Rechargeable electrical energy storage module for an electronic timepiece movement

Abstract

The invention relates to an induction-rechargeable electrical energy storage module (10), the module (10) being arranged so as to be implanted in a cavity (3) in a quartz electronic movement (1) comprising a stepper motor, the module (10) comprising: an antenna (11) arranged so to generate an electric charging current from an external magnetic field, a rechargeable battery (21), an electronic sub-module comprising a charging circuit (20, 22), electrodes (12) arranged so as to electrically connect the module (10) to the movement (1) when the module (10) is arranged in the cavity (3) in the movement (1), a support (30) comprising an electrically insulating material and supporting the electrodes (12) on an outer surface of the support (30), a magnetic shielding element (23, 28) arranged between the antenna (11) and the rechargeable battery (21) and the electronic sub-module.

Description

DESCRIPTION Title of the invention: Rechargeable electrical energy storage module for an electronic watch movement

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of watchmaking, more particularly to the field of manufacturing watch components, such as rechargeable electrical energy storage modules for an electronic watch movement.

[0002] Electronic watches, especially high-end models, typically feature a conventional quartz movement and a classic case design. Such a conventional quartz movement comprises a mainplate and bridges housing a stepper motor, a circuit, indicator hands, a gear train, and a power source. This power source is conventionally a non-rechargeable battery that is removable and housed in a dedicated compartment within the movement's casing. Once installed, the battery makes electrical contact with the movement's circuitry. The case of such an electronic watch typically consists of a metal case enclosing the movement in a space that is largely impervious to electromagnetic waves.

[0003] Electronic watches with a battery that is rechargeable by magnetic induction (also called electromagnetic induction or simply induction below), i.e., under the influence of an external magnetic field, are known in the prior art, for example, according to documents JP2001231 174 and CH713523. However, these prior art solutions require very specific architectures and constructions for the watch and / or its case in order to integrate the components and elements that perform the inductive charging within the watch. Consequently, these existing solutions are not suitable for integration into an electronic watch with a horological movement. Classic quartz-based watches, particularly slim and elegant timepieces or small jewelry watches, have limited space for integrating this charging function. Furthermore, prior art solutions do not allow for testing and verifying the inductive charging operation independently of the watch itself.

[0004] The present invention relates to an inductively rechargeable electrical energy storage module that can be inserted into a conventional quartz movement, for example, an existing quartz movement originally intended to be powered by a non-rechargeable battery (a so-called "retrofit" aspect, for example, as a battery replacement), with little or no modification to the movement. The case back is preferably, at least locally, made of a material (for example, sapphire) that does not significantly interfere with the magnetic field performing the inductive charging; otherwise, the watch case does not need to be modified, allowing the module to be integrated into watches, particularly high-end watches.

[0005] The present invention thus aims to propose a new construction of an inductively rechargeable electrical energy storage module which avoids or overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above, or at least offers a better compromise between these disadvantages.

[0006] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a rechargeable electrical energy storage module by induction, the module being arranged to be implanted (at least partially) in a housing of a quartz electronic movement comprising a stepper motor, the module comprising: an antenna arranged to generate a charging electric current under the effect of an external magnetic field, a rechargeable battery, - an electronic sub-module including a charging circuit to recharge the rechargeable battery, - electrodes, such as a cathode and an anode, arranged to electrically connect the module to the movement when the module is placed in the movement's housing, so that the rechargeable battery powers the movement, - a support, such as a cage, comprising an electrically insulating material and supporting the electrodes at an external surface of the support - a magnetic shielding element placed between the antenna on one side and the rechargeable battery and the electronic sub-module on the other.

[0007] This allows for the development of an inductively rechargeable electrical energy storage module without altering the existing design of a quartz movement. The module can be inserted and operational within an existing quartz movement with minimal or no modifications (a "retrofit" approach). Furthermore, any changes to the watch case can be minimized, requiring only a change of material for the case back, or a portion thereof if it is not already made of a material transparent to electromagnetic waves. The invention thus enables the integration of the module into watches, particularly high-end watches, with few or no modifications.

[0008] Furthermore, since the module comprises an assembly that is independent of the watch and its movement, its proper functioning, particularly its inductive charging, can be tested before installation in a quartz electronic movement. In addition, prior to installation, the module's battery can also be pre-charged either inductively or using conventional wired charging methods.

