Dial and wristwatch

Abstract

To provide a dial capable of re-synchronizing the positions of an hour hand and a minute hand distorted by external disturbance.SOLUTION: One aspect of the invention relates to a dial 2a, 2b of a watch 1. The watch 1 includes a device for determining a position of at least one hand 24a, 24b of the watch 1. Such a dial 2a, 2b includes a visible face 20a and a hidden face, and the dial 2a, 2b is formed by a stack of thin layers of material extending between these two faces 20a. Each thin layer includes one or more of functional elements included in the determination device: at least one light-detecting element 23; at least a first light source 4a and at least a second light source 4b; a stand-alone power supply unit including a photovoltaic module; and a control unit for managing operation of each light source 4a, 4b and the at least one light-detecting element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wristwatch including a dial, and more particularly to a wristwatch provided with a device for determining the position of at least one needle of the wristwatch on the dial, and such a device is autonomous.

Background Art

[0002] Prior art documents describe electromechanical wristwatches with hands, where the hour and minute hands indicating the current time are driven by a gear train of the watch movement mechanism. In this context, the operation of the mechanism can be hindered by impacts on the wristwatch, the presence of electromagnetic fields or other disturbances. As a result, even if the internal clock of the wristwatch displays the correct current time, the hour and minute hands give a distorted display of this current time due to the disturbances applied to the wristwatch. Therefore, it may be necessary to resynchronize the positions of the hour and minute hands.

[0003] It is understood that in this context there is a need to find a solution to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a wristwatch provided with a dial including a device for determining the position of at least one needle, said device being autonomous and its efficiency remaining constant over time.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to a wristwatch dial including a device for determining the position of at least one needle of the wristwatch, said dial including a visible face and a hidden face, said dial being formed by a laminate of thin layers of material extending between these two faces, said layers each including functional elements comprised in said determining device, namely, · at least one light detection element, · at least a first light source and at least a second light source, · a stand-alone power supply unit including a photovoltaic module, • A control unit that manages the operation of each light source and at least one of the photodetectors. Includes one or more of the following.

[0006] In other embodiments, The dial includes a through-hole configured to receive a spindle that supports at least one of the hands of the wristwatch, The laminate of thin layers of material consists of a first layer on which the visible surface of the dial is provided, and the first layer includes the at least one light-detecting element and the first and second light sources. • The laminate of thin material layers includes a second layer containing a photovoltaic module. The at least one first light source and the at least one photodetector are arranged such that a light beam emitted by the at least one first light source is reflected toward the at least one photodetector by the at least one needle. The at least one first light source is configured to emit a light beam toward the reflection area of ​​the at least one needle, and the reflection area is configured to reflect this light beam toward the at least one photodetector. The reflective area includes an inclined reflective surface formed on the lower surface of at least one of the needles. The reflection area includes a diffraction grating formed on the lower surface of at least one needle, and the diffraction grating is configured to reflect the light beam toward at least one photodetector element. The at least one first light source is a vertical cavity type surface-emitting laser light source, The at least one second light source is capable of generating a visual message depending on the determined position of the at least one needle. The first layer is configured to allow light radiation, particularly solar radiation and light radiation emitted by the first and second light sources, to pass through completely or partially. The second layer includes a substrate on which the photovoltaic module is printed. The photovoltaic module is positioned in the effective area of ​​the second layer, and the area is positioned to receive light rays emitted from the first layer of the laminate of thin layers. The thin layer laminate includes a third layer comprising an electrical energy storage device that constitutes a standalone power supply unit. The third layer includes a substrate on which an electrical energy storage device is printed. The thin laminate includes a fourth layer that forms the hidden surface of the dial, which contains the control unit. The thin laminate includes a third layer which includes a hidden surface of the dial containing the control unit, and an electrical energy storage unit which constitutes a standalone power supply unit. The first layer is rigid compared to the other flexible layers in the laminate.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a wristwatch including such a dial.

[0008] Advantageously, a wristwatch may include a mechanical or electromechanical movement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] The purpose, advantages, and features of the wristwatch according to the present invention will become clear in the following description given based on at least one non-limiting embodiment shown in the drawings.

