EP0694822B1 - Watch with a magnetic, north, indicating device - Google Patents

Watch with a magnetic, north, indicating device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0694822B1
EP0694822B1 EP95111303A EP95111303A EP0694822B1 EP 0694822 B1 EP0694822 B1 EP 0694822B1 EP 95111303 A EP95111303 A EP 95111303A EP 95111303 A EP95111303 A EP 95111303A EP 0694822 B1 EP0694822 B1 EP 0694822B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
watch
magnetic
permanent magnet
axis
direction indicator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP95111303A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0694822A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Jacques Born
Etienne Bornand
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Asulab AG
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Asulab AG
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Publication of EP0694822A1 publication Critical patent/EP0694822A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B47/00—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece
    • G04B47/06—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece with attached measuring instruments, e.g. pedometer, barometer, thermometer or compass
    • G04B47/065—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece with attached measuring instruments, e.g. pedometer, barometer, thermometer or compass with a compass

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a watch comprising a device for indicating the Earth's magnetic north.
  • the invention relates to such a device indicating the magnetic north of the earth, the element of which active is formed by a permanent bipolar magnet.
  • the magnetic north indication device also has a direction indicator attached to it first end, with the annular permanent magnet and arranged so that its second end appears in a circular slot provided in the watch face to allow a user of this watch to locate the direction of the magnetic axis of the permanent magnet annular which is supposed to align with the direction of flow magnetic earth.
  • the watch including the device for indicating the magnetic north described above presents some major drawbacks.
  • the arrangement of the permanent magnet between the watch movement and the watch face increases the thickness of this watch, which goes to against the constant concern of watchmakers from provide watches with a reduced thickness for reasons of comfort when the watch is worn on the wrist and for aesthetic reasons.
  • the arrangement of the coaxial annular permanent magnet to the central axis of the watch movement, i.e. coaxial with the axes of the hands of this watch, is disadvantageous for the operation of the device indication of magnetic north when the movement watchmaker includes magnetic masses, i.e. masses with low magnetic reluctance. These magnetic masses disturb the magnetic field earthly and orient the permanent magnet independently of this earth's magnetic field if this permanent magnet is not far enough from these magnetic masses, including the battery of an electronic movement.
  • the magnetic north indication device does not work not properly. If, on the other hand, the permanent magnet is distant from the movement to decrease the attraction of the masses magnetic on this permanent magnet, the thickness of the watch is greatly increased, which deprives a such watch of any commercial future.
  • the arrangement of the permanent magnet above of a movement comprising magnetic masses has for consequence that the terrestrial magnetic flux is concentrated in the region defined by these magnetic masses. From this fact, the density of the Earth's magnetic flux passing through the permanent magnet of the magnetic north device is lesser. So the effectiveness of this device is lessened.
  • a main problem with such watches equipped with a compass comes from disturbances caused by the watch movement when it has masses magnetic, as already mentioned above.
  • the indicator In addition, for easy reading of the indication of the direction, the indicator must be sufficiently large dimensions, which cannot that increase the problem of space mentioned above.
  • the device described in the French document allows, relative to the teaching of documents Swiss, to better move away from magnetic masses, for a given dimensions, the magnetic element of the compass using a small permanent bipolar magnet secured to the indicator needle and reduced dimensions.
  • An object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above by providing a watch including a north indication device magnetic whose arrangement does not affect the dimensions of the watch or affects it to a lesser extent and, jointly, whose magnetic functioning provides a correct indication of the north magnetic earth.
  • the watch comprises a magnetic north indication device comprising a direction indicator with longitudinal dimension is offset relative to the axis of rotation of this indicator and the magnet associated with it.
  • the rotational movement of the direction is limited so that its part longest longitudinal, measured from the axis of rotation and partially defining said dimension longitudinal, is constantly located in a sector circular oriented substantially in the direction of center of the watch relative to said axis of rotation.
  • the present invention therefore makes it possible to position the axis of the indicating device and therefore the magnet in a peripheral region of the watch case this which moves it away from the magnetic disturbances of the masses due to movement while allowing, thanks to the decentralization of the indicator to solve the problem of congestion mentioned above.
  • the permanent magnet is mounted on a tree to which the direction indicator is attached, the latter being located between the dial and the watch glass then that the permanent magnet is located between the bottom and the dial of this watch.
  • the magnet permanent is located in a lateral peripheral region external to the watch movement contained in the watch.
  • the magnet permanent is located in a peripheral region interior of the watch movement, the tree carrying the magnet permanent having two pivots mounted respectively in two bearings arranged in the frame of this movement watchmaker.
  • the invention relates to a watch whose watch movement includes magnetic masses, notably an electronic watch movement, the magnet permanent magnetic north indication device being arranged in the case of this watch as described above and at a sufficient distance from said masses magnetic so that its minimum energy position is essentially determined by magnetic flux terrestrial crossing the watch.
  • the permanent magnet is formed by a ring mounted directly on a relatively diameter shaft small so that the permanent magnet is understood in a limited volume of the watch case, the direction indicator having a dimension longitudinal much greater than the radial dimension of the annular permanent magnet and being formed of a material not magnetic.
  • the active element of the device indicating the magnetic north formed by the magnet permanent can be removed from the magnetic masses of the horological movement included in the watch while being arranged on the edge of the case of this watch without harming any good reading of the indicated magnetic north direction by the direction indicator.
  • This direction indicator being non-magnetic, it can without other approach the magnetic masses of the watch movement without this affects the accuracy and sensitivity of the device indication of magnetic north according to the invention.
  • the direction indicator relative to the magnetic axis of the permanent magnet of so that this direction indicator is oriented precisely in the direction of terrestrial magnetic north when aligned with a positioning mark.
  • an angular offset between the longitudinal axis of direction indicator and magnetic axis of the magnet permanent is expected, the angular offset depending on the disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field caused by the magnetic masses present in the movement watchmaker and the position of the positioning mark mentioned above.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a watch comprising a magnetic north indication device as described above allowing a user having this wrist watch easily follow a course, that is to say to follow a determined direction relative to the Earth magnetic north.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a watch including a magnetic north indication device as described above used to indicate the direction a given location from at least one other location.
  • the place whose direction is given is the Mecca.
  • FIG. 1 a description will be given below of first embodiment of a watch according to the invention.
  • watch 1 includes a movement watchmaker 2 associated with two hands 4 and 6 used to analog time display.
  • Watch 1 includes in addition to a window 8, fixed in a telescope 10, and a middle 12 also forming the bottom of the case watch.
  • Watch 1 also includes a device 14 indication of the direction of terrestrial magnetic north.
  • This device 14 comprises a bipolar permanent magnet 16 mounted on a shaft 18 defining an axis of rotation 20.
  • Bipolar permanent magnet 16 defines a magnetic axis (not shown) perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20.
  • the shaft 18 provided with the magnet 16 is housed inside a cage 22.
  • This cage 22 is arranged in the middle part 12 in the outer lateral peripheral region of the watch movement 2.
  • a direction indicator 24 is fixedly connected to the tree 18. This direction indicator 24 is used to indicate magnetic north direction as will be described more precisely thereafter.
  • the permanent magnet 16 is arranged in the lateral peripheral region of the watch movement 2 and is located between dial 26 of watch 1 and the bottom of this watch.
  • the arrangement of the device 14 does not generate, in the present embodiment, strictly no increase in the thickness of the watch 1.
  • the direction indicator 24 is arranged between the dial 26 and the crystal 8 of the watch 1 at the same level as the 6 hour hand, the minutes 4 being arranged so as to pass over the direction indicator 24. As a result, the direction indicator direction 24 does not cause any increase in thickness of watch 1.
  • FIG. 2 shows a variant of the first embodiment of FIG. 1.
  • Watch 31 includes a middle part 32 on which is fixed a crystal 8 and a separable case 34.
  • the watch movement 2 is mounted in a casing circle 36 on the surface of which is provided for the dial 26 of watch 31.
  • This watch 31 also includes a device 14 for indicating the north magnetic identical to that described in Figure 1, but arranged in the casing circle 36. It will be noted here that the magnetic axis 38 of the permanent magnet 16 has been represented in this figure 2.
  • the other references already described in Figure 1 will not be described here at new in detail.
  • the permanent magnet 16 is located in the outer peripheral region of the movement watchmaker 2.
  • the watch movement 2 is located off-center relative to the middle part 32.
  • the arrangement of the device 14 magnetic north direction indication again does not generate any excess thickness of watch 31.
  • the cage 22 arranged in the casing circle 36 has two bearings 40 and 42 in which are respectively guided two pivots 44 and 46 of the shaft 18.
  • the first pivot 46 forming a first end of the shaft 18 rests on a counter-pivot 48 arranged in the cage 22.
  • the pivot 44 forming a second end of the shaft 18 crosses the bearing 40 and extends beyond this bearing 40 so as to allow the barrel of the needle 24 forming the direction indicator to be fixed rigidly at pivot 44.
  • FIG. 3 a second variant of the first embodiment, equivalent to the first variant described using Figure 2.
  • a watch 51 seen from below in the absence of its background.
  • This watch 51 includes a clockwork movement 52 mounted in a circle 54.
  • a device 14 for indicating the magnetic north direction is arranged in the circle casing 54 in an equivalent manner to FIG. 2.
  • Watch movement 52 is a movement electronic including a motor 56 and a battery door 58.
  • the stator 60 of the motor 56 and the battery (not shown) arranged in the hatch 58 form magnetic masses, i.e. masses of weak magnetic reluctance easily conducting flux magnetic.
