EP3835887B1 - Watch provided with a controller - Google Patents

Watch provided with a controller Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3835887B1
EP3835887B1 EP19214813.8A EP19214813A EP3835887B1 EP 3835887 B1 EP3835887 B1 EP 3835887B1 EP 19214813 A EP19214813 A EP 19214813A EP 3835887 B1 EP3835887 B1 EP 3835887B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
watch
strain gauge
elongate element
control member
crown
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19214813.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3835887A1 (en
Inventor
M. François GUEISSAZ
M. Yvan FERRI
Simon Bourquin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Original Assignee
Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Swatch Group Research and Development SA filed Critical Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Priority to EP19214813.8A priority Critical patent/EP3835887B1/en
Priority to US17/060,275 priority patent/US11493886B2/en
Priority to JP2020181059A priority patent/JP6982160B2/en
Priority to CN202011428338.9A priority patent/CN112947037B/en
Publication of EP3835887A1 publication Critical patent/EP3835887A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3835887B1 publication Critical patent/EP3835887B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/001—Electromechanical switches for setting or display
    • G04C3/002—Position, e.g. inclination dependent switches
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
    • G04B3/04—Rigidly-mounted keys, knobs or crowns
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
    • G04B3/04—Rigidly-mounted keys, knobs or crowns
    • G04B3/046—Operation by rotation and axial movement with extra function of axial shift of operating element, e.g. crown combined with push button
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/001—Electromechanical switches for setting or display
    • G04C3/005—Multiple switches
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
    • G04G21/08—Touch switches specially adapted for time-pieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04R—RADIO-CONTROLLED TIME-PIECES
    • G04R60/00—Constructional details
    • G04R60/06—Antennas attached to or integrated in clock or watch bodies
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04R—RADIO-CONTROLLED TIME-PIECES
    • G04R60/00—Constructional details
    • G04R60/06—Antennas attached to or integrated in clock or watch bodies
    • G04R60/10—Antennas attached to or integrated in clock or watch bodies inside cases
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
    • G04F10/00—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by electric means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a watch provided with at least one electronically manageable function and provided with a control member for controlling this function.
  • Mechanical or electromechanical watches include as standard a stem-crown which makes it possible to adjust the position of the hands by turning the crown, as well as to wind the barrel in the case of a mechanical watch.
  • the crown In most cases, the crown is in a resting position close to the watch case, and it needs to be pulled out to a setting position to adjust the time and, if applicable, the date.
  • More and more additional functions are provided, such as an electronic display of personal and/or geographical information, for example a diary, fitness and geolocation data. This is also the case for watches fitted with a mechanical movement, for example by adding an electronic module comprising a digital screen arranged on part of the dial.
  • EP3008552 A1 relates to a watch in which a force applied by a user to the watch crown from above, below or laterally is sensed by switching sensors which are located inside the watch.
  • the invention aims to provide a watch which does not suffer from the drawbacks described above. This object is achieved by the watch according to the appended claims.
  • a watch according to the invention comprises a control member able to manage at least a first functionality of the watch and to simultaneously control one or more additional electronic functionalities.
  • the control member for example a rotary crown, is mounted on an elongated element defining a central axis and passing through the middle part of the watch.
  • At least one strain gauge also called strain gauge, is mounted inside the caseband and arranged to produce an electrical signal which is representative of a force exerted by the elongated element on the strain gauge when a user manipulates the control member in at least one direction perpendicular to said central axis.
  • a processor generates commands based on the signals from the gauge or gauges, for example to allow the user to navigate in a menu displayed on a digital screen.
  • the invention applies just as well to watches provided with a mechanical movement as with an electromechanical movement. It can even apply to an electronic watch without hands.
  • the watch In the case of a mechanical movement, the watch is provided with additional functions with an electronic character.
  • This watch may include a digital screen which extends over a portion of the dial, provided for displaying the time by hands, and on which various data are displayed, such as the date, the time, alphanumeric messages or other information which is accessible for example by navigating in one or more menus.
  • the watch comprises a stem-crown mechanism for winding and adjusting the hands, which is well known in the state of the art.
  • the crown also serves as a means of controlling additional electronic functions, thanks to a set of deformation/strain gauges mounted so as to be able to detect manipulation of the crown in two dimensions in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the crown, more precisely detecting pressure exerted laterally by a user on the crown in two mutually orthogonal directions and perpendicular to the central axis of the stem-crown mechanism.
  • the figures 1 and 2 represent vertical and horizontal sections of the stem-crown mechanism in a watch according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • crown 1 is connected to a winding stem 2 by means of a stem connector 6 driven onto one end of stem 2.
  • the assembly of stem 2 and stem connector 6 passes through through a tube 3 fixedly mounted in a hole 4 provided in the wall of the middle part 5 of the watch.
  • middle 5 forms the support in which is installed a watch movement which is adjustable by the stem-crown mechanism.
  • O-rings 9 are inserted between tube 3 and middle part 5 and between tube 3 and rod connector 6 to seal the mechanism.
  • the crown 1 is mounted on one side of the rod connector 6, so that the rotation of the crown 1 drives the rod connector 6 and the rod 2 in rotation around the axis of rotation 10.
  • the assembly of the fitting-rod 6 and of the rod 2 represents an embodiment of an elongated element to which the crown is fixed. It will be noted that this set can take different forms depending on the type of watch. In particular, the rod connector and the rod can form one and the same element. In the case of a purely digital watch, it is possible to provide a rotating crown fixed to an elongated element forming an electronic rod. In general, the elongated element is an element which defines a central axis 10 and which protrudes from the caseband 5 of the watch.
  • the crown 1 is only one embodiment of a control member mounted laterally with respect to the caseband and to which the invention is applicable.
  • a control member is the (generally non-rotating) head of a pusher fitted to a chronograph.
  • the control member to which the invention is applicable is a member which is configured to adjust at least a first function, and which is adapted according to the invention to adjust one or more additional electronic functions. The invention will be described for the case of the rotating crown, which represents the most common case in the horological field but which does not limit the scope of the invention.