[0010] [Figure 1] The diagram shows a perspective view of a wristwatch including a dial equipped with an autonomous device for determining the position of at least one hand of a wristwatch according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] The diagram shows an exploded view of a first alternative embodiment of a dial formed by a laminate of four superimposed layers, each of which contains one or more components of a determination device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This first alternative embodiment of a dial equipped with an autonomous decision device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 4]The diagram shows an exploded view of a second alternative embodiment of a dial formed by a laminate of three superimposed layers, each of which contains one or more components of a decision device according to a second implementation example of the present invention. [Figure 5] This second alternative embodiment of a dial equipped with an autonomous decision device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 6] The dial and hands of a wristwatch are schematically shown. The hands include a lower surface having an area that reflects a light beam emitted by a first light source toward a photodetector element according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] The dial and hands of a wristwatch are schematically shown. The hands include a lower surface having an area that reflects a light beam emitted by a first light source toward a photodetector element according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Figure 1 schematically shows a wristwatch 1, which includes a case 19 having a case back and a middle section to which a crystal 22 is attached, a set of components forming a watch movement, and dials 2a and 2b positioned between the watch movement and the crystal 22.

[0012] In a manner well known to those skilled in the art, the clock movement drives a set of hands, including an hour hand 24a, a minute hand 24b, and optionally a second hand. For this purpose, the dials 2a, 2b include through holes for receiving the shafts 25 of these hands. Each of these hands 24a, 24b has a reflective underside positioned facing the dials 2a, 2b. This underside is entirely or partially reflective. Referring in detail to Figures 6 and 7, this underside includes a reflective area 26, which includes an inclined surface 27 or a diffraction grating 28.

[0013] The dials 2a and 2b further have two faces 20a and 20b, that is, ·The so-called visible surface 20a of the watch 1, which is visible from the outside, and is referred to as the "visible portion" or "visible upper portion" of the dial 2a, 2b, and · A so-called hidden surface 20b that is disposed opposite the timepiece movement in the enclosure of the case 19 of the wristwatch 1, which is referred to as the "hidden part" or "hidden lower part" of these dials 2a, 2b is included.

[0014] Such a visible surface 20a may, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner, · Contribute to the display of horological information / horological measurements, or physical information / physical measurements obtained by sensors included in the movement, regardless of the presence of hands, such as reference (or display) elements like numbers, indices, lines or points, · Include at least one graphic representation such as an inscription, a pattern, a text, a logo, etc. may be included.

[0015] This visible surface 20a and this hidden surface 20b are substantially flat and / or parallel and / or on opposite sides of each other. They are also connected to each other by the peripheral walls of these dials 2a, 2b.

[0016] Also, it should be noted that in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the dials 2a, 2b preferably have a circular shape. It is understood that the present invention may also be implemented for dials 2a, 2b having other shapes, such as a triangular shape or a shape similar to a quadrilateral shape.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the timepiece movement is a mechanical movement. Alternatively, this movement may be an electromechanical movement. In the following description, a mechanical wristwatch is referred to when the movement is mechanical, and an electromechanical wristwatch is referred to when the movement is electromechanical.

[0018] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, such dials 2a and 2b include an autonomous device 3 that determines the position of at least one hand 24a or 24b of the wristwatch 1. This determination device 3 includes its own power source, as will be described later. Such a determination device 3 is said to be autonomous, particularly with respect to the movement of the wristwatch 1, and particularly with respect to the power source of this movement, for example, if the power source is an electrical power source, such as in an electromechanical movement. Understandably in these circumstances, the power used by this determination device 3 does not impair the autonomy of the movement.

[0019] In this context, the dials 2a and 2b can be detachably mounted on the watch 1, regardless of the type of watch 1. The only condition that must be met is that the dials 2a and 2b include this decision device 3, which is autonomous with respect to the movement of the watch 1. Since the dials 2a and 2b are not electrically connected to the movement of the watch 1, they are also referred to as "autonomous dials." The dials 2a and 2b may be considered as separate components attached to the watch 1.

[0020] The decision device 3 included in the dials 2a and 2b includes light sources 4a and 4b, a standalone power supply unit 21, at least one light detection element 23, and a control unit 7.

[0021] These light sources 4a, 4b include at least a first light source 4a used to evaluate the position of at least one hand 24a, 24b of the watch 1 in cooperation with the at least one detection element 23. As will be seen below, this first light source 4a and detection element 23 are positioned below or in contact with the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, 2b. In this configuration, the first light source 4a can then emit a light beam 29a toward the hands 24a, 24b moving above the visible surface 20a, and the hands 24a, 24b can reflect this light beam 29a toward the detection element 23. Such a first light source 4a is preferably a Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emission Laser (VCSEL).

[0022] These light sources 4a, 4b also include at least one second light source 4b used to display visual messages particularly related to the determination of the positions of the needles 24a, 24b. This second light source 4b is preferably, • Light-emitting capacitor or LEC, LED (light-emitting diode) type, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) type, AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) type, or QLED (quantum light-emitting diode) type light-emitting diodes, • Any light-emitting material activated by a local electric field, • Any light-emitting material that is activated by electric current, • Any combination of these light-emitting elements Includes any luminescent element selected from a non-exhaustive and non-restrictive list that includes [specific elements].