  • the cage 22 of the device 14 for indicating the direction of magnetic north, containing the magnet permanent (not visible in Figure 3) of this device 14, is located in a region 62 relatively restricted lateral peripheral region 64 of the watch movement 52.
  • the cage 22 is distant from the magnetic masses of the watch movement 52 and is located opposite the battery door 58, intended to receive the battery necessary to power the watch movement 52, relative to the central axis of the watch movement 52.
  • the permanent magnet of the device 14 indication of the direction of magnetic north east away from the power supply battery of movement 52, this battery being one of the main magnetic elements disrupting the earth's magnetic flux crossing the shows 51.
  • the present invention solves this problem thanks to the arrangement of the north indication device 14 magnetic and its positioning in the watch 51 relative to watch movement 52.
  • the invention solves the problem of efficiency and sensitivity of the north indication device 14 magnetic without generating an increase in the thickness of the watch 51.
  • Figure 4 is partially shown a second embodiment of a watch according to the invention.
  • the device magnetic north indication 14 is arranged in the watch movement 72.
  • the shaft 18 of the device 14 on which is mounted the permanent magnet 16 is arranged between a first part 74 and a second piece 76 of the watch movement frame 72.
  • Bearings 40 and 42 are arranged in two openings provided for this purpose respectively in Exhibits 74 and 76 of the watch movement 72.
  • the pivot 46 of the shaft 18 is supported on the counter-pivot 48 while the pivot 44 crosses the bearing 40 in the direction of the dial 26.
  • the axis 78 of the needle 24 forming the indicator of device 14 direction is securely attached to the pivot 44.
  • the shaft 18 and the magnet 16 are therefore entirely included in the thickness of the watch movement 72.
  • the needle 24 is again arranged above the dial 26.
  • the direction of flow of magnetic flux terrestrial in a region bordering these masses magnetic is modified by the presence of these masses magnetic.
  • the disturbance on the direction of the magnetic axis of the permanent magnet generated by the presence of magnetic masses varies depending on the relative position of the permanent magnet and these masses magnetic. Therefore, the direction defined by the axis magnetic of the permanent magnet of the device magnetic north indication has an angle of variable deviation from north magnetic when positioning the permanent magnet relatively to the magnetic masses varies in a frame of reference defined by the direction of magnetic north earthly.
  • Figure 5 is shown in top view the bipolar permanent magnet 16 and its magnetic axis 38, the shaft 18 on which the magnet 16 is mounted and the direction indicator 24 of the indication device of the magnetic north of the invention.
  • Figure 6 is shown schematically a top view of a watch according to the invention and in particularly the arrangement of the dial 82 of this watch.
  • the axis of rotation 20 of the direction indicator 24 is located at the edge of the dial 82 and is aligned with the twelve o'clock position.
  • a positioning marker 84 is provided, formed by a arrow 86.
  • the longitudinal axis 86 of the direction indicator 24 is angularly offset by an angle ⁇ .
  • This angle ⁇ is determined precisely so that the indicator of direction 24 has its longitudinal axis 86 aligned with the north-south direction of the undisturbed terrestrial magnetic field when this longitudinal axis 86 is aligned with the reference 84.
  • the value of the angle ⁇ does not have need to be calculated theoretically.
  • the needle 24 constituting the direction indicator mentioned above is mounted on the shaft 18 of the device 14 of so that the longitudinal axis 86 of this needle 24 is aligned with the reference 84, that is to say so that that this longitudinal axis 86 is oriented along the direction given by arrow 85 of the mark of positioning 84.
  • the positioning reference 84 can be formed by any means defining at least one point on which the direction indicator is likely to line up. Since the direction indicator 24 rotates around its axis of rotation 20, a single point of positioning allows to define a given direction for the longitudinal axis 86 of the direction indicator 24. Thus, when the positioning mark defines a geometric figure other than a point, it is expected that this geometric figure presents a general direction intercepting the axis of rotation 20.
  • the disturbance caused by the masses of the watch movement on the magnetic flux terrestrial, crossing the region in which the magnet permanent 16 of device 14 is located, is corrected when the direction indicator 24 of the device 14 is aligned with the positioning mark 84 provided in the watch according to the invention.
  • the direction indicator 24 when the direction indicator 24 has not its longitudinal axis 86 aligned with the reference mark positioning 84, the direction indicator 24 does not indicate more precisely the direction of magnetic north terrestrial, especially since the angular offset between the longitudinal axis 86 of the direction indicator 24 and the direction defined by the positioning mark 84 is great.
  • a graduation 88 defining a magnetic declination scale.
  • the declination in one given place on the surface of the earth corresponds to the geographic azimuth of magnetic north, i.e. equal to the angle formed between the north direction geographic and magnetic north direction.
  • the part of graduation 88 located to the right of the direction 24 corresponds to magnetic variations negative, i.e. magnetic variations west W, while that part of graduation 88 located at left of this direction indicator 24 corresponds to positive magnetic versions, that is to say magnetic variations is E.
  • the 88 graduation is linear. However, it is provided in a mode of preferred embodiment a graduation 88 arranged in such a way so that the angle formed between the corresponding division to zero magnetic declination and another division corresponding to a non-zero magnetic declination, relative to the axis of rotation 20 of the indicator direction 24, integrates the disturbance on the flow earth magnetic flowing in the magnet region permanent when the watch movement includes magnetic masses 60.
  • the angle ⁇ between the magnetic axis 38 of the permanent magnet 16 and the longitudinal axis 86 of the direction indicator has a zero value, and the graduation 88 to hold account of the magnetic declination is then linear.
  • the arrangement of the device according to the invention allows a good reading of the direction of north magnetic using direction indicator 24 all by having the permanent magnet of the indication device 14 magnetic north from the edge of the watch according to the invention, that is to say in the region lateral device of the watch movement included in this watch.
  • the direction indicator 24 is formed by a non-magnetic material. Therefore, the presence of this direction indicator 24 near ground movement of the watch movement does not disturb the precision and sensitivity of the indication device magnetic north according to the invention.
  • FIGS. 7 to 9 there will be described below a third embodiment of a watch according to the invention used to follow a given direction.
  • Watch 94 includes an indication device 14 magnetic north of the earth according to the invention.
  • the watch 94 is a wristwatch intended to be worn on the wrist of a user.
  • This watch 94 includes a dial 96 located inside a case 98.
  • the device 14 includes a direction indicator 24 associated with a positioning mark 100 formed by a interval defined using two annular sectors. On the dial 96 is provided a graduation 102 forming at at least partially a wind rose. Axis 20 of device 14 is positioned on the corresponding division at the indication of the north direction. The projection of the axis of rotation 20 on the dial 96 and the interval defining the positioning mark 100 are aligned on the north-south direction of graduation 102.
  • the housing 98 in which is arranged the dial 96 and the watch movement (not shown) of watch 94, is likely to undergo a rotation about the central axis 104 relative to the strap 106 of watch 94.
  • case 98 is rotatably mounted on the support 110 fixedly connected to the bracelet 106.
  • the device allowing the rotation of the housing 98 relative to the support 110 includes a toothed wheel integral with the housing 98 and at minus a pawl for angular positioning of this wheel secured to the support 110.
  • Any other device known from a person skilled in the art, in particular equivalent devices to devices used for watches comprising a rotating bezel, can be used in the arrangement of watch 94.
  • the graduation 102 includes at least four divisions corresponding to the four points cardinals of the terrestrial globe.
  • the division indicating the north direction given by the landmark of positioning 100 and by the axis of rotation 20.
  • the watch 94 described in FIGS. 7 to 9 makes it easy to follow a heading, that is to say a determined direction, when the watch is worn by a user.
  • FIGS. 7 to 9 the following will be described which way watch 94 can be used to track a Cape.
  • axis of rotation 20 of device 14 is positioned angularly relative to the axis of rotation 104 of the housing 98 in a position determined.
  • this determined position corresponds to the twelve o'clock position of watch 94 relative to support 110.
  • the watch 94 When a user wishes on the other hand use the watch 94 to follow a direction determined for example the southwest direction it will rotate the case 98 of the watch 94 until division 112 of graduation 102 corresponding to the southwest direction be positioned angularly on the twelve o'clock position of the support 110 of watch 94.
  • the user has his forearm 114 in front of the trunk of his body in such a way that this forearm is substantially horizontal and the watch is located opposite his head. Then like this is shown in figure 9, the user will rotate on itself until the direction indicator 24 is aligned with the positioning 100. So the management determined that the user has chosen to follow corresponds to the direction given by division 112 of graduation 102 relatively to the center of this circular graduation which coincides with the axis of rotation 104 of the housing 98. This direction then corresponds to the direction of travel of the watch user 94.
  • the user will ensure that the direction indicator 24 remains aligned with the positioning mark 100.
  • the location of the user of the watch 94 has a magnetic variation and a graduation allowing to take into consideration these magnetic variations is provided, the user ensure that the direction indicator 24 is aligned on the division of this graduation corresponding to the magnetic declination of the place in which is located user of watch 94.
  • third embodiment of a watch according to the invention intended to indicate the direction of a place determined in relation to at least one other given location.
  • Watch 120 includes a housing 122 comprising a rotating bezel 124.
  • the two hands 126 and 127 allow a display analog time.
  • watch 120 includes a device 14 for indicating the north direction Earth magnetic equivalent to those described previously and the dial 128 again includes a mark position 125 associated with the direction indicator 24.
  • the watch 120 is arranged to allow a user to determine the direction of Mecca from a set of cities on dial 128 and which are associated respectively with angular references 130 defining an angular position in the plane of the dial 128 relative to the axis of rotation 132 of the telescope rotating 124.
  • the angle formed in the plane of the dial 128 between a given index 130, the axis of rotation 132 of the rotating bezel and axis of rotation 20 of the indicator of direction 24 corresponds to the magnetic azimuth between the direction of Mecca and the direction of magnetic north at the location defined by the city corresponding to the landmark angular 130 given.
  • the Mecca direction corresponds to the defined direction by the reference 134 provided on the rotating bezel 124 and the axis of rotation 132 of this rotating bezel.
  • the housing 122 comprising the dial 128, the device 14 for indicating the terrestrial magnetic north (partially shown) and the watch movement (not shown) provided inside the housing 122 are likely to be rotated relative to the watch strap (not shown) from watch 120.

