CH711638B1

CH711638B1 - Mechanical wristwatch with which an electronic function is associated.

Info

Publication number: CH711638B1
Application number: CH01479/15A
Authority: CH
Inventors: Martin Jean-Claude; Born Jean-Jacques; Conus Thierry; Eggen Jean-Claude; Fleury Emmanuel; Willemin Michel
Original assignee: Swatch Group Res & Dev Ltd
Priority date: 2015-10-13
Filing date: 2015-10-13
Publication date: 2017-04-13

Abstract

The wristwatch according to the invention comprises a mechanical device for performing a first mechanical function and an electronic device arranged to perform a second electronic function housed in a wristband. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanical device is a mechanical ringing device arranged to emit a first acoustic alarm signal and the electronic device (56) is arranged to produce a second acoustic alarm signal and / Or a mechanical vibration at the moment when the mechanical ringing device produces the first acoustic alarm signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a watch case enclosing a mechanical watch movement and a watch strap associated with the watch case in a removable manner, the watch bracelet containing an electronic device making it possible to realize An electronic function which completes or improves the mechanical function (s) realized by the mechanical clockwork movement housed in the watch case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The attachment experienced by the users with regard to their mechanical watches is known. Indeed, mechanical clock movements are synonymous with a high level of know-how, especially in terms of miniaturization, precision in the execution of components, decoration, reliability of operation in sometimes extreme conditions and choice Of the proposed horological complications, values that are less found in the field of electronic watches. However, there are functions, for example lighting, offered by electronic watches that are not available in purely mechanical watches. This is why a strong current trend aims at associating to the purely mechanical watches one or more additional electronic function (s),

To achieve this objective, it has already been proposed to integrate in the bracelet mechanical watches electronic devices making it possible to carry out additional electronic functions that will be added to the functions performed by the mechanical watch movement of the watch wristwatch. By way of example, mention may be made of the E-strap® bracelet marketed by Montblanc. In this way, the user keeps his mechanical watch unchanged and the emotional value attached to such a watch, while being able to benefit from additional functions that only electronic devices can offer.

It is understood from the above that the purpose of the watch straps of the type described above in which electronic devices are integrated is to offer at least one additional electronic function which is added to the functions realized by the movement Of mechanical watchmaking of the watch. In other words, the mechanical watch movement embodied in the watch case by a mechanical function is completely independent of execution by the electronic device housed in the thickness of the bracelet or in the closure loop of the bracelet Of an electronic function and vice versa, so that it is quite possible to associate a given bracelet with watch boxes which may be of different marks.

On the other hand, to the knowledge of the Applicant, it seems that there is currently no watch bracelet in which there is integrated an electronic device whose execution of the function for which it is intended will Depend on the corresponding execution of a function performed by the mechanical clockwork movement. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to associate with a mechanical wristwatch arranged to perform at least one first mechanical function an electronic device arranged to execute at least one second electronic function, The electronic device of the second electronic function being conditioned by the execution by the clockwork movement of the first mechanical function.

To this end, the present invention relates to a wristwatch comprising a watch case in which is housed a mechanical timepiece movement comprising a mechanical device for performing at least one first mechanical function, the watch case Being associated with a watch bracelet in which an electronic device arranged to execute at least one second electronic function is housed, the execution of the second electronic function being conditioned by the execution of the first mechanical function.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanical device for performing the first mechanical function is a mechanical bell device arranged to produce a first acoustic alarm signal and the electronic device housed in the bracelet Is arranged to produce a second acoustic alarm signal and / or a mechanical vibration, the electronic device being arranged to produce the second acoustic alarm signal at the moment when the mechanical ringing device generates the first acoustic alarm signal. It is also possible to delay the activation of the second acoustic alarm signal in time, by a fixed or user-selectable time.

[0009] Thanks to these characteristics, the present invention provides a mechanical wristwatch comprising a mechanical timepiece movement provided with a mechanical device arranged to perform a mechanical function and to which is associated an electronic device housed in the thickness of the bracelet And arranged to perform an electronic function at the precise moment when the mechanical device of the mechanical clock movement performs the mechanical function. It will thus be understood that, in such an arrangement, the mechanical watch movement plays the role of a master and the electronic device housed in the bracelet plays the role of the slave.

[0010] The term "mechanical wristwatch" is understood to mean a wristwatch whose watch functions and, where appropriate, functions not related to time are provided solely by mechanical components to which the energy required for their operation is provided by one or Several barrel springs.

