clock

Abstract

The present invention relates to a timepiece (100), in particular a wristwatch, comprising a first clock generator arrangement (1) for generating a first clock signal, a second clock generator arrangement (2) for generating a second clock signal, a useful signal generator (3), an electronic device (4), and a time display device (5). The useful signal generator (3) is configured to generate a useful signal based on the first clock signal. The electronic device (4) is configured to compare the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal and to modify the generation of the useful signal in response to this comparison. The time display device (5) is configured to display the time based on the useful signal. The first clock generator arrangement (1) is configured to continuously generate the first clock signal, and the second clock generator arrangement (2) is configured to generate the second clock signal in time segments including pauses.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece. [Background technology]

[0002] Quartz crystal watches and mechanical watches with automatic or manual winding are well known in the art. Quartz crystal watches are clocked by the frequency of a vibrating quartz crystal. On the other hand, automatic and manual mechanical watches, also known as automatic clocks, are generally clocked by the oscillations of a balance wheel which controls the so-called escapement. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The object of the invention is to propose a timepiece that is as precise as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This problem is solved in particular by a timepiece comprising the combination of features of independent claim 1. The dependent claims present preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0005] A timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, comprises a first clock generator arrangement for generating a first clock signal, a second clock generator arrangement for generating a second clock signal, a useful signal generator, an electronic device and a time display device, the first clock generator arrangement in particular serving as the clock generating element of the timepiece and the second clock generator arrangement serving as a reference clock generator arrangement by means of which the accuracy of the displayed time can be adjusted.

[0006] The useful signal generator is configured to generate the useful signal based on the first clock signal, and the electronic device is configured to compare the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal and modify the generation of the useful signal in response to the comparison.

[0007] The time display device is configured to display the time based on the useful signal. The time may be displayed by a mechanical or electronic time display device.

[0008] The first clock generator arrangement is configured to generate the first clock signal continuously and the second clock generator arrangement is configured to generate the second clock signal at time intervals including pauses to generate the second clock signal. In a preferred example, the second clock generator arrangement is configured to generate the second clock signal at predetermined time intervals.

[0009] Advantageously, from the result of the comparison between the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal, it is determined whether the frequency of the first clock signal deviates from the target frequency. Advantageously, the electronic device is configured to perform a correction of the generation of the useful signal only if such a deviation is determined, in particular if the deviation is greater than or equal to a predetermined deviation. Advantageously, if no deviation is determined or if the deviation is smaller than the predetermined deviation, the generation of the useful signal is not corrected. Here, the time is displayed without correction based on the useful signal generated by the useful signal generator.

[0010] The second clock generator arrangement being configured to generate the second clock signal in time segments with intermediate pauses means in particular that there are times when the second clock signal is generated and there is a pause between two consecutive times when the second clock signal is not generated, which may be at least a few seconds, or at least a few minutes, or at least a few hours, or at least a few days.

[0011] The generation of the second clock signal in time segments that include a pause also means, in particular, that a comparison between the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal is also performed in time segments that include a pause. This means, in particular, that there are times when a comparison between the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal is performed, two successive comparisons being separated by a pause during which no comparison is performed. It is further understood that, during the times / periods when the second clock generator arrangement is not generating the second clock signal, the time display device is configured to display a clock based on the useful signal without any correction process taking place and therefore no corrections being made.

[0012] Preferably, the second clock generator arrangement is configured to generate the second clock signal (only) when the electronic device switches on / activates the second clock generator arrangement based on the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement, during a time period that includes a pause. The expression "based on the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement" means in particular that the first clock generator arrangement advantageously specifies the time points at which the second clock generator arrangement is activated to generate the second clock signal.

[0013] Advantageously, the predetermined time interval for generating the second clock signal can be generated by frequency division in the first clock generator arrangement.

[0014] Advantageously, modification of the generation of the useful signal means that at least one parameter or at least one part of the timepiece involved in the generation of the useful signal is modified / adjusted.

[0015] Preferably, the modification of the generation of the useful signal may involve a direct and / or indirect modification. Indirect modification means, in particular, that at least one component of the timepiece, which is arranged before the useful signal generating device in terms of signal transmission, and in particular the parameters of this component, are modified / adjusted. In this respect, the modification of the generation of the useful signal may involve a modification of the generation of the first clock signal, since the first clock signal generated by the first clock generator arrangement is thus changed compared to the first clock signal last generated before the modification. Since the at least one component modified here is the first clock generator arrangement, which is arranged before the useful signal generating device in terms of signal transmission, this modification is understood as an indirect modification within the scope of the present invention. Direct modification means, in particular, that the useful signal generating device, and in particular the parameters of the useful signal generating device, are modified / adjusted. The modification of the generation of the useful signal will be explained in more detail below.

[0016] A modification of the generation of the useful signal may in particular also be understood as a modification of the useful signal, since by doing so the generated useful signal is changed compared to the last generated useful signal.

[0017] The present invention allows for the most precise clock possible, with the precision of the second clock generator arrangement being transferred to the first clock generator arrangement, it being understood that the first clock generator arrangement is the part of the timepiece that is responsible for clocking the timepiece and is therefore used to display the time.

[0018] Advantageously, the useful signal generator is arranged to generate the useful signal based on the frequency of the first clock signal.