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Description

La présente invention concerne une montre comportant un dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique terrestre. En particulier, l'invention concerne un tel dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique terrestre dont l'élément actif est formé par un aimant permanent bipolaire.The present invention relates to a watch comprising a device for indicating the Earth's magnetic north. In particular, the invention relates to such a device indicating the magnetic north of the earth, the element of which active is formed by a permanent bipolar magnet.

Il est connu du document allemand G 8306716.7 une montre comportant un dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique terrestre (ci-après nord magnétique). Ce document décrit une montre comprenant un boítier dans lequel est agencé un mouvement horloger associé à des indicateurs analogiques coaxiaux de l'heure. Il est prévu dans ce document un dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique formé par un aimant permanent bipolaire annulaire disposé entre le mouvement d'horlogerie et un cadran de la montre, cet aimant permanent annulaire étant disposé de manière que son axe central soit coaxial aux axes portant les indicateurs de l'heure susmentionnés.It is known from the German document G 8306716.7 a watch with a north indication device magnetic earth (hereinafter magnetic north). This document describes a watch comprising a case in which is arranged a watch movement associated with coaxial analog time indicators. It is provided in this document a device for indicating the north magnetic formed by a permanent bipolar magnet ring disposed between the watch movement and a watch face, this annular permanent magnet being arranged so that its central axis is coaxial with axes carrying the aforementioned time indicators.

Le dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique comporte également un indicateur de direction fixé, à une première extrémité, à l'aimant permanent annulaire et agencé de manière que sa seconde extrémité apparaisse dans une fente circulaire prévue dans le cadran de la montre pour permettre à un utilisateur de cette montre de repérer la direction de l'axe magnétique de l'aimant permanent annulaire qui est censé s'aligner sur la direction du flux magnétique terrestre.The magnetic north indication device also has a direction indicator attached to it first end, with the annular permanent magnet and arranged so that its second end appears in a circular slot provided in the watch face to allow a user of this watch to locate the direction of the magnetic axis of the permanent magnet annular which is supposed to align with the direction of flow magnetic earth.

La montre comportant le dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique décrit ci-avant présente certains inconvénients majeurs.The watch including the device for indicating the magnetic north described above presents some major drawbacks.

Premièrement, l'agencement de l'aimant permanent entre le mouvement horloger et le cadran de la montre augmente l'épaisseur de cette montre, ce qui va à l'encontre de la préoccupation constante des horlogers de fournir des montres ayant une moindre épaisseur pour des raisons de confort lorsque la montre est portée au poignet et pour des raisons esthétiques.First, the arrangement of the permanent magnet between the watch movement and the watch face increases the thickness of this watch, which goes to against the constant concern of watchmakers from provide watches with a reduced thickness for reasons of comfort when the watch is worn on the wrist and for aesthetic reasons.

L'agencement de l'aimant permanent annulaire coaxial à l'axe central du mouvement de la montre, c'est-à-dire coaxial aux axes des aiguilles de cette montre, est désavantageux pour le fonctionnement du dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique lorsque le mouvement horloger comprend des masses magnétiques, c'est-à-dire des masses présentant une faible réluctance magnétique. Ces masses magnétiques perturbent le champ magnétique terrestre et orientent l'aimant permanent indépendamment de ce champ magnétique terrestre si cet aimant permanent n'est pas éloigné suffisamment de ces masses magnétiques, notamment de la pile d'un mouvement électronique.The arrangement of the coaxial annular permanent magnet to the central axis of the watch movement, i.e. coaxial with the axes of the hands of this watch, is disadvantageous for the operation of the device indication of magnetic north when the movement watchmaker includes magnetic masses, i.e. masses with low magnetic reluctance. These magnetic masses disturb the magnetic field earthly and orient the permanent magnet independently of this earth's magnetic field if this permanent magnet is not far enough from these magnetic masses, including the battery of an electronic movement.

De ce fait, si l'aimant permanent est placé à proximité des masses magnétiques du mouvement horloger, le dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique ne fonctionne pas correctement. Si par contre l'aimant permanent est éloigné du mouvement pour diminuer l'attraction des masses magnétiques sur cet aimant permanent, l'épaisseur de la montre est considérablement augmentée, ce qui prive une telle montre de tout avenir commercial.Therefore, if the permanent magnet is placed at proximity to the magnetic masses of the watch movement, the magnetic north indication device does not work not properly. If, on the other hand, the permanent magnet is distant from the movement to decrease the attraction of the masses magnetic on this permanent magnet, the thickness of the watch is greatly increased, which deprives a such watch of any commercial future.

De plus, l'agencement de l'aimant permanent au-dessus d'un mouvement comprenant des masses magnétiques a pour conséquence que le flux magnétique terrestre est concentré dans la région définie par ces masses magnétiques. De ce fait, la densité du flux magnétique terrestre traversant l'aimant permanent du dispositif du nord magnétique est moindre. Ainsi, l'efficacité de ce dispositif est amoindrie.In addition, the arrangement of the permanent magnet above of a movement comprising magnetic masses has for consequence that the terrestrial magnetic flux is concentrated in the region defined by these magnetic masses. From this fact, the density of the Earth's magnetic flux passing through the permanent magnet of the magnetic north device is lesser. So the effectiveness of this device is lessened.

On connaít aussi des documents CH-17 742 et CH-274 909 une montre munie d'une boussole classique, cette boussole comprenant une aiguille aimantée posée sur une pointe et située entre le cadran horaire et la glace. L'aiguille, centrée sur la pointe, peut se mouvoir librement dans un plan parallèle au cadran afin d'indiquer approximativement la composante horizontale du champ magnétique terrestre.We also know documents CH-17 742 and CH-274 909 a watch fitted with a classic compass, this compass including a magnetic needle placed on a point and located between the time dial and the glass. The needle, centered on the tip, can move freely in a plane parallel to the dial to indicate approximately the horizontal component of the field magnetic earth.

On connaít également du document FR-2 438 861 une montre bracelet munie d'une boussole miniature, plus particulièrement une boussole dont l'équipage sensible comporte une aiguille indicatrice étroite, légère et non magnétique fixée en son centre sur un arbre portant également un aimant permanent bipolaire dont l'axe magnétique est parallèle à l'axe longitudinal de l'aiguille indicatrice. L'équipage magnétique mobile ainsi constitué est disposé dans l'évidement central d'une cuvette de forme cylindrique tel que représenté à la figure 6 de ce brevet.We also know from document FR-2 438 861 a wristwatch with a miniature compass, plus particularly a compass whose sensitive crew has a narrow, light, non-marking indicator needle magnetic fixed in its center on a tree bearing also a bipolar permanent magnet whose axis magnetic is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the indicator needle. The mobile magnetic equipment as well constituted is arranged in the central recess of a cylindrical bowl as shown in the Figure 6 of this patent.

Un problème principal de telles montres munies d'une boussole provient des perturbations causées par le mouvement horloger lorsque celui-ci comporte des masses magnétiques, comme cela a déjà été mentionné ci-avant.A main problem with such watches equipped with a compass comes from disturbances caused by the watch movement when it has masses magnetic, as already mentioned above.

L'utilisation d'une boussole classique à l'intérieur d'une montre, telle que décrite dans les documents CH-17 742 et CH-274 909, ne permet pas de résoudre ce problème. En effet, même miniaturisée, une telle boussole équipée d'une aiguille aimantée définissant une certaine surface utile correspondant à sa surface de rotation, subit, si l'aiguille est superposée ou à proximité de masses magnétiques, des perturbations telles que l'indication fournie à l'utilisateur ne peut être correcte.The use of a classic compass inside a watch, as described in the documents CH-17 742 and CH-274 909, does not solve this problem. Indeed, even miniaturized, such a compass equipped with a magnetic needle defining a certain useful surface corresponding to its rotation surface, sudden, if the needle is superimposed or near magnetic masses, disturbances such as the indication provided to the user cannot be correct.

Ce problème peut être résolu en éloignant, dans le plan général du boítier, l'aiguille aimantée des masses magnétiques, mais ceci engendre alors un inconvénient majeur relativement à l'agencement de la boussole dans le boítier et l'encombrement résultant porte préjudice à l'esthétique de la montre, en particulier pour une montre-bracelet traditionnelle.This problem can be solved by moving away, in the general plan of the case, the magnetic needle of the masses magnetic, but this creates a drawback major relative to the arrangement of the compass in the housing and the resulting size is detrimental to the aesthetics of the watch, especially for a wristwatch traditional.

De plus, pour une lecture aisée de l'indication de la direction, il est nécessaire que l'indicateur soit de dimensions suffisamment élevées, ce qui ne peut qu'augmenter le problème de l'encombrement susmentionné.In addition, for easy reading of the indication of the direction, the indicator must be sufficiently large dimensions, which cannot that increase the problem of space mentioned above.

Le dispositif décrit dans le document français permet, relativement à l'enseignement des documents suisses, de mieux éloigner des masses magnétiques, pour un encombrement donné, l'élément magnétique de la boussole en utilisant un petit aimant permanent bipolaire solidaire de l'aiguille indicatrice et de dimensions réduites.The device described in the French document allows, relative to the teaching of documents Swiss, to better move away from magnetic masses, for a given dimensions, the magnetic element of the compass using a small permanent bipolar magnet secured to the indicator needle and reduced dimensions.