An electronic device is understood to mean a device whose functions are performed solely by electrical or electronic components and to which the energy required for their operation is supplied by a battery or a battery, which may be rechargeable.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanical device for performing the first mechanical function is a mechanical ringing device arranged to produce a first acoustic alarm signal and the electronic device housed in the wristband Is arranged to produce a second acoustic alarm signal and / or a mechanical vibration. Thus, when the mechanical ringing device emits its acoustic alarm signal, the electronic device simultaneously or deferred its own acoustic and / or mechanical alarm signal. The electronic device housed in the bracelet thus makes it possible to improve the operating performance of the mechanical ringing device, in particular in terms of acoustic power produced and melody by selection and combination of frequencies. This is very advantageous because, at present, the sound level produced by a clockwork movement equipped with a mechanical ringing device is small, typically between 65 and 75 dB at a distance of 40 cm. This is due in particular to the dimensional and propagation constraints imposed by the geometry and the material in which the watch case is made, as well as to the lack of available mechanical energy, even in the case where the mechanical ringing device is Fed by a spring-loaded barrel of its own. In addition, the duration of the acoustic alarm signal usually does not exceed 10 to 20 seconds, and there is a reduction in the intensity of the acoustic signal when the barrel spring is almost completely relaxed. The sound level produced by a clockwork movement equipped with a mechanical ringing device is low, typically between 65 and 75 dB at a distance of 40 cm. This is due in particular to the dimensional and propagation constraints imposed by the geometry and the material in which the watch case is made, as well as to the lack of available mechanical energy, even in the case where the mechanical striking device is Fed by a spring-loaded barrel of its own. In addition, the duration of the acoustic alarm signal usually does not exceed 10 to 20 seconds, and there is a reduction in the intensity of the acoustic signal when the barrel spring is almost completely relaxed. The sound level produced by a clockwork movement equipped with a mechanical ringing device is low, typically between 65 and 75 dB at a distance of 40 cm. This is due in particular to the dimensional and propagation constraints imposed by the geometry and the material in which the watch case is made, as well as to the lack of available mechanical energy, even in the case where the mechanical striking device is Fed by a spring-loaded barrel of its own. In addition, the duration of the acoustic alarm signal usually does not exceed 10 to 20 seconds, and there is a reduction in the intensity of the acoustic signal when the barrel spring is almost completely relaxed. This is due in particular to the dimensional and propagation constraints imposed by the geometry and the material in which the watch case is made, as well as to the lack of available mechanical energy, even in the case where the mechanical striking device is Fed by a spring-loaded barrel of its own. In addition, the duration of the acoustic alarm signal usually does not exceed 10 to 20 seconds, and there is a reduction in the intensity of the acoustic signal when the barrel spring is almost completely relaxed. This is due in particular to the dimensional and propagation constraints imposed by the geometry and the material in which the watch case is made, as well as to the lack of available mechanical energy, even in the case where the mechanical ringing device is Fed by a spring-loaded barrel of its own. In addition, the duration of the acoustic alarm signal usually does not exceed 10 to 20 seconds, and there is a reduction in the intensity of the acoustic signal when the barrel spring is almost completely relaxed.

In the case where the watch case comprises a transparent background, the electronic device for performing the second electronic function comprises an image sensor, typically of the CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor) type, , Arranged in the bracelet so as to lie beneath the transparent bottom. In this case, it may also be provided to arrange a light source in the bracelet in order to improve the conditions under which the image sensor shoots.

The image sensor is arranged to scan, at regular and close time intervals, the indication provided by the mechanical ringing device. As soon as the image sensor detects that the mechanical ringing device is switched on and transmits the first acoustic alarm signal, it sends an electrical signal to an electronic control unit which controls the start-up of an electronic generator of his. Thus, the acoustic alarm signal produced by the mechanical ringing device is reinforced by the electronic alarm signal, which makes it possible to increase the acoustic power and thus to improve the audibility of the acoustic alarm signal produced by The mechanical wristwatch according to the invention. This can also make it possible to enrich the sound of the acoustic alarm produced by the mechanical device by creating a polyphonic sound. In order for the image sensor to detect when the mechanical ringing device is switched on and produces the first acoustic alarm signal, it is provided that the image sensor scans at regular intervals and close together a component Of the mechanical ringing device which in normal time is stationary and which moves only at the moment when the mechanical ringing device emits the first acoustic signal. This component may be, for example, a ringing anchor which pivots in a horizontal plane around its point of articulation. In order for the image sensor to detect when the mechanical ringing device is switched on and produces the first acoustic alarm signal, it is provided that the image sensor scans at regular intervals and close together a component Of the mechanical ringing device which in normal time is stationary and which moves only at the moment when the mechanical ringing device emits the first acoustic signal. This component may be, for example, a ringing anchor which pivots in a horizontal plane around its point of articulation. In order for the image sensor to detect when the mechanical ringing device is switched on and produces the first acoustic alarm signal, it is provided that the image sensor scans at regular intervals and close together a component Of the mechanical ringing device which in normal time is stationary and which moves only at the moment when the mechanical ringing device emits the first acoustic signal. This component may be, for example, a ringing anchor which pivots in a horizontal plane around its point of articulation. Is stationary and which moves only at the moment when the mechanical ringing device emits the first acoustic signal. This component may be, for example, a ringing anchor which pivots in a horizontal plane around its point of articulation. Is stationary and which moves only at the moment when the mechanical ringing device emits the first acoustic signal. This component may be, for example, a ringing anchor which pivots in a horizontal plane around its point of articulation.

In the case where the watch case comprises an opaque non-electrically conductive bottom, the electronic device for detecting the indication provided by the mechanical ringing device comprises a capacitive, magnetic or inductive sensor.

[0016] In the case of the capacitive sensor, this typically comprises an RC oscillator, a demodulator and an output stage. The operation of such a capacitive sensor is done without physical contact with the mechanical ringing device and relies on the modification of the electric field in its active zone. The capacitive sensor, located under the bottom of the watch case, detects a certain capacity value which remains fixed as long as the mechanical ringing device is at rest. At the moment when the mechanical ringing device turns on and transmits the first acoustic alarm signal, the capacitive sensor detects a change in the capacitance caused by the activation of the mechanical ringing device, which causes a variation in the Oscillation frequency of the RC circuit.

[0017] Similarly, the magnetic sensor observes a modification of the magnetic field caused by the activation of the mechanical ringing device. By way of non-limiting example, this magnetic sensor may be a giant magnetoresistance sensor, for example marketed by the American company NVE and also known by its Anglo-Saxon name Giant Magnetoresistive Digital Switch or GMR. Magnetoresistance is the property of certain materials that their electrical resistance varies when subjected to a magnetic field. Thus, a giant magnetoresistance sensor is arranged to produce at its output an electrical control signal as a function of the variation of the magnetic field to which it is subjected. The sensor NVE is a very low consumption sensor that operates through transparent backgrounds (sapphire, plexiglass, glass) or non-magnetic opaque backgrounds (stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, brass, ceramic, plastic). It can also be a reed switch with flexible blades. To this end, at least one of the components of the mechanical striking device which begins to move when the mechanical striking device is activated is provided with a magnet. Thus, when the component moves, the magnet moves concomitantly, which in the case of the Reed switch causes a magnetization of the flexible contacts which attract each other until they come into contact with each other.

