upper part 17a to form the rotor 12, forming a magnetic circuit that couples the magnet 18a to the magnet 18b. These two parts, the upper part 17a and the lower part 17b, are fixed by the screw 26, and this screw 26 is screwed into the threaded tube attached to the movable part 22 and the upper part 17a of the rotor. The lower part 17b extends beyond the upper part 17a in the radial direction, ensuring that these two parts are firmly and stably fixed.

[0023] The first main embodiment relates to a portable watch in which a mechanical-electric generator 8 is an electrical energy source provided to convert mechanical energy from the movement of the user's arm into electrical energy, and the electrical energy is stored in the portable watch and can power at least one electrical and / or electronic device or system incorporated in the portable watch. For this purpose, the rotor 12 carries an unbalanced element 28. Alternatively, the rotor can be said to include the unbalanced element 28, because this unbalanced element is fixed to the rotor and rotates with the rotor. This unbalanced element extends over an angular distance of, for example, 180°. In this way, the unbalanced element makes it possible to rotate the rotor 12 by the movement of the user of the portable watch. To store the electrical energy generated by the generator 8, a coil 14 is connected to an electroaccumulator 32 via a rectifier 30. These electrical elements 30 and 32 are arranged on a support 15 of the stator 10 in the illustrated embodiment, the support 15 forming a PCB through which, advantageously, coils arranged in a row are connected to a rectifier, which can rectify the sinusoidal electrical signal supplied by the generator and store electrical energy in a storage device 32, in particular a rechargeable battery.

[0024] The PCB 15 partially enters into the movement 4. This means that the machine-electric generator is arranged substantially completely within the space around the movement. In the first embodiment, the PCB forming the stator 10 and carrying the electrical elements is arranged completely around the movement and is fixed to the movement or to the portable watch case or the fitting circle. In the second embodiment, two ends of a plurality of coils connected in series are connected by two wires, a flexible connector, or another type of electrical connector to two electrical plates on the PCB where the electrical elements 30 and 32 are arranged. This PCB is separate from the support forming the stator 10 and arranged completely around the movement 4. In the first and second embodiments, the stator, and thus the generator, is arranged completely within the space around the movement, the movement is separate from the generator, and this generator is around the movement within this generator.

[0025] Hereinafter, a second main embodiment of the portable watch according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0026] The portable watch 42 according to the second main embodiment of the present invention is mainly different from the first main embodiment in the following points. That is, the rotor 52 of the machine-electric generator 48 is driven from the barrel 72 in the movement 44 by a gear train (formed by gears 74 and 75) according to an instruction. This barrel stores mechanical energy by manual or automatic winding via a balance weight and is dedicated to a lighting device that brightens the portable watch. In this portable watch, the electrical energy source is the generator 48. Generally, this portable watch includes a mechanical rotor drive device. This mechanical drive device includes a barrel and is configured to be activated according to an instruction of a user of the portable watch to drive the rotor of the generator to generate electrical energy.

[0027] The generator 48 includes a stator 50 and a rotor 52, the rotor supporting a permanent magnet 18 and the stator supporting a coil 14. The permanent magnet and coil move sequentially within a reference frame connected to the coils, so that each magnetic axis passes through the coil as the rotor rotates, at least partially opposite each coil. According to the present invention, the rotor 52 has an annular structure and is rotatably guided by ball bearings 60. The rotor 52 has a free internal space through which the geometric axis of rotation 34 of the rotor passes over its entire height, and the movement 44 is partially positioned within this internal space. The rotor 52 of the mechanical-electric generator is positioned entirely within the space surrounding the movement. In the preferred embodiment shown, the stator 50 on the mechanical-electric generator 48 is also positioned entirely within the space surrounding the movement 44. Furthermore, the axial dimensions of the mechanical-electric generator 48 are smaller than the axial dimensions of the movement 44. Even if the generator 48 is mounted in the portable watch 42, the thickness of the portable watch 42 does not increase. Furthermore, the generator 48 can be easily installed inside the case 6a, and the space above the movement 44 is not obstructed by the generator. This latter feature is particularly useful for portable watches 42 that are equipped with an illumination device that illuminates the display space 70 located between the dial 68 and the upper translucent material (crystal) 78 from the surrounding area (this illumination device will be described in detail later).