  • the crown 1 is shown in a position relatively close to the caseband 5, called the 'rest position'. In a manner known per se, this position allows for example the user of a mechanical watch to wind his watch manually by turning the crown. According to embodiments, and in a manner also known, the crown can be moved away from the middle part 5, by manually pulling this crown and driving the rod 2 in the axial direction, to activate mechanical adjustment modes such as the adjustment of the position of the hands and, if applicable, the date.
  • Various systems exist which regulate the axial positioning of the crown and the actuation of the mechanical adjustment, and the invention is applicable in combination with any one of these systems. Independently of the system applied, the invention relates to functionalities provided to a control member such as the crown 1 when the latter is preferably in the rest position.
  • a pair of strain gauges 15 and 16 is mounted inside the middle part 5.
  • the gauges are able to measure the radial force exerted by the stem 2 when the user manipulates the crown 1 in the plane YZ of the system of orthogonal axes XYZ, the X axis of which is collinear with the axis of rotation 10 of the rod 2.
  • the Z axis is essentially perpendicular to the general plane of the middle part 5, and Y is in this general plan.
  • the 'joystick' function is more linked to the result, namely the possibility of directing a cursor in a plane or of activating various zones of a digital display distributed according to the two dimensions of this digital display.
  • the gauges 15 and 16 are mounted on the periphery of an O-ring 17 of elastic material, at radial positions separated by an angle of 90° to the axis of rotation 10.
  • the ring 17 is mounted around a washer 18 made of rigid material.
  • the rod 2 passes through the washer 18. The play between the washer and the rod is provided minimal, while allowing the sliding of the rod 2 relative to the washer, so that the user can pull the crown 1 and the rod 2 to a position for setting the time and again to the rest position.
  • the gauges 15 and 16 are immobilized by a support 19 which is fixed to the internal surface of the side wall of the middle part 5, for example by screws (not shown).
  • the support 19 comprises an opening 20 whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the O-ring 17 so that the ring is housed in the opening 20.
  • the support 19 is provided with two radial housings 21 and 22 positioned at a angle of 90° to the circumference of the opening 20, and dimensioned to receive the respective gauges 15 and 16 and to maintain them in fixed positions with respect to the rod 2.
  • the support 19 comprises two vertical ribs 25 which are housed in a pair of grooves 26 in the internal wall of the middle part 5, so as to lock the support 19 in a fixed position.
  • other locking means can be implemented.
  • the gauges 15 and 16 are kept in contact with the elastic ring 17 with a certain degree of prestress, so that a basic stress is measured when the crown 1 is in the rest position and in the absence of manipulations of the 'user. From this rest position, the radial forces, exerted on the rod 2 by the manipulations of the crown in the YZ plane, are transmitted as radial forces exerted by the washer 18 on the ring 17, which are added to or are deducted from the basic prestressing, depending on the direction of the manipulations, along the two orthogonal axes Y and Z defined respectively by the two strain gauges 16 and 15. In this way, the signals generated by the gauges 15 and 16 are representative of the manipulations of the crown along two dimensions (Y and Z), which gives the crown functionality similar to that of a joystick of a control console for a computer.
  • the gauges 15 and 16 are connected by electrical wires 27 to a printed circuit board (PCB) 28, attached to the rear face of the support 19.
  • a processor (not shown) is on board the PCB 28 to process the signals generated by the strain gauges and to translate them into commands which will manage one or more electronic functions of the watch, for example the piloting of a cursor on the digital screen of the watch. It is possible to implement methods and algorithms well known in the field of computing, for the processing of signals as well as for the generation of commands.
  • a battery or other source of electrical energy, such as a photovoltaic cell, is present in the watch to power the components mounted on the PCB 28 and/or other electronic components implemented in the watch.
  • gauges 15 and 16 are positioned orthogonally to each other. A deviation from this orthogonal positioning is permitted, provided that the forces exerted in the Y and Z directions can be derived from the measured signals, taking into account the angular position of the gauges in a plane parallel to the YZ plane.
  • a watch according to the invention could comprise a single gauge arranged so as to be able to measure manipulation in a single direction, for example only gauge 15. It is also possible to provide more than two gauges, for example out of four located at four places around the axis of the crown, corresponding in particular to the angles 0, 90°, 180° and 270°.
  • particular embodiments are for example the allocation of specific functionalities according to the direction in which the control member is manipulated in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 10.
  • the manipulation along the Z axis, detected only by the gauge 15 can control a different function than the manipulation along the Y axis , detected only by the gauge 16.
  • the processor is preferably configured so that a slight deviation of the manipulation with respect to the Y and Z axes will be neglected.
  • a module comprising the gauges is arranged at least for the most part in a housing machined in the wall of the caseband around the opening for the stem 2 and the connection-stem 6, for example in the tube 3
  • the strain gauges are arranged in an internal housing of the tube 3, for example on the side of the outer end of this tube, the gauges then detecting the radial forces exerted on them by the fitting-rod 6 when handling the crown 1 in the two directions Y and Z.
  • the variant shown is preferred to this last variant because, in the variant shown, the measurement module is located in the waterproof part of the watch case and the electrical connections between this measurement module and other units of the watch, in particular an electronic display module, are facilitated.
  • the ring 17 is only one embodiment of an elastic interface, which could take other equivalent forms, for example comprising two parts made of elastic material mounted between the gauges and the washer 18.
  • the washer 18 although advantageous, is not essential.
  • the washer made of hard material is useful.
  • the crown 1 (or any other control member to which the invention is applicable) is capable of undergoing a self-reversing axial movement from the rest position, like a chronograph pusher.
  • This axial movement is actuated by the user who pushes the crown briefly towards the caseband 5 and then releases the crown, which automatically returns to its initial position.
  • the watch is provided with a detector arranged to detect this axial displacement so that the processor generates in response a specific command and different from the commands generated by the radial manipulation of the crown.
  • the commands generated by pushing the crown can be commands for confirming a selection from options presented for example in a menu.
  • the reversible push can also be used to activate or deactivate the 'joystick' function of the crown.
  • the duration of the push can determine the command. For example, a longer duration for activating or deactivating the 'joystick' function and a shorter duration for confirming a selection as soon as the function is active.
  • a pair of galvanic contacts could be provided which touch when the crown is pushed in, or more preferably a capacitive sensor could be implemented.
  • a magnetic detector with variable reluctance comprising a magnetic part integrated into the wall of the middle part and provided with a solenoid in which the current generated under a given voltage is a function of the distance between the magnetic part and the inner face. of the crown which is made at least partially of a ferromagnetic material.

