CH710493A2 - Timepiece with control bezel. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece comprising a middle (2a) closed by a bottom and an ice in which an electronic system (4a, 4b, 4c) is arranged, said middle part (2a) comprising a peripheral shoulder comprising a base and a side wall parallel to the central axis of the middle part (2a), said timepiece comprising a bezel (81) locked in rotation around the central axis on said peripheral shoulder, characterized in that said bezel (81) has at least one degree of freedom allowing the sensor (4c) and the microcontroller (4b) of the electronic system to control said timepiece.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a middle part closed by a caseback and a crystal, said timepiece further comprising a bezel system fixed to said middle part.

[0002] The technical field of the invention is the technical field of fine mechanics.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0003] Portable objects such as electronic watches are known. These electronic watches include a case made up of a caseband closed by a caseback and a crystal; under the mirror, display means are arranged.

[0004] This watch further comprises an electronic module capable of performing various functions such as for example an alarm or chronograph or countdown function.

[0005] To operate such a watch, it is equipped with control means. These control means can comprise a crown and / or pushers located at the middle part. In a classic watch, this is generally equipped with a crown located at 3 o'clock and two pushers located respectively at 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock. A pusher can also be substituted for the crown.

[0006] For more complicated watches, two other pushers located at 8 o'clock and 10 o'clock can be added.

[0007] The implementation of the various functions is therefore very often limited to successive manipulations of these control means, with predefined sequences and / or more or less long press times.

To solve this problem, one solution consists in using tactile means. These tactile means comprise tactile keys arranged for example at the level of the crystal or the middle part.

[0009] However, the addition of tactile means increases costs and can make handling of the various functions more complex. In addition, the use of touch sensitive buttons on the glass can reduce the visibility of the display area while the user is operating various functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The aim of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing to provide a portable object having additional control means allowing new manipulations without overloading the number of push buttons or the number of touch keys.

[0011] To this end, the present invention consists of a portable object such as a timepiece comprising a middle part closed by a back cover and a crystal in which an electronic system is arranged, said middle part comprising a peripheral shoulder comprising a base and a side wall parallel to the central axis of the caseband, said timepiece comprising a bezel locked in rotation around the central axis on said peripheral shoulder, characterized in that said bezel has at least one degree of freedom allowing interface means connected to the electronic system and arranged between the bezel and the middle part to be activated by movement of said bezel by the user in a direction similar to that of the degree of freedom allowing the electronic system to control said timepiece .

In a first advantageous embodiment, the degree of freedom allows a pivoting movement of the bezel relative to one of these diameters.

[0013] In a second advantageous embodiment, the degree of freedom allows a translational movement of the bezel in its plane.

[0014] In a third advantageous embodiment, the interface means are arranged on the base of the shoulder.

[0015] In a fourth advantageous embodiment, the interface means are arranged on the side wall of the shoulder.

In a fifth advantageous embodiment, the interface means comprise at least one capacitive sensor or at least one inductive sensor or at least one optical sensor or at least one galvanic sensor or at least one strain gauge or at least a magnetic sensor or at least one potentiometric sensor or a combination of at least two of these sensors or gauges.

[0017] In a sixth advantageous embodiment, at least one capacitive sensor comprises an armature on one face of the shoulder and an armature on a lower face of the bezel, said base of the shoulder and said bezel being at least partially made of non-conductive materials.

[0018] The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a middle part closed by a back and a crystal in which an electronic system is arranged, said middle part comprising a peripheral shoulder comprising a base and a side wall parallel to the central axis of the middle part, said timepiece comprising a bezel system mounted to be movable in rotation about the central axis on said peripheral shoulder, said rotating bezel system comprising a bezel and an indexing assembly comprising spring means as the first part and a toothed element as a second part, one of the first or second parts being fixed to the bezel, the other being fixed to the middle part, characterized in that said ring has at least one degree of freedom allowing interface means connected to the electronic system and arranged between said bezel and the middle part to be activated movement of said bezel by the user in a direction similar to that the degree of freedom allowing the electronic system to control said timepiece.

In a first advantageous embodiment, the degree of freedom allows a pivoting movement of the bezel relative to one of these diameters.

[0020] In a second advantageous embodiment, the degree of freedom allows a translational movement of the bezel in its plane

[0021] In a third advantageous embodiment, the interface means are arranged on the base of the shoulder.

[0022] In a fourth advantageous embodiment, the interface means are arranged on the side wall of the shoulder.

[0023] In a fifth advantageous embodiment, the interface means comprise at least one capacitive sensor or at least one inductive sensor or at least one optical sensor or at least one galvanic sensor or at least one strain gauge or at least a magnetic sensor or at least one potentiometric sensor or a combination of at least two of these sensors or gauges.

