A timepiece with a tactile control function equipped with an anti-fogging device

Abstract

To improve antifogging capability of a timepiece.SOLUTION: A tactile control device 20 includes at least one capacitive sensor 21, wherein the capacitive sensor 21 includes a first armature Cp1 which is formed of a translucent conductive electrode 22 formed in at least part of an inner surface 13.1 of a protective windshield 13, and a second armature Cp2 which is selectively formed by arranging a finger 200 of a wearer of a timepiece 100 on an outer surface 13.2 of the protective windshield 13, the timepiece 100 includes an antifogging device 30 of the protective windshield 13 which is partially formed of the translucent conductive electrode 22, and a second conductive body 52 that connects the translucent conductive electrode 22 to an electronic unit 50 in a closed circuit, and the electronic unit 50 generates controlled current in the closed circuit, and enables the translucent conductive electrode 22 to be heated by Joule effect.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece with a tactile control function, comprising an anti-fog device for avoiding or limiting the formation of fog or fine water droplets on the inner surface of the protective windscreen.

Background Art

[0002] Timepieces are worn daily in various environments that vary widely in terms of relative humidity, pressure, and temperature. Timepieces are structurally protected against moisture penetration, but while being waterproof, they are affected by the gas exchange between the inside and outside environments of the body.

[0003] This gas exchange is known as permeation and occurs throughout the seal, which is mostly made of a polymeric material with a non-zero but variable permeability. Thus, in environments that are very hot and humid, water vapor may routinely penetrate into the timepiece, which in itself is not visible to the user and not a problem as long as the inner surface of the protective windscreen is not visibly fogged.

[0004] Fogging most frequently occurs when the temperature perceived by the wearer decreases. For example, when swimming or when entering an air-conditioned environment where the temperature is several degrees lower than before. Since the protective windscreen is the part that comes into contact with the external environment closest, fine droplets of water formed by condensation naturally adhere to the inner surface of the protective windscreen. The wearer may recognize the presence of fogging in the timepiece and misunderstand that their timepiece is not waterproof. This phenomenon not only causes many returns but also results in a loss of trust among users, which can also cause the brand image of portable timepieces (e.g., wristwatches, pocket watches) to deteriorate.

[0005] To avoid fine water droplets from adhering to the surface of the protective visor, there is a hydrophilic treatment such as applying a surfactant to the inner surface of the protective visor. In fact, this hydrophilic layer enables water to spread over the entire inner surface of the protective visor and become invisible to the wearer. However, this hydrophilic layer is not always aesthetically excellent (in terms of color, scattering effect, etc.).

[0006] As another method, there is one based on the principle of absorbing water contained in the vapor entering the timepiece. However, such a method has a time limit and the absorption capacity (absorption amount) is limited. Therefore, such a method cannot be completely satisfactory.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In such a situation, it is necessary to improve the anti-fogging ability of the protective visor and the timepiece equipped with such a protective visor, especially when the timepiece has a tactile control interface that enables the user to execute functions by interacting with the screen through the protective visor. The presence of fog in this type of timepiece is not acceptable to the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] For this purpose, the present invention provides a method for solving the problems of the prior art.

[0009] In this regard, the present invention provides a timepiece comprising a case forming an electrical ground, the case being closed by a back part and a protective windscreen, the timepiece comprising a tactile control device connected to an electronic unit, the electronic unit being configured to utilize the action of the tactile control device to execute at least one predetermined function of the timepiece, the tactile control device comprising at least one capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor comprising a first armature formed by a translucent conductive electrode formed at least on a part of the inner surface of the protective windscreen, and a second armature selectively formed by placing the finger of the wearer of the timepiece on the outer surface of the protective windscreen, the translucent conductive electrode being electrically connected to the electronic unit by a first conductor.

[0010] The timepiece according to the present invention further comprises an anti-fogging device for the protective windscreen, which is partially formed by the translucent conductive electrode and a second conductor connecting the translucent conductive electrode to the electronic unit in a closed circuit, the electronic unit comprising a current management module configured to generate a controlled current in a closed circuit to enable the translucent conductive electrode to be heated by the Joule effect.

[0011] For example, it can be triggered by various parameters and information coming from various additional sensors within the timepiece, and a current can be generated in a closed circuit by the current management module.