[0009] In other words, the antenna is arranged so that an electric current can be induced in it by a magnetic field generated by a device external to the movement or the module. The bracket can support the antenna on an external surface of the bracket. If the module is roughly the same size as the volume of the housing, the antenna is also generally located within that volume when the module is placed in the housing. Alternatively, the antenna can be mounted on a portion of the bracket that extends outside the volume of the housing when the module is placed in the housing.

[0010] The invention can also be defined according to the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination.

[0011] Advantageously, the support can form a cage enclosing the rechargeable battery and / or the electronic sub-module.

[0012] This allows the rechargeable battery and / or sub-module to be enclosed or housed in the cage, for practical, ergonomic, mechanical and / or electromagnetic protection reasons.

[0013] Advantageously, the charging circuit harvests electrical energy captured by the antenna via the electromagnetic field and controls the transfer of this energy to the rechargeable battery. The electronic sub-module may also include an electronic power conversion circuit (such as an AC / DC rectifier) ​​as well as passive and / or active components.

[0014] Advantageously, in one embodiment, the support includes at least one portion made of plastic, polymer or ceramic.

[0015] Advantageously, in another embodiment, the support comprises a metal base, preferably obtained by metal injection molding, more preferably overmolded with a polymer material.

[0016] Advantageously, the support may include a magnetic shielding material, such as a material comprising ferrite or a ferromagnetic ceramic, and in this case at least a part of the support constitutes the magnetic shielding element.

[0017] Advantageously, the module may alternatively further comprise a magnetic shielding element disposed inside the module, preferably between a surface of the support bearing the antenna and a part of the module containing the electronic sub-module and the rechargeable battery, in particular if the material of the support itself cannot perform the shielding.

[0018] Advantageously, the magnetic shielding element comprises a material including ferrite or a ferromagnetic ceramic, which is assembled with the support, preferably by depositing a film or by spraying onto the support, or by means of a bulk element bonded to the support.

[0019] Advantageously, the magnetic shielding element has a thickness of 0.1 to 0.3 mm.

[0020] Advantageously, the magnetic shielding element has a flat shape.

[0021] Advantageously, the magnetic shielding element has a "U" shape or a bell shape, preferably with vertical edges arranged outside the antenna.

[0022] Advantageously, the movement housing that receives the module is generally cylindrical, for example with a diameter of 5 to 30 mm, preferably 5.8 to 11.6 mm, and a thickness of 1 to 7.7 mm, preferably 1.6 to 5.4 mm. These diameter and thickness ranges correspond to the sizes of non-rechargeable batteries typically used in quartz electronic movements. In this case, at least part of the module (especially the part intended to be installed in the housing) also preferably has a shape that is generally cylindrical and substantially the same shape as that of the housing.

[0023] Alternatively, the housing and module can have other shapes, for example a generally rectangular shape.

[0024] Advantageously, according to one embodiment, the support comprises a cover carrying the antenna and a frame carrying at least one of the electrodes, the cover and the frame being fixed together, preferably by plastic or metal clips, by ultrasonic welding, by conductive glue, by welding, by tin soldering, by steel wire, by zig-zag steel wire or by overmolding.

[0025] Advantageously, at least part of the electronic sub-module is mounted on the support.

[0026] In one embodiment, all the module components are mounted on the support.

[0027] Advantageously, at least some of the components of the electronic sub-module can be mounted on the substrate. For example, at least part of the substrate is manufactured using plastronics (known in English as "Molded Interconnect Device" or MID). Plastronics is a technology combining plastics engineering and electronics that allows electronic circuits to be integrated directly onto injection-molded thermoplastic parts. Advantageously, the entire substrate can be manufactured using plastronics (or even MID technology).

[0028] Advantageously, the electronic sub-module can be mounted at least partially on a printed circuit board of the module, such as a PCB, the printed circuit board preferably being supported by the support.

[0029] Advantageously, the printed circuit board can have two sides, with the battery on one side and other module components on the other. The printed circuit board can include its own support, i.e., a printed circuit board support.

[0030] Advantageously, the printed circuit board can be arranged, or clamped at its periphery, between the cover and the frame.

[0031] Advantageously, the electronic sub-module can be mounted, at least partially, on a printed circuit board, preferably on a folded Kapton®-type film (supplied by DuPont) with thinned chips. Kapton® is a polyimide film (imide-based polymer) that remains stable over a wide temperature range. Such an assembly is compact and can then be connected to a rigid cage.