[0024] In a sixth advantageous embodiment, at least one capacitive sensor comprises an armature on one face of the shoulder and an armature on a lower face of the bezel, said base of the shoulder and said bezel being at least partially made of non-conductive materials.

[0025] In another advantageous embodiment, the timepiece further comprises rotation detection means comprising a series of receiving contacts placed at the middle part and at least one slider contact placed at the bezel. , said series of receiving contacts and said at least one cursor contact being electrically conductive pads.

[0026] In another advantageous embodiment, the timepiece further comprises rotation detection means comprising a series of receiving contacts placed at the middle part and at least one slider contact placed at the bezel. , said series of receiving contacts and said at least one cursor contact being magnetic elements.

In another advantageous embodiment, the timepiece furthermore means for detecting the rotation comprising a series of receiving contacts placed at the level of the middle part and at least one slider contact placed at the level of the bezel, said series of receiving contacts and said at least one cursor contact are the armatures used by said at least capacitive sensor.

[0028] In another advantageous embodiment, the timepiece further comprises rotation detection means comprising a series of receiving contacts placed at the level of the bezel and at least one slider contact placed at the level of the middle part , said series of receiving contacts and said at least one cursor contact are the armatures used by said at least capacitive sensor.

[0029] In another advantageous embodiment, said rotating bezel system comprising a force feedback system (400) an elastic element allowing the ring to return to its initial position following a release of an applied rotational force on said ring

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The aims, advantages and characteristics of the present invention will emerge more clearly in the following detailed description of at least one embodiment of the invention given solely by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which : Figs. 1a and 1b schematically represent the timepiece according to the invention; Figs. 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b schematically represent a first embodiment of a first embodiment of the invention; Figs. 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b schematically show a second embodiment of a first embodiment of the invention; Figs. 7 to 11 schematically show an embodiment of a second embodiment of the invention; Figs. 12 and 13 schematically show a variant of the second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of providing a portable object provided with additional control means to the usual pushers and crown without overloading or complicating said portable object too much. The portable object in question will be a piece of timepiece such as a wristwatch or pocket watch or a portable object on a bracelet such as a pedometer or a GPS.

[0032] In fig. 1a and 1b, a portable object 1 according to the present invention is shown. The portable object 1, here a watch, comprises a case 2 consisting of a caseband 2a closed by a crystal 2b and a back 2c. In this housing 2, an electronic system 4 is placed. This electronic system 4, mounted on a plate 4a, comprises a microcontroller 4b able to operate various functions. The microcontroller 4b can, for this purpose, use one or more sensors 4c electrically connected to said microcontroller. The electronic system 4 controls display means 6 located under the glass and is powered by an energy source which can be, for example, a battery 10 or a rechargeable battery. The middle part can also include a bezel system 8. Conventional control means 12 can be arranged to control the electronic system 4.

[0033] In a first embodiment, the bezel system 8 is a fixed bezel system 80. Such a bezel system 80 is attached to the housing 2 of the portable object 1 at its middle part 2a. This middle part 2a comprises a peripheral shoulder 20 defined by a side wall 21 and a base 22, in which the fixed bezel system 80 is placed. The fixed bezel system 80 includes a bezel 81 in the form of an annular piece. The annular bezel 81 having an upper face 82, a lower face 83, an interior edge 84 and an exterior edge 85, the upper face 82 being the face visible to the user. This bezel 81 is generally driven out on the middle part 2a. This forced insertion is possible by providing the bezel 81 and the shoulder 20 with a pair of grooves 23 projecting 86. The bezel is held angularly by pairs of grooves / lugs cooperating together (not shown).

Advantageously according to the invention, interface means 9 are arranged between the middle part 2a and the fixed bezel system 80 and, more particularly, the bezel 81. These interface means 9, connected to the microcontroller 4b, allow the use of at least one degree of freedom of movement of the bezel 81 relative to the middle part, to perform manipulations of the portable object 1. The user would therefore use this bezel to control the portable object. In fact, the bezel 81 is mounted on the middle part 2a so that a clearance, even small, equal to a maximum of one tenth of a millimeter, is present. This game is invisible to the naked eye for the user, but it is sufficient for the purposes of the invention. This bezel can also make it possible, when the portable object is provided with an electronic system 4 provided with a wireless communication module, to control an external object such as a drone or a television set or a tablet computer.

[0035] In a first embodiment visible in FIG. 2a, the degree of freedom of the bezel 81 allows the detection of a pressure on said bezel. This detection of a press is possible because the bezel 81, following a press, tilts, that is to say moves in pivoting or tilting, relative to one of the diameters of said bezel. As such, the interface means 9 are located at the level of the shoulder 20 of the middle part 2a.