[0018] Finally, the inductive sensor conventionally comprises a winding made around a magnetic circuit which serves to channel the magnetic field. At least one component of the mechanical striking device which begins to move when the mechanical striking device is switched on is provided with a magnet. Thus, when the mechanical ringing device starts, the magnet moves and induces an electric current in the winding of the inductive sensor. The inductive sensor sends an electrical output signal to the electronic control unit which controls the start-up of the electronic sound generator.

Whether the bottom of the watch case is transparent or opaque, conductive or non-electrically conductive, the electronic device for detecting the indication provided by the mechanical ringing device may comprise a simplified device comprising a microphone which Detects only the acoustic wave produced by the activation of the mechanical ringing device and sends an electrical signal to the electronic control unit which controls the start-up of the electronic sound generator.

Similarly, regardless of the properties of the bottom of the watch case, it may be envisaged to use as an sensor an accelerometer which will measure the activity of the mechanical ringing device and detect the moment when it is starts.

According to a complementary characteristic of the invention, the mechanical device for performing the first mechanical function housed in the watch case comprises a mechanical indicator element which provides an indication of the armed or unarmed state of the mechanical device Of performing the first mechanical function and the electronic device comprises first means arranged to scan the indication provided by the mechanical indicator member and second means which are arranged to scan the instant at which the first mechanical function will be triggered .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of a mechanical wristwatch according to the invention with which is associated an electronic function , This example being given purely by way of illustration and non-limiting only in connection with the appended drawing in which: FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a wristwatch according to the invention comprising a watch case equipped with an electronic function wristband; FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the wristwatch of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the mechanical striking device; FIG. 4a is a perspective view of the bracelet in which the electronic device arranged to execute the second electronic function is housed; FIG. 4b is a view on a larger scale of the electronic device surrounded by a circle in FIG. 4a; Figs. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate schematically the assembly formed by the mechanical device arranged to produce the first acoustic alarm signal and the electronic device arranged to produce the second acoustic alarm signal according to whether the mechanical ringing device is at rest, In operation, and then again at the stop; Figs. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views respectively on lines VIII-VIII and IX-IX of FIGS. 5 and 6; FIG. 10 is a partial schematic representation of the watch case according to the invention in the case where the bottom of the watch is opaque and non-electrically conductive and the electronic device arranged to execute the second electronic function comprises a capacitive sensor; FIG. 11 is a partial schematic representation of the wristwatch in the case where the bottom of the watch is opaque and non-electrically conductive and wherein the electronic device arranged to execute the second electronic function comprises a magnetic sensor; FIG. 12 is a partial schematic representation of the wristwatch in the case where the bottom of the watch is opaque and non-electrically conductive and wherein the electronic device arranged to execute the second electronic function comprises an inductive sensor; FIG. 13 is a partial schematic representation of the wristwatch in the case where the watch case includes an opaque electrically conductive bottom and wherein the electronic device for detecting the indication provided by the mechanical ringing device comprises a simplified device Comprising a microphone which detects the acoustic wave produced by the activation of the mechanical ringing device and sends an electrical signal to the electronic control unit which controls the start-up of the electronic sound generator; FIG. 14a is a partial schematic representation of the wristwatch in the case where the mechanical ringing device comprises a mechanical indicating member which indicates the unarmed state of the mechanical ringing device and wherein the electronic device comprises a light source and a Light detector; FIG. 14b is a view similar to that of FIG. 14a in the case where the mechanical indicating member indicates the armed state of the mechanical striking device and the light emitted by the light source is reflected by the reflective surface portion of the mechanical indicator member in the direction of the light detector ; FIG. 15a is a partial schematic representation of the wristwatch in the case where the mechanical ringing device comprises a mechanical indicating member which indicates the unarmed state of the mechanical ringing device and wherein the electronic device comprises an image sensor A first portion of the surface of which is used to scan the indication provided by the mechanical indicating member and a second fraction of the surface of which is used to scan the starting of the mechanical striking device; FIG. 15b is a view similar to that of FIG. 15a in the case where the mechanical indicator disappears and leaves the field of vision of the image sensor when the mechanical ringing device is armed by the user; FIG. 16a is a partial schematic representation of the wristwatch according to the invention in the case where the mechanical ringing device comprises a mechanical indicating member which masks the mechanical ringing device when the latter is not armed, and FIG. 16b is a view similar to that of FIG. 16a in the case where the mechanical indicator member has been flexed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea which consists in associating with a mechanical wristwatch designed to perform a first mechanical function in addition to the display of the In the thickness of which is housed an electronic device designed to execute a second electronic function, the execution of the second electronic function being conditioned by the execution of the first mechanical function. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical wristwatch is arranged to emit a first acoustic alarm at a predetermined time programmed by the user, And the electronic device housed in the bracelet is arranged to emit a second acoustic alarm and / or a mechanical vibration at the moment when the watch transmits the first acoustic alarm. It is thus possible to increase the acoustic power of the alarm signal produced by the wristwatch according to the invention without having to make any modification to the mechanical movement housed in the watch. It is also possible to increase the duration of the alarm signal and to emit other sounds than those produced by the mechanical movement, in harmony with the latter. It is thus possible to increase the acoustic power of the alarm signal produced by the wristwatch according to the invention without having to make any modification to the mechanical movement housed in the watch. It is also possible to increase the duration of the alarm signal and to emit other sounds than those produced by the mechanical movement, in harmony with the latter. It is thus possible to increase the acoustic power of the alarm signal produced by the wristwatch according to the invention without having to make any modification to the mechanical movement housed in the watch. It is also possible to increase the duration of the alarm signal and to emit other sounds than those produced by the mechanical movement, in harmony with the latter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, A bracelet 4. In the preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the watch case 2 is closed at its base by a bottom 6 and at its top by a glass 8 which covers a dial 10 above which Move hour hands 12, minutes 14 and seconds 16 for displaying the current time. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the dial 10 is shown in transparency. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that for the purposes of the present invention, the dial 10 need not be transparent and that it will preferably be opaque.