[0012] The anti-fogging device according to the present invention can be operated without user intervention, for example, based on information regarding usage conditions, internal humidity, internal temperature, and / or external temperature, or simply at regular intervals.

[0013] The timepiece according to the present invention comprises an easy-to-use anti-fogging device for avoiding the formation of fog on the inner surface of the protective windscreen or for limiting / reducing the presence of visible fog after a large thermal shock.

[0014] In addition to the features described in the previous paragraph, the timepiece according to the present invention can have one or more complementary features selected from the following features. These features are considered individually or in technically feasible combinations. - The light-transmissive conductive electrode is a layer of a light-transmissive conductive oxide. - The light-transmissive conductive electrode includes a layer of a light-transmissive conductive oxide and at least one layer for optical compensation of the layer of the light-transmissive conductive oxide. - The layer of the light-transmissive conductive oxide is composed of indium tin oxide doped with tin, zinc oxide doped with aluminum, zinc oxide, or tin dioxide doped with fluorine. - Alternatively, the light-transmissive conductive electrode is a layer based on silver nanowires. - Alternatively, the light-transmissive conductive electrode is a layer based on carbon nanotubes. - The current management module is configured to generate and / or modulate a controlled current to heat the light-transmissive conductive electrode in response to at least one piece of information from at least one sensor included in the timepiece. - The timepiece includes an accelerometer connected to the electronic unit, thereby enabling information regarding the use of the timepiece to be supplied to the current management module. - The timepiece includes a temperature sensor connected to the electronic unit, thereby enabling information regarding the internal temperature of the timepiece and / or the temperature of the environment outside the timepiece to be supplied to the current management module. - The timepiece includes a humidity sensor connected to the electronic unit, thereby enabling information regarding the humidity inside the timepiece to be supplied to the current management module. - The tactile control device includes an array of capacitive sensors covering the inner surface of the protective wind guard, the anti-fogging device is formed by at least a part of the translucent conductive electrodes of the capacitive sensor array, and the at least a part of the translucent conductive electrodes of the capacitive sensor array forming the anti-fogging device are connected to the electronic unit by a first conductor and a second conductor to form a plurality of closed electrical circuits. The current management module is configured to generate a controlled current in each of the plurality of closed circuits, thereby enabling heating of at least a part of the translucent conductive electrodes of the capacitive sensor array by the Joule effect.

[0015] The objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become clear by reading the following detailed description while referring to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] In all the figures, common elements are assigned the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified.

[0018] FIG. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a timer 100 according to the present invention including a tactile control device 20 and an anti-fogging device 30.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electronic means of the tactile control device 20 and the anti-fogging device 30 of the timer 100 according to the present invention.

[0020] A timer 100 such as a wristwatch is intended to be worn on the wrist or the like in contact with the user's skin.

[0021] Timer 100 includes a case intended to receive a timer movement (not shown). The movement may be electromechanical or electronic.

[0022] Case 11 is closed at the bottom by a back part 12 and at the top by a protective visor 13 to protect the timer movement and various elements mounted within case 11.

[0023] Case 11 and / or back part 12 are at least partially made of a conductive material and thus come into contact with the wearer's skin to form a reference potential, for example, an electrical ground 15.

[0024] Furthermore, timer 100 further includes a flexible or articulated bracelet (not shown), the two ends of which are intended to be connected to case 11, for example removably, via an ad hoc fixing system not described in detail herein, such that the user can wear timer 100 on the wrist or the like and bring the outer surface of back part 12 into contact with the wearer's skin.

[0025] Timer 100 includes an electronic unit 50 disposed within case 11 and connected to a tactile control device 20.

[0026] Tactile control device 20 includes at least one capacitive sensor 21 including a first armature Cp1 consisting of a light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 disposed on at least a part of the inner surface 13.1 of protective visor 13.

[0027] Preferably, the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 covers most of the inner surface 13.1 of protective visor 13, and more preferably, covers the entire inner surface 13.1.

[0028] The light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 is connected to the electronic unit 50 by the first conductor 51. This first conductor 51 connects the first end of the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 to the electronic unit 50.

[0029] The timer 100 is equipped with an electric energy source 54, for example a rechargeable battery, which is connected to the positive electrode of the electronic unit 50 by the conductor 53.

[0030] The second armature Cp2 of the capacitive sensor 21 is formed by the finger 200 of the wearer of the timer 100 when the finger 200 is placed on the outer surface 13.2 of the protective visor 13 on the opposite side of the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22, whereby a tactile command is issued to execute a predetermined function of the timer 100.