[0036] According to a first solution, the interface means 9 comprise at least one strain gauge 90, preferably a plurality of strain gauges 90. These strain gauges 90 are electrically connected to a detection unit of the microcontroller 4b. These strain gauges 90 are arranged and evenly distributed on the base 22 of the shoulder 20 so that the bezel 81, when it is mounted on the housing 2, is opposite these strain gauges 90. The number of gauges of constraints 90 depends on the application that will be made of them.

[0037] For detection over the entire scope, at least three strain gauges 90 are used. These three strain gauges 90 are angularly distributed so that a pressure on the bezel by the user causes the appearance of a more or less strong stress on at least two gauges depending on the intensity of the detected stresses.

[0038] According to a basic configuration, it is planned to have four strain gauges 90, one on each cardinal point. It is then understood that the four strain gauges 90 are respectively placed at the level of the 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock markings of the clock tower.

According to a more complete configuration, it is planned to have a number of strain gauges 90 greater than four and, preferably, a multiple of four, that is to say to have at least eight strain gauges 90. These strain gauges 90 are then distributed angularly on the base 22 of the shoulder 20. Thus, with eight strain gauges 90, they are arranged every 45 °. A greater number of strain gauges 90 allows better detection of the press but can lead to confusion in the press: the user who wanted to press on a specific area ends up pressing on another area.

[0040] These strain gauges 90 are for example in the form of a piezoelectric sensor. Such a piezoelectric sensor consists of an encapsulated material, said material being capable of generating an electrical voltage under the effect of a pressure applied to it.

[0041] Consequently, when the user presses on the bezel 81 as visible in FIG. 2b, preferably at the level of the zone below which a strain gauge 90 is arranged, pressure is exerted on the strain gauge 90. This pressure causes the appearance of a voltage at the outlet of the strain gauge 90. This voltage is detected by the detection unit of the microcontroller 4b which will deduce therefrom that a press is made and act accordingly to control the timepiece.

[0042] According to a second solution, the interface means comprise a plurality of capacitive sensors 92 as visible in FIG. 3a. These capacitive sensors 92 each comprise two conductive armatures 94 separated by an insulator. This insulator can be air or an intervening element. These capacitive sensors 92 are electrically connected to a detection unit of the microcontroller 4b via one of the two armatures 94. These capacitive sensors 92 are arranged so that an armature 94a is placed on the base 22 of the shoulder 20 and that the other frame 94b is placed on the lower face 83 of the bezel 81. It is therefore necessary for the middle part 2a and the bezel 81 to be at least partially made of non-conductive materials such as plastic for this capacitive technology to work. The arrangement of the frames 94 makes it possible to have the frames facing each other when the bezel 81 is mounted on the housing 2.

[0043] These capacitive sensors 92 are distributed, preferably equally, on the base 22 of the shoulder 20. The number of capacitive sensors 92 depends on the application to be made of them.

[0044] According to a basic configuration, it is planned to have four capacitive sensors 92, one on each cardinal point. It is then understood that the four capacitive sensors 92 are respectively placed at the level of the 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock markings of the clock tower or hour circle.

According to a more complete configuration, it is planned to have a number of capacitive sensors 92 greater than four and, preferably, a multiple of four, that is to say to have at least eight capacitive sensors 92. These capacitive sensors 92 are then distributed angularly on the base 22 of the shoulder 20. Thus, with eight capacitive sensors 92, they are arranged every 45 °. A larger number of capacitive sensors 92 allows better detection of the press but can lead to confusion in the press: the user who wanted to press on a specific area finds himself pressing on another area.

The operation of these capacitive sensors 92 uses their physical principle. Indeed, the capacity C of a capacitor is equal to:

With S: surface of the facing reinforcements, e distance between the reinforcements and e the permittivity of the dielectric.

The quantity used here for the detection of the support is the distance e between the reinforcements 94 (see zoom of FIG. 3a). Indeed, it is known that if the distance e varies then the capacity varies so that, if the distance e increases, the capacity decreases and vice versa.

[0049] Consequently, when the user presses on the bezel 81 as visible in FIG. 3b, preferably in the area below which a capacitive sensor 92 is arranged, the pressure exerted causes a displacement of the frame 94b located on the bezel 81 relative to the frame 94a located opposite the middle part. This displacement consists in bringing the two reinforcements 94 closer together, resulting in a modification of the distance e1 smaller than the initial distance e and increasing the value of the measured capacitance.