A mechanical timepiece movement 18 designed to drive the current time display needles 12, 14 and 16 is housed in the watch case 2. This mechanical watch movement 18 furthermore comprises a mechanical device Arranged to produce at least one first mechanical function, for example transmitting a first acoustic alarm signal.

By way of illustrative example only (see FIG. 3), the mechanical striking device 20 comprises a winding stem 22 which rotates through a first, a second and a third Wheel 24a, 24b and 24c a trigger wheel 26. The gun of the trigger wheel 26 carries, or is linked kinematically to, an index 28 visible in FIG. 1 that can be placed next to the desired ring time. The board of the tripping wheel 26 is pierced with three openings 30 placed on three different radii (see FIG. 9). An hour wheel 32 pivots above the trigger wheel 26 and is pressed against the trigger wheel 26 by a release lever 34 armed by a spring 36. The hour wheel 32 has in its board three lugs 38 each provided Of an inclined plane 40. The hour wheel 32, driven by the movement, rotates and, at the time provided for the striking, the three lugs 38 are opposite the openings 30 and fall into the latter, so that the hour wheel 32 comes Against the release wheel 26. Under the effect of this movement, the release lever 34 tilts upwards and releases a striking anchor 42 which, driven by a striking wheel 44, oscillates in a horizontal plane About its pivot point 46 (see FIG. 9). The striking wheel 44 which is directly driven by a striking cylinder (not shown) acts in the manner of an escapement wheel which drives the striking anchor 42. The striking anchor 42 carries a hammer 48 which strikes A pin attached to the bottom of the box so as to sound the buzzer.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, an electronic device 56 housed in the bracelet 4 is arranged to execute at least one second electronic function, for example to transmit a second acoustic alarm signal and / or to produce a mechanical vibration, the execution of the second electronic function Being conditioned by the execution of the first mechanical function. In other words, the electronic device 56 will emit the second acoustic alarm signal and / or produce mechanical vibration at the moment when the mechanical ringing device 20 produces the first acoustic alarm signal. The mechanical ringing device 20 housed in the watch case 2 is therefore the master of the electronic device 56 which acts as a slave. It should be noted that the master function is not dependent on the slave function and can operate normally even if the slave function is not operational. It will also be noted that, according to a variant, it may be envisaged to defer a fixed duration, for example 5 or 10 seconds, or chosen by the user, when the electronic device 56 is switched on and produce the second signal acoustic.

The electronic device 56 housed in the wristband 4 of the wristwatch 1 comprises an image sensor 58 which scans at regular and close time intervals the moment when the mechanical ringing device 20 is set to market. The mechanical striking device 20 is initially stopped (FIGS. 5 and 8). At the moment when the mechanical striking device 20 starts (FIGS. 6 and 9), the hour wheel 32 is pressed against the trigger wheel 26 and the release lever 34, pressed against the hour wheel 32 by the Spring 36 pivots upwardly releasing the striking anchor 42 which oscillates in the horizontal plane about its pivot point 46. The hammer 48 carried by the striking anchor 42 follows the movement of the striking anchor And hits a pin, for example. The image sensor 58 detects the setting in motion of a mobile of the mechanical ringing device such as the ringing anchor 42 and sends an electrical signal to a control unit 60 which will control the start-up of a generator Electronic sound device 62 of the electromechanical or piezoelectric type. Advantageously, the image sensor 58 is covered by a collimating lens 64 and a light source 66 such as a light-emitting diode illuminates the interior of the watch case 2 through the transparent bottom 6. The assembly of these electronic components is mounted on a printed circuit sheet 68 housed in the thickness of the bracelet 4 and is supplied by an electric current source 70. Of course,

The image sensor 58 is, for example, an image sensor marketed by the company STMicroelectronics under the reference VD5376. Its thickness is between 180 μm and 725 μm, its sides measure respectively 1900 μm and 1932 μm and its active surface of 608 × 608 μm 2 is formed by a matrix of 20 × 20 pixels. Such an image sensor 58 is capable of detecting a change in the gray levels of an image that it is scanning and therefore of detecting, for example, the movement of an object such as ringing anchor 42. It will be understood that The image sensor 58 can detect the movement of another mobile such as the striking wheel 44 or the hammer 48. A further change is observed by the image sensor 58 when the first acoustic alarm signal is interrupted and the moving object scanning the image sensor 58 stops (FIG 7). The image seen by the image sensor 58 becomes again immobile. The image sensor 58 then sends an electrical signal to the control unit 60 which will control the stopping of the electronic sound generator 62.

According to a simplified embodiment of the invention, it may be envisaged to fix in advance the duration of the second alarm. Once started after the first alarm has been activated, the second alarm will stop autonomously once this time has elapsed.