[0019] Advantageously, the second clock generator configuration can have a higher accuracy than the first clock generator configuration. In particular, this means that the potential deviation of the frequency of the first clock signal from the target frequency is greater than the potential deviation of the frequency of the second clock signal from the target frequency under the same operating conditions, especially temperature conditions, especially when both the first and second clock generator configurations are incorporated into a clock. For example, the accuracy of clock generation by the first configuration can have a deviation of up to 5% from the specified clocking.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the second clock generator arrangement can generate a second clock signal with a constant, i.e. in particular a constant frequency. A constant second clock signal can also be understood as a second clock signal that is preferably substantially constant, i.e. in particular with a substantially constant frequency. In the context of the present invention, the term "substantially" in this respect particularly means that the deviation of the frequency of the second clock signal from the target frequency is at most 3.8×10 -5 %.

[0021] As already mentioned, it is advantageous if a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal serves to determine whether the frequency of the first clock signal deviates from a target frequency. Preferably, the frequency of the second clock signal can be used here as a timing element for determining the deviation of the frequency of the first clock signal from the target frequency. The timing element can be provided / defined by a predetermined amplitude number (frequency) of the second clock signal of the second clock generator arrangement at a certain time interval. In particular, it can be checked whether the amplitude number detected for the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement at a specific time interval defined by the predetermined amplitude number of the second clock signal corresponds to the expected amplitude number (frequency) of the first clock signal or the target amplitude number (target frequency). In other words, the expected amplitude number of the first clock signal is the amplitude number of the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement that is expected to be detected at a specific time interval at which the amplitude number detected for the second clock signal corresponds to the predetermined amplitude number of the second clock signal.

[0022] Preferably, the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal may for this purpose involve a comparison of the difference between the amplitude frequency (frequency) detected for the first clock generator arrangement and the amplitude frequency (frequency) detected for the second clock generator arrangement with a predetermined difference over the same time interval.

[0023] The predetermined difference preferably corresponds to the (absolute) difference between the target amplitude number of the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement and the target amplitude number of the second clock generator arrangement. When the second clock generator arrangement is configured to generate a second clock signal with a constant, i.e., in particular, constant frequency, the detected amplitude number of the second clock signal preferably corresponds to the target amplitude number. The amplitude numbers of the first clock generator arrangement and / or the second clock generator arrangement can each be detected preferably by means of a pulse counter. It should be understood here that the electronic device is preferably configured to correct the generation of the useful signal only if the difference between the detected amplitude number of the first clock signal and the detected amplitude number of the second clock signal is larger or smaller, i.e., not equal to, the predetermined difference, in particular when the deviation of this difference from the predetermined difference is larger or equal to the predetermined deviation.

[0024] Preferably, the electronic device is configured to modify the first clock generator configuration, in particular the generation of the first clock signal, based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal in order to modify the generation of the useful signal, within the scope of the present invention this modification process is considered an indirect modification process for modifying the generation of the useful signal.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the electronic device may be configured to modify the first clock generator arrangement, in particular the generation of the first clock signal, so that the first clock signal has a target frequency. In other words, the electronic device may be configured to modify / adjust the first clock generator arrangement so as to generate a first clock signal having the target frequency. This preferably means that, based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal, the electronic device outputs a control signal, whereby the first clock generator arrangement is controlled / adjusted so as to generate a first clock signal with the target frequency. This modification may increase the accuracy of the timepiece.

[0026] More preferably, the electronic device may be configured to modify the useful signal generator based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal in order to modify the generation of the useful signal, within the scope of the present invention this modification process is considered a direct modification process for modifying the generation of the useful signal.

[0027] Preferably, the electronic device is configured to determine a delay and / or advance of the first clock generator arrangement based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal, and to modify the generation of the useful signal based thereon to at least partially correct for the delay or advance afterwards, whereby the accuracy of the timepiece may be increased.

[0028] Preferably, the electronic device may be configured to detect the temperature of the first clock generator arrangement and / or of the environment of the first clock generator arrangement and / or of the second clock generator arrangement and / or of the environment of the second clock generator arrangement and take this into account in order to modify the generation of the useful signal. For this purpose, the watch may for example comprise a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the first clock generator arrangement and / or of the environment of the first clock generator arrangement and / or of the second clock generator arrangement and / or of the environment of the second clock generator arrangement.

[0029] The first clock generator arrangement may preferably comprise a piezoelectric oscillating crystal for generating the first clock signal, wherein the useful signal generator is preferably configured to generate the useful signal based on the frequency of oscillation of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal, in which case the frequency of oscillation of the first clock signal advantageously corresponds to the frequency of oscillation of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the piezoelectric oscillator crystal is a quartz oscillator crystal. The quartz oscillator crystal may be synthetic or natural and may in particular have a frequency of 32768 Hz. According to an alternative and advantageous embodiment of the invention, the piezoelectric oscillator crystal may be a tourmaline oscillator crystal. The tourmaline oscillator crystal may have, for example, a frequency of 888 KHz. However, it is also possible that other piezoelectric oscillator crystals are used in the first clock generator arrangement and / or that the piezoelectric oscillator crystals used have frequencies different from the above-mentioned frequencies of 32768 Hz or 888 KHz.

[0031] Preferably, the first clock generator arrangement further comprises an oscillator circuit configured to excite the piezoelectric vibrating crystal to oscillate.