The detection unit of the microcontroller 4b which is responsible for detecting the capacitance values of the capacitive sensors 94 detects this increase in capacitance. The detection unit will deduce from this that a press has been made and the microcontroller 4b will act accordingly according to its programming. Depending on the bezel middle configurations, it is possible to replace the capacitive sensors 92 with inductive, galvanic or optical devices.

For an inductive device, this is, for example, a sensor consisting of a permanent magnet placed inside a coil. When a metal object is placed near the sensor, the magnetic reluctance of the circuit varies, and allows the creation of a current in the coil, the current being more or less strong depending on the distance from the metal object which can be here a metal frame.

For an optical device, this is, for example, a sensor consisting of a light emitting element and a receiving element. The optical device can be configured so that the light beam reflects against a wall of the telescope before being received by the receiving element. The time between transmission and reception varies depending on the distance between the bezel and the caseband.

In a variant, in addition to the detection of a support, that is to say the displacement of the frame 94b located on the bezel relative to the frame 94a located opposite the middle part, a detection of a reverse displacement is performed.

This variant takes into account the fact that when pressing on an area of the bezel, the opposite area undergoes reverse displacement by leverage. See fig. 3b. Consequently, if a support causes, at the level of said bearing zone, a displacement of the frame located on the bezel 81 relative to the frame located on the middle part 2a increasing the capacity, it also causes, at the level of the zone opposite the bearing zone, a displacement of the frame situated on the bezel 81 relative to the frame situated on the middle part 2a. This displacement is that the two frames move away from each other and therefore a decrease in capacity.

[0055] The detection unit then detects, in parallel, the increase in capacity on the support zone and the decrease in capacity on an area opposite to the support zone.

It is also possible that when pressing, the whole of the bezel 81 moves so that all of the capacitive sensors 92 see their capacity vary. The detection unit then detects the variation of each capacitive sensor 82 and analyzes them. From this analysis, the sensing unit detects the largest variations: the largest capacity increase being the fulcrum while the largest capacity decrease is the area opposite the fulcrum.

[0057] In a second embodiment visible in FIG. 4a, the degree of freedom of the bezel 81 allows the detection of a translation of said bezel 81. As such, the interface means 9 are located at the level of the shoulder of the middle part 2a.

[0058] According to a first solution, the interface means 9 comprise a plurality of strain gauges 91. These strain gauges 91 are electrically connected to a detection unit of the microcontroller 4b. These strain gauges 91 are arranged on the side wall 21 of the shoulder 20 so that the inner edge 84 of the bezel 81, when it is mounted on the case 2 at the level of its caseband 2a, is opposite these strain gauges 91. These strain gauges 91 are distributed over the side wall 21 of the shoulder 20. The number of strain gauges 91 depends on the application to be made of them.

[0059] According to a basic configuration, it is expected to have four strain gauges 91, one on each cardinal point. It is then understood that the four strain gauges are respectively placed at the level of the 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock markings of the clock tower.

According to a more complete configuration, it is planned to have a number of strain gauges 91 greater than four and, preferably, a multiple of four, that is to say to have at least eight strain gauges 91. These strain gauges 91 are then distributed angularly over the side wall 21 of the shoulder. Thus, with eight strain gauges 91, these are arranged every 45 °. A larger number of strain gauges 91 allows better detection of the translation of the telescope but can lead to confusion: the user who wanted to act on a precise zone finds himself acting on another zone.

[0061] Each strain gauge 91 is typically in the form of a piezoelectric sensor. Such a piezoelectric sensor consists of an encapsulated material, said material being capable of generating an electrical voltage under the effect of a pressure applied to it.

[0062] Consequently, when the user translates the bezel as visible in FIG. 4b, preferably in the region where a strain gauge is located, pressure is exerted on the latter 91. The translation of the bezel 81 by the user consists of a pressure exerted by the latter on the outer edge. 85 of the bezel 81, this pressure being exerted in a radial direction to the bezel 81.

This pressure causes the appearance of a voltage at the output of the strain gauge 91. This voltage is detected by the detection unit of the microcontroller 4a which will deduce that a press is made.

[0064] According to a second solution, the interface means 9 comprise a plurality of capacitive sensors 93 as visible in FIG. 5a. These capacitive sensors 93 each comprise two conductive armatures 95 separated by an insulator. These capacitive sensors 93 are electrically connected to a detection unit of the microcontroller 4b via one of the two armatures 95. These capacitive sensors 93 are arranged so that an armature 95a is placed on the side wall 21 of the shoulder 20 and that the other frame 95b be placed on the inner edge 84 of the bezel 81. It is therefore necessary for the middle part and the bezel to be at least partially made of non-conductive materials such as plastic for this capacitive technology to work. The arrangement of the frames 95 makes it possible to have them facing each other when the bezel 81 is mounted on the housing 2.