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

L'invention est relative à une montre pourvue d'au moins une fonction gérable de manière électronique et pourvue d'un organe de commande pour contrôler cette fonction.The invention relates to a watch provided with at least one electronically manageable function and provided with a control member for controlling this function.

Arrière-plan technologiqueTechnology background

Les montres mécaniques ou électromécaniques comprennent de manière standard une tige-couronne qui permet de régler la position des aiguilles en tournant la couronne, ainsi que de remonter le barillet dans le cas d'une montre mécanique. Dans la plupart des cas, la couronne se trouve dans une position de repos proche de la boîte de la montre, et il faut la tirer vers une position de réglage pour ajuster le temps et, le cas échéant, la date.Mechanical or electromechanical watches include as standard a stem-crown which makes it possible to adjust the position of the hands by turning the crown, as well as to wind the barrel in the case of a mechanical watch. In most cases, the crown is in a resting position close to the watch case, and it needs to be pulled out to a setting position to adjust the time and, if applicable, the date.

De plus en plus des fonctions additionnelles sont prévues, tel qu'un affichage électronique d'informations personnelles et/ou géographiques, par exemple un agenda, des données fitness et de géolocalisation. Ceci est le cas également pour les montres équipées d'un mouvement mécanique, par exemple par l'ajout d'un module électronique comprenant un écran digital agencé sur une partie du cadran.More and more additional functions are provided, such as an electronic display of personal and/or geographical information, for example a diary, fitness and geolocation data. This is also the case for watches fitted with a mechanical movement, for example by adding an electronic module comprising a digital screen arranged on part of the dial.

La présence des fonctions additionnelles susmentionnées requiert généralement des moyens de commande spécifiques, qui permettent par exemple de sélectionner une fonction, de naviguer dans un menu, etc.The presence of the aforementioned additional functions generally requires specific control means, which allow for example to select a function, to navigate in a menu, etc.

Des montres électroniques ont été développées avec un organe de commande de type 'joystick' ou 'trackball'. Des exemples de ces solutions sont respectivement illustrés par les documents EP 1168113 et EP 0582150 . Mais on notera que ces solutions ne sont pas prévues pour une montre à remontage mécanique. Le document EP 0582150 décrit également une montre pourvue d'une tige-couronne ainsi que d'un dispositif 'trackball'. Le désavantage de cette dernière solution est que la présence de deux organes de commande séparés spatialement n'est pas toujours souhaitable d'un point de vue esthétique et/ou d'un point de vue économique étant donné que la boîte de montre est plus complexe à usiner. On remarquera aussi qu'une bonne étanchéité de la boîte de montre est plus difficile à obtenir avec les organes de commande de type 'joystick' ou 'trackball' décrits dans les documents antérieurs susmentionnés.Electronic watches have been developed with a 'joystick' or 'trackball' type control device. Examples of these solutions are respectively illustrated by the documents EP 1168113 and EP 0582150 . But it will be noted that these solutions are not intended for a mechanical winding watch. The document EP 0582150 also describes a watch provided with a stem-crown as well as a 'trackball' device. the disadvantage of this last solution is that the presence of two spatially separated control members is not always desirable from an aesthetic point of view and/or from an economic point of view given that the watch case is more complex to machine. It will also be noted that good sealing of the watch case is more difficult to obtain with the control members of the 'joystick' or 'trackball' type described in the aforementioned prior documents.

EP3008552 A1 concerne une montre dans laquelle une force appliquée par un utilisateur à la couronne de la montre d'en haut, d'en bas ou latéralement est captée par des capteurs de commutation qui sont situés à l'intérieur de la montre. EP3008552 A1 relates to a watch in which a force applied by a user to the watch crown from above, below or laterally is sensed by switching sensors which are located inside the watch.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention vise à fournir une montre qui ne souffre pas des inconvénients décrits ci-dessus. Ce but est atteint par la montre selon les revendications annexées.The invention aims to provide a watch which does not suffer from the drawbacks described above. This object is achieved by the watch according to the appended claims.

Une montre selon l'invention comprend un organe de commande apte à gérer au moins une première fonctionnalité de la montre et à commander en même temps une ou plusieurs fonctionnalités électroniques additionnelles. L'organe de commande, par exemple une couronne rotative, est monté sur un élément allongé définissant un axe central et passant à travers la carrure de la montre. Au moins une jauge de déformation, aussi nommée jauge de contrainte, est montée à l'intérieur de la carrure et agencée de manière à produire un signal électrique qui est représentatif d'une force exercée par l'élément allongé sur la jauge de déformation lorsqu'un utilisateur manipule l'organe de commande dans au moins une direction perpendiculaire audit axe central. Un processeur génère des commandes sur base des signaux de la ou les jauges, par exemple pour permettre à l'utilisateur de naviguer dans un menu affiché sur un écran digital.A watch according to the invention comprises a control member able to manage at least a first functionality of the watch and to simultaneously control one or more additional electronic functionalities. The control member, for example a rotary crown, is mounted on an elongated element defining a central axis and passing through the middle part of the watch. At least one strain gauge, also called strain gauge, is mounted inside the caseband and arranged to produce an electrical signal which is representative of a force exerted by the elongated element on the strain gauge when a user manipulates the control member in at least one direction perpendicular to said central axis. A processor generates commands based on the signals from the gauge or gauges, for example to allow the user to navigate in a menu displayed on a digital screen.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of figures

