Power generating device for clocks

Abstract

To provide a time-limited power generation device without the risk of generating functional or visual pollution or of altering operation.SOLUTION: A time-limited power generation device 100 for a timepiece includes a maneuvering member 1 maneuverable by a user against an elastic return 2. The elastic return means 2 is arranged to indirectly drive an electric generator for generating an electric current for a limited time period. The device includes a toothed member 3 movable with a degree of freedom relative to the maneuvering member 1 and delimiting with the maneuvering member 1 a separate chamber 20 for receiving each elastic return 2. The elastic return 2 is held compressed in the chamber 20 between a pre-stressed rest position and a maximum compression position and between a first support banking 11 that includes the maneuvering member 1 and a second support banking 32 that includes the toothed member 3. The toothed member 3 is arranged to be driven by the elastic return 2 for driving the electric generator directly, or indirectly through a geartrain 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a timed power generating device for a watch, comprising an operating member operable by a user to at least one elastic return means, said at least one elastic return means being arranged to indirectly drive at least one generator to generate an electric current for a limited period of time.

[0002] The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one generator for supplying electricity to at least one circuit including at least one timed power generating device as described above.The invention relates to the field of generating electrical power for powering the electrical functions of a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch. [Background technology]

[0003] Many clocks, especially wristwatches, are equipped with lighting functions that can be activated when required. Such functions may be of a functional nature, such as backlighting of displays, dials, etc., or more playful, such as displaying images, logos, or even holograms. A lighting system typically mainly includes a power source, one or more light sources (LED, OLED, electroluminescent, etc.), and an electronic control system (e.g. passive components, timekeeping devices or timers, voltage boosters).

[0004] The components of such lighting systems are bulky and heavy, which is a drawback in the case of a wristwatch. In particular, the source of electrical energy can be a primary battery, a rechargeable battery, or a storage device for charge pre-generated in the system, such as a photovoltaic, thermoelectric or piezoelectric cell. An electronic control system is usually provided to activate the lighting and define its duration. It is very rare that the user has to switch off the light himself.

[0005] The majority of these devices come from the electronics industry. They are made up of chemical components (electrolytes in batteries) and polymer components (packaging, light conductors, printed circuits). These types of materials are generally prohibited in certain ranges of mechanical watches, since they degrade over time. This can cause aesthetic damage (color changes, stains) or, even worse, generate debris that circulates inside the watch.

[0006] This problem is similar for power receiving circuits other than lighting circuits, especially for generating sounds, or even signals to allow safe passage, etc. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The invention proposes to simplify the generation of electric currents in a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, by eliminating circuits and systems that could generate functional and / or cosmetic contamination of the timepiece, altering its value and / or operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To this end, the invention aims to enable the user to generate himself the required amount of electrical energy for a limited, predetermined period of time by activating an external operating element of the watch, such as the bezel or the like, in order to activate an electrical function, for example but not limited to a lighting function.

[0009] The operating member is configured to drive a generator, in particular an electromagnetic microgenerator, for a period of time to supply current to one or more power-using electrical circuits, and this function is performed without the use of a charge storage system or electronic timing devices, thereby reducing the size, mass, and cost of the device.

[0010] To this end, the present invention therefore relates to a timed power generating device for a timepiece as set forth in claim 1, comprising an operating member operable by a user on at least one elastic return means, said at least one elastic return means being arranged to indirectly drive at least one generator to generate an electric current over a limited period of time.

[0011] The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one generator for supplying electricity to at least one circuit including at least one timed power generating device as defined above.

[0012] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a control member of a device according to the invention, in a particular, non-limiting case, which is a rotation mechanism, comprising the following elements, from top to bottom, arranged coaxially with respect to a main axis: an operating member, in this particular, non-limiting case formed by a watch bezel, comprising a series of grooves in the form of annular sectors, separated by internal catches projecting towards said axis, each of said grooves forming a chamber for receiving a resilient return means, in this particular, non-limiting case a coil spring; an assembly of a plurality of said resilient return means, three in this particular example; a toothed member including an external catch projecting outwards, arranged to hold said spring in said chamber and compress it there, and including an internal circumferential toothing provided to drive a pinion gear or similar part of a gear train of a generator; A notched ring fixed to the upper operating member, including asymmetrical teeth and arranged to ensure unidirectional movement of the operating member and braking of the operating member in a defined position by cooperating with pawls, not shown, mounted on the structure of the watch. [Diagram 2]Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the control member of Figure 1 with the toothed member meshing with a pinion gear comprising a generator gear train, the springs being in a rest position in which they are preloaded and extend between the inner catches of the upper operating member and the outer catches of the inner toothed member; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows the same assembly in a similar manner to FIG. 2 after a first angular stroke has been applied to the operating member while the toothed member and pinion gear are held stationary by the resistive torque of the generator supply gear train. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the same assembly as in FIGS. 2 and 3, in a similar manner to FIGS. 2 and 3, after a second angular stroke has been applied to the operating member which has the effect of further compressing the spring and overcoming the resisting torque of the generator supply gear train, and the toothed member and pinion gear are driven in rotation to start the generator via the gear train. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a timed power generating device according to the invention, taken through the main shaft and the secondary axis of the pinion gear, at the 6 o'clock position of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-section through the main axis of a timed power generating device according to the invention at the 1 o'clock position in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of a timed power generating device according to the present invention, including a toothed member meshed with a pinion gear, a generator disposed between a back plate and a receiver, and a power-using circuit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic front view of a wristwatch including operating members for controlling a timed power generating device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present invention relates to a timed power generating device 100 for a watch 1000 .

