Watch

Abstract

The present invention relates to a timepiece (100) comprising a clock generating assembly (10), a gear mechanism (104), a drive (101) for driving the gear mechanism (114) and a time indicating device (102) connected to the gear mechanism (104). The clock generating assembly (10) comprises a clock generator (1), an electronic useful signal generating device (116) and an electromechanical device (106), wherein the clock generator (1) has a predefined oscillation frequency. The electronic useful signal generating device (116) is configured to generate a useful signal based on the oscillation frequency of the clock generator (1). The useful signal generated by the electronic useful signal generating device (116) can drive the electromechanical device (106), which in turn is clocked and directly or indirectly engaged with the gear mechanism (104). The gear mechanism (104) can drive the time indicating device (102).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a watch having the advantages of a mechanical watch with automatic winding or manual winding and a quartz watch.

Background Art

[0002] A quartz watch is clock-controlled (getaktet) by the frequency of a quartz oscillator (Schwingquarz). On the other hand, mechanical watches with automatic winding, also known as automatic watches, and mechanical watches with manual winding are generally controlled by the vibration of a template that controls a so-called escapement. In that case, a quartz watch is generally much more accurate than an automatic watch or a mechanical watch with manual winding because the reference frequency of a crystal oscillator (Schwingkristall) is much more stable and independent than the frequency of a mechanical oscillator.

[0003] Particularly in the case of a wristwatch, the mechanical oscillator is braked or accelerated by each movement of the wrist. The degree of tension of the driving spring (Antriebsfeder) of the movement affects the escapement and further affects the frequency of the tandem template / escapement. Furthermore, the position of the watch (horizontal or vertical) affects the vibration behavior of the template.

[0004] In comparison, the frequency of the crystal oscillator in a wristwatch is very independent. Only the setting of the crystal oscillator and the deviation from the preset standard temperature can affect the frequency of the crystal oscillator.

[0005] Furthermore, a quartz watch has the advantage that its power reserve (Gangreserve) is much longer, usually lasting for several years.

[0006] Nevertheless, mechanical watches with automatic winding or manual winding are generally much more popular as wristwatches than quartz watches. In particular, automatic watches do not require battery replacement and are an expression of watchmaking skills that have continued for hundreds of years.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] The following describes a clock comprising a clock generator assembly having a clock generator (taktgeber), a gear mechanism, a drive device for driving the gear mechanism, and a time indicating device connected to the gear mechanism and movable by the gear mechanism. In that case, the clock generator has a predetermined oscillation frequency.

[0008] In order to provide a clock generator having a predetermined oscillation frequency, advantageously, first, the desired oscillation frequency that the clock generator should have can be selected, and in that case, the clock generator can be formed such that the desired oscillation frequency is achieved. For this purpose, after forming the clock generator, it can be measured to determine the actual frequency of the clock generator. If the actual frequency is different from the desired frequency, correspondingly, the clock generator can be corrected until the desired frequency is achieved. In that case, the desired frequency corresponds to the predetermined oscillation frequency of the clock generator.

[0009] However, it is also possible for at least one clock generator to be formed arbitrarily. Subsequently, the formed clock generator can be measured to determine the oscillation frequency of the clock generator. In this case, the oscillation frequency determined thereby corresponds to the predetermined oscillation frequency of the clock generator.

[0010] It should be mentioned that the clock generator assembly, in particular the clock generator, is an element that determines the frequency of the clock.

[0011] The drive device should be understood, in particular as a mechanical drive device, i.e., a drive device that does not use an electric motor type drive device or other electric drive devices. The drive device particularly includes a driving spring as an energy accumulator. The clock particularly comprises a winding device for automatic winding (automatic watch) and / or manual winding.

[0012] The gear mechanism includes in particular at least one hour wheel and / or minute wheel and / or second wheel and / or third wheel (Kleinbodenrad).

[0013] In particular, the clock generation assembly further has an electronic useful signal generator and an electromechanical device. The electronic useful signal generator is set to generate a useful signal based on the oscillation frequency of the clock generator. The electromechanical device can be moved by the useful signal generated by the electronic useful signal generator, whereby the electromechanical device is clock-controlled and engages directly or indirectly with the gear mechanism. In particular, the electromechanical device engages directly or indirectly with the gear mechanism in order to alternately stop and release the gear mechanism again (in hemmender Weise). Thus, the clock is clock-controlled at its running speed via a frequency-controlled device (electromechanical device) rather than by a vibrating template, and the drive energy for the gear mechanism is provided by a mechanical drive device. In other words, an inaccurate mechanical template is replaced by the above-described clock generation assembly.

[0014] Thus, the advantages of a mechanical clock with manual or automatic winding and a quartz clock are realized in one clock by controlling an automatic or mechanical mechanism with manual winding by the electronic frequency of the clock generator. In that case, the clock generator is supported by a piezoelectric crystal oscillator. However, this may also be an oscillation system in which the frequency determination unit is another mechanism such as an optical waveguide or oscillator based on any other base instead of a simple crystal oscillator. Since the proposed clock is not provided with a template, the mechanical effects that affect the accuracy of the template clock and thus the time increments of the clock are eliminated here. The reference frequency used to clock-control the clock and corresponding to the oscillation frequency of the clock generator is not affected by the movement of the clock wearer. Thus, a mechanical clock with respect to the drive of the gear mechanism that is much more accurate than a general mechanical clock with a template becomes possible.

[0015] The useful signal generated by the electronic useful signal generator can drive an electromechanical device, and since the useful signal can be generated based on the oscillation frequency of the clock generator, the electromechanical device should be understood to be frequency controllable or frequency controlled.