[0032] In order to modify the generation of the useful signal, the electronic device is preferably configured to modify the frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal based on a comparison between the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal by means of an oscillator circuit, which means that the oscillator circuit is designed to adjust the frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal and can preferably be controlled by the electronic device to modify or adjust the frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal based on a comparison between the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the oscillator circuit comprises a trimmer capacitor, particularly preferably a capacitance diode, for adjusting the capacitance of the trimmer capacitor, particularly preferably a capacitance diode, by an electrical signal, thereby adjusting the frequency of oscillation of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal.

[0034] In this case, the electronic device for modifying the generation of the useful signal may preferably be configured to modify or adjust the electrical signal based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal.

[0035] As an alternative to a piezoelectric oscillating crystal, the first clock generator arrangement may comprise or be configured as an electronic oscillator, in particular an RC oscillator, for generating the first clock signal. In the context of the present invention, an electronic oscillator is understood to mean a purely electronic oscillator, i.e., an oscillator comprising only electrical and / or electronic components for generating the first clock signal. This means, in particular, that within the context of the present invention, an oscillator with a piezoelectric oscillating crystal is not an electronic oscillator. The electronic oscillator may preferably be a low-frequency oscillator (e.g., B.10 kHz).

[0036] The second clock generator arrangement may comprise an oscillating system preferably comprising an optical waveguide arrangement, an electro-optical converter and an optical-to-electrical converter, wherein the frequency of the second clock signal corresponds to the frequency of the oscillating system.

[0037] The optical waveguide arrangement preferably comprises at least one optical waveguide. An electro-optical converter, also called an electrical-optical converter, is configured to transmit a clocked optical signal (optical signal) to the optical waveguide arrangement, in particular to at least one optical waveguide. An opto-electrical converter, also called an optical-electrical or photoelectric converter, is configured to receive the optical signal from the optical waveguide arrangement and generate an electrical signal based on the received optical signal.

[0038] Advantageously, the frequency of the second clock signal is based on the propagation speed of light in an optical waveguide arrangement (speed of light).

[0039] The time difference between the light entering the optical waveguide structure and the light exiting on the other side of the optical waveguide structure depends only on the distance the light travels in the optical waveguide structure and the propagation speed of light in the optical waveguide structure (speed of light). Advantageously, with a known length and known physical properties of the optical waveguide structure, a clock signal with a constant frequency or period time can be generated. This means that the optical waveguide structure is the frequency-determining element of the oscillating system.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first clock generator arrangement comprises a piezoelectric oscillator crystal, in particular a quartz oscillator crystal, and the second clock generator arrangement comprises an oscillator system comprising an optical waveguide arrangement, an electro-optical converter and an optical-electrical converter. According to an alternative and advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first clock generator arrangement comprises a quartz oscillator crystal and the second clock generator arrangement comprises a tourmaline oscillator crystal.

[0041] As already mentioned, the second clock generator configuration preferably has a higher accuracy than the first clock generator configuration. However, it is also possible for the second clock generator configuration to have a lower accuracy than the first clock generator configuration. In an advantageous example, the second clock generator configuration may have a second clock signal with a predetermined second frequency. "Predetermined" here particularly means that the desired frequency is first selected, and the second clock generator configuration is configured to have the desired frequency. Thus, in a first step, the frequency of the second clock signal may be selected to be, for example, 888 KHz or 10 MHz, and in a second step, the second clock generator configuration may be configured in such a way as to generate a second clock signal with the selected frequency of 888 KHz or 10 MHz.

[0042] The first clock generator arrangement may preferably have a lower power consumption than the second clock generator arrangement, which, combined with the second clock signal being generated in time segments that include pauses, provides the advantage that such a clock may have, on average, the accuracy of the second clock generator arrangement, but that the energy consumption of the clock is relatively low.

[0043] The useful signal generator may preferably comprise a pulse counter for counting the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement and the signal based on the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement, wherein the useful signal generator is configured to generate the useful signal when a count value of the counted first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement and the counted signal based on the clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement equals a predetermined count value.

[0044] When the useful signal generator only has a pulse counter for generating the useful signal, it is advantageous for the pulse counter to be configured to count the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement. Here, the pulse counter is programmed to the frequency of the first clock signal. However, a combination of a frequency divider and a pulse counter for generating the useful signal is also possible. This means that the useful signal generator for generating the useful signal can comprise both a frequency divider and a pulse counter. In this case, it is advantageous for the frequency divider to be arranged before the pulse counter from the perspective of signal transmission. In this configuration, it is advantageous for the pulse counter to be configured to count a signal based on the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement. Advantageously, this signal is the output signal of the frequency divider. In this case, the pulse counter is preferably programmed to the frequency of this signal.

[0045] Preferably, the electronic device is configured to modify the predetermined count value based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal by the useful signal generator in order to modify the generation of the useful signal, or in other words, the electronic device may be preferably configured to control the useful signal generator in such a way as to modify the predetermined count value based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal.

[0046] The timepiece preferably comprises a gear train and a (mechanical) drive for driving the gear train. The drive may preferably be a drive spring. The timepiece may preferably further comprise an automatic or manual winding device for winding the drive spring.