[0015] The device 100 comprises an operating member 1 operable by a user to at least one elastic return means 2. The at least one elastic return means 2 is arranged to indirectly drive at least one generator 6 to generate an electric current for a limited period of time.

[0016] Advantageously, this generator 6 is an electromagnetic microgenerator.

[0017] According to the invention, the device 100 comprises a toothed member 3, which is movable with one degree of freedom relative to the operating member 1 and which defines together with said operating member 1 a respective chamber 20 for receiving each elastic return means 2, which is held in a compressed state in said chamber 20 between a preloaded rest position and a maximum compressed position, between a first supporting abutment 11 comprising the operating member 1 and a second supporting abutment 32 comprising the toothed member 3. The toothed member 3 is arranged to be driven by said at least one elastic return means 2 in order to drive a generator 6 directly or indirectly via a gear train 4.

[0018] More specifically, when there is no user action on the operating member 1 and the at least one elastic return means 2 is not relaxed, the device 100 is in a standby position, in which the toothed member 3 abuts against the operating member 1 and each elastic return means 2 is in a pre-loaded rest position in its respective chamber 20.

[0019] More specifically, the operating member 1 includes a first static abutment portion 12 and the toothed member 3 includes a second static abutment portion 33 arranged to bear against and cooperate with the first static abutment portion 12 in a static position of at least one elastic return means 2.

[0020] More specifically, the first support abutment 11 is supported by a first catch 10 which includes an operating member 1, and the second support abutment 32 is supported by a second catch 30 which includes a toothed member 3.

[0021] More specifically, the first static abutment 12 is supported by a first catch 10 which comprises the operating member 1 , and the second static abutment 33 is supported by a second catch 30 .

[0022] More specifically, the device 100 comprises an anti-return mechanism arranged to prevent actuation of the operating member 1 by the at least one elastic return means 2 in the standby position.

[0023] More specifically, this anti-return mechanism comprises at least one notched ring 5 which opposes the drive of the operating member 1 by at least one elastic return means 2 in the standby position. Advantageously, this notched ring 5 is similar to that used to drive watches, being a notched ring with wolf teeth 55, which is mounted integrally with the operating member 1, in particular the bezel, which can only move in one direction. This notch 55 cooperates with a pawl 58 supported by a structural element 8 comprising the watch 1000, in particular the middle case.

[0024] More specifically, at least one elastic return means 2 is arranged to push the toothed member 3 away from the operating member 1 and return to its own rest position when the user stops driving the operating member 1.

[0025] More particularly, the at least one elastic return means 2 is a coil spring arranged to operate in compression. Other embodiments are also possible, such as for example a spiral spring.

[0026] More specifically, the operating member 1, the at least one elastic return means 2 and the toothed member 3 are capable of rotational movement about a common main axis DP.

[0027] More specifically, the operating member 1 is a bezel that is movable relative to the middle cases 8,9.

[0028] In a variant not shown, the operating member 1 is a bolt or a push button or the like.

[0029] More specifically, the toothed member 3 includes a toothed surface 34 arranged to cooperate with a pinion gear 40 capable of rotational movement about a secondary axis DS and including a gear train 4 for driving a generator 6 when the toothed member 3 is driven by the elastic return means 2. Figure 7 shows a non-limiting arrangement in which the pinion gear 40, the gear train 4 and the generator 6 are arranged between a back plate 49 and a receiver 48, where these movable parts pivot, the back plate 49 may be a middle case or a main plate or the like.

[0030] It is understood that the generator 6 opposes a resistance torque to the rotation of the pinion gear 40, which resistance torque depends in particular on the electric circuit 7 of the user of the current generated by the generator 6, and which is not generally constant but varies as the current is generated. If the driving torque provided by the assembly of the elastic return means 2 is greater than said resistance torque, a moment is generated which allows the elastic return means 2 to relax and return to its rest position, the duration of this relaxation corresponding to a finite, predefined duration of the power supply of the device 100 itself, in the absence of further movements by the user. Naturally, if the user continues to drive the operating member 1, it will push the elastic return means 2 and, consequently, the toothed member 3, driving the pinion gear 40, but as soon as the user stops this driving movement, only the elastic return means 2 will be driven for said predefined, predefined period.