[0016] According to one variant, the electromechanical device engages indirectly with the gear mechanism. By "indirectly" is meant, within the scope of the present invention, in particular that there is at least one other component between the electromechanical device and the gear mechanism. This means that in this embodiment of the clock, the electromechanical device can be driven by the above-mentioned useful signal, whereby the electromechanical device engages indirectly with the gear mechanism so as to advance and retreat.

[0017] Preferably, the clock is provided with an escapement for this purpose. In that case, the escapement engages with the gear mechanism. In that case, the electromechanical device drives the escapement. This means that in this embodiment of the clock, the electromechanical device can be driven by the useful signal generated by the electronic useful signal generator, whereby the electromechanical device engages with the gear mechanism via the escapement. In that case, in other words, the escapement corresponds to the above-mentioned at least one other component between the electromechanical device and the gear mechanism.

[0018] In particular, the escapement includes a locking wheel (Hemmungsrad) and a locking piece (Hemmstueck). The locking piece is used to lock the locking wheel. In this case, the electromechanical device is arranged to drive the locking piece, and the locking wheel engages with the gear mechanism.

[0019] In particular, the escapement is formed as an anchor escapement, and the locking piece is formed as an anchor. In this case, the locking wheel can also be called an anchor wheel.

[0020] According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical device can engage directly with the gear mechanism. "Directly" means, within the scope of the invention, that there are no other components between the electromechanical device and the gear mechanism in particular. In this embodiment of the clock, this means that the electromechanical device can be driven by the above useful signal, whereby the electromechanical device is clock-controlled and engages directly with the gear mechanism.

[0021] Regardless of whether the electromechanical device engages directly or indirectly with the gear mechanism, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical device can be formed as an actuator. Within the scope of the invention, a drive technology device or component unit that converts an electrical signal into mechanical movement in particular is called an actuator.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the actuator can have a magnetic anchor and a magnetic coil. In this case, the magnetic coil is set to move the magnetic anchor by the useful signal.

[0023] Alternatively, the electromechanical device can be formed as a stepper motor in particular. In this embodiment of the electromechanical device, it is particularly advantageous if the electromechanical device is clock-controlled and engages directly with the gear mechanism.

[0024] Regarding the clock generator, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, this can be formed as a piezoelectric crystal oscillator.

[0025] In particular, the piezoelectric crystal oscillator can have a length, width, and height of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, more preferably at least 3 mm, and particularly preferably at least 5 mm, respectively. Thus, the piezoelectric crystal oscillator has a solid mass that enables it to vibrate stably. In particular, the stability of its vibration is ensured even without placing the piezoelectric crystal oscillator under vacuum. Therefore, a vacuum capsule or a bell-shaped vacuum vessel (Vakuumglocke) for accommodating the piezoelectric crystal oscillator can be omitted. Furthermore, the proposed dimensional setting of the crystal oscillator has the advantage that the crystal oscillator does not deteriorate or deteriorates only to a negligible extent. Thus, the piezoelectric crystal oscillator meets the technical requirements of an accurately functioning frequency oscillator (Frequenzschwinger) and can therefore be used as the clock generator of the clock generation assembly of a timepiece.

[0026] Furthermore, due to the good visual appearance of the shape and mass and the omission of the vacuum capsule or the bell-shaped vacuum vessel, the piezoelectric crystal oscillator can be used as a decorative element of a timepiece. For these reasons, various piezoelectric crystal oscillators can be used for the clock generator of the clock generation assembly. Thereby, the timepiece can be customized, which can give the timepiece an atmosphere of high quality. Furthermore, the piezoelectric crystal oscillator can be selected according to each application with respect to its material properties and piezoelectric or optical properties.

[0027] The length, width, and height of the piezoelectric crystal oscillator extend in the directions of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis of a three-dimensional coordinate system, and the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are perpendicular to each other. The coordinate system is arranged particularly at the corners of the piezoelectric crystal oscillator.

[0028] Within the scope of the present invention, the length, width, and height are related to the actually vibrating part of the piezoelectric crystal oscillator. This means that the length, width, and height of the piezoelectric crystal oscillator correspond to the dimensions of the piezoelectric crystal oscillator that are important for the piezoelectric crystal oscillator to vibrate. For example, when the piezoelectric crystal oscillator is in the form of a tuning fork, the actually vibrating part of the crystal oscillator is the fork part of the tuning fork. This means, in particular, that the length, width, and height of such a piezoelectric crystal oscillator correspond to the respective length, width, and height of the fork part of the tuning fork.

[0029] Within the scope of the present invention, the length, width, or height of the piezoelectric crystal oscillator should be understood, in particular, as the dimension of each single side of the crystal oscillator when the crystal oscillator is formed such that no space is formed between the sides, and not as the sum of two sides extending in the same direction of the crystal oscillator. Within the scope of the present invention, when the crystal oscillator is formed such that a space can be formed between two side surfaces located opposite to each other of the crystal oscillator, the length, width, or height of the crystal oscillator should be understood, in particular, as the corresponding actual dimension of the side of the crystal oscillator, and not as the "apparent dimension" of the crystal oscillator as a whole. For example, in the case of a piezoelectric crystal oscillator in the form of a tuning fork, the width of the piezoelectric crystal oscillator does not correspond to the sum of the widths between the two fork parts measured from the corner of one fork part to the corresponding corner of the other fork part when the width of the space between the two fork parts is considered together during measurement, nor does it correspond to the apparent width of the crystal oscillator.