[0023] It should be noted that in certain embodiments of the present invention, this second light source 4b may be a light source 4b capable of forming an area light source. This allows the area light source to be given a predetermined shape. Typically, but not exhaustively, it can be given a shape related to a graphic representation of numbers, letters, logos, or text. It should also be noted that this second light source 4b can generate light of any color and / or in any direction.

[0024] In this determination device 3, the standalone power supply unit 21 includes an electrical energy storage unit 6 and a photovoltaic module 5 which includes at least one photovoltaic cell, also referred to as a solar cell. This photovoltaic module 5 is connected to the electrical energy storage unit 6 via connecting elements shown by reference numerals 17b and 18 in Figures 3 and 5. This photovoltaic module 5 may include one or more heterojunction or multijunction basic cells connected in parallel or in series. Each photovoltaic cell in this module 5 may be made from a copper-based, indium-based, gallium-based, and selenium-based semiconductor material, a cadmium telluride-based semiconductor material, a single-crystal gallium arsenide-based semiconductor material, a single-crystal or polycrystalline silicon-based semiconductor material, or a perovskite-based semiconductor material, in embodiments well known to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that these examples are not limiting, and those skilled in the art may find a type of photovoltaic cell suitable for the present invention.

[0025] In this decision device 3, a control unit 7, also referred to as a microcontroller, includes an electronic circuit 8. The electronic circuit 8 includes hardware resources, in particular memory elements, and at least one processor that works with an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. This control unit 7 is connected to the first and second light sources 4a, 4b, the at least one photodetector element 23, and a standalone power supply unit 21. The memory elements of this control unit 7 include an algorithm for managing the position of at least one hand 24a, 24b of the wristwatch. Such an algorithm is executed by the processor of this control unit 7, in particular, taking into account light intensity measurement data from the at least one photodetector element 23 included in the decision device 3. Such an algorithm is, • Determining this position and, • To generate a visual message according to the determined positions of needles 24a and 24b, • Controlling the aforementioned second light source 4b, • Implement at least one function of a wristwatch that requires a determined position of the hands. It is useful.

[0026] It should be noted that the decision device 3 may include at least one event sensor that allows for the refinement of the determination of the positions of the hands 24a, 24b and also contributes to the display of the visual message. That is, this sensor may generate data that is subsequently used by the algorithm. Such data may include information about events detected by this sensor, which are likely to contribute to the operation of the first and second light sources 4a, 4b. These events include, in a non-limiting and non-exclusive manner, the detection of a specific brightness level in the environment of the watch 1, the detection of a specific sound element or a specific sound level, the detection of a specific visual object, or the detection of movement by a part of the user's body that includes the watch 1.

[0027] In this context, the event sensor of this autonomous decision device 3 is particularly in a non-limiting and non-exclusive manner, • A brightness sensor that detects the ambient brightness level. For example, motion sensors that sense movement by a part of the user's body, including a wristwatch 1, such as gyro sensors and / or inertial sensors in the form of electronic components of a gyro and / or inertial electromechanical microsystem circuit. • Microphone-type voice sensor, and / or • Photographic optical sensor It may include.

[0028] Furthermore, if the decision device 3 includes multiple second light sources 4b, their operation may be managed / controlled simultaneously and / or sequentially by the control unit 7. In addition, each of the second light sources 4b may be managed / controlled individually by this control unit 7. In this context, the management of the operation of each of the second light sources 4b may consist, in a non-limiting and non-exclusive manner, of performing the following operations: sequential switching on or off, simultaneous switching on or off of two or more second light sources 4b, flashing of one or more second light sources 4b, defining the flashing frequency of each second light source 4b, defining the flashing time of each second light source 4b, or the switching on or off time of each second light source 4b.

[0029] The memory elements of such a control unit 7 may further include an algorithm for managing the electrical energy storage unit 6, in particular an algorithm for managing charging by the photovoltaic module 5, and an algorithm for managing the electrical consumption of the light sources 4a, 4b and the at least one photodetector element 23.

[0030] As described above, the autonomous decision device 3 is therefore included in the dials 2a and 2b. In this configuration, the components of the decision device 3, namely the first and second light sources 4a and 4b, the electrical energy storage unit 6, the photovoltaic module 5, the at least one photodetection element 23, and the control unit 7, are included in one or more layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 that form the dials 2a and 2b.