Cependant cette aiguille indicatrice de forme conventionnelle symétrique, couplée avec l'aimant, est centrée sur l'arbre pivotant tel qu'illustré à la figure 6 de ce document. La boussole ainsi réalisée ne peut être agencée aisément dans un boítier tout en respectant les contraintes d'encombrement liées notamment à une montre-bracelet traditionnelle (voir les Figures 1, 2, 18, 19 et 20 de ce document).However this shape indicator needle symmetrical conventional, coupled with the magnet, is centered on the pivoting shaft as illustrated in figure 6 of this document. The compass thus produced cannot be easily arranged in a box while respecting the space constraints linked in particular to a wristwatch traditional (see Figures 1, 2, 18, 19 and 20 of this document).

Les inconvénients susmentionnés sont donc particulièrement désavantageux pour une application horlogère et pour pouvoir conserver l'aspect esthétique traditionnel d'une montre-bracelet.The aforementioned drawbacks are therefore particularly disadvantageous for an application to keep the aesthetic aspect traditional of a wristwatch.

Un but de la présente invention est de pallier les inconvénients mentionnés ci-avant en fournissant une montre comprenant un dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique dont l'agencement n'affecte pas les dimensions de la montre ou ne l'affecte que dans une moindre mesure et, conjointement, dont le fonctionnement magnétique permet d'obtenir une indication correcte du nord magnétique terrestre.An object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above by providing a watch including a north indication device magnetic whose arrangement does not affect the dimensions of the watch or affects it to a lesser extent and, jointly, whose magnetic functioning provides a correct indication of the north magnetic earth.

Selon l'objet de la présente invention, tel que défini dans la revendication 1, la montre comprend un dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique comprenant un indicateur de direction dont la dimension longitudinale est décentrée relativement à l'axe de rotation de cet indicateur et de l'aimant qui lui est associé.According to the subject of the present invention, such as defined in claim 1, the watch comprises a magnetic north indication device comprising a direction indicator with longitudinal dimension is offset relative to the axis of rotation of this indicator and the magnet associated with it.

Ensuite, le mouvement de rotation de l'indicateur de direction est limité de manière que sa partie longitudinale la plus grande, mesurée depuis l'axe de rotation et définissant partiellement ladite dimension longitudinale, est située constamment dans un secteur circulaire orienté sensiblement dans la direction du centre de la montre relativement audit axe de rotation.Then the rotational movement of the direction is limited so that its part longest longitudinal, measured from the axis of rotation and partially defining said dimension longitudinal, is constantly located in a sector circular oriented substantially in the direction of center of the watch relative to said axis of rotation.

La présente invention permet donc de positionner l'axe du dispositif indicateur et par conséquent l'aimant dans une région périphérique du boítier de la montre ce qui l'éloigne des perturbations magnétiques des masses dues au mouvement tout en permettant, grâce au décentrage de l'indicateur de résoudre le problème de l'encombrement susmentionné.The present invention therefore makes it possible to position the axis of the indicating device and therefore the magnet in a peripheral region of the watch case this which moves it away from the magnetic disturbances of the masses due to movement while allowing, thanks to the decentralization of the indicator to solve the problem of congestion mentioned above.

Selon une caractéristique particulière de l'invention, l'aimant permanent est monté sur un arbre auquel est fixé l'indicateur de direction, ce dernier étant situé entre le cadran et la glace de la montre alors que l'aimant permanent est situé entre le fond et le cadran de cette montre.According to a particular characteristic of the invention the permanent magnet is mounted on a tree to which the direction indicator is attached, the latter being located between the dial and the watch glass then that the permanent magnet is located between the bottom and the dial of this watch.

Selon une première variante de réalisation, l'aimant permanent est situé dans une région périphérique latérale extérieure au mouvement horloger contenu dans la montre. Selon une deuxième variante de réalisation, l'aimant permanent est situé dans une région périphérique intérieure du mouvement horloger, l'arbre portant l'aimant permanent ayant deux pivots montés respectivement dans deux paliers agencés dans le bâti de ce mouvement horloger.According to a first alternative embodiment, the magnet permanent is located in a lateral peripheral region external to the watch movement contained in the watch. According to a second alternative embodiment, the magnet permanent is located in a peripheral region interior of the watch movement, the tree carrying the magnet permanent having two pivots mounted respectively in two bearings arranged in the frame of this movement watchmaker.

Afin d'assurer une indication correcte de la direction du nord magnétique terrestre par le dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique selon l'invention, l'invention concerne deuxièmement une montre dont le mouvement horloger comprend des masses magnétiques, notamment un mouvement horloger électronique, l'aimant permanent du dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique étant agencé dans le boítier de cette montre comme décrit ci-avant et à une distance suffisante desdites masses magnétiques pour que sa position d'énergie minimale soit essentiellement déterminée par le flux magnétique terrestre traversant la montre.In order to ensure a correct indication of the direction of the magnetic earth north by the device indication of magnetic north according to the invention, secondly, the invention relates to a watch whose watch movement includes magnetic masses, notably an electronic watch movement, the magnet permanent magnetic north indication device being arranged in the case of this watch as described above and at a sufficient distance from said masses magnetic so that its minimum energy position is essentially determined by magnetic flux terrestrial crossing the watch.

Selon des caractéristiques particulières de l'invention, l'aimant permanent est formé par un anneau monté directement sur un arbre d'un diamètre relativement petit de telle manière que l'aimant permanent est compris dans un volume restreint du boítier de la montre, l'indicateur de direction ayant une dimension longitudinale bien supérieure à la dimension radiale de l'aimant permanent annulaire et étant formé d'un matériau non magnétique.According to particular characteristics of the invention, the permanent magnet is formed by a ring mounted directly on a relatively diameter shaft small so that the permanent magnet is understood in a limited volume of the watch case, the direction indicator having a dimension longitudinal much greater than the radial dimension of the annular permanent magnet and being formed of a material not magnetic.

De ce fait, l'élément actif du dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique formé par l'aimant permanent peut être éloigné des masses magnétiques du mouvement horloger compris dans la montre en étant agencé en bordure du boítier de cette montre sans nuire à une bonne lecture de la direction du nord magnétique indiquée par l'indicateur de direction. Cet indicateur de direction étant non magnétique, il peut sans autre s'approcher des masses magnétiques du mouvement horloger sans que cela nuise à la précision et à la sensibilité du dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique selon l'invention.Therefore, the active element of the device indicating the magnetic north formed by the magnet permanent can be removed from the magnetic masses of the horological movement included in the watch while being arranged on the edge of the case of this watch without harming any good reading of the indicated magnetic north direction by the direction indicator. This direction indicator being non-magnetic, it can without other approach the magnetic masses of the watch movement without this affects the accuracy and sensitivity of the device indication of magnetic north according to the invention.

Selon l'objet de la revendication 6, il est prévu, selon l'invention, d'orienter l'indicateur de direction relativement à l'axe magnétique de l'aimant permanent de telle manière que cet indicateur de direction s'oriente précisément en direction du nord magnétique terrestre lorsqu'il est aligné sur un repère de positionnement. Pour ce faire un décalage angulaire entre l'axe longitudinal de l'indicateur de direction et l'axe magnétique de l'aimant permanent est prévu, le décalage angulaire dépendant de la perturbation du champ magnétique terrestre engendré par les masses magnétiques présentes dans le mouvement horloger et de la position du repère de positionnement susmentionné.According to the subject of claim 6, it is provided, according to the invention, to orient the direction indicator relative to the magnetic axis of the permanent magnet of so that this direction indicator is oriented precisely in the direction of terrestrial magnetic north when aligned with a positioning mark. For do this an angular offset between the longitudinal axis of direction indicator and magnetic axis of the magnet permanent is expected, the angular offset depending on the disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field caused by the magnetic masses present in the movement watchmaker and the position of the positioning mark mentioned above.

Un autre but de l'invention est de fournir une montre comportant un dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique tel que décrit ci-avant permettant à un utilisateur ayant cette montre au poignet de suivre aisément un cap, c'est-à-dire de suivre une direction déterminée relativement au nord magnétique terrestre.Another object of the invention is to provide a watch comprising a magnetic north indication device as described above allowing a user having this wrist watch easily follow a course, that is to say to follow a determined direction relative to the Earth magnetic north.

Un autre but de l'invention est de fournir une montre comprenant un dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique tel que décrit ci-avant servant à indiquer la direction d'un lieu donné depuis au moins un autre lieu. En particulier, le lieu dont la direction est donnée est la Mecque.Another object of the invention is to provide a watch including a magnetic north indication device as described above used to indicate the direction a given location from at least one other location. In particular, the place whose direction is given is the Mecca.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention seront décrits ci-après à l'aide de la description suivante, faite en référence aux dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemples nullement limitatifs, sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe d'une première variante du premier mode de réalisation de l'invention;
  • la figure 3 est une vue de dessous d'une deuxième variante équivalente à la première variante du premier mode de réalisation de la figure 2;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe partielle d'un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention;
  • la figure 5 est une vue de dessus schématique de l'agencement du dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique terrestre selon l'invention;
  • la figure 6 est une vue schématique de dessus d'une variante de réalisation d'un cadran d'une montre selon l'invention;
  • les figures 7 à 9 décrivent un troisième mode de réalisation d'une montre selon l'invention, servant à suivre une direction déterminée, et son mode de fonctionnement;
  • la figure 10 est une vue schématique de dessus d'un quatrième mode de réalisation d'une montre selon l'invention servant à indiquer à un utilisateur la direction de la Mecque.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be described below with the aid of the following description, given with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view of a first variant of the first embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 3 is a bottom view of a second variant equivalent to the first variant of the first embodiment of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a partial sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 5 is a schematic top view of the arrangement of the device for indicating the magnetic north of the earth according to the invention;
  • Figure 6 is a schematic top view of an alternative embodiment of a dial of a watch according to the invention;
  • Figures 7 to 9 describe a third embodiment of a watch according to the invention, used to follow a given direction, and its mode of operation;
  • Figure 10 is a schematic top view of a fourth embodiment of a watch according to the invention for indicating to a user the direction of Mecca.