[0028] The ball bearing 60 is formed by a fixed portion 21a and a movable portion 22a, with balls 23 positioned between them. The movable portion 22a is annular and forms part of the rotor 52 or is attached to the rotor. The illustrated embodiment is characterized in that the fixed portion 21a of the ball bearing 60 is inside the rotor 52 and fixed to the movement 44. In particular, the fixed portion 21a forms a ring surrounding the movement 44, for example in its central region, as shown in Figure 2. Only the wheel 75 on the rotor drive device moves beneath the ball bearing 60 and meshes with the internal teeth of the rotor. These internal teeth are formed by machining them onto the inner edge of the ferromagnetic ring 58 that forms the rotor 52 and carries the bipolar permanent magnets 18. The ring 58 is attached to the movable portion 22a of the ball bearing 60 and, together with the ferromagnetic annular portion 56 of the stator 50, forms a magnetic circuit that closes the magnetic field generated by the magnets 18, so that these magnetic fields pass through each coil 14 optimally. The annular portion 56 of the stator has an L-shaped cross-section and is fixed to the case 6a. This annular portion 56 carries an annular PCB 54 positioned below its horizontal portion, below which the coils 14 are positioned opposite the magnets 18. For example, the PCB 54 carries (but is not limited to) 20 to 40 coils evenly distributed around the rotation axis 34. In contrast, the rotor 52 carries an equal number of magnets of the same polarity, or twice the number of magnets with alternating polarities, and these magnets are evenly distributed throughout the ring 58. The generator 48 differs from the generator 8 in the first embodiment mainly in that the rotor 52 carries a single row of magnets arranged in the same geometric plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 34, and therefore all these magnets are on the same side of the coils 14.

[0029] Next, the second main embodiment differs from the first main embodiment in the following respect: the lighting device in the portable watch is powered in substantially real time by a generator 48 (specifically, by a coil 14 on the generator 48 when the rotor 52 is rotating at a speed greater than a predetermined minimum value) directly or by an electrical and / or electronic circuit without an electrical energy storer, wherein such a circuit comprises at least one smoothing capacitor optionally made of a solid material (such a smoothing capacitor is not an electrical energy storer because it does not store energy). The electrical and / or electronic circuit may, in particular, comprise a Greitz rectifier bridge.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting device is formed by a plurality of light-emitting diodes 64 (LEDs 64) and an annular optical guide structure 66 that forms a flange on a portable watch. The stator 50 supports coils, which are connected to a plurality of light-emitting diodes 64 that are electrically connected in parallel, either directly or via electrical circuits without accumulators, and, where applicable, electronic circuits. The lighting device is preferably arranged on the stator, and the annular PCB 54 supports the coils 14 on one side and the LEDs 64 on the other side. The PCB also supports various electrical connections and any planned electrical and / or electronic circuits. For example, 6 to 18 LEDs are assumed (but not limited to), and these LEDs are distributed evenly in terms of angles. The LEDs are arranged in through-openings formed in the ferromagnetic annular portion 56 facing the annular optical guide structure 66. The annular light guide structure 66 has a surface for injecting light emitted by the LED, which is positioned above the LED. The inner surface of the cylinder from which this light is emitted forms a display space 70, allowing the light to exit the light guide and enter this display space.

[0031] In this second embodiment, the movement 44 can, advantageously, be mechanical (without electrical or electronic elements). All electrical and electronic elements that a portable watch would incorporate, in particular the generator 48 and the illumination device 64 for the display space 70, are arranged around the mechanical movement 44. The lower translucent body 76 does not allow any electrical or electronic elements to be seen, nor any permanent magnets in the generator (in the field of timekeeping, permanent magnets that can be incorporated are recognized as non-electrical / non-electronic). In the first embodiment, the ball bearing 60 is fixed to a fitting circle in the mechanical movement 44. In the second embodiment, as in the embodiment of the first embodiment described above, the ball bearing is located outside the rotor and fixed to the case 6a.

[0032] Hereinafter, an advantageous embodiment of the present invention of a portable clock equipped with a lighting device for a display space powered by a mechanical-electric generator will be described with reference to Figures 3-5. Rather than repeating all the various features of the present invention described above, the characteristic elements of this advantageous embodiment will be described first.