[0031] The finger 200 of the wearer is in contact with the wrist of the wearer and is connected to the reference potential, for example the ground 15 of the electronic unit 50, in the same way as the whole body of the wearer, via the case 11 and / or the back part 12 which are connected to the negative electrode of the electronic unit 50 and the electric energy source 54.

[0032] By design, there is a parasitic capacitance Cpp between the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 and its environment. This parasitic capacitance Cpp is shown in FIG. 2 by a capacitor 23 connected in parallel with the capacitive sensor 21 between the first conductor 51 and the reference potential, for example the ground 15.

[0033] When the finger 200 of the wearer is not placed on the outer surface 13.2 of the protective visor 13, the capacitive sensor 21 is not formed and the control unit 50 detects the parasitic capacitance Cpp of the capacitor 23.

[0034] When the user's finger 200 is placed on the outer surface 13.2 of the protective wind guard 13, a second armature Cp2 of the capacitive sensor 21 is formed (in parallel with the parasitic capacitance), and the electronic unit 50 detects a total capacitance equal to the sum of the parasitic capacitance Cpp and the capacitance of the capacitive sensor 21 (this being dominant), and by detecting a change in this capacitance, it becomes possible to achieve a predetermined function of the timer.

[0035] The operation of this type of capacitive sensor is well known, so there is no need to explain it further.

[0036] For example, the transparent conductive electrode 22 is a layer of transparent conductive oxide (TCO: transparent conductive oxide).

[0037] Preferably, the layer of transparent conductive oxide is deposited on the inner surface 13.1 of the protective wind guard 13 by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process or a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. However, other thin film deposition methods known to those skilled in the art are also possible.

[0038] For example, the transparent conductive electrode 22 is a layer of transparent conductive oxide composed of indium tin oxide doped with tin, zinc oxide doped with aluminum, zinc oxide, or tin dioxide doped with fluorine.

[0039] The transparent conductive electrode 22 can further include at least one optical compensation layer having an optical refractive index configured to further enhance the transparency of the layer of transparent conductive oxide. The structuring of the transparent conductive oxide to form an independent electrode tends to slightly lower the transparency of the layer. This type of optical compensation is widely known, so there is no need to explain it further.

[0040] In one variant, the transparent conductive electrode 22 is a silver nanowire-based layer.

[0041] In one variant, the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 is a carbon nanotube-based layer.

[0042] The timepiece 100 further comprises an anti-fogging device 30 on the protective visor 13, thereby avoiding the occurrence of fogging on the inner surface 13.1, i.e. on the surface facing the movement of the portable timepiece, or suppressing / reducing the presence of visible fogging after a large thermal shock.

[0043] The anti-fogging device 30 is an active device that requires a power source to operate.

[0044] Advantageously, the anti-fogging device 30 utilizes the thermal and conductive properties of the at least one light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 already disposed within the timepiece 100 to ensure that the temperature of the protective visor 13 rises to prevent the formation of fogging.

[0045] As a result, the anti-fogging device 30 is partially formed by the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 and comprises a second conductor 52 connecting the second end of the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 to the electronic unit 50, thereby forming a closed circuit including the light-transmissive conductive electrodes 22, the two conductors 51, 52, and the electronic unit 50.

[0046] The anti-fogging device 30 comprises connection / disconnection means for electrically connecting / disconnecting the second end of the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 of the electronic unit 50. For example, this connection / disconnection means consists of electronic means mounted on the electronic unit 50. This connection / disconnection means makes it possible to ensure that the tactile interface has optimal sensitivity when the anti-fogging device 30 is not active.

[0047] For example, when using a tactile control interface, the connection / disconnection means receives information from the capacitive sensor 20 and deactivates the electrical link between the second end of the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 and the electronic unit 50.

[0048] For example, the electrical link between the second end of the translucent conductive electrode 22 and the electronic unit 50 is deactivated by default, enabling the user to access the haptic interface of the timepiece 100 as needed.

[0049] For example, the electronic unit 50 is equipped with means for programming the automatic and regular activation of the electrical link between the second end of the translucent conductive electrode 22 and the electronic unit 50 at regular intervals, for example, twice a day, for a given period of time, for example, within a range of 10 seconds, as long as the haptic interface is not being used, thereby reducing the possibility of fogging occurring on the inner surface of the protective visor 13 and even eliminating such a possibility.