[0030] Particularly preferably, the piezoelectric crystal oscillator can be a quartz crystal oscillator or a tourmaline crystal oscillator. The quartz crystal oscillator can be formed as a natural or artificial crystal oscillator. However, it is also possible to use, for example, a deformed form of quartz such as natural amethyst crystal or citrine crystal, a natural tourmaline crystal oscillator, or natural Swiss crystal as the clock generator of the clock generation assembly of a clock.

[0031] According to a first particularly advantageous variant of the clock generator formed as a piezoelectric crystal oscillator, the clock generator is formed as a tourmaline crystal oscillator having a length, width and height of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, more preferably at least 3 mm, particularly preferably at least 5 mm each.

[0032] According to a second particularly advantageous variant of the clock generator formed as a piezoelectric crystal oscillator, the clock generator is formed in the form of a quartz crystal oscillator, in particular an artificial quartz crystal, in the form of a tuning fork oscillator (Gabelschwinger). In that case, the quartz crystal oscillator can be formed / dimensioned in particular such that it has an oscillation frequency of 32768 Hz. This means that the general quartz crystal oscillator of a general quartz clock can be used as a piezoelectric crystal oscillator in this clock.

[0033] According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clock generator can be formed as an oscillation system comprising an optical waveguide, a transmitter for introducing a clock-controlled optical signal into the optical waveguide, and a receiver for receiving the optical signal and generating an electrical signal based on the received optical signal. In that case, the electronic useful signal generator is set to generate a useful signal based on the frequency of the electrical signal.

[0034] Within the scope of the present invention, the transmitter can also be referred to in particular as an electro-optical converter. Within the scope of the present invention, the receiver can also be referred to in particular as an opto-electrical converter.

[0035] In order to introduce a clock-controlled optical signal into the optical waveguide, it should be understood that the transmitter is in particular set to convert an electrical input signal into an optical signal.

[0036] Furthermore, since the optical signal is clock-controlled, it should be understood that the electrical signal is also in particular clock-controlled.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the oscillation system can be formed as an oscillation circuit. This means, in particular, that the components of the oscillation system are arranged in a circuit, i.e., an endless loop.

[0038] The clock-controlled optical signal can in particular be a clock-controlled analog optical signal, especially a sinusoidal optical signal. However, the analog optical signal can also have a shape other than sinusoidal. Correspondingly, the electrical signal generated by the photoreceiver can in particular be an analog electrical signal, especially a sinusoidal electrical signal. However, the analog electrical signal can also have a shape other than sinusoidal corresponding to the optical signal.

[0039] However, it is also possible for the clock-controlled optical signal to be in particular a digital optical signal. Correspondingly, the electrical signal generated by the photoreceiver can in particular be a digital electrical signal.

[0040] In particular, the transmitter includes a semiconductor laser or a light-emitting diode.

[0041] In particular, the transmitter can be set to directly or indirectly introduce the clock-controlled optical signal into the optical waveguide.

[0042] In order to provide a predetermined oscillation frequency to a clock generator formed as an oscillation system, advantageously, first, a desired frequency for a clock-controlled optical or electrical signal can be selected, and then the oscillation system, in particular the optical waveguide, can be formed with respect to its length such that the corresponding desired frequency is achieved. For this purpose, after forming the oscillation system, it can be measured to determine the actual frequency of the clock-controlled optical or electrical signal. If the actual frequency is different from the desired frequency, the oscillation system can be appropriately modified until the desired frequency is achieved. However, first, it is also possible that the oscillation system, in particular the optical waveguide, is arbitrarily formed with respect to its length. Subsequently, the formed oscillation system can be measured to determine the frequency of the clock-controlled optical or electrical signal. Thus, a useful signal generator can be set to generate a useful signal based on a specific frequency, taking into account the specific frequency. For example, in the case of a useful signal generator including a pulse counter, a predetermined count value for comparison with the electrical signal counted by the pulse counter can be set based on the specific frequency of the electrical signal.

[0043] In particular, the receiver can include a photodiode. The photodiode is set to convert a clock-controlled optical signal into an electrical signal. In that case, the electrical signal is advantageously a current signal.

[0044] The light transmitter is preferably set to send light pulses through an optical waveguide. Due to the length of the optical waveguide, the light pulse propagating from the light transmitter in the direction of the light receiver requires a specific time until it reaches the light receiver. The light receiver converts the light pulse into an electric current pulse. Then, the electric current pulse is transferred to the light transmitter. From the electric current pulse, a predetermined oscillation frequency of the oscillation system can be derived. This process is repeated a specific number of times per second. The number of repetitions per second is determined by a predetermined length of the optical waveguide. For example, when the predetermined length of the optical waveguide is about 20 m, the process is repeated 10 million times per second. Therefore, an oscillation frequency of 10 MHz occurs for the clock generator formed as the above oscillation system.

[0045] More preferably, the oscillation system can be arranged between the light transmitter and the light receiver and can have an amplifier set to amplify an electric signal, in particular an electric current pulse. In this case, in particular, the frequency of the electric signal, in particular the electric current pulse, can be extracted between the amplifier and the light transmitter. In this case, this frequency corresponds to a predetermined oscillation frequency of the oscillation system (clock generator).

[0046] Furthermore, the oscillation system can be arranged, in particular, between the light transmitter and the amplifier and can have a signal conditioning device set to process (aufzubereiten) an electric signal, in particular an electric current pulse. Then, this electric signal, in particular the electric current pulse, is transferred to the light transmitter. From there, a new light pulse is sent into the optical waveguide. In this case, the frequency of the electric signal, in particular the electric current pulse, can be extracted, in particular, between the signal conditioning device and the light transmitter. In that case, this frequency corresponds to a predetermined oscillation frequency of the oscillation system.