L'invention sera décrite ci-après de manière plus détaillée à l'aide des dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemples nullement limitatifs, dans lesquels :

  • La figure 1 représente une section verticale du mécanisme tige-couronne incorporant une fonction 'joystick' dans une montre selon une forme d'exécution de l'invention.
  • La figure 2 représente une section horizontale du même mécanisme que la figure 1.
  • La figure 3 représente une vue éclatée du mécanisme des figures 1 et 2.
  • La figure 4 est une section perpendiculaire à l'axe central de la tige-couronne formant le mécanisme représenté aux figures 1 à 3.
  • La figure 5A est une vue en perspective d'un module incorporant deux jauges de déformation et agencé à l'intérieur de la carrure de la montre.
  • La figures 5B est une vue en perspective montrant une partie interne du module de la Figures 5A, en particulier les deux jauges de déformation.
The invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which:
  • The figure 1 shows a vertical section of the stem-crown mechanism incorporating a 'joystick' function in a watch according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • The picture 2 represents a horizontal section of the same mechanism as the figure 1 .
  • The picture 3 represents an exploded view of the mechanism of the figures 1 and 2 .
  • The figure 4 is a section perpendicular to the central axis of the stem-crown forming the mechanism shown in figures 1 to 3 .
  • The figure 5A is a perspective view of a module incorporating two strain gauges and arranged inside the middle of the watch.
  • The figure 5B is a perspective view showing an internal part of the module of the Fig. 5A , in particular the two strain gauges.

Description détaillée d'une forme d'exécution de l'inventionDetailed description of an embodiment of the invention

L'invention s'applique aussi bien à des montres munies d'un mouvement mécanique que d'un mouvement électromécanique. Il peut même s'appliquer à une montre électronique sans aiguilles.The invention applies just as well to watches provided with a mechanical movement as with an electromechanical movement. It can even apply to an electronic watch without hands.

Dans le cas d'un mouvement mécanique, la montre est pourvue de fonctions additionnelles avec un caractère électronique. Cette montre peut comporter un écran digital qui s'étend sur une portion du cadran, prévu pour l'affichage du temps par des aiguilles, et sur lequel s'affichent diverses données, telles que la date, le temps, des messages alphanumériques ou d'autres informations qui sont accessibles par exemple en navigant dans un ou plusieurs menus. La montre comprend un mécanisme tige-couronne de remontage et de réglage des aiguilles, bien connu dans l'état de la technique. Selon cette forme d'exécution de l'invention, la couronne sert également de moyen de commande de fonctions électroniques additionnelles, grâce à un ensemble de jauges de déformation / de contrainte montées de manière à pouvoir détecter la manipulation de la couronne selon deux dimensions dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation de la couronne, plus précisément détecter une pression exercée latéralement par un utilisateur sur la couronne selon deux directions orthogonales entre elles et perpendiculaires à l'axe central du mécanisme tige-couronne.In the case of a mechanical movement, the watch is provided with additional functions with an electronic character. This watch may include a digital screen which extends over a portion of the dial, provided for displaying the time by hands, and on which various data are displayed, such as the date, the time, alphanumeric messages or other information which is accessible for example by navigating in one or more menus. The watch comprises a stem-crown mechanism for winding and adjusting the hands, which is well known in the state of the art. According to this embodiment of the invention, the crown also serves as a means of controlling additional electronic functions, thanks to a set of deformation/strain gauges mounted so as to be able to detect manipulation of the crown in two dimensions in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the crown, more precisely detecting pressure exerted laterally by a user on the crown in two mutually orthogonal directions and perpendicular to the central axis of the stem-crown mechanism.

Les figures 1 et 2 représentent des coupes verticale et horizontale du mécanisme tige-couronne dans une montre selon une forme d'exécution de l'invention. A la figure 3, les différents composants sont visualisés dans une vue éclatée. De manière connue, la couronne 1 est reliée à une tige de remontoir 2 par l'intermédiaire d'un raccord-tige 6 chassé sur une extrémité de la tige 2. L'ensemble de la tige 2 et du raccord-tige 6 passe à travers un tube 3 monté de manière fixe dans un trou 4 pourvu dans la paroi de la carrure 5 de la montre. Dans la montre terminée, la carrure 5 forme le support dans lequel est installé un mouvement horloger qui est réglable par le mécanisme tige-couronne. Des joints toriques 9 sont insérés entre le tube 3 et la carrure 5 et entre le tube 3 et le raccord-tige 6 pour assurer l'étanchéité du mécanisme. La couronne 1 est montée d'un côté du raccord-tige 6, de sorte que la rotation de la couronne 1 entraine le raccord-tige 6 et la tige 2 en rotation autour de l'axe de rotation 10.The figures 1 and 2 represent vertical and horizontal sections of the stem-crown mechanism in a watch according to one embodiment of the invention. To the picture 3 , the different components are shown in an exploded view. In known manner, crown 1 is connected to a winding stem 2 by means of a stem connector 6 driven onto one end of stem 2. The assembly of stem 2 and stem connector 6 passes through through a tube 3 fixedly mounted in a hole 4 provided in the wall of the middle part 5 of the watch. In the finished watch, middle 5 forms the support in which is installed a watch movement which is adjustable by the stem-crown mechanism. O-rings 9 are inserted between tube 3 and middle part 5 and between tube 3 and rod connector 6 to seal the mechanism. The crown 1 is mounted on one side of the rod connector 6, so that the rotation of the crown 1 drives the rod connector 6 and the rod 2 in rotation around the axis of rotation 10.