[0047] According to a first advantageous embodiment of the clock, the first clock generator arrangement further comprises an electromechanical device. The timepiece further comprises the aforementioned gear train and the aforementioned (mechanical) drive device, in particular a drive spring, for driving the gear train. The time display device is connected to the gear train and is movable by the gear train. The electromechanical device is then movable by a useful signal, whereby the electromechanical device is directly or indirectly engaged in a clock-controlled manner with the gear train. In particular, the electromechanical device is directly or indirectly engaged in a blocking manner with the gear train, in order to alternately lock and unlock the gear train. Thus, the timepiece has a running speed controlled by a frequency-controlled or frequency-controllable device (electromechanical device), the drive energy for the gear train being provided by the drive device. The electromechanical device is a frequency-controlled or frequency-controllable device, since it is movable by a useful signal generated by the useful signal generator, and the useful signal can be generated based on the frequency of the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement.

[0048] According to an advantageous variant of the first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical device is indirectly coupled to the gear train. In the context of the invention, "indirectly" means, in particular, that at least one further component is installed between the electromechanical device and the gear train. This means that in this form of timepiece, the aforementioned useful signal activates the electromechanical device, which then blocks it by indirectly coupling with the gear train.

[0049] Preferably, the timepiece includes an escapement for this purpose, which is in mesh with the gear train, and the electromechanical device drives the escapement. This means that in this type of timepiece, the electromechanical device is set in motion by a useful signal and is thereby meshed with the gear train via the escapement. In other words, the escapement corresponds to the at least one further component described above that is located between the electromechanical device and the gear train.

[0050] Preferably, the escapement comprises an escape wheel and a stop piece, the stop piece serving to stop the escape wheel, wherein the electromechanical device is arranged to drive the stop piece, and the escape wheel is in mesh with the gear train.

[0051] In particular, the escapement is formed as a pallet escapement and the arresting piece is formed as a pallet. The escape wheel may also be written as a pallet wheel.

[0052] According to an alternative and advantageous variant of the first advantageous aspect of the invention, the electromechanical device may be directly mated with the gear train.

[0053] In the context of the present invention, "directly" or "directly" means in particular that no other parts are provided between the electromechanical device and the gear train, meaning that in this type of timepiece the electromechanical device is set in motion by the above-mentioned useful signal and is thus directly engaged in a clock-controlled manner with the gear train.

[0054] Regardless of whether the electromechanical device is directly or indirectly mated with a gear train, the electromechanical device can be configured as an actuator according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention. In the framework of the present invention, a drive-related device or assembly that converts an electrical signal into mechanical movement is specifically referred to as an actuator.

[0055] Particularly preferably, the actuator may comprise a magnetic armature and a magnetic coil, the magnetic coil being arranged to move the magnetic armature by means of a useful signal.

[0056] Alternatively, the electromechanical device may advantageously be configured as a stepper motor, in which case it is particularly advantageous if the electromechanical device is directly coupled to the gear train in a clocked manner.

[0057] According to a second (alternative) advantageous embodiment of the invention, the timepiece further comprises a gear train and a drive for driving the gear train. The drive is controllable by the useful signal. The time display device is connected to the gear train and is movable by the gear train. The drive is preferably formed as a stepping motor. No drive spring is provided in this timepiece. In particular, the first clock generator arrangement may comprise a piezoelectric oscillator crystal formed as a quartz oscillator crystal here. This embodiment of the timepiece corresponds in particular to a quartz clock with a stepping motor for driving a mechanical time display device, the precision of the second clock generator arrangement being transferred to the first clock generator arrangement.

[0058] In the two advantageous embodiments of the invention described above, it should be understood that the time display device is a mechanical time display device, which preferably comprises an hour hand and / or a minute hand and / or a second hand.

[0059] The gear train preferably comprises at least an hour wheel and / or a minute wheel and / or a second wheel, and in particular also a third wheel arranged between the second wheel and the minute wheel.

[0060] According to a third (alternative) advantageous embodiment of the timepiece, the time display device is an electronic time display device configured to display the time on the basis of a useful signal. In particular, the first clock generator arrangement may here comprise a piezoelectric oscillator crystal formed as a quartz crystal. This embodiment of the timepiece corresponds in particular to an electronic quartz clock, in which the accuracy of the second clock generator arrangement is transferred to the first clock generator arrangement.

[0061] The timepiece preferably comprises a power supply for supplying power to the first clock generator arrangement and / or the second clock generator arrangement and / or the electronic device. The power supply preferably comprises an energy harvesting device and a rechargeable battery. Preferably, the energy harvesting device may comprise a solar cell and / or a thermal generator. Particularly preferably, the solar cell may be formed as a dial. In other words, the solar cell dial may be used as a watch face. In particular, the solar cell dial has a size of at least 4 cm. 2 may have an area of

[0062] However, it is also possible that the energy supply device comprises a battery in addition to or as an alternative to the energy harvesting device and the rechargeable battery.

[0063] The power supply is particularly designed to supply electrical energy to all electrically operating parts of the timepiece. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0064] Further details, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment based on the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a timepiece formed as a wristwatch according to a first embodiment of the invention; [Figure 2] 1 shows a simplified schematic diagram of part of a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the invention; [Figure 3] 2 shows a simplified schematic diagram of part of a timepiece according to a second embodiment of the invention; [Figure 4] 1 shows a simplified schematic diagram of part of a timepiece according to a third embodiment of the invention; [Figure 5] 10 shows a simplified schematic diagram of part of a timepiece according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. [Figure 6] 10 shows a simplified schematic diagram of part of a timepiece according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] A timepiece 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0066] 1, the clock 100 is configured as a wristwatch and therefore has two lugs 14 for a wristband 16. However, it is also possible that the clock 100 is a wall clock, a pendulum clock, a table clock, or another type of clock.