A l'aide de la figure 1, on décrira ci-après un premier mode de réalisation d'une montre selon l'invention.Using FIG. 1, a description will be given below of first embodiment of a watch according to the invention.

Sur cette figure 1, la montre 1 comprend un mouvement horloger 2 associé à deux aiguilles 4 et 6 servant à l'affichage analogique de l'heure. La montre 1 comporte en outre une glace 8, fixée dans une lunette 10, et une carrure 12 formant également le fond de la boíte de montre.In this figure 1, watch 1 includes a movement watchmaker 2 associated with two hands 4 and 6 used to analog time display. Watch 1 includes in addition to a window 8, fixed in a telescope 10, and a middle 12 also forming the bottom of the case watch.

La montre 1 comprend également un dispositif 14 d'indication de la direction du nord magnétique terrestre. Ce dispositif 14 comprend un aimant permanent bipolaire 16 monté sur un arbre 18 définissant un axe de rotation 20. L'aimant permanent bipolaire 16 définit un axe magnétique (non représenté) perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation 20.Watch 1 also includes a device 14 indication of the direction of terrestrial magnetic north. This device 14 comprises a bipolar permanent magnet 16 mounted on a shaft 18 defining an axis of rotation 20. Bipolar permanent magnet 16 defines a magnetic axis (not shown) perpendicular to the axis of rotation 20.

L'arbre 18 muni de l'aimant 16 est logé à l'intérieur d'une cage 22. Cette cage 22 est agencée dans la carrure 12 dans la région périphérique latérale extérieure du mouvement horloger 2.The shaft 18 provided with the magnet 16 is housed inside a cage 22. This cage 22 is arranged in the middle part 12 in the outer lateral peripheral region of the watch movement 2.

Un indicateur de direction 24 est relié fixement à l'arbre 18. Cet indicateur de direction 24 sert à indiquer la direction du nord magnétique comme cela sera décrit plus précisément par la suite. A direction indicator 24 is fixedly connected to the tree 18. This direction indicator 24 is used to indicate magnetic north direction as will be described more precisely thereafter.

On notera que l'aimant permanent 16 est agencé dans la région périphérique latérale du mouvement horloger 2 et est situé entre le cadran 26 de la montre 1 et le fond de cette montre. En particulier, on remarquera que l'agencement du dispositif 14 n'engendre, dans le présent mode de réalisation, strictement aucune augmentation de l'épaisseur de la montre 1. L'indicateur de direction 24 est agencé entre le cadran 26 et la glace 8 de la montre 1 au même niveau que l'aiguille des heures 6, l'aiguille des minutes 4 étant agencée de manière à passer au-dessus de l'indicateur de direction 24. De ce fait, l'indicateur de direction 24 n'engendre aucune augmentation d'épaisseur de la montre 1.Note that the permanent magnet 16 is arranged in the lateral peripheral region of the watch movement 2 and is located between dial 26 of watch 1 and the bottom of this watch. In particular, it will be noted that the arrangement of the device 14 does not generate, in the present embodiment, strictly no increase in the thickness of the watch 1. The direction indicator 24 is arranged between the dial 26 and the crystal 8 of the watch 1 at the same level as the 6 hour hand, the minutes 4 being arranged so as to pass over the direction indicator 24. As a result, the direction indicator direction 24 does not cause any increase in thickness of watch 1.

Sur la figure 2 est représentée une variante du premier mode de réalisation de la figure 1. La montre 31 comprend une carrure 32 sur laquelle est fixée une glace 8 et un fond séparable 34. Le mouvement horloger 2 est monté dans un cercle d'encageage 36 à la surface duquel est prévu le cadran 26 de la montre 31. Cette montre 31 comprend également un dispositif 14 d'indication du nord magnétique identique à celui décrit à la figure 1, mais agencé dans le cercle d'encageage 36. On notera ici que l'axe magnétique 38 de l'aimant permanent 16 a été représenté sur cette figure 2. Les autres références déjà décrites à la figure 1 ne seront pas décrites ici à nouveau en détail.FIG. 2 shows a variant of the first embodiment of FIG. 1. Watch 31 includes a middle part 32 on which is fixed a crystal 8 and a separable case 34. The watch movement 2 is mounted in a casing circle 36 on the surface of which is provided for the dial 26 of watch 31. This watch 31 also includes a device 14 for indicating the north magnetic identical to that described in Figure 1, but arranged in the casing circle 36. It will be noted here that the magnetic axis 38 of the permanent magnet 16 has been represented in this figure 2. The other references already described in Figure 1 will not be described here at new in detail.

On remarquera à nouveau que l'aimant permanent 16 est situé dans la région périphérique extérieure du mouvement horloger 2. Dans cette variante de réalisation, le mouvement horloger 2 est situé de manière décentrée relativement à la carrure 32. L'agencement du dispositif 14 d'indication de la direction du nord magnétique n'engendre à nouveau aucune surépaisseur de la montre 31.Note again that the permanent magnet 16 is located in the outer peripheral region of the movement watchmaker 2. In this variant embodiment, the watch movement 2 is located off-center relative to the middle part 32. The arrangement of the device 14 magnetic north direction indication again does not generate any excess thickness of watch 31.

La cage 22 agencée dans le cercle d'encageage 36 comporte deux paliers 40 et 42 dans lesquels sont respectivement guidés deux pivots 44 et 46 de l'arbre 18. Le premier pivot 46 formant une première extrémité de l'arbre 18 repose sur un contre-pivot 48 agencé dans la cage 22. Le pivot 44 formant une seconde extrémité de l'arbre 18 traverse le palier 40 et se prolonge au-delà de ce palier 40 de manière à permettre au canon de l'aiguille 24 formant l'indicateur de direction d'être fixé rigidement au pivot 44.The cage 22 arranged in the casing circle 36 has two bearings 40 and 42 in which are respectively guided two pivots 44 and 46 of the shaft 18. The first pivot 46 forming a first end of the shaft 18 rests on a counter-pivot 48 arranged in the cage 22. The pivot 44 forming a second end of the shaft 18 crosses the bearing 40 and extends beyond this bearing 40 so as to allow the barrel of the needle 24 forming the direction indicator to be fixed rigidly at pivot 44.

Sur la figure 3 est représentée une deuxième variante du premier mode de réalisation, équivalente à la première variante décrite à l'aide de la figure 2. Sur cette figure 3 est représentée une montre 51 vue de dessous en l'absence de son fond. Cette montre 51 comprend un mouvement d'horlogerie 52 montée dans un cercle d'encageage 54. Un dispositif 14 d'indication de la direction du nord magnétique, semblable à ceux décrits à l'aide des figures 1 et 2, est agencé dans le cercle d'encageage 54 de manière équivalente à la figure 2.In Figure 3 is shown a second variant of the first embodiment, equivalent to the first variant described using Figure 2. In this figure 3 shows a watch 51 seen from below in the absence of its background. This watch 51 includes a clockwork movement 52 mounted in a circle 54. A device 14 for indicating the magnetic north direction, similar to those described in using figures 1 and 2, is arranged in the circle casing 54 in an equivalent manner to FIG. 2.

Le mouvement horloger 52 est un mouvement électronique comprenant notamment un moteur 56 et une trappe pour pile 58. Le stator 60 du moteur 56 et la pile (non représentée) agencée dans la trappe 58 forment des masses magnétiques, c'est-à-dire des masses de faible réluctance magnétique conduisant facilement un flux magnétique.Watch movement 52 is a movement electronic including a motor 56 and a battery door 58. The stator 60 of the motor 56 and the battery (not shown) arranged in the hatch 58 form magnetic masses, i.e. masses of weak magnetic reluctance easily conducting flux magnetic.

La cage 22 du dispositif 14 d'indication de la direction du nord magnétique, renfermant l'aimant permanent (non visible sur la figure 3) de ce dispositif 14, est localisée dans une région 62 relativement restreinte de la région périphérique latérale 64 du mouvement horloger 52. En particulier, la cage 22 est éloignée des masses magnétiques du mouvement horloger 52 et est située à l'opposé de la trappe de pile 58, destinée à recevoir la pile nécessaire à l'alimentation du mouvement horloger 52, relativement à l'axe central du mouvement horloger 52.The cage 22 of the device 14 for indicating the direction of magnetic north, containing the magnet permanent (not visible in Figure 3) of this device 14, is located in a region 62 relatively restricted lateral peripheral region 64 of the watch movement 52. In particular, the cage 22 is distant from the magnetic masses of the watch movement 52 and is located opposite the battery door 58, intended to receive the battery necessary to power the watch movement 52, relative to the central axis of the watch movement 52.

Ainsi, l'aimant permanent du dispositif 14 d'indication de la direction du nord magnétique est éloigné de la pile d'alimentation du mouvement 52, cette pile étant un des éléments magnétiques principaux perturbant le flux magnétique terrestre traversant la montre 51. Lors de l'agencement du mouvement horloger 52 et du dispositif 14 dans la montre 51, on s'assure que la distance séparant l'aimant permanent du dispositif 14 des masses magnétiques du mouvement horloger 52 est suffisante pour que la position d'énergie minimale de l'aimant permanent soit essentiellement déterminée par le flux magnétique terrestre traversant la montre 51.Thus, the permanent magnet of the device 14 indication of the direction of magnetic north east away from the power supply battery of movement 52, this battery being one of the main magnetic elements disrupting the earth's magnetic flux crossing the shows 51. When arranging the watch movement 52 and of device 14 in watch 51, it is ensured that the distance separating the permanent magnet from the device 14 from magnetic masses of the watch movement 52 is sufficient so that the minimum energy position of the magnet permanent be essentially determined by the flow magnetic field crossing the watch 51.