[0047] To generate the above useful signal, the electronic useful signal generating device can preferably include only a pulse counter (binary counter). In that case, the pulse counter is set to count the clock signal of the clock generator. The pulse counter is programmed to a predetermined oscillation frequency of the clock generator.

[0048] When the clock generator is a piezoelectric crystal oscillator, in order to provide the piezoelectric crystal oscillator, first, the raw crystal oscillator can be arbitrarily polished and its oscillation frequency can be measured. Next, the pulse counter is accurately programmed to this oscillation frequency, that is, a predetermined count value of the pulse counter is set based on the measured oscillation frequency. However, it is also possible to polish the raw crystal oscillator to a predetermined oscillation frequency. In this case as well, the pulse counter is programmed based on the predetermined oscillation frequency.

[0049] Furthermore, in order to generate the above useful signal, the clock generation assembly can advantageously include only a frequency divider. The frequency divider is set to divide or halve a predetermined oscillation frequency of the clock generator. In that case, the predetermined oscillation frequency corresponds in particular to a multiple of 2, in particular a power of 2, such as, for example, 524288 Hz or 1048576 Hz. In that case, the frequency divider can advantageously divide the predetermined oscillation frequency to 1 Hz or to another frequency, such as, for example, 8 Hz. The divided oscillation frequency corresponds to a useful signal that can drive an electromechanical device. For example, in the case of a useful signal of 8 Hz, it is mentioned that the jump of the second hand that occurs 8 times per second is not perceived as a "jump" by the observer.

[0050] Within the scope of the present invention, the concept of "only" used together with the terms pulse counter or frequency divider means that, in order to generate a useful signal based on a predetermined oscillation frequency of the clock generator, in particular, only one of two types of electronic components is provided in the useful signal generation device, that is, only the pulse counter or only the frequency divider.

[0051] However, it is also possible to combine a frequency divider with a pulse counter to generate a useful signal. In other words, this means that the clock generation assembly can include both a frequency divider and a pulse counter to generate a useful signal. In that case, the frequency divider is preferably arranged signal-technically in front of the pulse counter. Advantageously, the predetermined oscillation frequency of the clock generator can be halved by the frequency divider in a first step to achieve an intermediate frequency, and in particular can be halved several times. In a second step, the intermediate frequency can be set to the desired frequency or useful frequency. The method of halving the predetermined oscillation frequency, in particular several times, is particularly advantageous in clocks with a clock generator having a high oscillation frequency, such as 8.88 MHz or 10 MHz, in order to achieve an intermediate frequency in the first step and to count down the intermediate frequency to the desired frequency in the second step. Therefore, electricity can be saved for the simple reduction of the oscillation frequency.

[0052] Furthermore, the electronic useful signal generation device can preferably include an output device. In the case of an electronic useful signal generation device that includes only a pulse counter, the output device is preferably set to output a useful signal when the counted value of the counted clock signal of the clock generator is equal to a predetermined counted value. In the case of an electronic useful signal generation device that includes only a frequency divider, the output device is preferably set to output a useful signal based on the output signal of the frequency divider. In the case of an electronic useful signal generation device that includes a pulse counter and a frequency divider, the output device is preferably set to output a useful signal when the counted value of the counted clock signal of the clock generator is equal to a predetermined counted value. In this case, the predetermined counted value is preferably set based on the intermediate frequency achieved by the frequency divider.

[0053] It is mentioned that the pulse counter and the output device or the frequency divider and the output device can each be formed as a unit.

[0054] The useful signal output by the output device is a useful signal capable of driving an electromechanical device.

[0055] In that case, the electromechanical device is, in particular, set up such that when the tension of the driving spring disappears, the electromechanical device moves in such a way as to drive the gear mechanism. Thereby, kinetic energy flows from the electromechanical device to the gear mechanism, and the electromechanical device drives the gear mechanism. This reserve drive by the electromechanical device is clock-controlled corresponding to the useful signal. Therefore, a long power reserve of the watch can be enabled.

[0056] When the watch is formed as a watch with automatic winding, in the watch, advantageously, a device for disconnecting the drive device from the gear mechanism and / or the escapement, in particular the escape wheel, is provided. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the driving spring from being wound up by the electromechanical device when the electromechanical device drives the gear mechanism.

[0057] In the case of a watch with an escapement, the electromechanical device is, in particular, set up such that when the tension of the driving spring disappears, the electromechanical device moves the escapement in such a way that the escapement drives the gear mechanism. In order to achieve this in a watch with an escapement formed as an anchor escapement, a well-balanced actuation angle and the form of the two fork portions of the escapement anchor (escapement piece) and the actuation angle and shape of the teeth of the escape wheel are required.

[0058] When the electromechanical device is formed as a stepper motor, the stepper motor is, in particular, set up such that when the tension of the driving spring disappears, the stepper motor moves in such a way as to drive the gear mechanism.

[0059] Furthermore, the watch preferably comprises a power supply device for supplying electrical energy to an electronic clock generation assembly.

[0060] It is particularly preferred that the power supply device is formed as a storage battery.

[0061] The timepiece preferably has an energy harvesting device configured to charge a storage battery.

[0062] The energy harvesting device can in particular include at least one thermogenerator and / or at least one solar cell. The energy harvesting device is preferably attached to the timepiece. For example, the dial can be formed as a solar cell. It is also possible for the solar cell to be arranged under a translucent dial or at a location in a cavity of the dial under the dial. At least one thermogenerator can be attached, for example, to the case back of a timepiece formed as a wristwatch, where electrical power can be obtained from the difference between the skin temperature of the wearer of the timepiece and the temperature of the surroundings of the timepiece (and thus the temperature of the rest of the timepiece).