These capacitive sensors 93 are distributed over the side wall 21 of the shoulder 20. The number of capacitive sensors 93 depends on the application to be made of them.

[0066] According to a basic configuration, it is planned to have four capacitive sensors 93, one on each cardinal point. It is then understood that the four capacitive sensors 93 are respectively placed at the level of the 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock markings of the clock tower.

According to a more complete configuration, provision is made to have a number of capacitive sensors 93 greater than four and, preferably, a multiple of four, that is to say to have at least eight capacitive sensors 93. These capacitive sensors 93 are then distributed angularly on the side wall of the shoulder 20. Thus, with eight capacitive sensors 93, they are arranged every 45 °. A larger number of capacitive sensors 93 allows better detection of the press but can lead to confusion in the press: the user who wanted to act on a specific area finds himself acting on another area.

The operation of these capacitive sensors 93 uses their physical principle, as described above.

The quantity used here for the detection of the support is the distance e between the reinforcements. In fact, it is known that if the distance e varies then the capacity varies so that if the distance e increases, the capacity decreases and vice versa.

[0070] When the user wants to interact with the portable object, he manipulates the bezel 81 to make it translate (see fig. 5b). To do this, he exerts pressure on it, preferably at the level of an area where a capacitive sensor 93 is arranged. This pressure is exerted in a radial direction to the bezel 81.

This pressure exerted towards the bezel 81 causes a displacement of the frame 95b located on the bezel 81 relative to the frame 95a located opposite the caseband 2a. This movement consists in bringing the two reinforcements 95 closer together, resulting in a reduction in the distance e and therefore a modification of the capacity, the latter increasing.

The detection unit of the microcontroller 4b which is responsible for detecting the capacitance values of the capacitive sensors 93 detects this increase in capacitance. The detection unit will deduce that a press has been made and the microcontroller 4b will act accordingly according to its programming.

In a variant, the detection unit takes into account the fact that during the translation of a zone of the bezel 81, the opposite zone undergoes a reverse displacement. Consequently, if a translation due to a pressure causes, at the level of said bearing zone, a displacement of the frame located on the bezel relative to the frame located on the middle part increasing the capacity, it also causes, at the level of the zone opposite to the bearing zone, a displacement of the frame located on the bezel relative to the frame located on the middle part. This displacement is that the two frames 95 move away from each other and therefore, a decrease in capacity.

[0074] The detection unit then detects, in parallel, the increase in capacity on the support zone and the decrease in capacity on an area opposite the support zone.

[0075] It is also possible that when pressing to translate the bezel 81, the assembly of the bezel 81 moves so that all of the capacitive sensors 93 see their capacity vary. The detection unit then detects the variation of each capacitive sensor 93 and analyzes the data. From this analysis, the sensing unit detects the largest variations: the largest capacity increase being the fulcrum while the largest capacity decrease is the area opposite the fulcrum.

However, the translation of the bezel 81 does not cause a change in the thickness between the frames 95 for all of the capacitive sensors 93. For example in FIGS. 6a and 6b, if the user exerts pressure on the outer edge of the bezel at the level of zone 12H, the capacitive sensor located on this zone 12H sees the distance between these reinforcements 95 reduced while the opposite zone is that is to say at 6 o'clock sees the distance between these reinforcements 95 increased. However, for the zones located at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, the distance between these reinforcements 95 does not vary. However, in these positions, the frames 95 are offset from each other. In this case, the area of the frames 95 facing each other decreases so that the capacity also decreases.

In a third embodiment, the first embodiment and the second embodiment are combined so that the user can act on the bezel 981 by pressing on its upper face 82 or on its outer edge 85. The interface means 9 therefore comprise capacitive sensors 93 or strain gauges 91 or others arranged at the level of the base 22 of the shoulder 20 of the middle part 2a and capacitive sensors 93 or strain gauges 91 or other arranged. at the level of the side wall 21 of the shoulder 20 of the caseband 2a.

In a second embodiment visible in FIG. 7, the bezel system 8 is a rotating bezel system 180. Such a rotating bezel system 180 is attached to the housing of the portable object at its middle part 2a. This middle part still comprises a peripheral shoulder 20 defined by a side wall 21 and a base 22, in which the system 180 is placed. The bezel system 180 includes a bezel 181 in the form of an annular piece. The annular bezel 181 has an upper face 182, a lower face 183, an interior edge 184 and an exterior edge 185, the upper face 182 being the face visible to the user.

This rotating bezel system 180 comprises an indexing assembly 186 comprising a toothed element 187 such as a notch or a toothing, and a spring means 188. The bezel 181 is provided, on its lower surface, with the toothed element 187. The spring means 188 is inserted between the rotating bezel 181 and the middle part 2a of the timepiece 1 when the bezel 181 is force-mounted on the middle part 2a of the timepiece. Of course, it is possible that the notch 187 is arranged on the middle part 2a while the spring means 188 is arranged on the bezel.