[0050] For example, the electrical link between the second end of the translucent conductive electrode 22 and the electronic unit 50 can be made to be activated after receiving information from an additional sensor about the risk of fog formation or about a change in the state of the timepiece 100 due to fog formation.

[0051] The anti-fog device 30 further includes a current management module 53 mounted on the electronic unit 50 of the timepiece 100, which is configured to generate a controlled current in a closed electrical circuit, thereby making it possible to heat the translucent conductive electrode 22 by the Joule effect.

[0052] Therefore, the timepiece 100 enables the manufacture of a haptic control device and at the same time generates regulated and controlled active heating of the protective visor 13 to prevent fogging.

[0053] The current generated by the current management module 53 in the closed circuit can be triggered and modulated by various parameters and information generated by various sensors in the timepiece, for example.

[0054] For example, the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 can be heated at regular intervals and / or in combination with or instead of information emitted by at least one additional sensor present in the timepiece.

[0055] The current management module 53 can further detect a sudden change in the capacitance value of the capacitive sensor 21 due to the presence of condensed water via the tactile control device 20, and as soon as a given value is reached, heat the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22.

[0056] For example, the timepiece 100 can include an accelerometer 61 connected to the electronic unit 50. This accelerometer 61 enables the current management module 53 to provide information regarding the movement of the timepiece 100 and thus information regarding whether the timepiece 100 is being used by the wearer. Thus, it is possible to trigger the heating of the protective visor 13 only when the portable timepiece is being worn, thereby avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.

[0057] For example, additionally or instead, the timepiece 100 can include a temperature sensor 62 connected to the electronic unit 50. This temperature sensor enables the current management module 53 to provide information regarding the internal temperature of the timepiece 100 and / or the temperature of the external environment. For example, a set temperature can be determined to trigger the heating of the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 and thus the protective visor 13 by current generation.

[0058] For example, additionally or instead, the timepiece 100 can include a humidity sensor 63 connected to the electronic unit 50. This humidity sensor mounted on the case 11 enables the current management module 53 to provide information regarding the humidity inside the timepiece 100. In this way, a set humidity level can be determined to trigger the heating of the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 and thus the protective visor 13 by passing an electric current.

[0059] The current management module 53 is configured to modulate the current for heating the light-transmissive conductive electrode 22 according to various information from various sensors present in the timepiece, so as to optimize the consumption of the anti-fog device 30.

[0060] The tactile control device 20 can be provided with a plurality of capacitive sensors 21, and thus a plurality of light-transmissive conductive electrodes 22, on the inner surface 13.1 of the protective wind guard 13, thereby forming an array of capacitive sensors 21. Advantageously, such an array enables selectively activating different functions or detecting the sequence of movements of the wearer's finger 200 (such as sliding horizontally, sliding vertically, combinations of simultaneous activation of two or more sensors, etc.).

[0061] In such an embodiment, the anti-fog device 30 according to the present invention uses at least a part of the light-transmissive conductive electrodes 22 of the capacitive sensor array 21.

[0062] In this case, at least a part of the light-transmissive conductive electrodes 22 of the capacitive sensor array 21 forming the first selection group is connected to the electronic unit 50 by the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 to form a plurality of closed electrical circuits, enabling the light-transmissive conductive electrodes 22 forming the first selection group to be heated by the Joule effect.

[0063] Also, another part of the light-transmissive conductive electrodes 22 of the capacitive sensor array 21 forming a second selection group different from the first selection group is similarly connected to the electronic unit 50 by the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 to form a second plurality of closed electrical circuits, enabling the light-transmissive conductive electrodes 22 forming the second selection group to be heated by the Joule effect.

[0064] Moreover, each of the translucent conductive electrodes 22 of the capacitive sensor array 21 can be connected to the electronic unit 50 by the first conductor 51 and the second conductor 52 to form a plurality of closed electrical circuits, and can be heated by the Joule effect of each of the translucent conductive electrodes 22 of the capacitive sensor array 21.

[0065] Therefore, the current management module 53 can be configured to electrically power all of the translucent conductive electrodes 22 of the array, only a predetermined selection group of the translucent conductive electrodes 22 of the capacitive sensor 21 array, or various selection groups of the translucent conductive electrodes 22, simultaneously or sequentially (per selection group or per electrode), while optimizing the degree of heating of the inner surface 13.1 of the protective windshield 13 and suppressing the peak consumption of the energy source 54.