[0031] It will be noted that a comparative examination of FIGS. 5 and 6 makes it possible to realize that in FIG. 6, the hour wheel 32 is pressed against the trigger wheel 26 and that in FIG. 7, the hour wheel 32 is again moved away from the trigger wheel 26.

In the case where the watch case 2 comprises an opaque non-electrically conductive bottom 6, the electronic device 56 for detecting the indication provided by the mechanical ringing device 20 comprises a capacitive, magnetic or inductive sensor .

In the case of a capacitive sensor 76 (FIG 10), the latter typically comprises an RC oscillator 78, a demodulator 80 and an output stage 82. The operation of such a capacitive sensor 76 takes place without Physical contact with the mechanical striking device 20 and relies on the modification of the electric field in its active zone. The capacitive sensor 76 disposed below the bottom of the watch case detects a certain capacity value which remains fixed as long as the mechanical striking device 20 is at rest. At the moment when the mechanical ringing device 20 turns on and emits the first acoustic alarm signal, the capacitive sensor 76 detects a change in the capacitance caused by the activation of the mechanical ringing device 20, Which causes a change in the oscillation frequency of the RC circuit 78. Upon detection of this frequency variation, an electrical output signal is generated and sent to the electronic control unit 60 which controls the start-up of the circuit Electronic sound generator 62. By way of example, the capacitive sensor may be that marketed by the Swiss company EM-Microelectronic under the reference EM6420. It is a very low-power capacitive sensor capable of operating with transparent backgrounds (sapphire, plexiglass, glass) as well as non-metallic opaque bottoms (plastic, ceramic). An electrode must be connected to the EM6420 circuit, which will be placed in the bracelet in front of the metal part which will start moving when the alarm is activated. Following detection of this frequency variation, an electrical output signal is generated and sent to the electronic control unit 60 which controls the start-up of the electronic sound generator 62. By way of example, the capacitive sensor may Be the one marketed by the Swiss company EM-Microelectronic under the reference EM6420. It is a very low-power capacitive sensor capable of operating with transparent backgrounds (sapphire, plexiglass, glass) as well as non-metallic opaque bottoms (plastic, ceramic). An electrode must be connected to the EM6420 circuit, which will be placed in the bracelet in front of the metal part which will start moving when the alarm is activated. Following detection of this frequency variation, an electrical output signal is generated and sent to the electronic control unit 60 which controls the start-up of the electronic sound generator 62. By way of example, the capacitive sensor may Be the one marketed by the Swiss company EM-Microelectronic under the reference EM6420. It is a very low-power capacitive sensor capable of operating with transparent backgrounds (sapphire, plexiglass, glass) as well as non-metallic opaque bottoms (plastic, ceramic). An electrode must be connected to the EM6420 circuit, which will be placed in the bracelet in front of the metal part which will start moving when the alarm is activated. An electrical output signal is generated and sent to the electronic control unit 60 which controls the start-up of the electronic sound generator 62. By way of example, the capacitive sensor may be that sold by the Swiss company EM-Microelectronic Under the reference EM6420. It is a very low-power capacitive sensor capable of operating with transparent backgrounds (sapphire, plexiglass, glass) as well as non-metallic opaque bottoms (plastic, ceramic). An electrode must be connected to the EM6420 circuit, which will be placed in the bracelet in front of the metal part which will start moving when the alarm is activated. An electrical output signal is generated and sent to the electronic control unit 60 which controls the start-up of the electronic sound generator 62. By way of example, the capacitive sensor may be that sold by the Swiss company EM-Microelectronic Under the reference EM6420. It is a very low-power capacitive sensor capable of operating with transparent backgrounds (sapphire, plexiglass, glass) as well as non-metallic opaque bottoms (plastic, ceramic). An electrode must be connected to the EM6420 circuit, which will be placed in the bracelet in front of the metal part which will start moving when the alarm is activated. The capacitive sensor may be that marketed by the Swiss company EM-Microelectronic under the reference EM6420. It is a very low-power capacitive sensor capable of operating with transparent backgrounds (sapphire, plexiglass, glass) as well as non-metallic opaque bottoms (plastic, ceramic). An electrode must be connected to the EM6420 circuit, which will be placed in the bracelet in front of the metal part which will start moving when the alarm is activated. The capacitive sensor may be that marketed by the Swiss company EM-Microelectronic under the reference EM6420. It is a very low-power capacitive sensor capable of operating with transparent backgrounds (sapphire, plexiglass, glass) as well as non-metallic opaque bottoms (plastic, ceramic). An electrode must be connected to the EM6420 circuit, which will be placed in the bracelet in front of the metal part which will start moving when the alarm is activated.

Similarly, the magnetic sensor such as a GMR sensor marketed by the company NVE or a reed switch 84 with flexible blades 86 observes a modification of the magnetic field caused by the activation of the device To this end, at least one of the components of the mechanical striking device 20, for example the striking anchor 42, which begins to move when the mechanical striking device 20 is switched on is provided Of a magnet 88. Thus, when the component moves, the magnet 88 moves concomitantly, causing magnetization of the flexible contacts 86 which attract each other until they come into contact with each other.The Reed switch 84 is then closed and it can send an electrical output signal to the electronic control unit 60 which controls the start-up of the electronic sound generator 62.

Finally, the inductive sensor 90 conventionally comprises a coil 92 made around a magnetic circuit 94 which serves to channel the magnetic field. At least one component of the mechanical ringing device 20, for example the ringing anchor 42, which begins to move when the mechanical ringing device 20 starts is provided with a magnet 88. Thus, when the mechanical device The magnet 88 moves and induces an electric current in the coil 92 of the inductive sensor 90. The inductive sensor 90 sends an electrical output signal to the electronic control unit 60 which controls the setting Step of the electronic sound generator 62.