This forced insertion is possible by providing the bezel 181 and the shoulder 20 with a groove-protruding part 189. For example, the side wall 21 of the shoulder 20 is provided with a groove while the telescope 181 is provided with a protruding part. When the force insertion to secure the rotating bezel system 180 to the housing 2 is performed, the protruding portion of the bezel 181 fits into the groove of the side wall 21 of the shoulder 20 to hold said bezel.

The spring means 188 is for example in the form of a flat ring comprising, on its face facing the notching of the bezel, slats. These slats are arranged to have an inclination between 0 and 90 ° relative to the plane of the flat ring. These strips have a certain elasticity so that the spring means act on the rotating bezel to exert a vertical force. This vertical force tends to push the bezel 181 out of the middle of the timepiece.

These strips also serve to cooperate with the notching 187 of the bezel. The slats and the notch are then configured so that the bezel is unidirectional or bidirectional. Indeed, the bezel is rotatably mounted via a tooth-spring pair.

To detect the rotation, rotation detection means 200 are included. These rotation detection means 200 further include a series of receiving contacts 202 arranged at the middle part and at least one slider contact 204 arranged at the bezel. A series of receiving contacts 202 arranged at the middle part and a series of cursor contacts 204 arranged at the bezel level can also be provided, the number of receiving contacts being greater than the number of cursor contacts. The technology used is capacitive or magnetic so that the contacts are metallic pads or magnets or magnetic elements.

Advantageously according to the invention, interface means 9 are arranged between the middle part 2a and the fixed bezel system 180 and, more particularly, the bezel 181. These interface means 9, connected to the microcontroller 4b, allow the use of at least one degree of freedom of movement of the bezel 181 with respect to the middle part, to perform manipulations of the portable object 1. It can thus be a support or a translation.

In a first solution visible in FIG. 8, one or more strain gauges 190 are used as described above for the first embodiment. These strain gauges 190 are arranged on the base 22 of the shoulder 20 of the middle 2a so that if the bezel 181 rotates, a press is detected regardless of the angular position of the bezel 181 relative to the middle 2a.

To allow the detection of a press and a detection of the rotation, the configuration having a series of receiving contacts 202 arranged at the middle part 2a and at least one cursor contact 204 is used. The series of receiving contacts 202 can be arranged at the level of the base 22 of the shoulder 20 of the middle part 2a and said at least one cursor contact 204 arranged on the underside of the bezel 181 or else the series of receiving contacts 202 can be arranged at the side wall 21 of the shoulder 20 of the middle part and said at least one slider contact 204 arranged on the inner edge of the bezel.

In a second solution, one or more capacitive sensors 192 are used as described above for the first embodiment. These capacitive sensors 192 require having an armature 194 at the middle part 2a and an armature 194 at the bezel 181.

To allow the detection of a support and a detection of the rotation, the configuration having a series of receiving contacts arranged at the middle part and at least one cursor contact is used.

In a first visible alternative, the series of receiving contacts 204 and said at least one cursor contact 202 are dissociated from the armatures 194 of the capacitive sensors 192. The series of receiving contacts 204 can be arranged at the level of the base 22 (fig. . 9a) or of the side wall 21 (FIG. 9b) of the shoulder 20 of the middle part 2a and said at least one slider contact 202 arranged on the inner edge 184 or of the lower surface 183 of the bezel 181. In this In this case, provision may be made for the armatures 194 of the capacitive sensors 182 arranged on the middle part 2a to have a larger area than the armatures of the capacitive sensors arranged on the bezel 181, as visible in FIG. 9c, in order to prevent the frames from facing each other when rotating the bezel, the reverse may be possible.

In a second alternative visible in FIG. 10, the series of receiving contacts 204 and said at least one cursor contact 202 are associated with the armatures 194 of the capacitive sensors 192. In fact, in this second alternative, the series of receiving contacts 204 is merged with the armatures 194 of the capacitive sensors. 192 arranged on the middle part while said at least one cursor contact is merged with the armatures of the capacitive sensors arranged on the bezel. As a result, when the bezel rotates, the slider contact (s) acting as armatures for the capacitive sensors move relative to the series of receiving contacts arranged on the caseband acting as armatures for capacitive sensors. In order to improve the operation of this alternative, the cursor contacts acting as armatures for capacitive sensors arranged on the bezel are of larger dimensions than the receiving contacts. This makes it possible to be sure to have the slider contacts acting as armatures for capacitive sensors, always facing a receiving contact arranged on the caseband. Therefore, the user is sure that by pressing one of the cardinal points at 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock of the clock, its pressing will be detected.