[0031] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the dials 2a and 2b are composed of or formed by laminates 9a and 9b of thin layers 10, 11, 12, and 13 of the material, and these layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are joined together and integrated by bonding elements such as adhesives to obtain a monolithic laminate 9a and 9b, and thus to form a single dial 2a and 2b. These bonding elements may be clips or screws. Such layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are superimposed within the laminates 9a and 9b, that is, within the dials 2a and 2b, one is placed on top of the other in a predetermined order. It should be noted that such laminates 9a and 9b may also be referred to as aggregates of layers. In these laminates 9a and 9b, the multiple layers are substantially similar and have substantially the same upper and lower surface area / surface, and thus contribute to the formation of the periphery walls of the dials 2a and 2b without relief.

[0032] It should be noted that each of these thin layers has a thickness of micrometers. More specifically, each layer may have a thickness of 1 to 100 μm, preferably 2 μm, and more preferably 3 μm. With respect to the thickness of the dials 2a and 2b, this thickness may be 8 to 400 μm, preferably 6 μm, more preferably 12 μm, even more preferably 100 μm, even more preferably 200 μm, or even more preferably 300 μm.

[0033] Such integrated dials 2a and 2b also have the additional advantage of being removablely mounted to the case 19 of the wristwatch 1, in addition to facilitating their integration into the case 19.

[0034] In the first alternative embodiment of the laminate 9a shown in Figure 3, the laminate 9a is composed of or formed by the following four consecutive thin layers 10, 11, 12, and 13. That is, - A first layer 10 forming / constituting the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, including the at least one first light source 4a, the at least one second light source 4b, and the at least one light detection element 23 of the determination device 3. • Second layer 11 including photovoltaic module 5, • A third layer 12 including an electrical energy storage device 6, also known as a rechargeable battery, and • The fourth layer 13 forms the hidden surface 20b of the dial 2a, including the control unit 7. That is the case.

[0035] The first layer 10 of this laminate 9a is preferably rigid or semi-rigid compared to the second, third, and fourth layers 11, 12, and 13, which are preferably soft or flexible. It is understood that such a first layer 10 contributes to the structural rigidity of the laminate 9a and, consequently, the dial 2a.

[0036] In this laminate 9a, the first, second, third, and fourth layers 10, 11, 12, and 13 each include an upper surface and a lower surface.

[0037] The first layer 10 is formed from a rigid or semi-rigid substrate that is transparent, translucent, at least partially transparent, or at least partially translucent. Such a substrate is made from a material with a transmittance (also known as UVT, "ultraviolet transmittance") between 65 and 95 percent to sunlight, particularly ultraviolet light. This transmittance is preferably 85 percent. Such a material may be transparent or translucent. This material may be a polymer, glass, or ceramic in a non-limiting and non-exclusive manner.

[0038] In this context, it should be understood that this circuit board is The light generated by the first and second light sources 4a and 4b is configured to escape to the outside of the dials 2a and 2b, and consequently to the outside of the watch 1, and The watch 1 is configured such that light emitted from the environment (including sunlight if naturally occurring) can pass through the dials 2a and 2b towards the photovoltaic module 5 of the communication device 3.

[0039] In other words, the transparent or translucent substrate is configured to transmit the light that can be supplied to the photovoltaic module 5, which can convert the solar energy from this radiation into electrical energy.

[0040] This first layer 10 further includes first and second light sources 4a and 4b arranged on the main body of the substrate.

[0041] Such arrangement of the at least one first light source 4a within / on the substrate is configured such that a light beam 29a is radiated upward toward the at least one needle 24a, 24b. The first light source 4a may be located on or beneath the upper surface of the substrate forming the first layer 10. When located within the substrate, the first light source 4a is positioned in a blind cavity formed in the upper surface. In an alternative embodiment, it may be located in a blind cavity made in the lower surface of the substrate, with the upper surface as its bottom. In this configuration, the light beam 29a that can be emitted from the first light source 4a then passes through the bottom before reaching the needles 24a, 24b.

[0042] Such arrangement of the at least one second light source 4b on this substrate is configured to ensure illumination of all or part of the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, and in particular to be involved in the display of a visual message which is a function of the determined positions of the hands 24a, 24b (e.g., graphic representations related to these positions such as patterns, numbers or letters, and / or graphic representations such as reference elements (or displays) such as numbers, indices, lines, dots, or illumination of one or more hands, and furthermore, illumination of all or part of the visible surface of the dial 2a). In an alternative embodiment, the second light source 4b may have a predetermined shape such as the shape of numbers, letters, indices, lines, dots, logos, or text.

[0043] This illumination can be backlight illumination or semi-direct illumination if the second light source 4b is located in a cavity defined in the substrate. More specifically, this cavity may be a blind opening made in the underside of the substrate. In this configuration, if the bottom of this cavity includes a graphic representation, the light emission or light generated by the second light source 4 can escape to the outside of the dial 2a through the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, and thus at least one graphic representation can be seen in the dark. More specifically, the light emission escaping from the visible surface 20a outlines the graphic representation. In this context, this graphic representation included in the upper or lower surface of the substrate forming the first layer 10 is preferably opaque, non-transparent, or non-transparent.