[0067] The timepiece 100 comprises a watch case 11 and a watch crystal 15 disposed thereon. The timepiece 100 preferably further comprises a dial 12, an hour hand 51, a minute hand 52, and a second hand 53. The hour hand 51, the minute hand 52, and the second hand 53 are parts of a (mechanical) time display device 5 for displaying the time.

[0068] According to FIG. 2, the clock 100 further comprises a first clock generator arrangement 1 for generating a first clock signal, a second clock generator arrangement 2 for generating a second clock signal, a useful signal generating device 3 and an electronic device 4.

[0069] In particular, the first clock generator arrangement 1 is configured to continuously generate the first clock signal, and the second clock generator arrangement 2 is configured to generate the second clock signal at time intervals including pauses. In other words, the first clock generator arrangement 1 generates the first clock signal continuously (without pauses) while the watch 100 is operating, whereas the second clock generator arrangement 2 has an operating phase and a non-operating phase. During the operating phase, the second clock signal is generated, whereas during the non-operating phase, the second clock signal is not generated. The non-operating phase corresponds to the pause mentioned above. In particular, the second clock generator arrangement 2 is configured to generate the second clock signal at predetermined time intervals.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first clock generator arrangement 1 comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 for generating a first clock signal. The piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 is in particular a quartz oscillating crystal, which may be natural or synthetic. For example, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 may have a vibration frequency of 32768 Hz. Alternatively, the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 may be a tourmaline oscillating crystal or another oscillating crystal and / or may have a different vibration frequency. Advantageously, the vibration frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 corresponds to the frequency of the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement 1 described above. The piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 may be understood as the clock generator of the first clock generator arrangement 1.

[0071] Additionally, the first clock generator arrangement 1 comprises an oscillator circuit 115 configured to excite the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 to oscillate. The oscillator circuit 115 preferably comprises a trimmer capacitor, particularly preferably a capacitance diode, to adjust the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10. Adjustment of the oscillation frequency can be achieved by adjusting the capacitance of the trimmer capacitor, particularly preferably a capacitance diode, by means of an electrical signal.

[0072] The second clock generator arrangement 2 comprises in this embodiment an oscillating system 20 comprising an optical waveguide arrangement, an electro-optical converter 124 and an optical-to-electrical converter 125 .

[0073] The optical waveguide configuration here has only one optical waveguide 126. The electro-optical converter 124 is configured to send a clocked optical signal (optical signal) to the optical waveguide 126, while the optical-to-electrical converter 125 is configured to receive the optical signal from the optical waveguide 126 and generate an electrical signal based on the received optical signal. The electro-optical converter 124 is connected to the optical-to-electrical converter 125 via the optical waveguide 126.

[0074] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the vibration system 20 comprises an (electrical) amplifier 127 and a signal conditioner 128. The electro-optical converter 124, the optical waveguide 126, the optical-to-electrical converter 125, the amplifier 127, and the signal conditioner 128 form a circuit. In other words, the vibration system 20 forms a circuit. The amplifier 127 is disposed between the electro-optical converter 124 and the optical-to-electrical converter 125 and is configured to amplify the electrical signal generated by the optical-to-electrical converter 125. Furthermore, the signal conditioner 128 is disposed between the electro-optical converter 124 and the amplifier 127 and is configured to condition the electrical signal and send it to the electro-optical converter 124.

[0075] During operation of the clock 100, a clock-controlled optical signal is sent to the optical waveguide 126 and received by the optical-to-electrical converter 125. The electrical signal generated by the optical-to-electrical converter 125 is amplified by the amplifier 127, processed by the signal conditioner 128, and sent to the electro-optical converter 124. This process is repeated a certain number of times per second. The number of repetitions per second is determined by the length of the optical waveguide 126. At a length of approximately 20 m, the process repeats 10 million times per second. This results in an oscillation frequency of the oscillation system 20 of 10 MHz, which can be transmitted between the signal conditioner 128 and the electro-optical converter 124. In particular, the oscillation system 20 is designed to have a certain oscillation frequency. The oscillation system 20 can be understood as the clock generator of the second clock generator arrangement 2, and its oscillation frequency advantageously corresponds to the oscillation frequency of the second clock signal of the second clock generator arrangement 2 described above. That is, the second clock generator arrangement 2 generates a second clock signal with a constant, i.e., in particular a constant frequency. It should also be noted that it is advantageous if the second clock generator arrangement 2 has a higher precision than the first clock generator arrangement 1.

[0076] The useful signal generator 3 is configured to generate a useful signal based on the first clock signal, in particular on the frequency of the first clock signal. The useful signal is used to display the time by the time display device 5. This means that the first clock generator arrangement 1 clocks the timepiece 100. In this embodiment, the useful signal generator 3 has a pulse counter for counting the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement 1 and is configured to generate a useful signal when the counted value of the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement 1 equals a predetermined count value. In addition to the pulse counter, the useful signal generator 3 can also have a frequency divider arranged before the pulse counter from the point of view of signal transmission.

[0077] The electronic device 4 is configured to compare the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal and to modify the generation of the useful signal in response to this comparison.