As an alternative, the inductive sensor may comprise an oscillating circuit LC whose inductance will vary under the effect of the displacement of a metal component of the mechanical device.

Whether the bottom 6 of the watch case 2 is transparent or opaque, conductive or non-electrically conductive (FIG 13), the electronic device 56 for detecting the indication provided by the mechanical ringing device 20 May comprise a simplified device comprising a microphone 96 which only detects the acoustic wave produced by the activation of the mechanical ringing device 20 and sends an electrical signal to the electronic control unit 60 which controls the start-up of the electronic generator Of its 62.

Similarly, regardless of the properties of the bottom 6 of the watch case 2, it may be envisaged to use as an accelerometer an accelerometer which will measure the activity of the mechanical ringing device and detect the vibrations generated by the Hammer 48 as the mechanical striking device starts. An accelerometer well adapted to the needs of the present invention is the one diffused under the reference ADXL362. This is a very low-consumption circuit which is an interesting alternative to the microphone, particularly in terms of sealing and integration costs.

As seen in detail above, the electronic device 56 housed in the bracelet 4 is arranged to execute at least one second electronic function, for example to transmit a second acoustic alarm signal and / or to produce a mechanical vibration, l The execution of the second electronic function being conditioned by the execution of the first mechanical function. In other words, the electronic device 56 will emit the second acoustic alarm signal and / or produce mechanical vibration at the moment when the mechanical ringing device 20 produces the first acoustic alarm signal. The mechanical watch movement 18 housed in the watch case 2 is therefore the master of the electronic device 56 which plays the slave function.

According to a complementary characteristic of the invention, the mechanical device 20 for performing the first mechanical function housed in the watch case 2 furthermore comprises a mechanical indicator member 98 which provides an indication of the armed or non-armed state Of the mechanical device 20 for performing the first mechanical function. Thus, if the mechanical device 20 is armed by the user to produce an acoustic alarm signal at a predetermined time chosen by the user, the mechanical indicating member 98 will indicate that the mechanical device 20 is armed.

[0041] According to a first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14a, the mechanical indicator member 98 comprises a patch 100 of which a first portion of the surface 100a is absorbent and of which a second portion of the surface 100b is reflective. This patch 100 is arranged to move between a first and a second position according to whether the mechanical device 20 is armed or unarmed. As for the electronic device 56, it comprises a light source 102 such as an electroluminescent diode and a light sensor 104 such as a photodiode housed in the bracelet 4 under the chip 100. The light emitted by the light source 102 Will therefore be absorbed or reflected depending on whether it falls on the absorbent surface portion 100a or on the reflecting surface portion 100b of the pellet 100. Finally,

The operation of this device is as follows. The light source 102 will, at regular intervals, send a beam of light onto the chip 100. If the electronic device 56 finds, due to the absence of a signal provided by the light sensor 104, that the light emitted By the light source 102 falls on the absorbent surface portion 100a of the pellet 100 and is therefore absorbed, it concludes that the mechanical bell device 20 is not armed. Therefore, it is not necessary for the image sensor 106 to scan the moment when the mechanical ringing device 20 will start, thereby saving energy. Indeed, The light source 102 illuminates the pellet 100 less often than the image sensor 106 scans the time when the mechanical bell device 20 is switched on. When the user arms the mechanical ringing device 20 for example by pressing a push button the pad 100 will move so that the light emitted by the light source 102 falls on the reflective surface portion 100b of the pad 100. Thus, the electronic device 56 will find, due to the signal provided by the light sensor 104, that the light emitted by the light source 102 falls on the reflective surface portion 100b of the chip 100 and is therefore reflected, And will conclude that the mechanical ringing device 20 is armed. At this moment, The electronic device 56 cuts off the power supply to the light source 102 and controls the start-up of the image sensor 106. The image sensor 106 will then scan at regular and close time intervals the moment when the mechanical device Will start. When the mechanical striking device 20 starts, the operation of the mechanical striking device 20 and of the electronic device 56 is the same as that described above in connection with the first embodiment of the invention.

According to a second embodiment (not shown), it is possible to envisage that, instead of having a reflective surface portion and an absorbing surface portion, the pellet 100 is provided with a surface portion that reflects the light in Direction of the light sensor 104 and a surface portion which reflects light in a direction in which the light sensor 104 can not pick up light.

And then the pellet 108 disappears and leaves the field of vision of the image sensor 110 when the mechanical bell device 20 is armed by the user (FIG. 15b). At this time the electronic device 56 notes a change in the signal produced by the image sensor 110 and will instruct the image sensor 110 to scan the mechanical ringing device 20 by means of the fraction of Surface 110b.