[0033] The portable watch 82 comprises a case 6b housing a movement 44a (partially shown in Figure 3 and located between the front dial 68 and the back of the case) and a mechanical-electric generator 88 located in the area surrounding the movement 44a. The generator 88 comprises a stator 90 and a rotor 92, the rotor 92 having an annular structure and being rotatably guided by at least two ball bearings, preferably at least three ball bearings 100a, 100b, and 100c, according to the first key feature of this advantageous embodiment. Generally, the portable watch 82 comprises a plurality of ball bearings whose diameter is smaller than the inner radius R of the rotor, preferably less than half of this inner radius. Each of these plurality of ball bearings has a fixed portion 101 and a movable portion 102 that moves between the fixed portion 101 and the rotor 92. Each movable part and the rotor are configured such that the rotor is supported only by the movable parts in a plurality of ball bearings, and the rotor can rotate around the rotor's geometric central axis 34, which is the rotor's axis of rotation. Each bearing, in its conventional form, has balls 103 between its fixed part and movable part. The special feature in this case is that, compared to the previous embodiment, the movable parts of the ball bearings are not attached to the surrounding annular rotor 92 and are therefore not part of this rotor. The movable parts roll along tracks 97 formed by laterally machining in the inner portion 96 of the rotor.

[0034] For example, the track 97 has a cross-sectional contour that defines three straight sections, and its dimensions are such that each movable part 102 has a small gap in the groove forming the track, and each movable part 102 is designed to make contact at one or two points along the contour, depending on the spatial orientation of the portable watch. Preferably, in this advantageous embodiment, each ball bearing is located inside the rotor, and each fixed part is attached to the movement 44a. In one embodiment, the fixed part 101 is attached to a fitting circle in the movement. The rotor 92 has internal teeth 98 that mesh with the wheel 75 of the drive train (wheels 74 and 75) located between the barrel 72 and the rotor. The drive mechanism in the generator is designed to drive the generator in a controlled manner according to instructions, as long as the barrel is wound more than a lower threshold, depending on the configuration of the generator 88, at angular velocities greater than the minimum speed required for the illumination device to function correctly.

[0035] As in other embodiments, the rotor 92 has a free internal space 130 along its entire height, through which the rotor's geometric axis of rotation 34 passes, and the movement 44a is partially positioned within this internal space 130. The rotor 92 is then substantially entirely positioned within the space surrounding the movement. In fact, in the illustrated embodiment, only the three ball bearings associated with the rotor and supporting it to rotate freely, and the drive wheel 75 that meshes with the rotor's internal teeth 98, are located inside the rotor 92 while in contact with it. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotor is entirely positioned within the space surrounding the movement 44a. The stator 90 on the generator is also substantially entirely positioned within the space surrounding the movement. In fact, although the recesses 110 and 120 in the stator are not considered part of the volume of the stator itself, the stator 90 is also entirely positioned within the space surrounding the movement. Therefore, the mechanical-electric generator is positioned substantially entirely, preferably completely, within the space surrounding the movement of the portable watch. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the movement is positioned substantially entirely within the generator 88, within the internal volume of the generator as defined by the stator 90, and indeed, in the illustrated embodiment, it is positioned completely within this internal volume and within the height of the generator, as described above.

[0036] According to a second key feature of the advantageous embodiment described herein, the rotor 92 is advantageous to support a coil 14, which is connected directly or via electrical and, where applicable, electronic circuits to a lighting device formed by a plurality of light-emitting diodes 64 (LEDs 64) arranged to be fixed on the rotor, either directly or without a charger. In particular, the rotor comprises an annular support 94 forming a rigid PCB ("printed circuit board"), which has a circular opening, within which the coil 14 is positioned, which is fixed to the annular support 94, and the annular support 94 itself is supported by an inner portion 96 of the rotor. LEDs, various electrical connections forming electrical circuits, and, where applicable, electronic circuits other than LEDs are arranged on and supported by the PCB. Thus, the rotor supports all electrical and electronic devices formed by a plurality of light-emitting diodes, a coil of a generator 88, electrical interconnection circuits, and, where applicable, any other electrical or electronic components related to the lighting device and a mechanical-electric generator that powers the rotor.

[0037] The stator 90 comprises a first row of bipolar permanent magnets 18a magnetized in the axial direction, the magnets supported at its base by a first portion 106a of a ferromagnetic annular structure that forms a magnetic circuit for closing the magnetic field of the first row of magnets 18a, and the magnetic field of a second row of permanent magnets 18b is also supported at its top by a second portion 106b of the annular structure, and is fixed in the embodiment described herein, unlike the embodiment of the first main embodiment described above which has a similar annular structure in which the rotor supports both rows of magnets. The annular structure has recesses 110 for ball bearings 100a, 110b, and 110c and recesses 120 for the drive wheels 75. These recesses are machined into the side walls (axis / vertical walls) and optionally, as shown, also machined into the second portion 106b (the lower portion on the back side of the case) to facilitate the mounting of the ball bearings and the drive wheels 75.