[0032] Advantageously, the charging circuit can include a receiver-type integrated circuit (also called a "listener") to perform energy conversion and wireless inductive charging (for example, the Panthronics NFC PTX30W). The electronic sub-module can also include passive components for decoupling and impedance matching, and active elements for protecting sensitive components and limiting leakage currents.

[0033] Advantageously, the electronic sub-module can also include an automatic antenna resonance frequency adjustment function (auto-tuning).

[0034] Specifically, reference is made to an example involving the programming of a variable capacitance diode (known as a "varactor diode") or a programmable digital capacitor. Such a self-tuning circuit is particularly useful for compensating for potential production deviations in mechanical alignments.

[0035] Advantageously, the charging circuit can be arranged to recharge the battery using, or by, pulsed or continuous signals.

[0036] Advantageously, the electronic sub-module can also include a DC-DC converter.

[0037] Advantageously, in one embodiment, the sub-module also includes an inductive communication controller, arranged to allow communication of information between the module (and therefore the watch) and an information source, such as a mobile phone or a charging station. By way of example and without limitation, the information exchanged through this communication channel may include information enabling: synchronization of the watch's time to a reference time base, taking into account changes in daylight saving time or time zone; identification of the module or the watch; notification of the battery charge level; and notification of the movement's performance by providing information such as the accuracy of the quartz tuning fork, the number of steps the stepper motor has missed, or other stepper motor control parameters.

[0038] Advantageously, the rechargeable battery can have a charging speed ("C rating") of 1 C to 1000C, preferably of at least 10C, and preferably of at most 100C.

[0039] This allows for fast charging (for example, a few minutes for 80% charge).

[0040] As an example, the rechargeable battery may have dimensions of 4.5 mm * 3.2 mm * 0.6 mm, a voltage between 1 V and 4 V, a capacity of 150 to 500 uAh and / or a C-rating of 10C.

[0041] Advantageously, the battery can be a solid state battery, preferably with a high charge density.

[0042] Advantageously, the antenna is preferably a loop antenna, preferably square or circular in shape, more preferably having 4 to 8 turns ("loop antenna" in English).

[0043] Advantageously, the antenna can occupy a region with an external diameter between 5 and 7.8 mm, preferably with tracks having a width of 0.1 to 0.2 mm. The tracks can also have a thickness between 1 and 50 microns, preferably between 16 and 50 microns.

[0044] Advantageously, the antenna can be printed in one or more layers.

[0045] Advantageously, the antenna can be made with layers of a conductive material such as copper, aluminum, gold, or indium tin oxide (ITO), preferably on a glass base.

[0046] Advantageously, in one embodiment, the antenna generally has a planar shape and preferably the antenna is arranged in a plane that generally extends parallel to a plane in which the motion extends.

[0047] In another embodiment, the antenna has a solenoid shape (e.g., a coil around the perimeter of the support). In this case, the antenna can have a wire diameter between 0.1 and 0.3 mm with 4 to 10 turns.

[0048] Advantageously, the antenna is preferably positioned towards a rear side of the movement when the module is installed in the housing.

[0049] Reference is made to an example on the surface of the cage (or even the support) which will be opposite the bottom of the watch case.

[0050] Advantageously, the antenna can operate around a frequency of a communication standard, preferably the NFC (Near-Field Communication) standard at 13.56 MHz or alternatively the Qi standard at 100-200 kHz.

[0051] In one embodiment, the antenna may have inductive resonance coupling with the antenna of a charging device that has the same resonant frequency. The resonance increases or optimizes the charging efficiency.

[0052] Alternatively, the antenna can operate around a specific communication frequency, known as "bespoke" in English, which does not correspond to a communication standard.

[0053] Advantageously, a conductive elastic ring can be arranged around the support.

[0054] This facilitates electrical contact with the movement.

[0055] The invention relates, in a second aspect, to an electronic movement comprising the module according to the first aspect.

[0056] This allows you to obtain the aforementioned advantages.

[0057] Advantageously, the module is positioned in a housing for the movement.

[0058] Advantageously, the movement can also be powered by a non-rechargeable battery housed in the compartment.

[0059] The invention relates, in a third aspect, to a watch comprising the movement according to the second aspect and / or a module according to the first aspect.

[0060] This allows you to obtain the aforementioned advantages.

[0061] Advantageously, and preferably, the bottom of a watch case is at least partially made of a material transparent to electromagnetic waves, such as sapphire or ceramic.

[0062] For example, it is possible to have a metal case back with a sapphire, plastic, or ceramic insert in the module area. The insert is therefore part of a two-component assembly within a metal case back, as in this example.