Finally, according to a last embodiment (FIGS. 16a), the mechanical ringing device comprises a mechanical indicator member 112 which masks the mechanical ringing device 20 when the image sensor 58 is not visible, Is not armed. When the user arms the mechanical ringing device 20 (FIG 16b), the mechanical indicating member 112 clears and the control unit 60 observes a change in the signal provided by the image sensor 58. In response To this change, the control unit 60 instructs the image sensor 58 to scan the mechanical ringing device 20 in order to detect the start-up of the latter.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments that have just been described and that various simple modifications and variants can be envisaged by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention As defined by the appended claims. It will be noted in particular that it is conceivable to delay the activation of the second acoustic alarm signal in time, by a fixed or user-selectable time. In other words, the production of the second acoustic signal generated by the electronic device will be time-shifted with respect to the emission of the first acoustic signal produced by the mechanical device. It will also be understood that the electronic device can indifferently control the emission of a second acoustic alarm signal or of a mechanical vibration thanks to the use of a vibrating mechanism housed in the thickness of the bracelet. At the moment when the mechanical device begins to produce the first acoustic alarm signal, the electronic device will control the starting of the vibrating mechanism which will generate vibrations that will be felt by the user in his wrist. The vibrating mechanism is typically an eccentric mechanism which actuates a flyweight. Likewise, it will be noted that, according to a simplified embodiment of the invention, it may be envisaged to fix in advance the duration of the second alarm. Once started after activation of the first alarm, The second alarm will stop autonomously once this time has elapsed. In other words, the second alarm will be activated when the first alarm is activated and will stop after a predefined time independent of the duration of the first alarm. It should also be noted that, in the case where the sensor is a microphone or an accelerometer, it is not essential that such a sensor is placed under the bottom of the watch case. Consequently, it is conceivable for the bracelet to be formed of two separate strands each fixed by one of their ends to the watch case and in which are integrated the components necessary for the implementation of the invention. The second alarm will be activated when the first alarm is activated and will stop after a predefined time independent of the duration of the first alarm. It should also be noted that, in the case where the sensor is a microphone or an accelerometer, it is not essential that such a sensor is placed under the bottom of the watch case. Consequently, it is conceivable for the bracelet to be formed of two separate strands each fixed by one of their ends to the watch case and in which are integrated the components necessary for the implementation of the invention. The second alarm will be activated when the first alarm is activated and will stop after a predefined time independent of the duration of the first alarm. It should also be noted that, in the case where the sensor is a microphone or an accelerometer, it is not essential that such a sensor is placed under the bottom of the watch case. Consequently, it is conceivable for the bracelet to be formed of two separate strands each fixed by one of their ends to the watch case and in which are integrated the components necessary for the implementation of the invention.

Nomenclature [0047]

Wrist watch 1 Watch case 2 Bracelet 4 Bottom 6 Ice 8 Dial 10

Hour 12, minute 14 and second hands 16 Mechanical timepiece movement 18 Mechanical device 20, in particular for striking Winding stem 22

First, Second and Third Deflecting Wheels 24a, 24b and 24c Trigger Wheel 26 Index 28

Three openings 30 Hour wheel 32 Release lever 34 Spring 36 Three tabs 38 Inclined plane 40 Ring anchor 42 Ring wheel 44 Swivel point 46 Hammer 48

Ring winding lever 50

Latch 52

Ring lock 54

Electronic device 56

Image Sensor 58

Control unit 60 Electronic sound generator 62

Collimation Lens 64

Light source 66

Printed circuit board 68

Claims

Electrical current source 70 Openings 72 74 Capacitive sensor 76 RC oscillator 78 Demodulator 80 Output stage 82 Reed switch 84 Blades or flexible contacts 86 Magnet 88 Inductive sensor 90 Winding 92 Magnetic circuit 94 Microphone 96 Mechanical indicator 98 Pad 100 First part of Absorbing surface 100a Second surface portion 100b reflective Light source 102 Light sensor 104 Image sensor 106 Pellet 108 Image sensor 110 First surface fraction 110a Second surface fraction 110b Mechanical indicator member 112 Claims

1. Wrist watch comprising a watch case in which a mechanical timepiece movement (18) comprising a mechanical device (20) for performing at least one first mechanical function is housed, the watch case 2) being associated with a wristband (4) in which is housed an electronic device (56) arranged to execute at least one second electronic function, the execution of the second electronic function being conditioned by the execution of the first mechanical function.

2. The wristwatch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanical device for performing the first mechanical function is a mechanical ringing device arranged to produce a first acoustic alarm signal and the electronic device 56) housed in the bracelet (4) is arranged to produce a second acoustic alarm signal and / or a mechanical vibration, the electronic device (56) being arranged to produce the second acoustic alarm signal at the moment when the mechanical device Of ringer produces the first acoustic alarm signal or after a predetermined or user selectable time following the activation of the mechanical ringing device.

3. A wrist watch according to claim 2, comprising a transparent bottom, characterized in that the electronic device (56) for executing the second electronic function comprises an image sensor (58) arranged in the bracelet ) So as to be under the transparent bottom (6) and capable of detecting the setting in motion of a mobile part of the mechanical ringing device.

4. The wristwatch as claimed in claim 3, wherein the image sensor is arranged so as to be able to detect a change in the gray levels of an image that it is scanning.

5. The wrist watch according to claim 4, wherein the image sensor is of the CMOS type.

6. Wrist watch according to claim 3, wherein the electronic device for executing the second electronic function comprises a light source arranged in the bracelet in order to To improve the conditions in which the image sensor (58) performs the photographs.

7. The wrist watch as claimed in claim 3, wherein the image sensor is arranged to send an electrical signal to an electronic control unit which is arranged to control the setting Of an electronic sound generator (62) or vibrations as soon as the image sensor (58) detects that the mechanical ringing device (20) is switched on and emits the first acoustic alarm signal.

8. The wrist watch as claimed in claim 7, wherein the image sensor is arranged to send an electrical signal to the electronic control unit which is arranged to control the stopping of the electronic generator Of sound (62) or vibrations when the moving object of the image sensor (58) stops and the first acoustic alarm signal is interrupted.

9. Wrist watch according to claim 3, wherein the image sensor is covered by a collimating lens.

10. The wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device of the second electronic function comprises a capacitive sensor, , A magnetic sensor or an inductive sensor (90) arranged in the bracelet (4) so as to lie beneath the opaque non-electrically conductive bottom (6) and capable of detecting the setting in motion of a mobile part of the device Mechanical means (20).

