A watch face containing an autonomous device that determines events related to defects in the water resistance of a watch, and a watch containing the same watch face.

Abstract

To provide a dial that includes a device that determines an event related to a defect in the water-resistance of a watch and thus allows a loss of water-resistance in a case of the watch to be detected by monitoring the humidity in the case without having to open it.SOLUTION: One aspect of the invention relates to a dial 2a, 2b of a watch 1. The dial includes an autonomous device for determining an event related to a defect in water-resistance of the watch. Such a dial includes a visible face 20a and a hidden face, and the dial is formed by a stack of thin layers of material extending between these two faces. Each layer includes one or more of functional elements included in the device: a control module 23 for checking the water-resistance of the watch; a module 4 for reporting a water--resistance defect event; a stand-alone power supply unit; and a control unit for managing operation of the reporting module and of the control module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wristwatch having a dial, and more particularly to a wristwatch including a device that determines an event related to a waterproofing defect of the wristwatch. This device is completely autonomous.

Background Art

[0002] The waterproofness of a watch is measured in bars (a bar is a unit of pressure, and 1 bar is equal to 1 atmosphere (atm)). The waterproofness of a wristwatch is often expressed in meters (m). A wristwatch marked as waterproof is intended for normal daily use where it must guarantee resistance to water during activities such as swimming or even just in a shower. So-called diver's watches must comply with even more stringent standards and, according to current standards, must guarantee waterproofness down to a minimum depth of 100 m. The dials 2a, 2b are not electrically connected to the movement of the wristwatch 1 and are thus also referred to as "autonomous dials". The dials 2a, 2b may be regarded as separate components attached to the wristwatch 1.

[0003] To ensure waterproofness, a wristwatch typically has a set of waterproof seals placed at the assembly locations of certain components of the wristwatch, such as the crystal, bezel and back cover of the wristwatch, as well as movable components such as the crown and push buttons. Over time and use, the mechanical properties of the seals change and the waterproofness of the watch may decrease. This increases the permeability of water or water vapor. As a result, a condensation phenomenon may occur on the inner surface of the wristwatch crystal. Or in the worst case, oxidation of certain metal components or degradation of certain polymer components may occur. That is, there is a need to be able to sometimes monitor the relative humidity level inside the wristwatch without necessarily opening the wristwatch. Opening the wristwatch case is because it requires systematically replacing the seals and the intervention of an expensive watchmaker. Excessive water vapor inside the wristwatch may indicate the need to replace one or more seals in the short to medium term.

[0004] In this context, it is understood that there is a need to find solutions that overcome the shortcomings of prior art. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a dial to be fitted to a wristwatch. This dial includes a device that determines events related to defects in the water resistance of the wristwatch, and thereby allows for the detection of loss of water resistance in the watch case by monitoring the humidity inside the case without the need to open it. Such a dial equipped with the determination device is cost-effective, easy to use, and provides reliable and rapid measurement of the relative humidity level inside the watch case.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a watch dial including an autonomous device that determines events related to a watertight defect of the watch, wherein the dial includes a visible surface and a hidden surface, and the dial is formed of a laminate of thin material layers extending between these two surfaces, each of which includes one or more of the following functional elements included in the device: • A control module that checks the water resistance of a wristwatch. • Module that reports waterproof defect events. • Standalone power supply unit, and This is a control unit that manages the operation of the reporting module and the control module.

[0007] In other embodiments, The control module includes at least one humidity sensor and / or at least one pressure sensor. The reporting module includes at least one element capable of generating an optical signal. The reporting module includes at least one element capable of generating vibration signals. The reporting module includes at least one element capable of generating an audio signal. The thin laminate includes a first layer on which the visible surface of the dial is provided, and the first layer includes the control module and the reporting module. The control module is located in a cavity formed in the hidden surface of the dial. The first layer is configured to allow light radiation, particularly solar radiation, to pass through completely or partially. The aforementioned first layer is entirely or partially transparent or translucent. • The laminate of thin layers of material includes a second layer containing a photovoltaic module that constitutes a standalone power supply unit. 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 configured to receive light radiation emitted from the first layer of the laminate of thin layers of material. The laminate includes a third layer comprising an electrical energy storage unit that constitutes a standalone power supply unit. The third layer includes a substrate on which an electrical energy storage device is printed. The laminate includes a fourth layer that forms the hidden surface of the dial, which includes the control unit. The laminate includes a third layer with a hidden surface for the dial, which includes a control unit and an electrical energy storage unit that constitutes a standalone power supply unit. The first layer is rigid compared to the other layers in a laminate of thin layers of material, which are flexible. • A gaseous fluid is air containing water vapor. The visible and hidden surfaces are flat or dome-shaped.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a wristwatch including such a dial.