[0044] This illumination can be direct illumination if the second light source 4b is located in a cavity defined in the substrate. This cavity may be a blind opening made in the underside of the substrate, and its bottom is not graphic. In this configuration, the light emission or light generated by the second light source 4b can escape through the bottom of this cavity toward the outside of the dial 2a, and thus escape through the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a.

[0045] This illumination may also be direct illumination if the second light source 4b is positioned in a through-aperture that extends through the thickness of the substrate in the first layer 10, with each end of the second light source 4b opening to the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate. In this configuration, all or part of the second light source 4 may protrude from the top surface of the substrate, and consequently from the first layer 10, or from the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, to form graphic representations such as indices, numbers, dots, or lines.

[0046] Such illumination may also be remote illumination if at least the second light source 4b is coupled to at least one waveguide. This waveguide is also called an optical guide and is used to transport light from the point where light enters the guide to the substrate, or to an area of ​​the substrate near the top surface of the substrate (e.g., a cavity or through-aperture). Such an optical guide may be an optical fiber that can bypass any obstacles that may occur in the substrate, for example, between the electroluminescent element and the area of ​​the substrate near the top surface of the substrate, through which the light escapes. In this alternative embodiment, light is thus brought from the electroluminescent element through the waveguide to this area of ​​the substrate to be illuminated.

[0047] In this configuration, the first end of the waveguide is coupled to the second light source 4b, and the second end of this waveguide is connected to the second light source 4b. This first layer 10 may be placed in a cavity that may be a blind opening made on the underside of the substrate, or - A through-opening extending through the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10, with each end of the through-opening opening in the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate, and consequently the first layer 10. That is, the second end may protrude from the upper surface of the substrate or the first layer 10, or from the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, in order to form a graphic representation of the dial 2a, such as an index, a number, a dot or a line.

[0048] In this context, indirect lighting is achieved by a single second light source 4b contained on the underside of the substrate of this first layer 10 by being coupled to multiple waveguides, and these second ends are Each is positioned in a cavity that emits light radiation from this second light source 4b (this radiation escapes to the outside of the dial 2a via the visible surface 20a so that at least one graphic representation can be seen in the dark. In this context, this graphic representation, which is contained on the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a or on the upper surface of the substrate, is preferably opaque), and / or Each of these is positioned in a through-aperture that protrudes or does not protrude from the upper surface of the substrate, in order to form a reference element such as an index, line, or point, which emits light radiation from this second light source 4b.

[0049] In this first layer 10, the second light source 4b is applied / fastened by printing or vapor deposition to the underside of the substrate of this first layer 10, which is located in the cavity or on the inner wall of the aforementioned through-opening.

[0050] In this first layer 10, the photodetector element 23 is positioned within / on the substrate relative to the first light source 4a so as to be able to receive the light beam 29b reflected by the needles 24a, 24b emitted by the light source 4a. The detection element 23 may be positioned on or below the upper surface of the substrate forming the first layer 10. If the detection element 23 is positioned within the substrate, it is positioned in a blind cavity formed on the upper surface. In an alternative embodiment, it may be positioned in a blind cavity made in the lower surface of the substrate, with the upper surface as its bottom. In this configuration, the light beam 29b reflected by the needles then passes through the bottom before reaching the detection element 23.

[0051] It should also be noted that the lower surface of the first layer 10 may be self-adhesive so as to be able to be assembled with the second layer 11.

[0052] In this laminate 9a, the second layer 11 includes a substrate containing the photovoltaic module 5. Such a substrate is preferably flexible or pliable. The substrate of the second layer 11 may be a film on which the photovoltaic module 5 is arranged, or it may be made of a polymer-based material.

[0053] In this second layer 11, the photovoltaic module 5 preferentially extends across the entire so-called effective area on the upper surface of the substrate. This effective area is a portion of the upper surface of the substrate that can receive light from the lower surface of the first layer 10 of the dial 2a. This light, which has passed through all or part of the first layer 10, originates from the external environment of the dial 2a and, consequently, the wristwatch 1, and in this case, is mainly emitted from sunlight in naturally occurring cases.

[0054] It should be noted that the photovoltaic module 5 is coated onto the upper surface of this substrate using an inkjet printing or screen printing process, or using a thermal deposition printing process. Here, we also refer to the second layer 11, which includes the printed photovoltaic module 5, and in particular the photovoltaic module 5 printed on the substrate of the second layer 11.