[0063] In the case of a timepiece formed as a wristwatch, at least one solar cell and / or at least one thermogenerator can also be incorporated into the armband of the timepiece. For example, there are fibers that function as thermogenerators. Thus, the armband can be formed as such a fiber armband to provide electrical power to the storage battery.

[0064] At least one thermogenerator can preferably include a Peltier element.

[0065] Furthermore, the timepiece can more preferably have a state-of-charge measuring device configured to measure the state of charge of the storage battery.

[0066] More preferably, the timepiece can include a control unit. In that case, the timepiece is in particular configured such that when the tension of the driving spring is lost, the electromechanical device operates as a reserve driving device and interrupts the power supply to the electromechanical device when the state of charge of the storage battery is lower than a predetermined state-of-charge value.

[0067] In the case of a watch, especially one with automatic winding, the power supply of the electronic clock generation assembly by a storage battery is technically advantageous, but it is also possible for the watch to have a battery instead of a storage battery and an energy harvesting device.

[0068] The watch can be formed as a watch, especially one with automatic or manual winding. If the watch is a watch with automatic winding, the watch preferably includes a rotating weight that can wind the driving spring (driving device).

[0069] If the watch is formed as a watch with automatic winding, the watch is preferably formed as a wristwatch. In the case of a watch with manual winding, this can preferably be formed as a wristwatch, a floor-standing clock, a table clock, a wall clock, or other types of clocks.

[0070] In particular, the clock generator can have an oscillation frequency with a value having only the number 8, or only the numbers 8 and 0. In particular, the oscillation frequency can be 8888 Hz, 88888 Hz, 888888 Hz, 8888888 Hz, 8 kHz, 88 kHz, 888 kHz, or 8888 kHz.

[0071] Other details, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments and the figures, and the same reference numerals are assigned to parts having the same or the same functions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0072]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0073] Hereinafter, the clock 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0074] As can be seen from FIG. 1, the clock 100 is formed as a wristwatch and thus has two connection parts 14 for the armband 16. However, the clock 100 can also be a wall clock, a floor clock, a table clock, or other types of clocks.

[0075] The clock 100 has a clock case 11 and a clock glass 15 disposed thereon. The clock 100 further has one dial 12 and three hands 13 for indicating hours, minutes, and seconds. The hands 13 are parts of the mechanical time indicating device 102.

[0076] Furthermore, the clock 100 includes a clock generation assembly 10, a gear mechanism 104, and a drive device 101 for driving the gear mechanism 104. The gear mechanism 104 is connected to the time indicating device 102, whereby the hands 13 of the time indicating device 102 are moved. In particular, the gear mechanism 104 includes at least an hour wheel, a minute wheel, and a second wheel, which are respectively connected to the hands 13.

[0077] The drive device 101 is preferably formed as a mainspring. In order to wind up or tension the mainspring, the clock 100 is provided with a winding device 121. The clock 100 is in particular formed as a clock with automatic winding. In that case, the winding device is in particular an automatic winding device formed as a rotor, whereby the mainspring is automatically wound up by the rotor based on the movement of the hand of the wearer of the clock 100. When the mainspring is tensioned, the mainspring provides the energy required to drive the gear mechanism 104. However, it is also conceivable that the clock 100 is formed as a clock with manual winding. In that case, the winding device 121 is manually or operable by hand.

[0078] The clock generation assembly 10 used to clock-control the clock 100 includes a clock generator 1 formed as a piezoelectric crystal oscillator. The clock generation assembly 10 enables a useful signal to be generated based on a predetermined oscillation frequency of the clock generator 1, which in this case is a piezoelectric crystal oscillator. The useful signal is used to clock-control the clock 100.

[0079] To vibrate the piezoelectric crystal oscillator, the clock generation assembly 10 further includes an oscillation circuit 115.

[0080] The piezoelectric crystal oscillator can in particular be formed as a quartz crystal oscillator or a tourmaline crystal oscillator.

[0081] According to one variant, the piezoelectric crystal oscillator can have a length, width and height of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 1.5 mm, respectively. In that case, the piezoelectric crystal oscillator can in particular be formed as a tourmaline crystal oscillator. According to another variant, the piezoelectric crystal oscillator can be formed as a quartz crystal oscillator in the form of a tuning fork oscillator, in particular an artificial quartz crystal oscillator.

[0082] As can be seen from FIG. 2, the clock generation assembly 10 has an electronic useful signal generator 116 for generating a useful signal. The electronic useful signal generator 116 includes a frequency divider 117 and an output device 118. In that case, the frequency divider 117 is set to divide or halve a predetermined oscillation frequency of the clock generator 1. In that case, the predetermined oscillation frequency of the clock generator 1 corresponds in particular to a power of 2, such as, for example, 32768 Hz, 524288 Hz or 1048576 Hz. In that case, the frequency divider 117 can advantageously divide the predetermined oscillation frequency to 1 Hz or to another frequency, such as, for example, 8 Hz. The divided oscillation frequency corresponds to the useful signal, and in that case, the useful signal can be output by the output device 118.

[0083] Alternatively, the electronic useful signal generator 116 can have a pulse counter 119 instead of the frequency divider 117. In this case, the output device 118 is set to output a useful signal when the counted value of the counted clock signal of the clock generator 1 is equal to a predetermined counted value.