[0063] The invention relates, in a fourth aspect, to an assembly consisting of a watch according to the third aspect and a charger.

[0064] The charger could be shaped like a case, for example. Such a case could be detachable from a box or case and could be designed to have an energy autonomy ranging from a few weeks to a few years.

[0065] The invention relates, in a fifth aspect, to means of alignment between a charger and the module according to the aspects mentioned, arranged to align the antenna of the module with a component of the charger.

[0066] This helps to improve charging efficiency.

[0067] For this, a positioning magnet or complementary male / female shapes can be used (for example, using the crown or the lugs of the watch as male elements).

[0068] The invention relates, in a sixth aspect, to a device, such as a smartphone, arranged to generate outside the movement a magnetic field in order to charge the module and communicate with the watch comprising the module according to the aspects mentioned.

[0069] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 represents an inductively rechargeable electrical energy storage module and a quartz electronic movement according to an embodiment of the invention, in perspective view; Figure 2 represents the module according to the embodiment of Figure 1, in top and bottom perspective views; Figure 3 represents the module according to the embodiment of Figure 1, in top perspective view. Figure 4 shows the module according to the embodiment of Figure 1, in a top perspective view, having been rotated with respect to Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a support such as a cage of the module according to an embodiment of the invention, in a section view; Figure 6 shows the support according to a variant of Figure 5, in a section view; Figure 7 shows components of the module in an assembly order, in a perspective view; Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the module, in a perspective view; Figure 9 shows an antenna of the module in a solenoid-shaped embodiment, in a section view; Figure 10 shows the module according to another embodiment, in a top perspective view; Figure 11 shows the module according to the other embodiment of Figure 10, in a side view.

[0070] Figure 1 shows an inductively rechargeable electrical energy storage module 10, hereinafter referred to as module 10, and a quartz electronic movement 1, hereinafter referred to as movement 1, according to an embodiment of the invention. As is well known, such a movement 1 comprises a frame 4 including a plate and bridges carrying a stepper motor 5 and a motion circuit (not visible in the figure).

[0071] Movement 1 includes a housing 3 arranged to receive module 10. In this way, in service position, at least part of module 1 is located in the volume of housing 3.

[0072] Module 10 includes an antenna 11 and electrodes, such as a cathode 12 and an anode 13 visible in Figure 2.

[0073] Module 10 further includes a rechargeable battery 21 and an electronic sub-assembly comprising at least one charging circuit 20 (not visible in Figure 1).

[0074] The movement 1 preferably includes a crown stem 2 in a known manner, in particular to drive the display hands of the watch when setting the time.

[0075] Thus, the inductively rechargeable electrical energy storage module 10 is arranged to be installed in housing 3 of the quartz electronic movement 1 comprising a stepper motor 5 (for example, to rotate the hands of the watch), module 10 comprising: - the antenna 11 arranged to generate a charging electric current under the effect of an external magnetic field, - the 21 rechargeable battery, - the electronic sub-module comprising the charging circuit 20, 22 for charging the rechargeable battery 21, - electrodes 12, 13, such as cathode 12 and anode 13, arranged to electrically connect module 10 to movement 1 when module 10 is disposed in housing 3 of movement 1, so that rechargeable battery 21 powers movement 1, - the support 30, such as a cage, comprising an electrically insulating material and supporting the electrodes 12, 13 at an external surface of the support 30 - a magnetic shielding element 23, 28 (see below) disposed between the antenna (11) on one side and the rechargeable battery (21) and the electronic sub-module on the other.

[0076] Figure 2 represents module 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, in top and bottom view.

[0077] The rechargeable battery 21 is visible through an opening in the support 30. Such openings in the support 30 are designed to accommodate the corners of a rectangular battery 21 when the support 30 is cylindrical. This allows for the largest possible battery size to maximize energy storage while reducing the complexity of manufacturing the cage.

[0078] The cathode 12 is preferably arranged on a lateral portion of the support 30, and the anode 13 is preferably arranged on a lower portion of the support 30, which is positioned towards the dial side of the watch when the module 10 is incorporated into the movement 1. Advantageously, this arrangement allows the module 10 to adapt to the connections of standard non-rechargeable battery flanges for electronic movements, with a negative flange at the bottom and a positive flange on the side. This allows the module, including the battery 21, to be connected to the movement 1 for power. Furthermore, this arrangement of electrodes 12 and 13 allows the functionality of the module 10 to be tested before its incorporation into the movement 1 and, if desired, the module's battery 21 to be pre-charged (by wired or inductive charging) before this incorporation.