In a third alternative visible in FIG. 11, the series of receiving contacts 204 and said at least one cursor contact 202 are associated with the armatures 194 of the capacitive sensors 192. More particularly, there is only one single cursor contact 202. The series of receiving contacts 204 is merged with the armatures 194 of the capacitive sensors 192 arranged on the middle part while the cursor contact 202 is arranged on the bezel 181 and also acts as an armature. Therefore, when the bezel 181 rotates, the cursor contact 202 moves relative to the series of receiving contacts 204 arranged on the middle part 2a acting as armatures 194 of capacitive sensors 192 and allows the detection of the rotation of the bezel. . The position of the cursor contact 202 is advantageously marked on the bezel 181 so that to act by pressing on the portable object, the user turns the bezel to bring the cursor contact to the cardinal point at 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock in the morning. clock tower. Once the bezel is in the desired position and in which the cursor contact 202 is located opposite a receiver contact 204, the user presses the upper face 182 of the bezel. The change in capacity due to the pressure of the telescope 181 is detected by the detection unit. There is therefore here a dual use of the series of receiving contacts 204 and of the cursor contact 202.

For the arrangement of the capacitive sensors 192, it can be envisaged that the base 22 of the shoulder, the side wall 21 of the shoulder, the lower face 183 of the bezel and / or the inner edge 184 of the bezel are provided with at least one groove in which the frames are placed. This or these grooves allow the reinforcements to be mounted flush with the surface and therefore not to protrude. Friction between the bezel 181 and the middle part 2a which can damage said frames is then avoided. Of course, the middle part 2a and the bezel 181 are at least partially made of non-conductive materials such as plastic for this capacitive technology to work.

For the arrangement of the strain gauges 190, it can be envisaged that the base 22 of the shoulder 20, the side wall 21 of the shoulder, the lower face 183 of the bezel 181 and / or the inner edge 184 of the bezel 181 are provided with at least one groove in which the strain gauges 190 are placed. This helps to avoid protruding. However, to allow the bezel to act on said stress zones, said bezel is provided with at least one protruding part. Each protruding part is made to be located opposite a groove so that this protruding part can come into contact with the strain gauge 190 following pressure from the user on the bezel 181.

In an alternative embodiment, visible in FIG. 12, of this rotating bezel 181, said bezel 181 is force feedback mounted. The rotating bezel system 180 further includes a force feedback system 400 is installed.

For this, an elastic element such as at least one wedge made of elastomeric material can be located between said bezel 181 and the middle part 2a so that manipulation on the bezel causes the appearance of friction between the bezel 181 and the wedge made of elastomer. These friction associated with the elastic properties of the wedge cause the bezel 181 to return to its initial position in the event of the user's constraints being released.

Provision can also be made for the force feedback system 400 to include an elastic element such as at least one helical-type spring 410 fixed, via pads 412, by a first end 410a to the bezel and by another end 410b to the build. When the user exerts a stress to rotate the bezel 181, the spring 410 is subjected to a stress tending to cause it to elongate. Once the stress is released, the spring 410 tends to resume its initial shape by returning the bezel 181 to its initial position. It can thus be provided to have two springs 410 as shown in FIG. 12, this allows force feedback rotation in both directions.

In this case of a rotating bezel with force feedback as shown in FIG. 13, recesses 420 can be arranged at the base of the bezel, these recesses having one or two straight sides 422 parallel to the radius of the bezel. The bezel 181 then has a blade 424 arranged on the lower face 183, this blade 424 engaging in said recess so that the blade moves in the recess when the bezel rotates.

At the level of the recess, a strain gauge 91 is arranged on one of the walls of said recess so that, when the bezel 181 rotates, the blade 424 moves and approaches the wall provided with the strain gauge . The contact of the blade with the strain gauge is then detected. Not only the support is detected but also the strength of this support. Indeed, it can be envisaged that a light support means a first manipulation while a more important support means a second manipulation. Provision may be made for the hollow to be provided with two strain gauges 91 for bidirectional force feedback.

It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements and / or combinations obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

[0100] Thus, it is possible that the force feedback system 400 is provided with a spiral spring to operate said force feedback.

[0101] It will then be understood that the rotation detection means 200 and the interface means 9 can use technologies other than strain gauges, capacitive or magnetic sensors. It is in fact conceivable that inductive, galvanic or optical, potentiometric technologies are used. Potentiometric sensors are used to detect a rectilinear or angular position or displacement. The rotation of the sensor axis is related to the variation in resistance between the cursor and one of the stops relative to its total resistance. This allows remote transmission of an electrical voltage signal proportional to the position of the axis.