[0009] Advantageously, a wristwatch may include a mechanical, electronic, or electromechanical movement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] 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.

[0011] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a wristwatch, including a dial equipped with a device for determining events related to defects in the water resistance of the wristwatch, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. The device is autonomous and included in the wristwatch. [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 device that determines events related to defects in the water resistance of a wristwatch, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This first alternative embodiment of a watch face equipped with an autonomous device that determines events related to defects in the water resistance of a watch, 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 device that determines events related to defects in the water resistance of a wristwatch, according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This second alternative embodiment of a watch face equipped with an autonomous device for determining events related to defects in the water resistance of a watch, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, is schematically shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] 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.

[0013] In a manner well-known to those skilled in the art, the timepiece movement drives a set of hands including the hour hand, the minute hand, and optionally the second hand. For this purpose, the dials 2a, 2b include through-holes for receiving the axes of these hands. The dials 2a, 2b further include two faces 20a, 20b, namely, · a so-called visible face 20a that is also referred to as the "visible part" or "visible upper part" of the dials 2a, 2b and is visible from the outside of the wristwatch 1, and · a so-called hidden face 20b that is also referred to as the "hidden part" or "hidden lower part" of the dials 2a, 2b and is disposed opposite the timepiece movement in the enclosure of the case 19 of the wristwatch 1 and includes.

[0014] Such a visible face 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, for example, reference (or display) elements such as numbers, indices, lines or points, inscriptions, patterns, texts, or logos, etc. and include at least one graphic representation such as.

[0015] The visible face 20a and the hidden face 20b are substantially flat and / or parallel and / or on opposite sides of each other. It should be noted that in other alternative embodiments, the dials 2a, 2b may include a domed visible face 20a and a hidden face 20b that may be domed or flat. These faces 20a, 20b are also connected to each other by the peripheral wall of the dials 2a, 2b.

[0016] Also, it should be noted that in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the dials 2a, 2b preferably have a circular shape. It is understood that the present invention can also be implemented for dials 2a, 2b having other shapes, such as, for example, a triangular shape or a shape similar to a quadrilateral shape.

[0017] In embodiments of the present invention, the watch movement is a mechanical movement. Alternatively, this movement may be an electromechanical or electronic movement. In the following description, a mechanical wristwatch is referred to when the movement is mechanical, an electric wristwatch is referred to when it includes an electric movement, and an electromechanical wristwatch is referred to when it includes an electromechanical movement.

[0018] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, such dials 2a and 2b include a device 3 that determines events related to defects in the water resistance of the watch, and this device 3 is autonomous. The determination device 3 includes its own power source, as will be described later. The device 3 is autonomous with respect to the movement of the watch 1, and more specifically with respect to the power source of the movement, for example, if the power source is a power source such as in an electromechanical movement. In these circumstances, it will be understood that the power used by the 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.

[0020] The decision device 3 included in the dials 2a and 2b includes a module 4 for reporting water resistance defect events, a standalone power supply unit 21, a control module 23 for checking the water resistance of the watch, and a control unit 7.

[0021] In device 3, the reporting module is: - At least one element capable of generating an optical signal 4, such as a light source 4, which allows device 3 to broadcast a visual message in relation to a determined waterproof defect event. · At least one element capable of generating a vibration signal, such as a piezoelectric vibrator or a vibrator including an ERM motor (eccentric rotating mass vibration motor) or LRA motor (linear resonant actuator vibration motor), which allows device 3 to broadcast a message in the form of vibration in relation to a determined waterproof defect event, and / or - At least one element capable of generating an audio signal, such as a loudspeaker, which allows device 3 to broadcast an audible message related to a determined waterproof defect event. Includes.