[0055] It should be noted that when the photovoltaic module 5 is applied to the substrate, a layer of self-adhesive material may be deposited on all or part of the upper and / or lower surfaces of the substrate. In these situations, the second layer 11 can be a self-adhesive layer that helps to facilitate assembly with other layers, in particular the first layer 10 and / or third layer 12 of the laminate 9a.

[0056] In the laminate 9a, this third layer 12 also preferably includes a flexible or pliable substrate. The substrate includes the electrical energy storage unit 6 of the autonomous decision device 3. This substrate of the third layer 12 may be a film on which the storage unit 6 is arranged. Such a substrate may be made from a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0057] The storage device 6 may be a lithium battery or a semiconductor battery. Such a battery 6 is coated onto the upper surface of the substrate using a process known in the prior art, as described below. • Printing processes on flexible polymer substrates (which are involved in lithium-ion batteries, for example), or • 3D printing process (which is involved in semiconductor batteries such as lithium metal semiconductor batteries).

[0058] Here, we also refer to the third layer 12, which includes the printed electrical energy storage units 6, and in particular the electrical energy storage units 6 printed on the substrate of the third layer 12.

[0059] This process makes it possible to obtain a flexible and extremely thin third layer 12 containing the accumulator 6.

[0060] Furthermore, it should be noted that once the accumulator 6 is applied to the substrate, a layer of self-adhesive material may be deposited on all or part of the upper and / or lower surfaces of the substrate. In these situations, the third layer 12 can be a self-adhesive layer that helps to facilitate assembly with other layers, particularly the second layer 11 and / or fourth layer 13 of the laminate 9a.

[0061] It should be noted that the storage unit 6 is used to store the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic module 5 and to release it as needed to supply power to the determination device 3, in particular to the first and second light sources 4a, 4b and the at least one detection element 23.

[0062] In this laminate 9a, the fourth and final layer 13 forms the hidden surface of the dial 2a. Such a fourth layer 13 is formed of a preferably flexible or soft substrate, which includes a control unit 7. Such a substrate for the fourth layer 13 may be, for example, a flexible PCB (printed circuit board) on which the control unit 7 is placed, and the control unit 7 is placed particularly on the upper surface of the PCB, and by extension, the substrate. In this context, the control unit 7 may be constructed on this upper surface of the substrate using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process.

[0063] In the second alternative embodiment, the laminate 9b forming the dial 2b includes three thin layers 10, 11, and 14 that are bonded together. It should be noted that this second alternative embodiment differs from the first alternative embodiment in that it includes three layers 10, 11, and 14 instead of the four layers 10, 11, 12, and 13 as in the first alternative embodiment. In this second alternative embodiment, the electrical energy storer 6 of the autonomous decision device 3 is here included in the third and final layer 14 of this laminate 9b, together with the control unit 7.

[0064] Such a third and final layer 14 of the laminate 9b forms the hidden surface of the dial 2b and is preferably made of a flexible or pliable substrate. On this substrate, preferably on the upper surface of the substrate, the battery 6 and the electronic circuits 8 constituting the control unit 7 are constructed. The accumulator 6 and the control unit 7 may be constructed on this upper surface of the substrate using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process. It should be noted that such a substrate may be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0065] In summary, in this second alternative embodiment, the laminate 9b is • A first layer 10 forming the visible surface 20a of the dial 2b, including the first and second light sources 4a, 4b and the detection element 23, • A second layer 11 including a photovoltaic module 5, • A third layer 14 that forms the hidden surface 20b of the dial 2b, including the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7. Includes.

[0066] It should be noted that in this second alternative embodiment, the first and second layers 10 and 11 are the same as those in the first alternative embodiment of the laminate 9a.

[0067] Furthermore, referring to Figures 3 and 5, the electronic circuit 8 of the control unit 7 includes a connection element 16 to the first and second light sources 4a and 4b, and a first connection element 15a connected to the at least one detection element 23, in order to determine the position of the needle and to display a visual message according to this position. The electronic circuit 8 also includes a second connection element 15b connected to the first connection element 17a of the accumulator 6.

[0068] In a third alternative embodiment (not shown), the laminate forming the dial includes two interconnected layers. It should be noted that this third alternative embodiment differs from the second alternative embodiment in that it includes two layers instead of the three layers 10, 11, and 14 as in the second alternative embodiment. In this third alternative embodiment, the photovoltaic module 5 of the autonomous decision device 3 is here included in the first layer, in particular on the underside of the substrate forming this first layer. This photovoltaic module 5 may be coated on this underside of the substrate of this first layer using an inkjet printing process, a screen printing process, or a thermal evaporation printing process. Thus, this first layer is similar to the first layer 11 in the first and second alternative embodiments, but it should be noted that in this third alternative embodiment, the first layer additionally includes a photovoltaic module.