L'ensemble du raccord-tige 6 et de la tige 2 représente une forme d'exécution d'un élément allongé auquel la couronne est fixée. On notera que cet ensemble peut prendre différentes formes selon le type de montre. En particulier, le raccord-tige et la tige peuvent former un seul et même élément. Dans le cas d'une montre purement digitale, on peut prévoir une couronne rotative fixée sur un élément allongé formant une tige électronique. De manière générale, l'élément allongé est un élément qui définit un axe central 10 et qui fait saillie hors de la carrure 5 de la montre.The assembly of the fitting-rod 6 and of the rod 2 represents an embodiment of an elongated element to which the crown is fixed. It will be noted that this set can take different forms depending on the type of watch. In particular, the rod connector and the rod can form one and the same element. In the case of a purely digital watch, it is possible to provide a rotating crown fixed to an elongated element forming an electronic rod. In general, the elongated element is an element which defines a central axis 10 and which protrudes from the caseband 5 of the watch.

De plus, la couronne 1 n'est qu'une forme d'exécution d'un organe de commande monté latéralement par rapport à la carrure et auquel l'invention est applicable. Un autre exemple d'un tel organe de commande est la tête (généralement non-rotative) d'un poussoir équipant un chronographe. De manière générale, l'organe de commande auquel l'invention est applicable est un organe qui est configuré pour régler au moins une première fonction, et qui est adapté selon l'invention pour régler une ou plusieurs fonctions électroniques additionnelles. L'invention sera décrite pour le cas de la couronne rotative, qui représente le cas le plus courant dans le domaine horloger mais qui ne limite pas la portée de l'invention.Moreover, the crown 1 is only one embodiment of a control member mounted laterally with respect to the caseband and to which the invention is applicable. Another example of such a control member is the (generally non-rotating) head of a pusher fitted to a chronograph. In general, the control member to which the invention is applicable is a member which is configured to adjust at least a first function, and which is adapted according to the invention to adjust one or more additional electronic functions. The invention will be described for the case of the rotating crown, which represents the most common case in the horological field but which does not limit the scope of the invention.

Dans les figures, la couronne 1 est représentée dans une position relativement proche de la carrure 5, appelée 'position de repos'. De manière connue en soi, cette position permet par exemple à l'utilisateur d'une montre mécanique de remonter sa montre manuellement en tournant la couronne. Selon des formes d'exécution, et de manière également connue, la couronne peut être éloignée de la carrure 5, en tirant manuellement cette couronne et entraînant la tige 2 en direction axiale, pour activer des modes de réglage mécanique tel que l'ajustement de la position des aiguilles et, le cas échéant, la date. Différents systèmes existent qui règlent le positionnement axial de la couronne et l'actionnement du réglage mécanique, et l'invention est applicable en combinaison avec l'un quelconque de ces systèmes. Indépendamment du système appliqué, l'invention est relative à des fonctionnalités apportées à un organe de commande telle que la couronne 1 quand celle-ci se trouve de préférence dans la position de repos.In the figures, the crown 1 is shown in a position relatively close to the caseband 5, called the 'rest position'. In a manner known per se, this position allows for example the user of a mechanical watch to wind his watch manually by turning the crown. According to embodiments, and in a manner also known, the crown can be moved away from the middle part 5, by manually pulling this crown and driving the rod 2 in the axial direction, to activate mechanical adjustment modes such as the adjustment of the position of the hands and, if applicable, the date. Various systems exist which regulate the axial positioning of the crown and the actuation of the mechanical adjustment, and the invention is applicable in combination with any one of these systems. Independently of the system applied, the invention relates to functionalities provided to a control member such as the crown 1 when the latter is preferably in the rest position.

Comme illustré aux figures, une paire de jauges de contrainte 15 et 16 est montée à l'intérieur de la carrure 5. Les jauges sont aptes à mesurer la force radiale exercée par la tige 2 quand l'utilisateur manipule la couronne 1 dans le plan YZ du système d'axes orthogonaux XYZ, dont l'axe X est colinéaire avec l'axe de rotation 10 de la tige 2. Plus particulièrement, l'axe Z est essentiellement perpendiculaire au plan général de la carrure 5, et Y est dans ce plan général. De fait, dans le cas présent, la fonction 'joystick' est plus liée au résultat, à savoir la possibilité de diriger un curseur dans un plan ou d'activer diverses zones d'un affichage digital réparties selon les deux dimensions de cet affichage digital, car le déplacement de la couronne 1 dans un plan YZ est relativement limité et, dans une variante particulière, quasi nul. En effet, c'est la force exercée latéralement sur la couronne et qui est transmise à la tige 2 qui est détectée via la force radiale appliquée par cette tige au niveau des deux jauges de contrainte.As illustrated in the figures, a pair of strain gauges 15 and 16 is mounted inside the middle part 5. The gauges are able to measure the radial force exerted by the stem 2 when the user manipulates the crown 1 in the plane YZ of the system of orthogonal axes XYZ, the X axis of which is collinear with the axis of rotation 10 of the rod 2. More particularly, the Z axis is essentially perpendicular to the general plane of the middle part 5, and Y is in this general plan. In fact, in the present case, the 'joystick' function is more linked to the result, namely the possibility of directing a cursor in a plane or of activating various zones of a digital display distributed according to the two dimensions of this digital display. , because the movement of the crown 1 in a YZ plane is relatively limited and, in a particular variant, almost zero. Indeed, it is the force exerted laterally on the crown and which is transmitted to the rod 2 which is detected via the radial force applied by this rod at the level of the two strain gauges.