[0084] However, it is also possible that the electronic useful signal generator 116 has a frequency divider 117 and a pulse counter 119 connected to each other. This is shown by the dashed line in FIG. 2. In this case, the pulse counter 119 is arranged signal-technically downstream of the frequency divider 117. This means that the output signal of the frequency divider 117 is used as the input signal of the pulse counter 119. In a first step, the predetermined oscillation frequency of the clock generator 1 can be halved by the frequency divider 117, in particular several times, to achieve an intermediate frequency. In a second step, the intermediate frequency can be set to a desired frequency or to a useful frequency, such as, for example, 1 Hz or 8 Hz. In that case, the output device 118 is set to output a useful signal when the counted value of the counted clock signal of the clock generator 1 is equal to a predetermined counted value. In this case, the predetermined counted value is set based on the intermediate frequency achieved by the frequency divider 117.

[0085] Furthermore, the clock generation assembly 10 has an electromechanical device 106. The electromechanical device 106 is formed as an actuator including, in particular, a magnetic core (magnetic anchor) 107 and a magnetic coil 108. In this case, the magnetic coil 108 cooperates with the magnetic core 107. In particular, the magnetic coil 108 is configured to move the magnetic core 107 when energized.

[0086] The electromechanical device 106 can be moved by a useful signal generated by the electronic useful signal generation device 116 or a useful signal output by the output device 118. Thereby, the electromechanical device 106, in particular the magnetic core 107, is clock-controlled and engages with the gear mechanism 104.

[0087] As can be further seen from FIG. 2, the clock 100 further has a detent 105 disposed between the clock generation assembly 10, in particular the electromechanical device 106, and the gear mechanism 104. Thereby, the electromechanical device 106, in particular the magnetic core 107, indirectly engages with the gear mechanism 104 via the detent 105. The detent 105 can be driven by the electromechanical device 106.

[0088] In particular, the electromechanical device 106 indirectly engages with the gear mechanism 104 to detent in order to alternately stop and release the gear mechanism 104 again.

[0089] From FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the detent 105 includes a detent wheel 109 and a detent piece 110 and is formed as an anchor detent in particular. In that case, the detent wheel 109 engages with the gear mechanism 104, and the movement thereof enables the magnetic core 107 to engage with the detent piece 110. In particular, the detent piece 110 can be driven by the magnetic core 107.

[0090] In particular, the magnetic coil 108 creates and cancels a magnetic field in the period of the useful signal, whereby the magnetic core 107 also reciprocates in the period of the useful signal. In that case, the moving magnetic core 107 engages with the detent piece 110, thereby replacing the general template of a mechanical clock.

[0091] In order to supply power to the oscillation circuit 115, the electronic useful signal generator 116, and the electromechanical device 106, the clock 100 is equipped with a power supply device 103 formed as a storage battery. The storage battery can be charged by the energy harvesting device 120.

[0092] The energy harvesting device 120 can in particular include at least one thermogenerator and / or at least one solar cell. The thermogenerator can in particular have a Peltier element.

[0093] For example, the dial 12 can be formed as a solar cell. It is also possible to arrange the solar cell under the dial 12. In that case, the location of the dial 12 where the solar cell is arranged needs to be made translucent or provided with a void. If a thermogenerator is provided in the clock 100, it can in particular be attached to the bottom of the clock case of the clock 100. Thereby, the thermogenerator can obtain power from the difference between the skin temperature of the wearer of the clock 100 and the temperature of the surroundings of the clock (and thus the temperature of the rest of the clock). It is also possible to incorporate at least one solar cell and / or at least one thermogenerator into the armband 16 of the clock 100.

[0094] In the normal operation of the clock 100, where the driving spring provides the energy necessary to drive the gear mechanism 104, first, the piezoelectric crystal oscillator is caused to oscillate at a predetermined oscillation frequency by the oscillation circuit 115.

[0095] Based on this oscillation frequency, the useful signal generator 116 generates a useful signal having a useful frequency by means of a frequency divider 117, a pulse counter 119, or a combination thereof, depending on its form. In that case, a useful signal of a desired period is sent to the electromechanical device 106. Thereby, the electromechanical device 106 can control the escapement 105 by moving the escapement piece 110 at the time of the useful signal output. By performing frequency-controlled control based on the oscillation frequency of the clock generator 1 of the escapement, the gear mechanism 104 can be clock-controlled.

[0096] In the clock 100, a state-of-charge measuring device 122 is further provided that is set to measure the state of charge of the battery. Furthermore, the clock 100 has a control unit 123 that is set to control, in particular, the electronic clock generation assembly 10.

[0097] When the tension of the driving spring (driving device 101) disappears, the electromechanical device 106, in particular the magnetic core 107, can be set to move so as to drive the gear mechanism 104. Thereby, it is possible to ensure that the clock 100 continues to operate even when the driving spring can no longer provide the necessary mechanical energy. For example, this applies when the clock 100 is not used for several hours, for example at night, and the driving spring cannot be wound up by the automatic winding device 121. For this purpose, the clock 100 can be provided with a device for disconnecting the driving spring from the escapement 109 and the gear mechanism 104, in particular.

[0098] When the state of charge of the storage battery measured by the state-of-charge measuring device 122 is lower than a predetermined state-of-charge value, the control device 122 is set to interrupt the power supply to the electromechanical device 106. Thereby, complete discharge of the storage battery can be avoided. In other words, the power supply to the electromechanical device 106 is interrupted when the storage battery reaches a specific minimum energy level until the driving spring is wound up again by the movement of the clock 100. Otherwise, the storage battery will be completely emptied, and as a result, when the clock 100 is started to be used again, the electromechanical device 106 may not be able to operate immediately, or the oscillation process of the piezoelectric crystal oscillator may not start.