11. The wrist watch as claimed in claim 10, wherein the capacitive sensor comprises an RC oscillator, a demodulator and an output stage which are arranged to send an electrical signal to An electronic control unit (60) which is arranged to control the start-up of an electronic sound generator (62) or vibration as soon as the capacitive sensor (76) detects a change in the capacitance caused by switching on Of the mechanical device (20) for performing the first mechanical function and the transmission of a first acoustic alarm signal by the mechanical device (20).

12. The wrist watch as claimed in claim 10, wherein the magnetic sensor is a reed switch with flexible blades which is arranged to send an electrical signal to an electronic control unit which is arranged, For controlling the start-up of an electronic sound generator (62) or vibrations as soon as the flexible blades (86) attract each other and come into contact with one another under the effect of the displacement of a sound- A magnet (88) which begins to move when the mechanical device (20) for performing the first mechanical function starts.

13. The wrist watch as claimed in claim 10, wherein the magnetic sensor is a giant magnetoresistance sensor which is arranged to send an electrical signal to an electronic control unit which is arranged to control the starting of (62) or vibrations as soon as the electrical resistance of the sensor varies as a result of the displacement of a magnet (88) which begins to move when the mechanical device (20) for performing the sound The first mechanical function switches on.

14. Wrist watch according to claim 10, wherein the inductive sensor comprises a coil formed around a magnetic circuit and is arranged to send an electrical signal to an electronic control unit, (60) which is arranged to control the start-up of an electronic sound generator (62) or vibrations as soon as electrical current is induced in the winding (92) due to the displacement of a magnet 88) which begins to move when the mechanical device (20) for performing the first mechanical function starts.

15. The wristwatch as claimed in claim 10, wherein the inductive sensor comprises an oscillating circuit LC arranged to send an electrical signal to an electronic control unit which is arranged to control the activation of An electronic sound generator (62) or vibrations as soon as the inductance varies under the effect of a displacement of a metallic mobile of the mechanical device (20) for executing the first mechanical function.

16. The wristwatch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic device for executing the second electronic function comprises a microphone arranged to detect an acoustic wave produced by the activation of the device, Mechanical means (20) for performing the first mechanical function and for sending an electrical signal to an electronic control unit (60) which controls the start-up of an electronic sound generator (62) or vibrations.

17. Wristwatch according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic device (56) for executing the second electronic function comprises an accelerometer arranged to detect the mechanical vibrations generated by the activation of the mechanical device ) For performing the first mechanical function and for sending an electrical signal to an electronic control unit (60) which controls the start-up of an electronic sound generator (62) or vibrations.

18. The wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical device for performing the first mechanical function comprises a mechanical indicator element which provides an indication of the armed or non- Armed with the mechanical device (20) for performing the first mechanical function, and the electronic device (56) comprises means arranged to scan the indication provided by the mechanical indicator member (98) and means which are arranged to detect The moment at which the first mechanical function will be triggered.

19. The wrist watch as claimed in claim 18, wherein the mechanical indicator member comprises a patch with a first surface portion absorbing and a second surface portion, Said pad (100) being arranged to move between a first and a second position according to whether the mechanical device (20) is unarmed or armed, and in that the means arranged to scan the indication provided by the device (98) comprise a light source (102) and a light sensor (104) housed in the bracelet (4) under the chip (100)The light emitted by the light source (102) being absorbed or reflected as it falls on the first absorbing surface portion (100a) or the second reflective surface portion (100b) of the pellet (100), the means Arranged to detect when the first mechanical function will be triggered, comprising an image sensor (106) capable of detecting the movement of a moving part of the mechanical device (20) starting to scan the moment when the mechanical device 20) will turn on when the light sensor (104) senses light reflected by the second reflective surface portion (100b) of the wafer (100).The means arranged to detect the instant at which the first mechanical function will be triggered, comprising an image sensor (106) capable of detecting the setting in motion of a moving part of the mechanical device (20) starting to scrutinize the moment when the device When the light sensor (104) senses light reflected by the second reflective surface portion (100b) of the wafer (100).The means arranged to detect the instant at which the first mechanical function will be triggered, comprising an image sensor (106) capable of detecting the setting in motion of a moving part of the mechanical device (20) starting to scrutinize the moment when the device When the light sensor (104) senses light reflected by the second reflective surface portion (100b) of the wafer (100).

20. The wristwatch as claimed in claim 18, wherein the means arranged to scan the indication provided by the mechanical indicator member comprise a light source and a light sensor housed in The bracelet (4) under a wafer whose first surface portion reflects the light in a direction in which the light sensor (104) can not pick up light and a second surface portion reflects light in the direction of the light sensor Said pad (100) being arranged to move between a first position and a second position depending on whether the mechanical device (20) is unarmed or armed,The light emitted by the light source (102) thus being deflected or reflected as it falls on the first surface portion or the second surface portion of the wafer, the means arranged to detect the instant at which the first function (106) capable of detecting the movement of a moving part of the mechanical device (20) and starting to scan the moment when the mechanical device (20) will start when the mechanical device Wherein the light sensor (104) senses light reflected from the wafer.The means arranged to detect the moment at which the first mechanical function will be triggered comprises an image sensor capable of detecting the movement of a moving part of the mechanical device and starting to examine the moment when (20) will turn on when the light sensor (104) senses light reflected from the chip.The means arranged to detect the moment at which the first mechanical function will be triggered comprises an image sensor capable of detecting the movement of a moving part of the mechanical device and starting to examine the moment when (20) will turn on when the light sensor (104) senses light reflected from the chip.

21. The wrist watch as claimed in claim 18, wherein the electronic device comprises an image sensor having a first fraction of the surface respectively used to scan the indication provided, By the mechanical indicating member (98), and a second fraction of the surface (110b) is used to detect the start-up of the mechanical device (20).