[0031] As for the pinion gear 40, it can be driven clockwise or counterclockwise to power the generator 6 as well. Although the generator 6 can operate in either drive direction, the pinion gear 40 can in fact only be driven in this direction, since the operation of the energy storage system of the elastic return means 2 requires that the drive of the operating member 1 be limited to only one direction, said direction being individually selectable during the manufacture of the watch. For this reason, the variant illustrated here, which includes a unidirectional bezel 1 with anti-return notched ring 5 and pawls 58, is suitable for the implementation of the invention.

[0032] The invention further relates to a timepiece 1000 comprising at least one generator 6 for powering at least one circuit 7. According to the invention, the timepiece 1000 comprises at least one above-mentioned timed power generating device 100, which is arranged to drive at least one generator 6. The dimensions of the one or more circuits 7 and the nature of the components receiving the power, such as LEDs, OLEDs, sound generators, signal transmitters, etc., directly determine the resistance torque opposing the drive of the pinion gear 40 and thus the threshold of the drive stroke of the elastic return means 2 and thus the predefined limited duration of the current supply.

[0033] Advantageously, the invention makes it possible to eliminate the need for electrical energy management systems and electrical energy storage means.

[0034] More specifically, the watch 1000 does not have any means for storing electrical energy.

[0035] More specifically, the timepiece 1000 is a wristwatch.

[0036] The figures show a particular, non-limiting embodiment, in which the timepiece 1000 is a wristwatch and the operating member 1 is a control bezel that rotates in one direction. This wristwatch bezel concept allows the activation of a magnetic microgenerator 6. By rotating the bezel forming the operating member 1, the user activates a system of springs, each constituting an elastic return means 2. The energy stored in these springs is used in a particular phase to rotate a system of gears forming a gear train 4 connected to the magnetic microgenerator 6. The power generated by the magnetic microgenerator 6 is used to supply a current to a power receiving circuit 7, for example a light source. The duration of illumination is then determined by the time needed for the springs 2 to return to their rest position corresponding to FIG. 2.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows the parts of the control mechanism in the particular, non-limiting case in which three springs 2 are inserted between three inner catches 10 of the operating member 1 and three outer catches 30 of the toothed member 3.

[0038] 2 shows the rest position without any user action, where the bezel 1 is held in place by pawls 58 cooperating with a notched ring with wolf teeth 55. The three inner catches 10 of the operating member 1 abut against the three outer catches 30 of the toothed member 3 by means of a first static abutment 12 abutting against a second static abutment 33. In this rest position, each spring 2 is already preloaded, i.e. partially compressed. The inner toothed surface 34 of the toothed member 3 meshes with a pinion gear 40 belonging to the drive gear train 4 of the magnetic micro-generator 6.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows the position of the assembly after the first rotation of the bezel 1, with the inner catch 10 beginning to compress the spring 2 and the notched ring 5 preventing the bezel 1 from returning under the action of the spring 2.

[0040] The toothed member 3 initially remains in a stationary position until the pressure of the spring 2 allows it to overcome the stationary torque of the gear train and the microgenerator, as shown in figure 4 with the mechanism released. From this moment on, the toothed member 3 is able to drive the system and rotate the magnetic microgenerator 6 at a speed that depends on the multiplication factor of the gear train 4.

[0041] During rotation, the torque of the magnetic micro-generator 6 depends on the generated current. In case of a direct connection between the magnetic micro-generator 6 and a power-using circuit 7, which contains for example an LED, a curve of the luminous intensity as a function of the duration of rotation can be established.

[0042] According to the present application, the power absorbed by an illumination system for a wristwatch may vary from 3 mW to 15 mW. For watch applications, it is desirable for the duration of illumination to be at least 3 seconds.

[0043] For the system shown: values ​​of 0.025-0.050 N / mm, more particularly 0.035-0.040 N / mm can be achieved for the stiffness of the spring 2 when the multiplication factor of the gear train 4 is 1400-1900, more particularly 1600-1700; the static torque of the microgenerator 6 is 8-14 μN·m, more particularly 10-12 μN·m; the starting torque of the crown is 0.020-0.036 N·m, more particularly 0.025-0.030 N·m.