[0099] According to the present invention, a clock 100 is provided that is driven like an automatic clock with the same accuracy as a quartz clock. In other words, the clock 100 is a hybrid clock in which the control of the clock (Taktung) is performed by the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric crystal oscillator, and the driving of the gear mechanism 104 is performed by the driving spring. Since the storage battery supplies power to the components of the clock 100 that function electrically and can be charged by the energy harvesting device 120, the clock 100 further has a high power reserve.

[0100] FIG. 4 relates to the clock 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] The clock 100 according to the second embodiment is different from the clock 100 according to the first embodiment in terms of the formation of the clock generation assembly 10, particularly the formation of the clock generator 1.

[0102] In the clock 100 according to the second embodiment, the clock generator 1 is formed as an oscillation system including an optical waveguide 126, a light transmitter 124 for introducing a clock-controlled optical signal into the optical waveguide 126, and a light receiver 125 for receiving the optical signal and generating an electrical signal. The light transmitter 124 is connected to the light receiver 125 via the optical waveguide 126.

[0103] The electronic useful signal generator 116 is set to generate a useful signal capable of clock controlling the clock 100 based on the frequency of an electrical signal.

[0104] In particular, the light transmitter 124 formed as a semiconductor laser is set to send, in particular, optical pulses (optically clocked signals) through the optical waveguide 126. In that case, the light receiver 125 is set to receive the optical pulses and convert them into current pulses (electrical signals).

[0105] Furthermore, the oscillation system includes an (electrical) amplifier 127 and a signal conditioning device 128. The amplifier 127 is arranged between the light transmitter 124 and the light receiver 125 and is set to amplify the current pulses generated by the light receiver 125. The signal conditioning device 128 is arranged between the light transmitter 124 and the amplifier 127 and is set to process the current pulses and send them to the light transmitter 124.

[0106] It can be seen from FIG. 4 that a circuit corresponding to the clock generator 1 of the clock 100 is formed by the light transmitter 124, the optical waveguide 126, the light receiver 125, the amplifier 127, and the signal conditioning device 128.

[0107] To generate the oscillation frequency of the clock generator 1, first, an optical pulse is sent from the light transmitter 124 through the optical waveguide 126. Based on the length of the optical waveguide 126, the optical pulse propagating from the light transmitter 124 in the direction of the light receiver 125 requires a specific time until it reaches the light receiver 125. In other words, this time is predetermined by the predetermined length of the optical waveguide 126. The optical pulse is converted into a current pulse by the light receiver 125 and transferred to the amplifier 127. The amplifier amplifies the current pulse and sends it further to the signal conditioning device 128. There, the current pulse is processed and transferred to the light transmitter 124. From there, a new optical pulse is sent into the optical waveguide 126.

[0108] This process is repeated a specific number of times per second. The number of repetitions per second is determined by the length of the optical waveguide 126. When the length is approximately 20 m, the process is repeated 10 million times per second. Thereby, the oscillation frequency of the clock generator 1 becomes 10 MHz, and this oscillation frequency can be extracted between the signal adjustment device 128 and the optical transmitter 124.

[0109] To generate a useful signal capable of clock controlling the clock 100, a signal having the oscillation frequency can be transferred to the frequency divider 117 and / or the pulse counter 119. Thus, the oscillation frequency can be divided to the frequency of the desired useful signal, for example, 1 Hz or 8 Hz. Next, the frequency of the useful signal is transferred to the output device 118. There, a strong useful signal for causing movement in the electromechanical device 106, particularly the magnetic core 107, is output. This movement of the magnetic core 107 moves the escapement piece 110 of the escapement 105, thereby clock controlling the gear mechanism 104 of the clock 100. The escapement wheel 109 of the escapement 105 receives energy for driving the gear mechanism 104 from the driving spring (driving device 101), and the driving spring is also wound up by the winding device 121.

[0110] Thereby, the gear mechanism 104 of the clock 100 is driven by the driving spring, but is clock controlled in terms of time by the oscillation frequency of the clock generator 1 formed as an oscillation system.

[0111] Therefore, the clock 100 according to the second embodiment has the accuracy of the oscillation system operating with light as described above, but it is still a clock having a mechanical movement. The electricity for the clock generation assembly 10 responsible for the generation of the oscillation frequency, the generation of the useful signal based on the oscillation frequency, and the operation of the escapement 105 by the useful signal is provided by a storage battery charged by the energy harvesting device 120.

[0112] Figures 5 and 6 relate to the clock 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] The clock 100 according to the third embodiment is different from the clock 100 according to the first embodiment in that in the clock 100 according to the third embodiment, the electromechanical device 106 is clock-controlled and directly engages with the gear mechanism 104. In other words, the clock 100 according to the third embodiment is not provided with an escapement. This means that the clock generation assembly 10 replaces the combination of a general template of a general mechanical clock and a general escapement.

[0114] In particular, the electromechanical device directly engages with the gear mechanism 104 to escapement in order to alternately stop and then release the gear mechanism 104 again.

[0115] The electromechanical device 106 is also formed as an actuator including a magnetic anchor 107 and a magnetic coil 108 in the case of the clock 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0116] Therefore, in this case, the magnetic anchor 107 is clock-controlled and directly engages with the gear mechanism 104.

[0117] However, it is also possible that the electromechanical device 106 is formed as a stepping motor that is clock-controlled and directly engages with the gear mechanism 104.

[0118] Except for the described particularities of the clock 100 according to this embodiment, the operating principle of this embodiment basically corresponds to the operating principle of the clock 100 according to the first embodiment. However, in that case, the electromechanical device 106 directly controls the gear mechanism 104 instead of an escapement, and thus the gear mechanism is clock-controlled.