[0066] Also, it is possible to consider that all of the translucent conductive electrodes 22 of the capacitive sensor 21 array are sequentially heated according to a specific heating pattern.

Explanation of Signs

[0067] 11 Case 12 Rear part 13 Protective windshield 13.1 Inner surface 13.2 Outer surface 15 Electrical ground 20 Tactile control device 21 Capacitive sensor 22 Translucent conductive electrode 30 Anti-fog device 50 Electronic unit 51 First conductor 52 Second conductor 54 Energy source 61 Accelerometer 62 Temperature sensor 63 Humidity sensor 100 Timer 200 Finger Cp1 First armature Cp2 Second Armature

Claims

1. A timepiece (100) comprising a case (11) forming an electrical earth (15), The case (11) is closed by a back part (12) and a protective windscreen (13), The timepiece comprises a haptic control device (20) connected to an electronic unit (50), The electronic unit (50) is configured to perform at least one predetermined function of the timepiece (100) using the action of the haptic control device (20); The haptic control device (20) comprises at least one capacitive sensor (21); The capacitive sensor (21) comprises a first armature (Cp1) formed by a light-transmitting conductive electrode (22) formed on at least a portion of the inner surface (13.1) of the protective windshield (13), and a second armature (Cp2) selectively formed by the placement of a finger (200) of the wearer of the timepiece (100) on an outer surface (13.2) of the protective windshield (13), The transparent conductive electrode (22) is electrically connected to the electronic unit (50) by a first conductor (51); The timepiece (100) comprises an anti-fogging device (30) of the protective windscreen (13), which is formed in part by the light-transmitting conductive electrode (22) and by a second conductor (52) connecting the light-transmitting conductive electrode (22) to the electronic unit (50) in a closed circuit, The electronic unit (50) comprises a current management module (53) configured to generate a controlled current in a closed circuit to allow the light-transmitting conductive electrode (22) to heat by Joule effect. A timer (100).

2. The transparent conductive electrode (22) is a layer of a transparent conductive oxide.

2. The timer (100) of claim 1 .

3. The transparent conductive electrode (22) includes a layer of a transparent conductive oxide and at least one layer for optical compensation of the transparent conductive oxide layer.

2. The timer (100) of claim 1 .

4. The transparent conductive oxide layer is made of tin-doped indium oxide, aluminum-doped zinc oxide, zinc oxide, or fluorine-doped tin dioxide. A timepiece (100) according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The transparent conductive electrode (22) is a silver nanowire-based layer.

2. The timer (100) of claim 1 .

6. The transparent conductive electrode (22) is a carbon nanotube-based layer.

2. The timer (100) of claim 1 .

7. The current management module (53) is configured to generate and / or modulate a controlled current to heat the optically transparent conductive electrode (22) in response to at least one information from at least one sensor (61, 62, 63) included in the timer (100).

2. The timer (100) of claim 1 .

8. an accelerometer (61) connected to said electronic unit (50), thereby making it possible to provide said current management module (53) with information regarding the use of said timepiece (100); A timepiece (100) according to claim 7.

9. a temperature sensor (62) connected to said electronic unit (50), which makes it possible to provide said current management module (53) with information about the internal temperature of said timepiece (100) and / or the temperature of the environment outside said timepiece (100); A timepiece (100) according to claim 7.

10. a humidity sensor (63) connected to said electronic unit (50), making it possible to provide information regarding the humidity in said timepiece (100) to said current management module (53); A timepiece (100) according to claim 7.

11. The haptic control device (20) comprises an array of capacitive sensors (21) covering an inner surface (13.1) of the protective windshield (13), The anti-fogging device (30) is formed by at least a part of the light-transmitting conductive electrodes (22) of the capacitive sensor array (21); at least a portion of the light-transmitting conductive electrodes (22) of the capacitive sensor array (21) are connected to the electronic unit (50) by first conductors (51) and second conductors (52) to form a plurality of closed electrical circuits; The current management module (53) is configured to generate a controlled current in each closed circuit of the plurality of closed circuits, thereby enabling heating of at least some of the optically transparent conductive electrodes (22) of the capacitive sensor array (21) by Joule effect.

2. The timer (100) of claim 1 .

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