[0022] As described above, at least one light source 4 is implemented to help display a visual message related to a determined waterproof defect event. Each light source 4 may correspond to any light-emitting element selected from a non-exhaustive and non-limiting list. The list is: • 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.

[0023] It should be noted that, in a certain embodiment of the present invention, the light source 4 may be a light source 4 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 the light source 4 can generate light of any color and / or in any direction.

[0024] In the determination device 3, the control module 23 is configured to be used for measuring humidity and / or pressure present in the enclosure of the watch case 19. The control module 23 can convert the measured humidity and / or pressure into electrical signals.

[0025] The control module 23 includes a humidity sensor. The sensor is preferably a capacitive sensor, typically made of a glass, silicon, or ceramic substrate, with a thin film of a hygroscopic polymer or metal oxide (e.g., aluminum oxide) deposited between two conductive electrodes. The electrode opposite the substrate is porous to allow ambient moisture to permeate to the dielectric, and conversely, moisture in the dielectric to permeate to the surroundings. In one alternative embodiment, the sensor may be a resistive humidity sensor utilizing, for example, the resistive properties of a hygroscopic polymer. It should be noted that in other alternative embodiments, the humidity sensor may be a combination of at least two of these sensors.

[0026] The control module 23 includes a pressure sensor. The sensor may be a piezoelectric sensor capable of converting physical pressure into an electrical signal. The pressure sensor may be a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or an optical sensor. It should be noted that in other alternative embodiments, the pressure sensor may be a combination of at least two of these sensors.

[0027] 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. The 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. The photovoltaic module 5 may include one or more heterojunction or multijunction unit cells connected in parallel or in series. Each photovoltaic cell in the 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 a manner 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.

[0028] In the 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. The control unit 7 is connected to the reporting module 4, to the control module 23, and to the standalone power supply unit 21.

[0029] The memory element 4 of the control unit 7 includes an algorithm for determining events related to defects in the water resistance of the wristwatch.

[0030] It should be noted that such algorithms executed by the processor of the control unit 7 may also take into account other types of events based on data from the event sensors included in the determination device 3 in order to improve the determination of events related to the watertight defect. These events may 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 visual object, or the detection of temperature in the enclosure of the watch 1. In this context, the event sensors of the determination device 3 may, in particular, in a non-limiting and non-exclusive manner, • A brightness sensor that detects the ambient brightness level. • Temperature sensor, and / or • Photographic optical sensor Includes.

[0031] Furthermore, if the reporting module 4 includes multiple light sources 4, their operation can be managed / controlled simultaneously and / or sequentially by the control unit 7. In addition, each light source 4 is managed / controlled individually by this control unit 7. In this context, the management of the operation of each light source 4 can be configured in a non-limiting and non-exclusive manner, from performing the following operations, namely sequential switching on or off, simultaneous switching on or off of two or more light sources 4, flashing of one or more light sources 4, defining the flashing frequency of each light source 4, the flashing time of each light source 4, and the switching on or off time of each light source 4.

[0032] The memory elements of such control unit 7 may further include an algorithm for managing the electrical energy storage unit 6, in particular an algorithm for managing recharging by the photovoltaic module 5, and an algorithm for managing the electrical consumption of the control module 23 and the notification module.

[0033] As described above, the decision device 3 is therefore included in the dials 2a and 2b. In this configuration, the components of the decision device 3, namely the reporting module 4, the electrical energy storage unit 6, the photovoltaic module 5, the control module 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.

[0034] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the dials 2a and 2b are formed or composed of laminates 9a and 9b of multiple thin layers 10, 11, 12, and 13. These layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are joined together and integrated by bonding elements such as adhesives to obtain monolithic laminates 9a and 9b, and thus to form integrated dials 2a and 2b. These bonding elements may be clips or screws. These layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are superimposed within the multi-layer laminates 9a and 9b. That is, in the dials 2a and 2b, one is placed on top of the other in a predetermined order. It should be noted that these 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, having substantially the same upper and lower surface area / surface, which in turn contributes to the formation of the non-relief peripheral walls of the dials 2a and 2b.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Such integrated dials 2a and 2b also have the additional advantage of being removablely mounted on the case 19 of the wristwatch 1, in addition to facilitating their integration into the case 19.