[0078] From the result of the above-mentioned comparison between the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal, it can be determined whether the frequency of the first clock signal deviates from a target frequency. For this purpose, the frequency of the second clock signal can be used as a timing element. In particular, it can be checked whether the amplitude of the first clock signal determined over a specific time period corresponds to an expected amplitude number (target amplitude number). The specific time period is determined by the amplitude number of the second clock signal. If this is the case, it is determined that the first clock signal has the target frequency. If this is not the case, i.e., if the amplitude number detected for the first clock signal does not correspond to the expected amplitude number over the above-mentioned specific time period, it will be determined that the first clock signal has a frequency different from the target frequency.

[0079] Therefore, the electronic device 4 is set to perform a correction of the generation of the useful signal only if / if such a deviation is determined, otherwise the generation of the useful signal is not corrected and the time is displayed without correction based on the useful signal generated by the useful signal generator 3.

[0080] In order to avoid modifying the generation of the useful signal even in the case of small deviations of the frequency of the first clock signal from the target frequency, it is advantageous if the electronic device can be configured to perform the modification of the generation of the useful signal only if the detected deviation is greater than or equal to a predetermined deviation. If the deviation is smaller than the predetermined deviation, the generation of the useful signal is preferably not modified. Here, the time is displayed without modification based on the useful signal generated by the useful signal generator 3. In this way, the required computing work can be reduced and current can be saved.

[0081] The discontinuous generation of the second clock signal described allows the comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal to be performed in time segments with pauses in between, in particular also at predetermined time intervals. This means that in particular there are provided times during which a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal is performed. Two such consecutive times or comparisons are separated by a pause during which no comparison is performed. The modification of the generation of the useful signal is therefore also performed in time segments with pauses in between, i.e. discontinuously.

[0082] The electronic device 4 may in particular be configured to perform a direct and / or indirect correction of the generation of the useful signal. "Direct" means that the correction is made at the level of the useful signal generator 3. In other words, the useful signal generator 3 is corrected or adjusted. "Indirect", on the other hand, means that the correction is made at the level of the components of the timepiece 100 which, from the point of view of signal transmission, are arranged in front of the useful signal generator 3. In particular, a correction of the generation of the useful signal by a correction of the first clock generator arrangement 1, in particular a correction of the generation of the first clock signal, may be understood to be indirect.

[0083] Based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal, a lag and / or advance of the first clock generator arrangement 1 can in particular be determined, and based on this the electronic device 3 is configured to modify the generation of the useful signal in order to at least partly correct the lag or advance afterwards.

[0084] For this purpose, the useful signal generator 3 can appropriately correct the predetermined count value of the pulse counter based on a comparison between the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal. The correction of the generation of the useful signal to correct the delay or advance can also be performed by correcting the first clock generator arrangement 1, in particular by correcting the generation of the first clock signal. In particular, in this respect, the frequency of oscillations of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 can be appropriately corrected or adjusted. For this purpose, the capacitance of the oscillator circuit 115, in particular of a trimmer capacitor, and particularly preferably of a capacitance diode, can be appropriately adjusted or corrected by the above-mentioned electrical signal. In both cases, the electronic device 4 is configured to appropriately control the respective components.

[0085] Additionally, based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal, the frequency of vibration of the piezoelectric vibrating crystal 10 or the frequency of the first clock signal can be modified or adjusted to a target frequency. In other words, based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal, the generation of the first clock signal can be modified so that the first clock generator arrangement generates a first clock signal having the target frequency after the modification.

[0086] The present invention enables a timepiece in which the accuracy of a second clock generator arrangement is transferred to a first clock generator arrangement, it being understood that the first clock generator arrangement is the arrangement responsible for the timing of the timepiece and therefore also for displaying the time.

[0087] As can be further seen in Figure 2, the timepiece 100 comprises a gear train 104 and a drive 101 for driving the gear train 104. The gear train 104 is connected to the time display device 5 so as to move the hour hand 51, the minute hand 52 and the second hand 53. In particular, the gear train 104 comprises at least an hour wheel, a minute wheel and a second wheel, which are connected to the hour hand 51, the minute hand 52 and the second hand 53, respectively.

[0088] Advantageously, the drive device 101 comprises a drive spring. To wind or tension the drive spring, a winding device 121 is provided in the watch 100. The watch 100 is in particular designed as an automatic watch. In this case, the winding device is an automatic winding device, also called an automatic winding device. It is in particular designed as a balance weight, so that the drive spring is automatically wound by the movement of the hand of the wearer of the watch 100. When tensioned, the drive spring provides the energy required to drive the gear train 104. However, it is also possible for the watch 100 to be designed as a hand-wound watch. In this case, the winding device 121 is a manual winding device that can be operated manually or by hand.

[0089] Furthermore, the timepiece 100 comprises an electromechanical device 106. The electromechanical device 106 is in particular formed as an actuator comprising a magnetic core (magnetic armature) 107 and a magnetic coil 108, with which the magnetic coil 108 interacts. In particular, the magnetic coil 108 is configured to move the magnetic core 107 when excited.

[0090] The electromechanical device 106 is set in motion by a useful signal generated by the useful signal generator 3. This causes the electromechanical device 106, in particular the magnetic core 107, to mesh with the gear train 104 in a clocked manner.

[0091] 2, it can also be seen that the timepiece 100 also has an escapement 105 arranged between the electromechanical device 106 and the gear train 104. The electromechanical device 106, and in particular the magnetic core 107, are thus indirectly coupled to the gear train 104 via the escapement 105. The escapement 105 can be driven by the electromechanical device 106.