En effet, au cas où l'aimant permanent du dispositif 14 serait situé à proximité de masses magnétiques du mouvement horloger 52, ces masses magnétiques et en particulier leur configuration déterminent alors l'orientation de l'aimant permanent du dispositif 14. Dans ce dernier cas, ce dispositif 14 deviendrait totalement inefficace pour indiquer la direction du nord magnétique étant donné que la position d'énergie minimale de l'aimant permanent serait déterminée par les masses magnétiques elles-mêmes. La présente invention résout ce problème grâce à l'agencement du dispositif 14 d'indication du nord magnétique et de son positionnement dans la montre 51 relativement au mouvement horloger 52. De plus, l'invention résout le problème de l'efficacité et de la sensibilité du dispositif 14 d'indication du nord magnétique sans pour autant engendrer une augmentation de l'épaisseur de la montre 51.Indeed, in case the permanent magnet of the device 14 would be located near magnetic masses of the watch movement 52, these magnetic masses and particular their configuration then determine the orientation of the permanent magnet of the device 14. In this latter case, this device 14 would become totally ineffective in indicating magnetic north direction since the minimum energy position of the magnet permanent would be determined by the magnetic masses themselves. The present invention solves this problem thanks to the arrangement of the north indication device 14 magnetic and its positioning in the watch 51 relative to watch movement 52. In addition, the invention solves the problem of efficiency and sensitivity of the north indication device 14 magnetic without generating an increase in the thickness of the watch 51.

Sur la figure 4 est représenté partiellement un deuxième mode de réalisation d'une montre selon l'invention.In Figure 4 is partially shown a second embodiment of a watch according to the invention.

Dans ce deuxième mode de réalisation, le dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique 14 est agencé dans le mouvement horloger 72.In this second embodiment, the device magnetic north indication 14 is arranged in the watch movement 72.

Les références déjà décrites sur les figures 1 à 3 ne seront pas décrites ici à nouveau en détail.The references already described in Figures 1 to 3 do not will not be described here again in detail.

L'arbre 18 du dispositif 14 sur lequel est monté l'aimant permanent 16 est agencé entre une première pièce 74 et une seconde pièce 76 du bâti du mouvement horloger 72. Les paliers 40 et 42 sont agencés dans deux ouvertures prévues respectivement à cet effet dans les pièces 74 et 76 du mouvement horloger 72. A nouveau, le pivot 46 de l'arbre 18 est en appui sur le contre-pivot 48 alors que le pivot 44 traverse le palier 40 en direction du cadran 26. L'axe 78 de l'aiguille 24 formant l'indicateur de direction du dispositif 14 est fixé solidement au pivot 44.The shaft 18 of the device 14 on which is mounted the permanent magnet 16 is arranged between a first part 74 and a second piece 76 of the watch movement frame 72. Bearings 40 and 42 are arranged in two openings provided for this purpose respectively in Exhibits 74 and 76 of the watch movement 72. Again, the pivot 46 of the shaft 18 is supported on the counter-pivot 48 while the pivot 44 crosses the bearing 40 in the direction of the dial 26. The axis 78 of the needle 24 forming the indicator of device 14 direction is securely attached to the pivot 44.

L'arbre 18 et l'aimant 16 sont donc entièrement compris dans l'épaisseur du mouvement horloger 72. L'aiguille 24 est à nouveau agencée au-dessus du cadran 26.The shaft 18 and the magnet 16 are therefore entirely included in the thickness of the watch movement 72. The needle 24 is again arranged above the dial 26.

Lorsque le mouvement horloger comprend des masses magnétiques, la direction d'écoulement du flux magnétique terrestre dans une région avoisinant ces masses magnétiques est modifiée par la présence de ces masses magnétiques. De plus, la perturbation sur la direction de l'axe magnétique de l'aimant permanent engendré par la présence des masses magnétiques varie en fonction de la position relative de l'aimant permanent et de ces masses magnétiques. De ce fait, la direction définie par l'axe magnétique de l'aimant permanent du dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique présente un angle de déviation variable relativement à la direction du nord magnétique lorsque le positionnement de l'aimant permanent relativement aux masses magnétiques varie dans un référentiel défini par la direction du nord magnétique terrestre.When the watch movement includes masses magnetic, the direction of flow of magnetic flux terrestrial in a region bordering these masses magnetic is modified by the presence of these masses magnetic. In addition, the disturbance on the direction of the magnetic axis of the permanent magnet generated by the presence of magnetic masses varies depending on the relative position of the permanent magnet and these masses magnetic. Therefore, the direction defined by the axis magnetic of the permanent magnet of the device magnetic north indication has an angle of variable deviation from north magnetic when positioning the permanent magnet relatively to the magnetic masses varies in a frame of reference defined by the direction of magnetic north earthly.

A l'aide des figures 5 et 6, on décrira ci-après la solution apportée par la présente invention aux problèmes susmentionnés.With the aid of Figures 5 and 6, the following will be described solution provided by the present invention to the problems mentioned above.

Sur la figure 5 est représenté en vue de dessus l'aimant permanent bipolaire 16 et son axe magnétique 38, l'arbre 18 sur lequel l'aimant 16 est monté et l'indicateur de direction 24 du dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique terrestre selon l'invention. In Figure 5 is shown in top view the bipolar permanent magnet 16 and its magnetic axis 38, the shaft 18 on which the magnet 16 is mounted and the direction indicator 24 of the indication device of the magnetic north of the invention.

Sur la figure 6 est représenté schématiquement une vue de dessus d'une montre selon l'invention et en particulier l'agencement du cadran 82 de cette montre. L'axe de rotation 20 de l'indicateur de direction 24 est situé en bordure du cadran 82 et est aligné sur la position douze heures. En plus des indications relatives à l'indication de l'heure au moyen des aiguilles 4 et 6, il est prévu un repère de positionnement 84 formé par une flèche 86.In Figure 6 is shown schematically a top view of a watch according to the invention and in particularly the arrangement of the dial 82 of this watch. The axis of rotation 20 of the direction indicator 24 is located at the edge of the dial 82 and is aligned with the twelve o'clock position. In addition to the indications relating to the indication of the time by means of hands 4 and 6, it a positioning marker 84 is provided, formed by a arrow 86.

De manière à garantir une indication correcte et précise de la direction du nord magnétique terrestre, l'axe longitudinal 86 de l'indicateur de direction 24 est décalé angulairement d'un angle α. Cet angle α est déterminé précisément de manière à ce que l'indicateur de direction 24 ait son axe longitudinal 86 aligné sur la direction nord-sud du champ magnétique terrestre non-perturbé lorsque cet axe longitudinal 86 est aligné sur le repère 84. Pratiquement, la valeur de l'angle α n'a pas besoin d'être calculée théoriquement. De manière à positionner angulairement l'indicateur de direction 24 relativement à l'axe magnétique 38 de l'aimant permanent 16, on peut placer simplement lors du montage de l'indicateur de direction 24 la flèche 85 du repère de positionnement 84 selon la direction nord-sud du champ magnétique terrestre non-perturbé. Pour ce faire, il est notamment possible d'utiliser un référentiel indiquant précisément la direction nord-sud du flux magnétique terrestre non-perturbé. Une fois le mouvement horloger (non représenté) et le cadran 82 correctement positionnés, l'aiguille 24 constituant l'indicateur de direction susmentionné est monté sur l'arbre 18 du dispositif 14 de manière que l'axe longitudinal 86 de cette aiguille 24 soit aligné sur le repère 84, c'est-à-dire de manière à ce que cet axe longitudinal 86 soit orienté selon la direction donnée par la flèche 85 du repère de positionnement 84. In order to guarantee a correct indication and precise direction of Earth's magnetic north, the longitudinal axis 86 of the direction indicator 24 is angularly offset by an angle α. This angle α is determined precisely so that the indicator of direction 24 has its longitudinal axis 86 aligned with the north-south direction of the undisturbed terrestrial magnetic field when this longitudinal axis 86 is aligned with the reference 84. In practice, the value of the angle α does not have need to be calculated theoretically. In a way to angularly position the direction indicator 24 relative to the magnetic axis 38 of the permanent magnet 16, we can simply place when mounting the direction indicator 24 the arrow 85 of the reference mark positioning 84 in the north-south direction of the field undisturbed terrestrial magnetic. To do this, it is in particular possible to use a repository indicating precisely the north-south direction of the magnetic flux undisturbed terrestrial. Once the watch movement (not shown) and the dial 82 correctly positioned, the needle 24 constituting the direction indicator mentioned above is mounted on the shaft 18 of the device 14 of so that the longitudinal axis 86 of this needle 24 is aligned with the reference 84, that is to say so that that this longitudinal axis 86 is oriented along the direction given by arrow 85 of the mark of positioning 84.

Il résulte de ce qui vient d'être décrit ci-avant que l'axe longitudinal 86 de l'indicateur de direction 24 et la flèche 85 du repère de positionnement 84 indiquent correctement et précisément la direction du nord magnétique terrestre lorsque l'axe longitudinal 86 est aligné sur le repère de positionnement 84.It follows from what has just been described above that the longitudinal axis 86 of the direction indicator 24 and the arrow 85 of the positioning mark 84 indicate correctly and precisely the north direction magnetic earth when the longitudinal axis 86 is aligned with the positioning mark 84.

On notera que le repère de positionnement 84 peut être formé par tout moyen définissant au moins un point sur lequel l'indicateur de direction est susceptible de s'aligner. Etant donné que l'indicateur de direction 24 tourne autour de son axe de rotation 20, un seul point de positionnement permet de définir une direction donnée pour l'axe longitudinal 86 de l'indicateur de direction 24. Ainsi, lorsque le repère de positionnement définit une figure géométrique autre qu'un point, il est prévu que cette figure géométrique présente une direction générale interceptant l'axe de rotation 20.It will be noted that the positioning reference 84 can be formed by any means defining at least one point on which the direction indicator is likely to line up. Since the direction indicator 24 rotates around its axis of rotation 20, a single point of positioning allows to define a given direction for the longitudinal axis 86 of the direction indicator 24. Thus, when the positioning mark defines a geometric figure other than a point, it is expected that this geometric figure presents a general direction intercepting the axis of rotation 20.