[0037] In the first alternative embodiment of the laminated structure 9a shown in Figure 3, it is composed of the following four consecutive thin layers 10, 11, 12, and 13. That is, • A first layer forming / constituting the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, including the control module 23 and / or the reporting module 4, • 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 This is a fourth layer 13 that forms the hidden surface 20b of the dial 2a, which includes the control module 23 and / or the control unit 7.

[0038] The first layer 10 of the laminate 9a is preferably rigid or semi-rigid compared to the second, third, and fourth thin layers 11, 12, and 13, which are preferably soft or flexible. It is understood that this first layer 10 contributes to the structural rigidity of the thin laminate 9a and, consequently, the dial 2a.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 having a transmittance (also known as UVT, "ultraviolet transmittance") between 65 and 95 percent, preferably 85 percent. Such material may be transparent or translucent. The material may be, in no particular and non-exclusive terms, a polymer, glass, or ceramic.

[0041] In this context, it should be understood that the substrate in question is The light generated by at least one of the light sources can escape to the outside of the dials 2a and 2b, and consequently to the outside of the wristwatch 1. 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.

[0042] In other words, the transparent or translucent substrate is configured to transmit light (particularly solar radiation) that can be supplied to the photovoltaic module 5, which can convert solar energy from this radiation into electrical energy.

[0043] The first layer 10 further includes a reporting module 4 disposed on the main body of the substrate. In this configuration, the arrangement of the light source of the module 4 on the substrate is configured to ensure illumination of all or part of the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, for example, illumination of graphic representations such as reference elements (or displays) such as numbers, indices, lines, dots, etc., or illumination of one or more hands, or illumination of all or part of the surface of the visible surface of the dial 2a. In one alternative embodiment, the light source 4 may have a predetermined shape, such as the shape of numbers, letters, indices, lines, dots, logos, or text.

[0044] The illumination can be backlight illumination or semi-direct illumination when the light source 4 is located in a cavity defined in the substrate. More specifically, the cavity may be a blind opening made in the underside of the substrate. In this configuration, if the bottom of the cavity includes a graphic representation, the light emission or light generated by the 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, the 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.

[0045] The illumination can be direct illumination if the light source 4 is located in a cavity defined in the substrate. The cavity may be a blind opening made in the underside of the substrate, and there is no graphic representation at its bottom. In this configuration, the light emission or light generated by the light source 4 can escape outwards from the dial 2a through the bottom of the cavity, and thus escape through the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a.

[0046] The illumination may also be direct illumination if the light source 4 is positioned in a through-aperture that extends through the thickness of the substrate in the first layer 10, with each end of the light source 4 opening to the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate, respectively. In this configuration, all or part of the 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.

[0047] Such illumination may also be remote illumination if at least one light source 4b is coupled to at least one waveguide. The 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 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 the area of ​​the substrate to be illuminated.

[0048] In this configuration, the first end of the waveguide is coupled to the light source 4, and the second end of the waveguide is connected to the light source 4. - A cavity that may be a blind opening formed on the underside of the substrate of the first layer 10, or - A through-opening extending through the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10 may be positioned at both ends of the through-opening openings on 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 a reference element such as an index, numbers, dots or lines.

[0049] In this context, indirect lighting is achieved by a single light source 4 included on the underside of the substrate of the first layer 10 by being coupled to multiple waveguides, the second ends of which are · Each cavity emits light radiation from this light source 4 (this radiation escapes to the outside of the dial 2a via the visible surface 20a so that at least one graphic representation is permissible to see 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 the light source 4.

[0050] In the first layer 10, the reporting module 4 is coated / fastened by printing or vapor deposition to the lower or upper surface of the substrate of the first layer 10, which is located in the cavity or on the inner wall of the aforementioned through-opening. In other words, the light source of the module 4 is coated / fastened by printing or vapor deposition to the lower or upper surface of the substrate of the first layer 10, which is located in the cavity or on the inner wall of the aforementioned through-opening.