[0079] Figure 3 shows module 10 according to one embodiment of the invention, in top view.

[0080] The support 30 forms a cage with a lower support 30a and an upper support 30b. When the module 10 is incorporated into the movement 1, the upper support 30b is positioned towards the back side of the watch and the lower support 30a is positioned towards the dial side of the watch.

[0081] Figure 4 shows module 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, in top view, having been rotated with respect to figure 3.

[0082] It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the cathode 12 does not cover the entire lateral surface of the support 30.

[0083] Figure 5 represents the support 30 such as the cage of module 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0084] The cathode 12 is arranged on the lateral portion as previously indicated, the lateral surface being a peripheral surface in the case of a cylindrical support 30.

[0085] The anode 13 is preferably located on the lower portion of support 30, for example towards the dial side of the watch when the module 10 is incorporated into the movement 1.

[0086] The support 30 carries the antenna 11 on its upper portion 30b preferably, or even towards the back side of the watch when the module 10 is incorporated into the movement 1.

[0087] The lower support 30a (frame) carries the battery 21 and the upper support 30b (cover) preferably carries the electronic sub-module, in particular the charging circuit as an integrated circuit 20 and other electronic components 22.

[0088] The upper support 30b includes a portion of shielding 23, preferably of overmolded ferrite, disposed between the antenna 11 and the components 20, 21, 22 carried by the support 30.

[0089] The support 30 is preferably a molded interconnection device 24.

[0090] Figure 6 represents support 30 in a variant of figure 5.

[0091] In this variant, the battery 21, the integrated circuit 20 and the electronic components 22 are arranged on either side of a separating portion, preferably vertical.

[0092] Figure 7 shows components of module 10 in an assembly order.

[0093] First, the lower support 30 must be provided, and then the integrated circuit 20 and the electronic components 22, which are mounted on a printed circuit board support 29, must be installed on it.

[0094] Next, the whole assembly should be covered with the upper support 30b carrying the battery 21 in order to form the module 10.

[0095] Figure 8 shows an exploded view of module 10.

[0096] It is possible to see the components of module 10.

[0097] In this embodiment, the module 10 further includes a piece or portion of shielding 28, preferably made of ferrite, which is not overmolded into the support 30 (like the portion 23 described above) but is fixed to the support by other suitable means, for example by gluing.

[0098] Figure 9 shows the antenna 11 of module 10 in a solenoid-shaped embodiment. In this embodiment, preferably a first shielding element is located between the antenna and the rechargeable battery and the electronic sub-module inside the module, and a second shielding element is located outside the antenna. In this way, when the module is placed in the housing, the second shielding element is positioned between the antenna and the metal frame of the movement surrounding the housing. These first and second shielding elements can be made as a single piece on the module, for example, from a U-shaped ferrite piece.

[0099] In this embodiment, the antenna 11 is arranged on the lateral surface of the support, for example the upper support 30b.

[0100] Figures 10 and 11 represent yet another embodiment in which the antenna 11 is mounted on a portion 35 of the support which extends outside the volume of the housing 3 of the movement 1. In this In this embodiment, the module comprises a lower support (or cage) 30a and an upper support (or cage) 30b, with a PCB 29 of the module held between them. As illustrated, the PCB of the module 29 can be aligned with a PCB 6 of the electronic movement to facilitate their interconnection. In the example, only the lower support 30a is located in the housing 3 of the movement in the module's operating position, while the upper support 30b and the antenna support portion 35 are located outside the housing and may be larger than the housing. The portion 35 may, for example, extend laterally over a large part, or even all, of the surface of the movement 1, between the movement and the case back. In this case, the case back is preferably made entirely of a material that is transparent to electromagnetic waves. A plate 7 may also be placed between the movement and the antenna for aesthetic and / or shielding purposes.Part 35 can be a single unit with the rest of the support 30 (or a portion thereof) or, alternatively, a separate section attached to the rest of the support, for example, a PCB dedicated to the antenna. The arrangement of the shielding elements would be adapted accordingly in this embodiment.

[0101] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in this description.