[0038] In the first embodiment shown in Figure 3, the number of magnets in each magnet array is equal to the assumed number of coils, and in the illustrated embodiment, this number is 36. In advantageous configurations (but not limited to), this number is assumed to be 20 to 40. In the second embodiment, the mechanical-electric generator has twice the number of magnets per magnet array as the number of coils, and each magnet array has alternating polarities.

[0039] The lighting device is combined with an optical guide structure 66a similar to that described in the second embodiment. This optical guide structure 66a is configured to guide the light generated by the lighting device, specifically the LED 64, towards a display space 70 containing an analog display device (not shown) of the portable watch, which is located between the front panel 68 and the upper translucent body 78. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the optical guide structure forms a flange in the portable watch that surrounds the display space 70. This optical guide structure has a lower annular surface that defines the injection surface of the light generated by the LED, and a cylindrical inner surface that laterally defines the display space 70 and the light emission surface. The cross-sectional contour of this optical guide structure, particularly the rear, can be optimized to effectively guide the light to the emission surface. The surfaces of the optical guide structure, particularly the rear surface, can be treated or coated to form one or more layers, particularly reflective layers. In the modified embodiment described herein, given that the optical guide structure forms a flange and is therefore a component located around the front panel 68, it is advantageous to position the LED 64 outside the coil 14.

[0040] The advantageous embodiment described herein offers significant advantages over the embodiment of the second primary embodiment described above regarding the illumination of the display space 70. This significant advantage arises because the LEDs are positioned on a rotor and therefore rotate with the rotor. In this way, the cylindrical inner surface of the light guide structure 66a that defines the flange is scanned by the light generated by each LED, which is aligned tangentially perpendicular to the rotation axis 34, i.e., at an angle. If there is a sufficient number of LEDs, for example 12 as shown in Figure 3, and the rotor rotation speed is sufficiently high, for example 2-4 revolutions per second, the user perceives the display space as being illuminated by virtually uniform and virtually stationary lighting. This is because the electrical energy generated only when the generator is activated and the rotor is rotating is instantaneously supplied to the LEDs 64 to provide illumination. In the second embodiment, the LEDs are positioned on a stator and remain stationary when powered on (when the rotor is rotating), making it difficult or impossible to generate angularly uniform illumination across the entire cylindrical inner surface of the flange. In the latter case, using 12 LEDs in particular can improve the illumination of areas on the display panel, such as time markers and numbers.

[0041] In the first embodiment, instead of the light guide structure 66a, a void can be provided above the LED, surrounded by a reflective surface configured to optimally reflect light rays towards the display space 70, particularly the front panel 68. Advantageously, the display space is enclosed by a cylindrical portion that is at least partially light-transmitting to the light generated by the LED, at least radially toward the display space and therefore toward the rotational axis 34. Light generated by the LED and reflected by the reflective surface passes through this cylindrical portion. This reflective surface is formed by the inner surface of the portable watch case or by specific components inserted into the case.

[0042] In the second embodiment, a light guide structure is provided that is light-transmitting to the light generated by the LED, and this light guide structure has a light emission surface located on the rear side of a cylindrical flange that forms a cylindrical wall forming the display space. This cylindrical flange is at least partially light-transmitting to the LED light that enters the cylindrical flange and is directed toward the display space.

[0043] Finally, in another embodiment of a portable watch comprising a generator according to the present invention, wherein the rotor is also supported by a plurality of ball bearings of the type described above in an advantageous embodiment, each ball bearing is located outside the rotor, and each fixed portion is fixed to the portable watch case. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0044] 2, 42, 82 Portable Watches 4.44 Movement Cases 6, 6a, and 6b 8, 48, 88 Mechanical Electric Generator 10, 50, 90 stator 12, 52, 92 rotors 14 coils 18, 18a, 18b permanent magnet 20, 60, 100a, 100b, 100c ball bearings 21, 21a Fixed part 22, 22a Moving parts 23 Ball 24,130 interior space 28 Unbalanced Elements 30 rectifier 32. Electrostatic storage devices 34 Rotation axis 44 Movements 64 Lighting Devices 66, 66a Optical guide structure 70 Display space 72, 74, 75 Mechanical rotor drive device (barrel) 101 Fixed part 102 Moving parts R (inner radius)