[0051] In the first layer 10, the control module 23 is positioned within / on the substrate so as to be in contact with a gaseous fluid, in this case air, contained within the enclosure of the watch case 19. The control module 23 may be positioned on or within the upper surface of the substrate forming the first layer 10. When positioned on the substrate, the control module 23 is positioned in a blind cavity formed on the upper surface, which opens to the surface. In one alternative embodiment, it may be positioned in a through-hole connecting the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate.

[0052] 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.

[0053] In the laminate 9a, the second layer 11 includes a substrate equipped with a 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 from a polymer-based material.

[0054] In the 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. The light that passes 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, mainly from sunlight when naturally occurring.

[0055] 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.

[0056] It should be noted that once 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, particularly the first layer 10 and / or third layer 12 of the laminate 9a.

[0057] In the laminate 9a, the third layer 12 further preferably includes a flexible or pliable substrate. The substrate includes an electrical energy reservoir 6 of the autonomous decision device 3. The substrate of the third layer 12 may be a film on which the reservoir 6 is arranged. Such a substrate may be made from a material belonging to a polymer family.

[0058] 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 • This is a 3D printing process (which is involved in semiconductor batteries such as lithium metal semiconductor batteries).

[0059] 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.

[0060] This process makes it possible to obtain a flexible and extremely thin third layer 12 containing the accumulator 6.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 decision device 3, the reporting module 4, and the control module 23.

[0063] In the laminate 9a, the fourth and final layer 13 forms the hidden surface of the dial 2a. This 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 on which the control unit 7 is placed, the control unit 7 being positioned particularly on the upper surface of the PCB, and by extension, the substrate. In this context, the control unit 7 may be constructed on the upper surface of the substrate using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process.

[0064] In the fourth and final layer 13, the control module 23 is positioned within / on the substrate so as to be in contact with a gaseous fluid, in this case air, contained within the enclosure of the watch case 19. The control module 23 may be positioned on or within the lower surface of the substrate forming the fourth layer 13. When positioned on the substrate, the control module 23 is positioned in a blind cavity formed in the lower surface, which opens to the surface. In one alternative embodiment, it may be positioned in a through-hole connecting the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate.

[0065] 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 storage unit 6 of the autonomous decision device 3 is here included in the third and final layer 14 of the laminate 9b, together with the control unit 7.

[0066] 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.

[0067] In the third and final layer 14 of this second alternative embodiment, the control module 23 is positioned in / on the substrate so as to be in contact with a gaseous fluid, in this case air, contained within the enclosure of the watch case 19. The control module 23 may be positioned on or within the lower surface of the substrate forming the final layer 14. When positioned on the substrate, the control module 23 is positioned in a blind cavity formed in the lower surface, the cavity opening to the surface. In one alternative embodiment, it may be positioned in a through-hole connecting the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate.

[0068] In summary, in this second alternative embodiment, the laminate 9b is - A first layer forming the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, including at least one control module 23 and / or reporting module 4, • 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 control module 23 and / or the accumulator 6 and control unit 7. Includes.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Furthermore, referring to Figures 3 and 5, the electronic circuit 8 of the control unit 7 includes a first connection element 15a, which is, • A reporting module 4 for broadcasting messages related to a specific waterproof defect event, in order to manage the operation of this module 4. It is connected to a connection element 16 that is connected to a control module 23 used to determine waterproof defect events.

[0071] The electronic circuit 8 further includes a second connection element 15b connected to the first connection element 17a of the storage unit 6.

[0072] Furthermore, it should be noted that the event sensors of the decision device 3 described above are preferably located in the first layer 10 and / or the final layers 13, 14 of the multi-layer stack 9a, 9b and are connected to the control unit 7 of the device 3.

[0073] In a third alternative embodiment (not shown), the laminate of multiple thin layers 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 the first layer. The photovoltaic module 5 may be coated on the underside of the substrate of the first layer using an inkjet printing process, a screen printing process, or a thermal evaporation printing process. Thus, the 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 the photovoltaic module.