[0069] In the third alternative embodiment, similar to the second alternative embodiment, the electrical energy reservoir 6 of the autonomous decision device 3, together with the control unit 7, is included in the second and final layer of the assembly. Such a second layer, which forms the hidden surface of the dial, is preferably made of a flexible or pliable substrate. The battery 6 and the electronic circuits 8 constituting the control unit 7 are constructed on the preferably upper surface of this substrate. The reservoir 6 and the control unit 7 may be constructed on this upper surface of the substrate using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process. It should be noted that such a substrate may be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0070] In summary, in this third alternative embodiment, the laminate is A first layer forming the visible surface 20a of the dial, including the first and second light sources 4a, 4b, the at least one detection element 23, and the photovoltaic module 5 of the determination device 3, • A second layer forming the hidden surface 20b of the dial, including the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7. Includes.

[0071] Furthermore, it should be noted that the event sensors of the aforementioned decision device 3 are preferably located in the first layer 10 and / or last layers 13, 14 of the multi-layer stack 9a, 9b and are connected to the control unit 7 of this device 3.

[0072] Therefore, in the dials 2a, 2b, the determination device 3 preferably includes a detection element 23 dedicated to each hand, which measures light intensity. At the determined positions of the hands 24a, 24b, a light beam 29a emitted by the first light source 4a is reflected by the hands 24a, 24b to become a light beam 29b, which is directed toward the light detection element 23. More specifically, this emitted light beam 29a is reflected by a reflection area 26 defined on the underside of the hand. This area 26 includes an inclined reflective surface 27 or diffraction grating 28 formed on this underside. The inclined reflective surface 27 and diffraction grating 28 are configured to reflect such a light beam 29a toward the detection element 23. In this configuration, the light intensity is measured by this element 23 and transmitted to a control unit, which processes and archives it. As soon as the measured intensity increases sharply as a hand passes over the detection element 23, the control unit determines the position of the hand. During this passage, the detection element measures the light intensity obtained from the reception of the light beam 29b reflected by the reflection area of ​​the needle by this element 23. Typically, the minute hand is positioned above the hour hand, so this difference in height results in a difference in the light intensity sensed by the detection element 23. Advantageously, each hand can be identified by a single first light source 4a and a single light detection element 23.

[0073] By determining the position of these hands, the dials 2a and 2b can be permitted to implement various functions of this wristwatch. For example, one function of this wristwatch may be to address a decrease in timing accuracy. This is because, in the case of an electromechanical movement, drive steps are lost as a result of shocks to the wristwatch, the presence of electromagnetic fields, or other disturbances. As a result, even if the internal clock of the wristwatch displays the current time accurately, the hour and minute hands will give a distorted display of this current time because the gears have skipped several steps due to the disturbance applied to the wristwatch. Therefore, it is necessary to resynchronize the positions of the hour and minute hands. Accordingly, as part of this function, the control unit 7 signals this decrease in accuracy by controlling / driving one or more second light sources 4b, by generating a visual message according to this position.

[0074] Other functions of the watch that utilize the determination of the position of at least one hand can provide detection of the number of times the hands 24a, 24b pass over the detection element 23. For example, each pass of the minute hand 24b illuminates a second light source 4b, e.g., a light source facing the index, for the purpose of timing a predetermined passage of time. Start / stop / reset can be achieved by covering the crystal. This change in brightness is interpreted by the control unit 7 as a start / stop / reset signal (via the photodetection element 23 or by the sudden absence of energy production in the photovoltaic module 5). In this example, the number of times the hour hand 24a passes can be counted. After a given number of passes, the second light source 4b is switched on to indicate that the watch needs repair. After further passes, a second color or flashing may indicate that repair is needed.

[0075] Other functions related to this determination of the position of at least one hand of the watch can contribute to the display of the time system by indicating "AM" and "PM". For example, each time the hour hand 24b passes over the detection element 23, the second light source 4b is switched on and off to indicate the period of the day (AM or PM).

[0076] Other functions related to this determination of the position of the hands of at least one watch include illuminating the positions of hands 24a and 24b, or (instead of using luminescent material) backlighting the hands 24a and 24b. In the event that low luminosity is detected by the control unit 7 (either via the photodetection element 23 or by the absence of energy production in the photovoltaic module 5), various second light sources 4b are switched on to indicate the position of the hands. For example, twelve detection elements, each positioned opposite the index, can detect the positions of the two hands with a 5-minute accuracy in this configuration. The absence of detection of the minute hand indicates that the two hands are overlapping.