Grâce à l'agencement du dispositif 14 d'indication de la direction du nord magnétique terrestre selon l'invention, la perturbation engendrée par les masses magnétiques du mouvement horloger sur le flux magnétique terrestre, traversant la région dans laquelle l'aimant permanent 16 du dispositif 14 est localisé, est corrigée lorsque l'indicateur de direction 24 du dispositif 14 est aligné sur le repère de positionnement 84 prévu dans la montre selon l'invention.Thanks to the arrangement of the device 14 for indicating the direction of terrestrial magnetic north according to the invention, the disturbance caused by the masses of the watch movement on the magnetic flux terrestrial, crossing the region in which the magnet permanent 16 of device 14 is located, is corrected when the direction indicator 24 of the device 14 is aligned with the positioning mark 84 provided in the watch according to the invention.

Ainsi, lorsque l'indicateur de direction 24 n'a pas son axe longitudinal 86 aligné sur le repère de positionnement 84, l'indicateur de direction 24 n'indique plus de manière précise la direction du nord magnétique terrestre, ceci d'autant plus que le décalage angulaire entre l'axe longitudinal 86 de l'indicateur de direction 24 et la direction définie par le repère de positionnement 84 est grand.Thus, when the direction indicator 24 has not its longitudinal axis 86 aligned with the reference mark positioning 84, the direction indicator 24 does not indicate more precisely the direction of magnetic north terrestrial, especially since the angular offset between the longitudinal axis 86 of the direction indicator 24 and the direction defined by the positioning mark 84 is great.

Afin de permettre à l'indicateur de direction 24 d'indiquer la direction du nord géographique, il a été prévu sur le cadran 82 une graduation 88 définissant une échelle de déclinaisons magnétiques. La déclinaison en un lieu donné de la surface du globe terrestre correspond à l'azimut géographique du nord magnétique, c'est-à-dire est égal à l'angle formé entre la direction du nord géographique et la direction du nord magnétique. En connaissant la déclinaison magnétique du lieu où se trouve l'utilisateur de la montre représentée à la figure 6, il est possible d'aligner l'axe longitudinal 86 de l'indicateur de direction 24 sur la division correspondant à cette déclinaison magnétique. Sur la figure 6, la partie de la graduation 88 située à droite de l'indicateur de direction 24 correspond à des déclinaisons magnétiques négatives c'est-à-dire à des déclinaisons magnétiques ouest W, alors que la partie de la graduation 88 située à gauche de cet indicateur de direction 24 correspond à des déclinaisons magnétiques positives, c'est-à-dire à des déclinaisons magnétiques est E.In order to allow the direction indicator 24 to indicate the direction of geographic north it has been provided on the dial 82 a graduation 88 defining a magnetic declination scale. The declination in one given place on the surface of the earth corresponds to the geographic azimuth of magnetic north, i.e. equal to the angle formed between the north direction geographic and magnetic north direction. In knowing the magnetic declination of the place where is the user of the watch represented in FIG. 6, he is possible to align the longitudinal axis 86 of direction indicator 24 on the corresponding division to this magnetic variation. In Figure 6, the part of graduation 88 located to the right of the direction 24 corresponds to magnetic variations negative, i.e. magnetic variations west W, while that part of graduation 88 located at left of this direction indicator 24 corresponds to positive magnetic versions, that is to say magnetic variations is E.

En première approximation, la graduation 88 est linéaire. Cependant, il est prévu dans un mode de réalisation préféré une graduation 88 agencée de telle manière que l'angle formé entre la division correspondant à une déclinaison magnétique nulle et une autre division correspondant à une déclinaison magnétique non-nulle, relativement à l'axe de rotation 20 de l'indicateur de direction 24, intègre la perturbation sur le flux magnétique terrestre s'écoulant dans la région de l'aimant permanent lorsque le mouvement horloger comprend des masses magnétiques 60.As a first approximation, the 88 graduation is linear. However, it is provided in a mode of preferred embodiment a graduation 88 arranged in such a way so that the angle formed between the corresponding division to zero magnetic declination and another division corresponding to a non-zero magnetic declination, relative to the axis of rotation 20 of the indicator direction 24, integrates the disturbance on the flow earth magnetic flowing in the magnet region permanent when the watch movement includes magnetic masses 60.

On notera ici que dans le cas où le mouvement horloger ne comprend aucune masse magnétique, l'angle α entre l'axe magnétique 38 de l'aimant permanent 16 et l'axe longitudinal 86 de l'indicateur de direction a une valeur nulle, et la graduation 88 permettant de tenir compte de la déclinaison magnétique est alors linéaire.It will be noted here that in the case where the movement watchmaker does not understand any magnetic mass, the angle α between the magnetic axis 38 of the permanent magnet 16 and the longitudinal axis 86 of the direction indicator has a zero value, and the graduation 88 to hold account of the magnetic declination is then linear.

Dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 6, il est prévu deux butées 90 et 91 servant à limiter la course de l'indicateur de direction 24. Comme cela apparaít sur cette figure 6, on remarquera que l'axe de rotation 20 de l'indicateur de direction 24 est situé en bordure du cadran 82 de la montre et que l'aiguille, constituant l'indicateur de direction 24, est orientée dans la direction du centre du cadran 82 lorsque cette aiguille est alignée sur la flèche 85 du repère de positionnement 84. Ainsi, l'agencement du dispositif selon l'invention permet une bonne lecture de la direction du nord magnétique à l'aide de l'indicateur de direction 24 tout en ayant l'aimant permanent du dispositif 14 d'indication du nord magnétique terrestre situé en bordure de la montre selon l'invention, c'est-à-dire dans la région périphérique latérale du mouvement horloger compris dans cette montre. L'indicateur de direction 24 est formé par un matériau non magnétique. De ce fait, la présence de cet indicateur de direction 24 à proximité de masses magnétiques du mouvement horloger ne perturbe nullement la précision et la sensibilité du dispositif d'indication du nord magnétique selon l'invention.In the embodiment of FIG. 6, it is provided with two stops 90 and 91 serving to limit the travel of the direction indicator 24. As it appears on this figure 6, it will be noted that the axis of rotation 20 of the direction indicator 24 is located on the edge of the dial 82 of the watch and that the needle, constituting the direction indicator 24, is oriented in the direction of the center of the dial 82 when this hand is aligned with arrow 85 of the positioning mark 84. Thus, the arrangement of the device according to the invention allows a good reading of the direction of north magnetic using direction indicator 24 all by having the permanent magnet of the indication device 14 magnetic north from the edge of the watch according to the invention, that is to say in the region lateral device of the watch movement included in this watch. The direction indicator 24 is formed by a non-magnetic material. Therefore, the presence of this direction indicator 24 near ground movement of the watch movement does not disturb the precision and sensitivity of the indication device magnetic north according to the invention.

A l'aide des figures 7 à 9, on décrira ci-après un troisième mode de réalisation d'une montre selon l'invention servant à suivre une direction déterminée.With the aid of FIGS. 7 to 9, there will be described below a third embodiment of a watch according to the invention used to follow a given direction.

La montre 94 comprend un dispositif 14 d'indication du nord magnétique terrestre selon l'invention. La montre 94 est une montre bracelet destinée à être portée au poignet d'un utilisateur. Cette montre 94 comprend un cadran 96 situé à l'intérieur d'un boítier 98.Watch 94 includes an indication device 14 magnetic north of the earth according to the invention. The watch 94 is a wristwatch intended to be worn on the wrist of a user. This watch 94 includes a dial 96 located inside a case 98.

Le dispositif 14 comprend un indicateur de direction 24 associé à un repère de positionnement 100 formé par un intervalle défini à l'aide de deux secteurs annulaires. Sur le cadran 96 est prévue une graduation 102 formant au moins partiellement une rose des vents. L'axe 20 du dispositif 14 est positionné sur la division correspondant à l'indication de la direction du nord. La projection de l'axe de rotation 20 sur le cadran 96 et l'intervalle définissant le repère de positionnement 100 sont alignés sur la direction nord-sud de la graduation 102. The device 14 includes a direction indicator 24 associated with a positioning mark 100 formed by a interval defined using two annular sectors. On the dial 96 is provided a graduation 102 forming at at least partially a wind rose. Axis 20 of device 14 is positioned on the corresponding division at the indication of the north direction. The projection of the axis of rotation 20 on the dial 96 and the interval defining the positioning mark 100 are aligned on the north-south direction of graduation 102.

Selon l'invention, le boítier 98, dans lequel est agencé le cadran 96 et le mouvement horloger (non représenté) de la montre 94, est susceptible de subir une rotation autour de l'axe central 104 relativement au bracelet 106 de la montre 94. Pour ce faire, le boítier 98 est monté rotatif sur le support 110 relié fixement au bracelet 106. A titre d'exemple, le dispositif permettant la rotation du boítier 98 relativement au support 110 comprend une roue dentée solidaire du boítier 98 et au moins un cliquet de positionnement angulaire de cette roue solidaire du support 110. Tout autre dispositif connu de l'homme du métier, notamment des dispositifs équivalents aux dispositifs utilisés pour des montres comprenant une lunette tournante, peuvent être utilisés dans l'agencement de la montre 94.According to the invention, the housing 98, in which is arranged the dial 96 and the watch movement (not shown) of watch 94, is likely to undergo a rotation about the central axis 104 relative to the strap 106 of watch 94. To do this, case 98 is rotatably mounted on the support 110 fixedly connected to the bracelet 106. As an example, the device allowing the rotation of the housing 98 relative to the support 110 includes a toothed wheel integral with the housing 98 and at minus a pawl for angular positioning of this wheel secured to the support 110. Any other device known from a person skilled in the art, in particular equivalent devices to devices used for watches comprising a rotating bezel, can be used in the arrangement of watch 94.