[0074] 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 laminate. 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 the substrate. The reservoir 6 and the control unit 7 may be constructed on the 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.

[0075] In summary, in this third alternative embodiment, the multi-layer laminate is therefore • A first layer forming the visible surface 20a of the dial, including the control module 23 and / or reporting module 4 and photovoltaic module 5, • A second layer forming the hidden surface 20b of the dial, including the control module 23 and / or the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7. Includes.

[0076] In the final layers 13, 14 of various alternative embodiments, the control module 23 is coated / fastened by printing or vapor deposition onto the underside or topside of the substrate of these layers, into the cavity, or into the inner wall of the aforementioned through-opening.

[0077] In other words, in the dials 2a and 2b, the determination device 3 includes a control module 23 that performs at least one measurement of moisture present in the gaseous fluid contained within the enclosure of the watch case 19. This at least one measurement is transmitted by the control module 23 in the form of data to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 processes this data based on an algorithm that determines events related to defects in the water resistance of the watch. Through this processing, water resistance defect events are identified. - By comparing the average value of at least one humidity measurement, or a sample of multiple humidity measurements, with a humidity threshold, and / or By comparing the fluctuations in humidity measurements taken during a given period with the threshold fluctuation value. It is permissible to identify it.

[0078] In this context, as soon as an event leading to a waterproofing defect is determined, the control unit 7 generates a visual, vibratory, and / or audible message by controlling / driving the reporting module 4.

[0079] 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. A dial (2a, 2b) of a wristwatch (1), the dial includes an autonomous device (3) that determines events related to a defect in the water resistance of the wristwatch (1), 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), each of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) being a functional element included in the autonomous device (3). - A control module (23) for checking the water resistance of the wristwatch (1), - A reporting module (4) that reports waterproof defect events, - Standalone power supply unit (21), - A control unit (7) that manages the operation of the reporting module (4) and the control module (23) Including one or more of the following, The control module (23) includes at least one humidity sensor, The control module (23) is a dial (2a, 2b) that is positioned on both the first layer (10) which includes the visible surface (20a) and the layer which includes the hidden surface (20b) among the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14).

2. The control module (23) further includes at least one pressure sensor, the dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned reporting module is - At least one element capable of generating an optical signal (4), - At least one element capable of generating vibration signals, and / or The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, comprising at least one element capable of generating an audio signal.

4. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the first layer (10) further includes the reporting module (4).

5. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the control module (23) is arranged in a cavity formed in the hidden surface of the dial (2a, 2b).

6. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 4, wherein the first layer (10) is configured to allow light radiation to pass through completely or partially.

7. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 4, wherein the first layer (10) is entirely or partially transparent or translucent.

8. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the laminate (9a, 9b) includes a second layer (11) having a photovoltaic module (5) that constitutes the standalone power supply unit (21).

9. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 8, wherein the second layer (11) includes a substrate on which the photovoltaic module (5) is printed.

10. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 4, wherein the laminate (9a, 9b) includes a second layer (11) having a photovoltaic module (5) that constitutes the standalone power supply unit (21), the photovoltaic module (5) is arranged in an effective area of ​​the second layer (11), and the effective area is configured to receive light radiation emitted from the first layer (10) of the laminate (9a, 9b).

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

12. The dial (2a) according to claim 1, wherein the laminate (9a) 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.

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

14. The dial (2b) according to claim 1, wherein the laminate (9b) includes a third layer (14) including a hidden surface (20b) of the dial (2b) equipped with the control unit (7), and an electrical energy storage unit (6) constituting the standalone power supply unit (21).

15. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 4, wherein the first layer (10) is more rigid than the other flexible layers (11, 12, 13, 14) in the laminate (9a, 9b).

16. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the gaseous fluid related to the waterproofness is air containing water vapor.

17. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the visible surface (20a) and the hidden surface (20b) are flat or dome-shaped.

18. A wristwatch (1) including the dial (2a, 2b) described in claim 1.

19. A wristwatch (1) according to claim 18, comprising a mechanical, electric, or electromechanical watch movement.

20. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 6, wherein the light radiation includes solar radiation.

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