Pour mesurer la force radiale, les jauges 15 et 16 sont montées à la périphérie d'une bague torique 17 en matériau élastique, à des positions radiales séparées par un angle de 90° à l'axe de rotation 10. La bague 17 est montée autour d'une rondelle 18 en matériau rigide. La tige 2 passe à travers la rondelle 18. Le jeu entre la rondelle et la tige est prévu minimal, tout en permettant le coulissement de la tige 2 par rapport à la rondelle, de sorte que l'utilisateur puisse tirer la couronne 1 et la tige 2 vers une position de réglage de l'heure et de nouveau vers la position de repos. Les jauges 15 et 16 sont immobilisées par un support 19 qui est fixé à la surface interne de la paroi latérale de la carrure 5, par exemple par des vis (non représentées). Le support 19 comprend une ouverture 20 dont le diamètre correspond au diamètre de la bague torique 17 de sorte que la bague vienne se loger dans l'ouverture 20. De plus, le support 19 est pourvu de deux logements radiaux 21 et 22 positionnés à un angle de 90° à la circonférence de l'ouverture 20, et dimensionnés pour recevoir les jauges respectives 15 et 16 et les maintenir à des positions fixes par rapport à la tige 2.To measure the radial force, the gauges 15 and 16 are mounted on the periphery of an O-ring 17 of elastic material, at radial positions separated by an angle of 90° to the axis of rotation 10. The ring 17 is mounted around a washer 18 made of rigid material. The rod 2 passes through the washer 18. The play between the washer and the rod is provided minimal, while allowing the sliding of the rod 2 relative to the washer, so that the user can pull the crown 1 and the rod 2 to a position for setting the time and again to the rest position. The gauges 15 and 16 are immobilized by a support 19 which is fixed to the internal surface of the side wall of the middle part 5, for example by screws (not shown). The support 19 comprises an opening 20 whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the O-ring 17 so that the ring is housed in the opening 20. In addition, the support 19 is provided with two radial housings 21 and 22 positioned at a angle of 90° to the circumference of the opening 20, and dimensioned to receive the respective gauges 15 and 16 and to maintain them in fixed positions with respect to the rod 2.

Selon la forme d'exécution représentée aux figures, le support 19 comprend deux nervures 25 verticales qui viennent se loger dans une paire de rainures 26 dans la paroi interne de la carrure 5, de manière à verrouiller le support 19 dans une position fixe. Dans des formes d'exécution équivalente, d'autre moyens de verrouillage peuvent être implémentés.According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the support 19 comprises two vertical ribs 25 which are housed in a pair of grooves 26 in the internal wall of the middle part 5, so as to lock the support 19 in a fixed position. In equivalent embodiments, other locking means can be implemented.

Les jauges 15 et 16 sont maintenues en contact avec la bague élastique 17 avec un certain degré de précontrainte, de sorte qu'une contrainte de base soit mesurée quand la couronne 1 se trouve en position de repos et en l'absence de manipulations de l'utilisateur. Depuis cette position de repos, les forces radiales, exercées sur la tige 2 par les manipulations de la couronne dans le plan YZ, se transmettent en tant que forces radiales exercées par la rondelle 18 sur la bague 17, lesquelles s'ajoutent à ou sont déduites de la précontrainte de base, en fonction de la direction des manipulations, selon les deux axes orthogonaux Y et Z définis respectivement par les deux jauges de contrainte 16 et 15. De cette manière, les signaux générés par les jauges 15 et 16 sont représentatifs des manipulations de la couronne selon deux dimensions (Y et Z), ce qui donne à la couronne des fonctionnalités similaires à celles d'un joystick d'une console de commande pour un ordinateur.The gauges 15 and 16 are kept in contact with the elastic ring 17 with a certain degree of prestress, so that a basic stress is measured when the crown 1 is in the rest position and in the absence of manipulations of the 'user. From this rest position, the radial forces, exerted on the rod 2 by the manipulations of the crown in the YZ plane, are transmitted as radial forces exerted by the washer 18 on the ring 17, which are added to or are deducted from the basic prestressing, depending on the direction of the manipulations, along the two orthogonal axes Y and Z defined respectively by the two strain gauges 16 and 15. In this way, the signals generated by the gauges 15 and 16 are representative of the manipulations of the crown along two dimensions (Y and Z), which gives the crown functionality similar to that of a joystick of a control console for a computer.

Les jauges 15 et 16 sont connectées par des fils électriques 27 à une carte de circuit imprimé (PCB) 28, attaché à la face arrière du support 19. Un processeur (non-représenté) est à bord du PCB 28 pour traiter les signaux générés par les jauges de contrainte et pour les traduire en commandes qui vont gérer une ou plusieurs fonctionnalités électroniques de la montre, par exemple le pilotage d'un curseur sur l'écran digital de la montre. On peut implémenter des méthodes et des algorithmes bien connus du domaine de l'informatique, pour le traitement des signaux ainsi que pour la génération de commandes. Une batterie ou autre source d'énergie électrique, tel qu'une cellule photovoltaïque, est présente dans la montre pour alimenter les composants montés sur le PCB 28 et/ou d'autres composants électroniques implémentés dans la montre.The gauges 15 and 16 are connected by electrical wires 27 to a printed circuit board (PCB) 28, attached to the rear face of the support 19. A processor (not shown) is on board the PCB 28 to process the signals generated by the strain gauges and to translate them into commands which will manage one or more electronic functions of the watch, for example the piloting of a cursor on the digital screen of the watch. It is possible to implement methods and algorithms well known in the field of computing, for the processing of signals as well as for the generation of commands. A battery or other source of electrical energy, such as a photovoltaic cell, is present in the watch to power the components mounted on the PCB 28 and/or other electronic components implemented in the watch.

De préférence, les jauges 15 et 16 sont positionnés de façon orthogonale l'une par rapport à l'autre. Une déviation de ce positionnement orthogonal est permise, à condition que les forces exercées dans les directions Y et Z puissent être dérivées des signaux mesurés, tenant compte de la position angulaire des jauges dans un plan parallèle au plan YZ.Preferably, gauges 15 and 16 are positioned orthogonally to each other. A deviation from this orthogonal positioning is permitted, provided that the forces exerted in the Y and Z directions can be derived from the measured signals, taking into account the angular position of the gauges in a plane parallel to the YZ plane.