[0092] In particular, the electromechanical device 106 indirectly engages the gear train 104 in a blocking manner to alternately stop and re-release the gear train 104 .

[0093] It can further be seen from Figure 2 that the escapement 105 is designed in particular as an anchor escapement, with an escape wheel 109 and a stopper piece 110. In this case, the escape wheel 109 is in engagement with the gear train 104, and the magnetic core 107 can, by its movement, enter into engagement with the stopper piece 110. In particular, the stopper piece 110 can be driven by the magnetic core 107.

[0094] In particular, the magnetic coil 108 builds up and breaks down the magnetic field in rhythm with the useful signal, and the magnetic core 107 is also moved back and forth in rhythm with the useful signal, and the moving magnetic core 107 then engages with the blocking piece 110, thereby replacing the traditional balance wheel of a mechanical watch.

[0095] To provide power to the first clock generator arrangement 1, the second clock generator arrangement 2, the useful signal generating device 3, the electronic device 4, the oscillator circuit 115 and the electromechanical device 106, the watch 100 is equipped with a power supply device comprising a rechargeable battery and an energy harvesting device for charging the rechargeable battery. Preferably, the energy harvesting device may comprise a solar cell and / or a thermal generator. Particularly preferably, the solar cell may be formed as a dial. In other words, the solar cell dial may be used as the dial of a watch. In particular, the solar cell dial has a size of at least 4 cm. 2 However, it is also possible that the power supply device comprises a battery in addition to, or as an alternative to, the energy harvesting device and the rechargeable battery, which can power the components of the watch 100 described above.

[0096] During normal operation of the timepiece 100, in which the drive spring provides the energy required to drive the gear train 104, a useful signal is emitted to the electromechanical device 106, which can then control the escapement 105 by moving the blocking piece 110 at the time of output of the useful signal. The gear train 104 can be clocked by frequency-controlled control of the escapement 105 (based on the frequency of oscillations of the first clock generator arrangement 1).

[0097] The electromechanical device 106 may be configured to move in such a way that, when the tension of the drive spring (drive device 101) is exhausted, the electromechanical device 106, and in particular the magnetic core 107, drives the gear train 104. This may ensure that the timepiece 100 continues to run even when the drive spring no longer provides the required mechanical energy. This may be the case, for example, when the timepiece 100 is not in use at certain times, for example overnight, and the drive spring cannot be tensioned by the automatic winding device 121. For this purpose, the timepiece 100 may preferably be provided with a device for decoupling the drive spring from the escapement 109 and the gear train 104.

[0098] The invention provides a timepiece 100 that is driven like an automatic or mechanical timepiece, while being clocked by a first clock generator arrangement 1, but with the precision of a second clock generator arrangement 2, thanks to the planned correction process described. The timepiece 100 is thus a hybrid timepiece, in which the clocking control is carried out using the frequency of vibrations of a piezoelectric oscillating crystal, and the driving of the gear train 104 is carried out by a drive spring. The timepiece 100 also has a high power reserve, thanks to a rechargeable battery that supplies current to the components of the timepiece 100 in operation and can be charged by an energy harvesting device.

[0099] FIG. 3 shows a timepiece 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0100] The timepiece 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the timepiece 100 according to the first embodiment in that the electromechanical device 106 of the timepiece 100 according to the third embodiment is directly coupled in a clocked manner to the gear train 104. In other words, the timepiece 100 according to the second embodiment is not provided with an escapement. That is, the combination of the first clock generator arrangement 1 and the electromechanical device 106 replaces the combination of a conventional balance wheel and a conventional escapement of a conventional mechanical timepiece.

[0101] In particular, the electromechanical device engages directly with the gear train 104 in a blocking manner to alternately stop and re-release the gear train 104 .

[0102] The timepiece 100 according to the second embodiment also has an electromechanical device 106 formed as an actuator, which includes a magnetic armature 107 and a magnetic coil 108 .

[0103] Thus, the magnetic armature 107 is directly mated to the gear train 104 in a clocked manner.

[0104] However, it is also possible for the electromechanical device 106 to be formed as a stepper motor that is directly mated to the gear train 104 in a clocked manner.

[0105] Apart from the special features described for the timepiece 100 according to this embodiment, the functioning of this timepiece 100 basically corresponds to that of the timepiece 100 according to the first embodiment. However, here the electromechanical device 106 does not control an escapement but rather directly controls the gear train 104 which is thus clocked. As in the first embodiment, the gear train 104 is here driven by a drive device 101 which comprises a drive spring.

[0106] FIG. 4 shows a timepiece 100 according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0107] The timepiece 100 according to the third embodiment differs from that according to the first or second embodiment in that it does not comprise an escapement 105 or an electromechanical device 106 .

[0108] Instead, a drive 101 , in particular configured as a stepper motor, is arranged between the useful signal generator 3 and a gear train 104 .

[0109] The drive device 101 is arranged to move the gear train 104 and thus the hour hand 51, the minute hand 52 and the second hand 53 by means of the useful signals generated by the useful signal generator 3 in order to display the time.

[0110] FIG. 5 shows a timepiece 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0111] In contrast to the timepieces 100 according to the first, second and third embodiments, the timepiece 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention has an electronic timepiece 5 rather than a mechanical timepiece.

[0112] An electronic time display device 5 is set up to display the time by means of a useful signal generated by a useful signal generator 3 .