Claims

1. A portable watch (2, 42, 82) comprising a movement (4, 44), a mechanical-electric generator (8, 48, 88), and a case (6, 6a, 6b) that houses the movement and the mechanical-electric generator, The aforementioned generator is composed of a stator (10, 50, 90) and a rotor (12, 52, 92), One of the stator and the rotor supports permanent magnets (18, 18a, 18b), and the other of the stator and the rotor supports a coil (14). The permanent magnet and the coil move sequentially within a reference frame connected to the coil when the rotor rotates. The permanent magnet is at least partially opposite each coil, Each magnetic axis of the aforementioned coil passes through the coil, The rotor has an annular structure and is rotatably guided by at least one ball bearing (20, 60, 100a, 100b, 100c), The rotor has a free internal space (24, 130) throughout its entire height. The geometric axis of rotation (34) of the rotor moves so as to pass through the aforementioned internal space. The movement is located at least partially within the internal space. Portable watch.

2. The rotors (12, 52, 92) on the mechanical-electric generator are positioned substantially entirely, preferably entirely, within the space surrounding the movement (4, 44). The portable watch according to claim 1.

3. The stators (50, 90) on the mechanical-electric generator are positioned substantially entirely, preferably entirely, within the space surrounding the movement (44). The portable watch according to claim 2.

4. The axial dimension of the mechanical-electric generator (48) is smaller than the axial dimension of the movement. A portable watch according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The ball bearing (20, 60) is formed by a fixed portion (21, 21a) and a movable portion (22, 22a), A ball (23) is positioned between the fixed portion and the movable portion. The aforementioned movable part is annular, This movable part forms part of the rotor or is attached to the rotor. A portable watch according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The fixing portion (21) of the ball bearing (20) is positioned on the outside of the rotor (12) and fixed to the case (6). The portable watch according to claim 5.

7. The fixed portion (21a) of the ball bearing (60) is positioned inside the rotor (52) and fixed to the movement (44). The portable watch according to claim 5.

8. The portable watch (82) is equipped with a plurality of ball bearings (100a, 100b, 100c) having a diameter smaller than the inner radius (R) of the rotor (92), preferably a diameter smaller than half the inner radius. Each of the aforementioned plurality of ball bearings has a fixed portion (101) and a movable portion (102) that moves between the fixed portion and the rotor. The movable part and the rotor are configured such that the rotor is supported only by the multiple movable parts in the multiple ball bearings and can rotate around a geometric axis of rotation. A portable watch according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. Each ball bearing (100a, 100b, 100c) is positioned inside the rotor. Each fixed part is fixed to the movement. The portable watch according to claim 8.

10. Each ball bearing is positioned on the outside of the rotor, and each fixed part is fixed to the case. The portable watch according to claim 8.

11. The rotor (12) includes an unbalanced element (28) that allows the rotor to be actuated to rotate freely by the action of the user of the portable watch, or is attached to the unbalanced element. The coil (14) is connected to the electroaccumulator (32) via the rectifier (30). A portable watch according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. Equipped with mechanical rotor drive devices (72, 74, 75), This mechanical rotor drive device comprises a barrel (72) and is configured to be activated in response to instructions from the user of the portable watch. A portable watch according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. The lighting device (64) is powered by a coil. The portable watch according to claim 12.

14. The stator (50) supports the coil (14), The coil (14) is connected to the lighting device either directly or via an electrical circuit that does not include a storage device. The portable watch according to claim 13.

15. The lighting device (64) is positioned to be fixed on the stator. The portable watch according to claim 14.

16. The rotor (92) supports the coil (14), The coil (14) is connected directly to the lighting device (64), which is positioned to be fixed on the rotor, or via an electrical circuit that does not include an accumulator. The portable watch according to claim 13.

17. The lighting device includes at least one optical guide structure (66, 66a) configured to guide the light generated by the lighting device (64) toward the display space (70) where the analog portable clock display device is located, or is connected to the at least one optical guide structure (66, 66a). The portable watch according to claim 13.

18. The optical guide structure (66, 66a) has a flange formed on the portable watch that surrounds the display space (70), or has an optical emission surface that emits light toward the display space, positioned on the rear side of the flange which is at least partially light-transmitting to incident light. The portable watch according to claim 17.

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