[0102] Finally, it should be noted that it is possible to combine the methods of implementation as much as possible or necessary.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Induction rechargeable electrical energy storage module (10), the module (10) being arranged to be installed in a housing (3) of a quartz electronic movement (1) comprising a stepper motor, the module (10) comprising: - an antenna (11) arranged to generate a charging electric current under the effect of an external magnetic field, - a rechargeable battery (21), - an electronic sub-module comprising a charging circuit (20, 22) for charging the rechargeable battery (21), - electrodes (12, 13), such as a cathode and an anode, arranged to electrically connect the module (10) to the movement (1) when the module (10) is disposed in the housing (3) of the movement (1), so that the rechargeable battery (21) powers the movement (1), - a support (30), such as a cage, comprising an electrically insulating material and supporting the electrodes (12, 13) at an external surface of the support (30), - a magnetic shielding element (23, 28) disposed between the antenna (11) on one side and the rechargeable battery (21) and the electronic sub-module on the other.

2. Module (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the support (30) forms a cage enclosing the rechargeable battery (21) and / or the electronic sub-module.

3. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support (30) also supports the antenna (11) at an external surface of the support (30).

4. Module (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the antenna (11) is mounted on a part (35) of the support (30) which extends outside the volume of the housing (3) of the movement (1) when the module (10) is disposed in said housing (3).

5. Module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antenna (11) is also generally located in the volume of the housing (3) of the movement (1) when the module (10) is disposed in said housing (3).

6. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging circuit (20) harvests the electrical energy captured by the antenna (11) by means of the electromagnetic field and controls the transfer of this energy to the rechargeable battery (21).

7. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (30) comprises at least one portion made of polymer or ceramic.

8. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the support (30) is made by plastronics, or even MID technology.

9. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (30) comprises a magnetic shielding material (23), such as a ferrite material or a ferromagnetic ceramic, at least a portion of the support constituting the magnetic shielding element (23).

10. Module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the magnetic shielding element (23, 28) is disposed inside the module (10), preferably between a surface of the support (30) carrying the antenna (11) and a part of the module containing the electronic sub-module and the rechargeable battery (21).

11. Module (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the magnetic shielding element (23, 28) comprises a ferrite material or a ferromagnetic ceramic, which is assembled with the support (30), preferably by depositing a film or by spraying onto the support, or by means of a bulk element bonded to the support (30).

12. Module (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the magnetic shielding element (23) has a planar shape.

13. Module (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the magnetic shielding element (23) has a 'U' shape or a bell shape, preferably with vertical edges arranged outside the antenna (11).

14. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the module (30) has a generally cylindrical shape.

15. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (30) comprises a cover (30b) carrying the antenna (11) and a frame (30a) carrying at least one of the electrodes (12, 13), the cover (30b) and the frame (30a) being fixed together, preferably by plastic or metal clips, by ultrasonic welding, by conductive glue, by soldering, by tin soldering, by steel wire, by zig-zag steel wire or by overmolding.

16. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the electronic sub-module is mounted on the support (30).

17. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic sub-module is mounted at least in part on a printed circuit board (29) of the module (10), such as a PCB, the printed circuit board preferably being supported by the support (30).

18. Module (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the printed circuit board (29) comprises two faces, with the battery (21) on one side and other components of the module (10) on the other side.

19. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic sub-module also includes an inductive communication controller, preferably arranged to enable communication with an information source, such as a mobile phone or a charging station.

20. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rechargeable battery (21) has a speed of at least 10C, a voltage between 1V and 4V, and / or a capacity between 150 and 500uAh.

21. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna (11) is a frame antenna, preferably square or circular in shape, more preferably having 4 to 8 turns.

22. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna (11) has a generally planar shape and preferably the antenna (11) is arranged in a plane which generally extends parallel to a plane in which the motion (1) extends.

23. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna (11) has a solenoid shape.

24. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna (11) is disposed towards a bottom side of the movement (1) when the module (10) is installed in the housing (3).

25. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna (11) operates around a frequency of a communication standard, preferably the NFC standard.

26. Module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a conductive elastic ring is arranged around the support (30).

27. Electronic movement (1) comprising the module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims disposed in a housing (3) of the movement (1).

28. Electronic movement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the movement (1) can also be powered by a non-rechargeable battery disposed in the housing (3).

29. Watch comprising the movement (1) according to any one of claims 27 to 28 and / or a module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

30. Watch according to the preceding claim, wherein the bottom of a watch case is at least partially made of a material transparent to electromagnetic waves, such as sapphire, glass or ceramic.

31. Assembly comprising a watch according to any one of claims 29 to 30 and a charger.

32. Alignment means between a charger and the module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, arranged to align the antenna (11) of the module (10) with a component of the charger.

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