[0044] In summary, the invention provides a compact and economical solution to the problem of generating current for additional functions of a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, without the need for electronic components for energy storage or stabilization. The modifications of the existing components of the wristwatch with rotating bezel are limited to: machining the groove forming the chamber 20 and the inner catch 10 of the bezel 1; reusing the notched ring with wolf teeth 55 and the associated pawl 58, without modification of the middle case at this level; adding a toothed member 3 with a simple geometric shape, a commercially available spring 2 and a pinion gear 40; only modification of the middle case in relation to the housing of the toothed member 3; and implementing said pinion 40 and elements of a known gear train 4. The toothed member 3 can be inserted within the thickness of the bezel 1, and the overall thickness of the wristwatch is only slightly affected by the inclusion of the device 100, if it is designed as an additional feature of an existing wristwatch. Naturally, the elements of the gear train 4, the microgenerator 6 and the power-using circuitry 7 (flex, LEDs, etc., especially electronic components) can be sized so as to be directly integrated without increasing the dimensions of the middle case. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1 Operating parts 2 Elastic return means 3 Toothed member 4 Gear train 5 Notched Ring 6. Generator 7 Circuit 8 Middle Case 9 Middle Case 10 The First Catch 11 First supporting contact portion 12 First stationary abutment 20 Chamber 30 The Second Catch 32 Second supporting contact portion 33 Second stationary abutment 34 Toothed Surface 40 Pinion gear 100 Timed Power Generating Device 1000 Clocks DP spindle DS secondary axis

Claims

1. A timed power generating device (100) for a clock (1000), comprising: a user-operable operating member (1) operable to operate at least one elastic return means (2), the at least one elastic return means (2) being arranged to indirectly drive at least one generator (6) to generate an electric current for a limited period of time; The device (100) comprises a toothed member (3) movable with one degree of freedom relative to the operating member (1) and defining, together with the operating member (1), a respective chamber (20) for receiving each of the elastic return means (2), the elastic return means (2) being held in a compressed state in the chamber (20) of the elastic return means (2) between a preloaded rest position and a maximum compressed position, between a first supporting abutment (11) comprising the operating member (1) and a second supporting abutment (32) comprising the toothed member (3), The toothed member (3) is arranged to be driven by the at least one elastic return means (2) to drive the generator (6) directly or indirectly via a gear train (4), in a timed power generating device (100): said operating member (1), said at least one elastic return means (2) and said toothed member (3) are capable of rotational movement about a common main axis (DP); and The operating member (1) is a movable bezel that is movable relative to the middle case (8, 9). A timed power generating device (100).

2. The time-limited power generating device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that when there is no user action on the operating member (1) and when the at least one elastic return means (2) is not relaxed, the device (100) is in a standby position, in which the toothed member (3) is in an abutting position against the operating member (1) and each of the elastic return means (2) is in a rest position subjected to the pre-load within the respective chamber (20).

3. The operating member (1) includes a first stationary abutment portion (12); and said toothed member (3) comprises a second resting abutment (33) arranged to cooperate in abutment with said first resting abutment (12) in a rest position of said at least one elastic return means (2); The timed power generating device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that

4. The first support abutment (11) is supported by a first catch (10) including the operating member (1); and The second support abutment (32) is supported by a second catch (30) including the toothed member (3). The timed power generating device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that

5. The operating member (1) includes a first stationary abutment portion (12); said toothed member (3) comprising a second rest abutment (33) arranged to cooperate in abutment with said first rest abutment (12) in a rest position of said at least one elastic return means (2); the first support abutment (11) is supported by a first catch (10) including the operating member (1); said second support abutment (32) being supported by a second catch (30) comprising said toothed member (3); the first stationary abutment (12) is supported by the first catch (10) which includes the operating member (1); and The second stationary abutment (33) is supported by the second catch (30). The timed power generating device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that

6. The time-limited power generating device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the device (100) includes an anti-return mechanism arranged to prevent the at least one elastic return means (2) from driving the operating member (1) in the standby position.

7. The timed power generating device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the anti-return mechanism comprises at least one notched ring (5) which opposes the driving of the operating member (1) by the at least one elastic return means (2) in the standby position.

8. The timed power generating device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one elastic return means (2) is arranged to push the toothed member (3) away from the operating member (1) and return to the rest position when the user stops the operating member (1).

9. 2. A timed power generating device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one elastic return means (2) is a coil spring arranged to operate in compression.

10. 2. The timed power generating device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the toothed member (3) comprises a toothed surface (34) arranged to cooperate with a pinion gear (40), the pinion gear (40) being rotatable about a secondary axis (DS) and comprising the gear train (4) for driving the generator (6) when the toothed member (3) is driven by the at least one elastic return means (2).

11. A watch (1000) comprising at least one generator (6) for the power supply of at least one circuit (7), A watch (1000), characterized in that the watch (1000) includes at least one timed power generating device (100) according to claim 1 arranged to drive the at least one generator (6).

12. 12. The timepiece (1000) according to claim 11, characterized in that said timepiece (1000) has no means for storing electrical energy.

13. The timepiece (1000) according to claim 11, characterized in that said timepiece (1000) is a wristwatch.

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