L'invention n'est pas limitée à des formes d'exécution pourvue de deux jauges de contrainte. Une montre selon l'invention pourrait comprendre une seule jauge agencée de manière à pouvoir mesurer une manipulation en une seule direction, par exemple seulement la jauge 15. Il est également envisageable de prévoir plus que deux jauges, par exemple sur quatre situés à quatre endroits autour de l'axe de la couronne, correspondant notamment aux angles 0, 90°, 180° et 270°.The invention is not limited to embodiments provided with two strain gauges. A watch according to the invention could comprise a single gauge arranged so as to be able to measure manipulation in a single direction, for example only gauge 15. It is also possible to provide more than two gauges, for example out of four located at four places around the axis of the crown, corresponding in particular to the angles 0, 90°, 180° and 270°.

Parmi les formes d'exécution pourvues d'au moins deux jauges de contraintes, des formes d'exécution particulières sont par exemple l'attribution de fonctionnalités spécifiques en fonction de la direction dans laquelle l'organe de commande est manipulé dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe central 10. Par exemple, dans le cas de la forme d'exécution représentée aux figures, la manipulation selon l'axe Z, détectée seulement par la jauge 15, pourra commander une fonction différente que la manipulation selon l'axe Y, détectée seulement par la jauge 16. Dans ce cas, le processeur est préférentiellement configuré de sorte qu'une légère déviation de la manipulation par rapport aux axes Y et Z sera négligée.Among the embodiments provided with at least two strain gauges, particular embodiments are for example the allocation of specific functionalities according to the direction in which the control member is manipulated in a plane perpendicular to the central axis 10. For example, in the case of the embodiment represented in the figures, the manipulation along the Z axis, detected only by the gauge 15, can control a different function than the manipulation along the Y axis , detected only by the gauge 16. In this case, the processor is preferably configured so that a slight deviation of the manipulation with respect to the Y and Z axes will be neglected.

Selon une variante de réalisation, un module comprenant les jauges est agencé au moins en majeure partie dans un logement usiné dans la paroi de la carrure autour de l'ouverture pour la tige 2 et le raccord-tige 6, par exemple dans le tube 3. Dans une autre variante de réalisation, les jauges de contrainte sont agencées dans un logement interne du tube 3, par exemple du côté de l'extrémité extérieure de ce tube, les jauges détectant alors les forces radiales exercées sur elles par le raccord-tige 6 lors de la manipulation de la couronne 1 selon les deux directions Y et Z. Toutefois, la variante représentée est préférée à cette dernière variante car, dans la variante représentée, le module de mesure est situé dans la partie étanche de la boîte de montre et les connexions électriques entre ce module de mesure et d'autres unités de la montre, notamment un module d'affichage électronique, sont facilitées.According to a variant embodiment, a module comprising the gauges is arranged at least for the most part in a housing machined in the wall of the caseband around the opening for the stem 2 and the connection-stem 6, for example in the tube 3 In another alternative embodiment, the strain gauges are arranged in an internal housing of the tube 3, for example on the side of the outer end of this tube, the gauges then detecting the radial forces exerted on them by the fitting-rod 6 when handling the crown 1 in the two directions Y and Z. However, the variant shown is preferred to this last variant because, in the variant shown, the measurement module is located in the waterproof part of the watch case and the electrical connections between this measurement module and other units of the watch, in particular an electronic display module, are facilitated.

La bague 17 n'est qu'une forme d'exécution d'une interface élastique, qui pourrait prendre d'autres formes équivalentes, par exemple comportant deux pièces en matériau élastique montées entre les jauges et la rondelle 18. Ensuite, la rondelle 18, bien qu'avantageuse, n'est pas indispensable. Par contre, pour avoir une précontrainte exercée sur les jauges tout en ayant la tige 2 libre dans son mouvement axial, la rondelle en matériau dur est utile.The ring 17 is only one embodiment of an elastic interface, which could take other equivalent forms, for example comprising two parts made of elastic material mounted between the gauges and the washer 18. Next, the washer 18 , although advantageous, is not essential. On the other hand, to have a prestress exerted on the gauges while having the rod 2 free in its axial movement, the washer made of hard material is useful.

Selon d'autres formes d'exécution, la couronne 1 (ou tout autre organe de commande auquel l'invention est applicable) est capable de subir un déplacement axial auto-réversible à partir de la position de repos, à la manière d'un poussoir de chronographe. Ce déplacement axial est actionné par l'utilisateur qui pousse la couronne brièvement vers la carrure 5 et puis relâche la couronne, qui revient de manière automatique vers sa position initiale. Ceci est réalisable par exemple quand la couronne 1 est assemblée à la tige 2 via un mécanisme de poussoir à ressort, connu en soi. Selon les formes d'exécution pertinentes pour l'invention, la montre est munie d'un détecteur agencé pour détecter ce déplacement axial de sorte que le processeur génère en réponse une commande spécifique et différente des commandes générées par la manipulation radiale de la couronne. Les commandes générées par la poussée de la couronne peuvent être des commandes de confirmation d'une sélection parmi des options présentées par exemple dans un menu. La poussée réversible peut aussi être utilisée également pour activer ou désactiver la fonction de 'joystick' de la couronne. La durée de la poussée peut déterminer la commande. Par exemple, une durée plus longue pour l'activation ou désactivation de la fonction 'joystick' et une durée plus courte pour confirmer une sélection dès que la fonction est active.According to other embodiments, the crown 1 (or any other control member to which the invention is applicable) is capable of undergoing a self-reversing axial movement from the rest position, like a chronograph pusher. This axial movement is actuated by the user who pushes the crown briefly towards the caseband 5 and then releases the crown, which automatically returns to its initial position. This is possible for example when the crown 1 is assembled to the stem 2 via a spring pusher mechanism, known per se. According to the embodiments relevant to the invention, the watch is provided with a detector arranged to detect this axial displacement so that the processor generates in response a specific command and different from the commands generated by the radial manipulation of the crown. The commands generated by pushing the crown can be commands for confirming a selection from options presented for example in a menu. The reversible push can also be used to activate or deactivate the 'joystick' function of the crown. The duration of the push can determine the command. For example, a longer duration for activating or deactivating the 'joystick' function and a shorter duration for confirming a selection as soon as the function is active.