[0077] Other functions related to this determination of the position of at least one hand of the watch can be counted, including the number of times at least one hand 24a, 24b passes over a given point. For example, it becomes possible to determine the actual operating time of this watch 1, for example, the time between two repair or maintenance operations of this watch.

[0078] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various simple alternatives and modifications can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. The dial (2a, 2b) of the wristwatch (1), The watch (1) includes a determination device (3) for determining the position of at least one hand (24a, 24b), the dial (2a, 2b) includes a visible surface (20a) and a hidden surface (20b), the dial (2a, 2b) is formed by a laminate (9a, 9b) of layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) extending between the visible surface (20a) and the hidden surface (20b), and each of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) is included in the determination device (3). - At least one light detection element (23), - At least one first light source (4a) and at least one second light source (4b), A standalone power supply unit (21) including a photovoltaic module (5), - Includes one or more of the functional elements of each light source (4a, 4b) and a control unit (7) that manages the operation of at least one of the light detection elements (23), The at least one first light source (4a) and the at least one photodetector (23) are arranged such that the position of the at least one needle (24a, 24b) is determined by the reflection of a light beam (29a) emitted by the at least one first light source (4a) toward the at least one photodetector (23) by the at least one needle (24a, 24b). The dial (2a, 2b) is capable of generating a visual message which is a function of the determined position of the at least one second light source (4b) of the at least one needle (24a, 24b).

2. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, comprising through holes configured to receive a spindle (25) intended to support at least one hand (24a, 24b) of the wristwatch (1).

3. The laminate (9a, 9b) of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) consists of a first layer (10) on which the visible surface (20a) of the dial (2a, 2b) is provided, and the first layer (10) includes the at least one light detection element (23), the at least one first light source (4a), and the at least one second light source (4b), as described in claim 1.

4. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 3, wherein the laminate (9a, 9b) of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) includes a second layer (11) equipped with the photovoltaic module (5).

5. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first light source (4a) is configured to emit a light beam (29a) toward a reflection area (26) of the at least one needle (24a, 24b), and the reflection area (26) is configured to reflect the light beam (29a) toward the at least one light detection element (23).

6. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first light source (4a) is configured to emit a light beam (29a) toward a reflection area (26) of the at least one needle (24a, 24b), the reflection area (26) is configured to reflect the light beam (29a) toward the at least one photodetector (23), and the reflection area (26) includes an inclined reflective surface (27) formed on the lower surface of the at least one needle (24a, 24b).

7. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first light source (4a) is configured to emit a light beam (29a) toward a reflection area (26) of the at least one needle (24a, 24b), the reflection area (26) is configured to reflect the light beam (29a) toward the at least one photodetector (23), the reflection area (26) includes a diffraction grating (28) formed on the lower surface of the at least one needle (24a, 24b), and the diffraction grating (28) is configured to reflect the light beam (29a) toward the at least one photodetector (23).

8. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first light source (4a) is a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser light source.

9. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the visual message includes a graphic representation related to the position.

10. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second light source (4b) has a predetermined shape including the shape of a number, letter, index, line, dot, logo, or text.

11. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 3, wherein the first layer (10) is configured to allow light radiation to pass through completely or partially.

12. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 4, wherein the second layer (11) includes a substrate on which the photovoltaic module (5) is printed.

13. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 4, wherein the photovoltaic module (5) is positioned in the effective area of ​​the second layer (11), and the effective area is positioned to receive light rays emitted from the first layer (10) of the laminate (9a, 9b) of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14).

14. The dial (2a) according to claim 1, wherein the laminate (9a) of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13) includes a third layer (12) having an electrical energy storage device (6) that constitutes the standalone power supply unit (21).

15. The laminate (9a) of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13) includes a third layer (12) having an electrical energy storage device (6) that constitutes the standalone power supply unit (21), and the third layer (12) includes a substrate on which the electrical energy storage device (6) is printed, the dial (2a) according to claim 1.

16. The laminate (9a) of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13) includes a fourth layer (13) that forms the hidden surface (20b) of the dial (2a) including the control unit (7), according to claim 1.

17. The laminate (9b) of the layers (10, 11, 14) includes a third layer (14) which includes the hidden surface (20b) of the dial (2b) that constitutes the control unit (7), and an electrical energy storage unit (6) that constitutes the standalone power supply unit (21), wherein the dial (2b) according to claim 1.

18. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 3, wherein the first layer (10) is rigid compared to the other layers (11, 12, 13, 14) in the laminate (9a, 9b) which are flexible.

19. A wristwatch (1) including the dials (2a, 2b) described in claim 1.

20. A wristwatch (1) according to claim 19, comprising a mechanical or electromechanical watch movement.

21. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 11, wherein the light radiation includes solar radiation and light radiation emitted by the first and second light sources (4a, 4b).

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