Claims (19)

1. Timepiece comprising a middle part (2a) closed by a bottom (2c) and an ice (2b) in which an electronic system (4) is arranged, said middle part (2a) comprising a peripheral shoulder (20) comprising a base and a side wall parallel to the central axis (C) of the middle part, said timepiece comprising a bezel (81) locked in rotation around the central axis (C) on said peripheral shoulder, characterized in that said bezel (81) has at least one degree of freedom allowing interface means (9) connected to the electronic system (4) and arranged between the bezel (81) and the middle part to be activated by moving said bezel by the user following a direction similar to that of the degree of freedom allowing the electronic system (4) to control said timepiece. 2. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that the degree of freedom allows a pivoting movement of the bezel relative to one of these diameters. 3. Timepiece according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the degree of freedom allows a translational movement of the bezel in its plane 4. Timepiece according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the interface means are arranged on the base of the shoulder. 5. Timepiece according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the interface means are arranged on the side wall of the shoulder. 6. Timepiece according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the interface means comprise at least one capacitive sensor (92, 93) or at least one inductive sensor or at least one optical sensor or at least one sensor. galvanic or at least one strain gauge (90, 91) or at least one magnetic sensor or at least one potentiometric sensor or a combination of at least two of these sensors or gauges. 7. Timepiece according to claim 6, characterized in that said at least one capacitive sensor (92, 93) comprises an armature (94, 95) on one side of the shoulder (20) and a frame (94, 95) on a lower face (83, 84) of the bezel, said base of the shoulder and said bezel being at least partially made of non-conductive materials. 8. Timepiece comprising a middle part (2a) closed by a bottom (2c) and an ice (2b) in which an electronic system (4) is arranged, said middle part (2a) having a peripheral shoulder (20) comprising a base and a side wall parallel to the central axis (C) of the middle part, said timepiece comprising a bezel system (180) rotatably mounted about the central axis (C) on said peripheral shoulder, said rotating bezel system comprising a bezel (181) and an indexing assembly comprising a spring means (188) as a first piece and a toothed member (187) as a second piece, one of the first or second pieces being attached to the bezel the other being fixed to the middle part, characterized in that said ring has at least one degree of freedom allowing interface means (9) connected to the electronic system (4) and arranged between said bezel and the middle part to be activated movement of said bezel by the user in a direction similar to that of the degree of freedom allowing the electronic system (4) to control said timepiece. 9. Timepiece according to claim 8, characterized in that the degree of freedom allows a pivoting movement of the bezel (180) relative to one of these diameters. 10. Timepiece according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the degree of freedom allows a translational movement of the bezel (180) in its plane. 11. Timepiece according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the interface means (9) are arranged on the base of the shoulder (20). 12. Timepiece according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the interface means (9) are arranged on the side wall of the shoulder (20). 13. Timepiece according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the interface means (9) comprise at least one capacitive sensor (192) or at least one inductive sensor or at least one optical sensor or at least one sensor. galvanic sensor or at least one strain gauge (190) or at least one magnetic sensor or at least one potentiometric sensor or a combination of at least two of these sensors or gauges. 14. Timepiece according to claim 13, characterized in that said at least one capacitive sensor (192) comprises an armature (194) on one side of the shoulder and an armature (194) on a lower face of the bezel. , said base of the shoulder and said bezel being at least partially made of non-conductive materials. 15. Timepiece according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that it further comprises means for detecting the rotation (200) comprising a series of receptor contacts (202) placed at the middle part. and at least one cursor contact (204) located at the bezel, said series of receiving contacts and said at least one cursor contact being electrically conductive pads. 16. Timepiece according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that it further comprises means for detecting the rotation (200) comprising a series of receptor contacts (202) placed at the middle part. and at least one cursor contact (204) located at the bezel, said series of receiving contacts and said at least one cursor contact being magnetic elements. 17. Timepiece according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises means for detecting the rotation (200) comprising a series of receptor contacts (202) placed at the middle of the middle and at least one contact cursor positioned at the telescope, said series of receiving contacts and said at least one cursor contact (204) are the plates used by said at least one capacitive sensor. 18. Timepiece according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises means for detecting the rotation (200) comprising a series of receptor contacts (202) placed at the level of the telescope and at least one contact cursor (204) placed at the middle of the middle, said series of receiving contacts (202) and said at least one cursor contact (204) are the armatures (194) used by said at least one capacitive sensor. 19. Timepiece according to one of claims 8 to 18, characterized in that said rotating bezel system comprising a force feedback system (400) an elastic element allowing the ring to resume its initial position following a release of a rotational force applied to said ring