Différents types de détecteurs de proximité sont utilisables pour détecter le rapprochement de la couronne vers la carrure. Par exemple, une paire de contacts galvaniques pourraient être prévus, qui se touchent quand la couronne est poussée, ou plus avantageusement un détecteur capacitif pourrait être implémenté. Une autre possibilité est un détecteur magnétique a réluctance variable comprenant une pièce magnétique intégrée dans la paroi de la carrure et pourvue d'un solénoïde dans lequel le courant engendré sous une tension donnée est une fonction de la distance entre la pièce magnétique et la face intérieure de la couronne qui est fabriquée au moins partiellement d'un matériau ferromagnétique.Different types of proximity detectors can be used to detect the approach of the crown towards the caseband. For example, a pair of galvanic contacts could be provided which touch when the crown is pushed in, or more preferably a capacitive sensor could be implemented. Another possibility is a magnetic detector with variable reluctance comprising a magnetic part integrated into the wall of the middle part and provided with a solenoid in which the current generated under a given voltage is a function of the distance between the magnetic part and the inner face. of the crown which is made at least partially of a ferromagnetic material.

Claims (14)

  1. Watch comprising a watch case that includes: - a middle (5), - a horological movement inside the middle, and - a control member (1) mounted laterally with respect to the middle; the control member being mounted at the outer end of an elongate element (6, 2) that projects out of the middle (5), this elongate element defining a central axis (10), the control member being configured to fulfil at least one first function of the watch via a rotation or an axial movement of the elongate element, the watch being provided with at least one additional function that can be managed by an electrical signal; characterised in that the watch includes:
    - at least one strain gauge (15, 16) mounted inside the middle (5) or at least partially in this middle or in an external element fixedly connected to this middle, this strain gauge and the elongate element being arranged so that the elongate element can exert a radial force on this strain gauge when a sufficient actuation force is exerted by a user on the control member in at least one direction substantially perpendicular to said central axis, said strain gauge being arranged so as to produce an electrical signal that is dependent on the radial force and thus on said actuation force, and
    - a processor configured to generate a command that manages said additional function on the basis of the electrical signal generated by the strain gauge.
  2. Watch according to claim 1, characterised in that said at least one strain gauge is immobilised with respect to the middle (5) and mounted against a resilient interface (17) that is arranged between the elongate element (6, 2) and said at least one strain gauge.
  3. Watch according to claim 2, characterised in that said resilient interface takes the form of an O-ring (17) centred on said central axis.
  4. Watch according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that a washer (18) made from rigid material is mounted around the elongate element (6, 2), which is left free in axial translation, and between this elongate element (6, 2) and the resilient interface (17), the strain gauge being mounted so as to be prestressed against the resilient interface.
  5. Watch according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the watch comprises a support (19) that immobilises said at least one strain gauge (15, 16) with respect to a wall of the middle (5) or with respect to the horological movement, the support comprising an opening (20) for passage of the elongate element (6, 2) and at least one bed (21, 22) for receiving said at least one strain gauge.
  6. Watch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the watch comprises two strain gauges (15, 16) mounted orthogonally in relation to said central axis.
  7. Watch according to claim 6, characterised in that distinct functions of the watch are managed by the manipulations of the control member in respective distinct directions, said distinct directions being defined essentially by the angular position of the strain gauges.
  8. Watch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control member (1) is capable of undergoing an axial auto-reversible movement with respect to the middle (5), the watch including at least one proximity detector, arranged so as to be able to detect said axial movement, and a processor configured to generate, in response to said axial movement, a command that is different from the commands generated by the manipulation of the control member in said at least one direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis.
  9. Watch according to claim 8, characterised in that a command generated by the detection of said axial movement is the activation or deactivation of the function of said at least one strain gauge.
  10. Watch according to claim 8, characterised in that a command generated by the detection of said axial movement is the confirmation of a selection.
  11. Watch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control member is a rotary crown (1) arranged so as to rotate the elongate element (6, 2) about the central axis (10) when a user turns the crown (1) in order to execute said first function.
  12. Watch according to claim 11, characterised in that the elongate element includes the assembly consisting of an arbor (2) and an arbor coupling, the crown being mounted at the outer end of the arbor coupling (6).
  13. Watch according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the control member (1) is a push-piece, said first function of which is to activate a feature of a chronograph with which the watch is equipped.
  14. Watch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the horological movement is of the mechanical type.
EP19214813.8A 2019-12-10 2019-12-10 Watch provided with a controller Active EP3835887B1 (en)

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EP19214813.8A EP3835887B1 (en) 2019-12-10 2019-12-10 Watch provided with a controller
US17/060,275 US11493886B2 (en) 2019-12-10 2020-10-01 Watch provided with a control member
JP2020181059A JP6982160B2 (en) 2019-12-10 2020-10-29 A small clock with a control member
CN202011428338.9A CN112947037B (en) 2019-12-10 2020-12-09 Watch provided with a control unit

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US20210173347A1 (en) 2021-06-10
JP6982160B2 (en) 2021-12-17
CN112947037B (en) 2022-05-13
US11493886B2 (en) 2022-11-08
CN112947037A (en) 2021-06-11
JP2021092545A (en) 2021-06-17
EP3835887A1 (en) 2021-06-16

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