[0113] It is further noted that the timepiece 100 according to the fourth embodiment is not provided with the electromechanical device 106, the drive device 101 and the gear train 104 of the timepiece 100 according to the previous embodiment.

[0114] FIG. 6 shows a timepiece 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0115] The watch 100 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the watch 100 according to the fourth embodiment in that the first clock generator arrangement 1 in the watch 100 according to the fifth embodiment has an electronic oscillator 17 for generating a first clock signal instead of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal 10 and oscillator circuit 115 of the watch 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0116] Advantageously, the electronic oscillator 17 is an RC oscillator that is specifically configured as a relatively low frequency oscillator (for example 10 kHz).

[0117] An advantage of the timepiece 100 according to the fifth embodiment is that the electronic oscillator 17 is very power-saving, so that the power consumption for generating the first clock signal can be reduced, and in particular minimized. This can significantly extend the life of the rechargeable battery of the power supply before it needs to be recharged.

[0118] In addition to the description of the invention given above, reference is expressly made to the diagrammatic representation of the invention in the drawings, for complementary disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1. First Clock Generator Configuration 2 Second Clock Generator Configuration 3. Useful signal generator 4 Electronic equipment 5 Time display device 10 Piezoelectric vibrating crystal 11 Watch Case 12 Dial 14 Rug 15 Watch Glass 16 Wristbands 17 Electronic Oscillator 20 Vibration System 51 hour hand 52 minute hand 53 Second hand 100 Clocks 101 Drive unit 104 Gear train 105 Escapement 106 Electromechanical Devices 107 Magnetic Core 108 Magnetic Coil 109 Escape wheel 110 Blocking piece 115 Oscillator Circuit 121 Winding device 124 Electro-optical converter 125 Optical-to-electrical converter 126 Optical waveguide 127 Amplifier 128 Signal Conditioning Device

Claims

1. a first clock generator arrangement (1) for generating a first clock signal; a second clock generator arrangement (2) for generating a second clock signal; a useful signal generator (3) configured to generate a useful signal based on said first clock signal; an electronic device (4) configured to compare the frequency of said first clock signal with the frequency of said second clock signal and to modify the generation of said useful signal based on said comparison; a time display device (5) configured to display the time based on said useful signal; Equipped with the first clock generator arrangement (1) is configured to continuously generate the first clock signal; A timepiece (100), in particular a wristwatch, in which the second clock generator arrangement (2) is set to generate the second clock signal at time segments including pauses.

2. 2. The timepiece (100) of claim 1, wherein the electronic device (4) is configured to modify the first clock generator arrangement (1), in particular the generation of the first clock signal, based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal in order to modify the generation of the useful signal.

3. 3. The watch (100) of claim 2, wherein the electronic device (4) is configured to correct the first clock generator arrangement (1), in particular the generation of the first clock signal, so that the first clock signal has a target frequency.

4. 4. A timepiece (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic device (4) is configured to modify the useful signal generator (4) based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal in order to modify the generation of the useful signal.

5. 5. A timepiece (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electronic device (4) is configured to determine a delay and / or advance of the first clock generator arrangement (1) based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal, and to modify the generation of the useful signal based on said determination to at least partially correct the delay or advance afterwards.

6. 6. A timepiece (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first clock generator arrangement (1) comprises a piezoelectric oscillating crystal for generating the first clock signal, and preferably the first clock generator arrangement (1) further comprises an oscillator circuit (115) configured to excite the piezoelectric oscillating crystal to oscillate, and the electronic device (4) is configured to modify the frequency of oscillation of the piezoelectric oscillating crystal by the oscillator circuit (115) based on a comparison between the frequency of the first clock signal and the frequency of the second clock signal in order to modify the generation of the useful signal.

7. 7. A timepiece (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first clock generator arrangement (1) comprises an electronic oscillator (23), in particular an RC oscillator, for generating the first clock signal.

8. 8. A timepiece (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second clock generator arrangement comprises an oscillation system (20) comprising an optical waveguide arrangement, an electro-optical converter (124) and an optical-electrical converter (125).

9. 9. A timepiece (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second clock generator arrangement has a higher accuracy than the first clock generator arrangement.

10. 10. The watch (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first clock generator configuration has a lower power consumption than the second clock generator configuration.

11. 11. A timepiece (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the useful signal generating device (3) comprises a pulse counter for counting the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement or a signal based on the first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement, and is configured to generate the useful signal when a count value of the counted first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement or the signal based on the counted first clock signal of the first clock generator arrangement equals a predetermined count value.

12. 12. The timepiece (100) of claim 11, wherein the electronic device (4) is configured to correct the generation of the useful signal by the useful signal generator (3) based on a comparison of the frequency of the first clock signal with the frequency of the second clock signal.

13. The time display device (5) is a mechanical time display device, the first clock generator arrangement (1) further comprises an electromechanical device (106); A timepiece (100) further comprising a gear train (104) and a drive device (101) for driving the gear train (104), wherein the time display device (5) is connected to the gear train (104) and is movable by the gear train (104); the electromechanical device (106) is driven by the useful signal; the electromechanical device (106) is directly or indirectly engaged with the gear train (104) in a clocked manner; A watch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. a gear train (104); a drive unit (101) for driving the gear train (104); Further comprising: The drive unit (101) is controllable by the modified useful signal; The time display device (5) is a mechanical time display device, A watch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. 13. A timepiece (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the time display device (5) is an electronic time display device configured to display the time based on the useful signal.

Images