[0119] FIG. 7 is related to the clock 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] The clock 100 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the clock 100 according to the second embodiment in that, in the clock 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the electromechanical device 106 is clock-controlled and directly engages with the gear mechanism 104. This means that, as in the case of the clock 100 according to the third embodiment, here the clock generation assembly 10 replaces the combination of a general template of a mechanical clock and a general escapement.

[0121] The electromechanical device 106 is also formed as an actuator including a magnetic anchor 107 and a magnetic coil 108 in the case of the clock 100 according to the fourth embodiment. Thus, the magnetic anchor 107 is clock-controlled and directly engages with the gear mechanism 104.

[0122] Alternatively, the electromechanical device 106 can be formed as a stepper motor, in which case the stepper motor is clock-controlled and directly engages with the gear mechanism 104.

[0123] Except for the described particularities of the clock 100 according to this embodiment, its operating principle corresponds to that of the clock 100 according to the second embodiment. However, in that case, the electromechanical device 106 directly controls the gear mechanism 104 instead of an escapement, and thus the gear mechanism is clock-controlled.

[0124] In addition to the above description of the present invention, the drawings of the present invention in FIGS. 1 to 7 are explicitly referred to in order to complement the disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0125] 1 Clock generator 10 Clock generation assembly 11 Clock case 12 Dial 13 Hands 14 Connection part 15 Clock glass 16 Armband 100 Clock 101 Driving device 102 Time indicating device 103 Power supply device 104 Gear mechanism 105 Clutch 106 Electromechanical device 107 Magnetic core 108 Magnetic coil 109 Clutch gear 110 Clutch piece 115 Oscillation circuit 116 Electronic useful signal generating device 117 Frequency divider 118 Output device 119 Pulse counter 120 Energy harvesting device 121 Hoisting device 122 State-of-charge measuring device 123 Control unit 124 Transmitter 125 Receiver 126 Optical waveguide 127 Amplifier 128 Signal conditioning device

Claims

1. A clock (100), having a clock generation assembly (10) with a clock generator (1), an electronic useful signal generator (116) and an electromechanical device (106); a gear mechanism (104); a drive device (101) for driving the gear mechanism (104); and a time indicating device (102) connected to the gear mechanism (104), wherein the clock generator (1) has a predetermined oscillation frequency, the electronic useful signal generator (116) is set to generate a useful signal based on the oscillation frequency of the clock generator (1), the useful signal generated by the electronic useful signal generator (116) can move the electromechanical device (106), whereby the electromechanical device (106) is clock-controlled and engages directly or indirectly with the gear mechanism (104), the gear mechanism (104) can move the time indicating device (102), the electromechanical device (106) engages indirectly with the gear mechanism (104), and for this purpose, the clock (100) includes a detent (105), the detent engages with the gear mechanism (104) and is drivable by the electromechanical device.

2. The clock according to claim 1, wherein the electromechanical device (106) is formed as an actuator.

3. The clock according to claim 2, wherein the actuator has a magnetic anchor (107) and a magnetic coil (108), and the magnetic coil is set to move the magnetic anchor (107) by the useful signal.

4. The clock according to claim 1, wherein the electromechanical device (106) is formed as a stepper motor.

5. The clock according to claim 1, wherein the clock generator (1) is formed as a piezoelectric crystal oscillator.

6. The clock according to claim 5, wherein the piezoelectric crystal oscillator is formed in the form of a tuning fork oscillator.

7. The clock according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the piezoelectric crystal oscillator has a length, width and height of at least 1 mm.

8. The clock according to claim 7, wherein the piezoelectric crystal oscillator has a length, width and height of at least 1.5 mm.

9. The clock according to claim 5, wherein the piezoelectric crystal oscillator is formed in a cuboid shape.

10. The clock according to claim 5, wherein the piezoelectric crystal oscillator is a quartz crystal oscillator or a tourmaline crystal oscillator.

11. The clock generator (1) is formed as an oscillation system including an optical waveguide (126), a transmitter (124) for introducing a clock-controlled optical signal into the optical waveguide (126), and a receiver (125) for receiving the optical signal and generating an electrical signal based on the received optical signal, and the electronic useful signal generating device (116) is set to generate the useful signal based on the frequency of the electrical signal. The clock according to claim 1.

12. The clock according to claim 1, wherein the electronic useful signal generating device (116) has a frequency divider (117) and / or a pulse counter (119).

13. The clock according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply device (103) formed as a storage battery for supplying electrical energy to the clock generating assembly (10), and an energy harvesting device.

14. The clock according to claim 13, wherein the energy harvesting device is set to charge the storage battery.

15. The drive device (101) includes a driving mainspring, and the electromechanical device (106) is set to move so as to drive the gear mechanism (104) when the tension of the driving mainspring disappears. The clock according to claim 1.

16. A charge state measuring device (122) set to measure the charge state of the storage battery, and a control unit (123) set to interrupt the power supply to the electromechanical device (106) when the charge state of the storage battery is lower than a predetermined charge state value. The clock according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising.

17. The clock according to claim 1, having a winding device formed as automatic winding and / or manual winding.

18. The clock according to claim 1, wherein the clock generator has an oscillation frequency of a value having only the number 8, or only the number 8 and the number 0.

19. The clock according to claim 18, wherein the oscillation frequency is 8888 Hz, 88888 Hz, 888888 Hz, 8888888 Hz, 8 kHz, 88 kHz, 888 kHz, or 8888 kHz.

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