On notera que la graduation 102 comprend au moins quatre divisions correspondant aux quatres points cardinaux du globe terrestre. La division indiquant la direction du nord étant donné par le repère de positionnement 100 et par l'axe de rotation 20. La montre 94 décrite aux figures 7 à 9 permet de suivre aisément un cap, c'est-à-dire une direction déterminée, lorsque la montre est portée par un utilisateur.Note that the graduation 102 includes at least four divisions corresponding to the four points cardinals of the terrestrial globe. The division indicating the north direction given by the landmark of positioning 100 and by the axis of rotation 20. The watch 94 described in FIGS. 7 to 9 makes it easy to follow a heading, that is to say a determined direction, when the watch is worn by a user.

A l'aide des figures 7 à 9, on décrira ci-après de quelle manière la montre 94 peut être utilisée pour suivre un cap. Lorsque la montre 94 est utilisée pour l'indication de l'heure, l'axe de rotation 20 du dispositif 14 est positionné angulairement relativement à l'axe de rotation 104 du boítier 98 dans une position déterminée. Sur la figure 7, cette positon déterminée correspond à la position douze heures de la montre 94 relativement au support 110. Lorsqu'un utilisateur désire par contre utiliser la montre 94 pour suivre une direction déterminée, par exemple la direction sud-ouest, il entraínera en rotation le boítier 98 de la montre 94 jusqu'à ce que la division 112 de la graduation 102 correspondant à la direction sud-ouest soit positionnée angulairement sur la position douze heures du support 110 de la montre 94. Ensuite, l'utilisateur dispose son avant-bras 114 devant le tronc de son corps de telle manière que cet avant-bras soit sensiblement horizontal et que la montre soit située en regard de sa tête. Ensuite, comme cela est représenté à la figure 9, l'utilisateur effectuera une rotation sur lui-même jusqu'à ce que l'indicateur de direction 24 soit aligné sur le repère de positionnement 100. Ainsi, la direction déterminée que l'utilisateur a choisie de suivre correspond à la direction donnée par la division 112 de la graduation 102 relativement au centre de cette graduation circulaire qui coïncide avec l'axe de rotation 104 du boítier 98. Cette direction correspond alors à la direction de marche naturelle de l'utilisateur de la montre 94.Using FIGS. 7 to 9, the following will be described which way watch 94 can be used to track a Cape. When watch 94 is used for time indication, axis of rotation 20 of device 14 is positioned angularly relative to the axis of rotation 104 of the housing 98 in a position determined. In Figure 7, this determined position corresponds to the twelve o'clock position of watch 94 relative to support 110. When a user wishes on the other hand use the watch 94 to follow a direction determined for example the southwest direction it will rotate the case 98 of the watch 94 until division 112 of graduation 102 corresponding to the southwest direction be positioned angularly on the twelve o'clock position of the support 110 of watch 94. Then, the user has his forearm 114 in front of the trunk of his body in such a way that this forearm is substantially horizontal and the watch is located opposite his head. Then like this is shown in figure 9, the user will rotate on itself until the direction indicator 24 is aligned with the positioning 100. So the management determined that the user has chosen to follow corresponds to the direction given by division 112 of graduation 102 relatively to the center of this circular graduation which coincides with the axis of rotation 104 of the housing 98. This direction then corresponds to the direction of travel of the watch user 94.

Pour suivre la direction qu'il a choisie, l'utilisateur veillera à ce que l'indicateur de direction 24 reste aligné sur le repère de positionnement 100. Dans le cas où l'endroit où se trouve l'utilisateur de la montre 94 présente une déclinaison magnétique et qu'une graduation permettant de prendre en considération ces déclinaisons magnétiques est prévue, l'utilisateur veillera à ce que l'indicateur de direction 24 soit aligné sur la division de cette graduation correspondant à la déclinaison magnétique de l'endroit dans lequel se trouve l'utilisateur de la montre 94.To follow the direction he has chosen, the user will ensure that the direction indicator 24 remains aligned with the positioning mark 100. In the case where the location of the user of the watch 94 has a magnetic variation and a graduation allowing to take into consideration these magnetic variations is provided, the user ensure that the direction indicator 24 is aligned on the division of this graduation corresponding to the magnetic declination of the place in which is located user of watch 94.

A l'aide de la figure 10, on décrira ci-après un troisième mode de réalisation d'une montre selon l'invention destinée à indiquer la direction d'un lieu déterminé relativement à au moins un autre lieu donné.Using FIG. 10, a description will be given below. third embodiment of a watch according to the invention intended to indicate the direction of a place determined in relation to at least one other given location.

La montre 120 selon ce troisième mode de réalisation comprend un boítier 122 comportant une lunette tournante 124. Les deux aiguilles 126 et 127 permettent un affichage analogique de l'heure. A nouveau, la montre 120 comprend un dispositif 14 d'indication de la direction du nord magnétique terrestre équivalent à ceux décrits précédemment et le cadran 128 comprend à nouveau un repère de positionnement 125 associé à l'indicateur de direction 24.Watch 120 according to this third embodiment includes a housing 122 comprising a rotating bezel 124. The two hands 126 and 127 allow a display analog time. Again, watch 120 includes a device 14 for indicating the north direction Earth magnetic equivalent to those described previously and the dial 128 again includes a mark position 125 associated with the direction indicator 24.

Dans le cas représenté à la figure 10, la montre 120 est agencée de manière à permettre à un utilisateur de déterminer la direction de la Mecque depuis un ensemble de villes inscrites sur le cadran 128 et auxquelles sont associés respectivement des repères angulaires 130 définissant une position angulaire dans le plan du cadran 128 relativement à l'axe de rotation 132 de la lunette tournante 124. L'angle formé dans le plan du cadran 128 entre un indice 130 donné, l'axe de rotation 132 de la lunette tournante et l'axe de rotation 20 de l'indicateur de direction 24 correspond à l'azimut magnétique entre la direction de la Mecque et la direction du nord magnétique à l'endroit défini par la ville correspondant au repère angulaire 130 donné.In the case shown in Figure 10, the watch 120 is arranged to allow a user to determine the direction of Mecca from a set of cities on dial 128 and which are associated respectively with angular references 130 defining an angular position in the plane of the dial 128 relative to the axis of rotation 132 of the telescope rotating 124. The angle formed in the plane of the dial 128 between a given index 130, the axis of rotation 132 of the rotating bezel and axis of rotation 20 of the indicator of direction 24 corresponds to the magnetic azimuth between the direction of Mecca and the direction of magnetic north at the location defined by the city corresponding to the landmark angular 130 given.

Afin de déterminer correctement la direction de la Mecque depuis une ville inscrite sur la cadran 128, il est prévu d'entraíner en rotation la lunette 124 jusqu'à ce que le repère 134 et le repère angulaire 130 de la ville où se trouve l'utilisateur soit aligné avec la projection sur le cadran 128 de l'axe de rotation 132. Ensuite, la montre 120 est tournée par l'utilisateur jusqu'à ce que l'indicateur de direction 24 soit aligné sur le repère 125 comme cela a été décrit précédemment. Une fois l'indicateur de direction 24 aligné sur le repère 125, la direction de la Mecque correspond à la direction définie par le repère 134 prévu sur la lunette tournante 124 et l'axe de rotation 132 de cette lunette tournante. Afin de faciliter pour l'utilisateur la détermination de la direction correcte de la Mecque, il a été prévu sur la lunette tournante 124, à l'opposé du repère 134 relativement à l'axe de rotation 132, un repère 136 pointant dans la direction de la Mecque. Ainsi, la direction déterminée par les repères 134 et 136 permet aisément à un utilisateur de déterminer la direction de la Mecque. In order to correctly determine the direction of the Mecca from a city on dial 128, it is planned to rotate bezel 124 until that the landmark 134 and the angular landmark 130 of the city where the user is aligned with the projection on the dial 128 of the axis of rotation 132. Next, the watch 120 is rotated by the user until the direction indicator 24 is aligned with the reference 125 as previously described. Once the direction indicator 24 aligned with the reference 125, the Mecca direction corresponds to the defined direction by the reference 134 provided on the rotating bezel 124 and the axis of rotation 132 of this rotating bezel. In order to facilitate for the user the determination of the correct direction of Mecca it was planned on the rotating bezel 124, opposite the reference 134 relative to the axis of rotation 132, a reference 136 pointing in the direction of Mecca. So the direction determined by marks 134 and 136 allows easily a user to determine the direction of the Mecca.

On notera ici qu'il est prévu dans une variante de réalisation que le boítier 122 comprenant le cadran 128, le dispositif 14 d'indication du nord magnétique terrestre (représenté partiellement) et le mouvement horloger (non représenté) prévu à l'intérieur du boítier 122 sont susceptibles de subir une rotation relativement au bracelet (non représenté) de la montre 120.It will be noted here that it is provided in a variant of realization that the housing 122 comprising the dial 128, the device 14 for indicating the terrestrial magnetic north (partially shown) and the watch movement (not shown) provided inside the housing 122 are likely to be rotated relative to the watch strap (not shown) from watch 120.

Claims (12)

  1. Watch comprising an horological movement (2; 52; 72), a case (12; 32, 34; 98) within which is fitted such horological movement and means (14) for indicating the terrestrial magnetic north also fitted within said case, said terrestrial north indicating means comprising a bipolar permanent magnet (16), mounted on a shaft (18) defining a rotation axis (20), and a direction indicator (24) rigidly fixed to said permanent magnet, this direction indicator being made of a non-magnetic material and having a longitudinal dimension perpendicular to said rotation axis and defining the direction shown by this indicator, such permanent magnet exhibiting a radial magnetization defining a magnetic axis (38) perpendicular to said rotation axis and being located within a lateral peripheral region of said horological movement, said watch being characterized in that said longitudinal dimension of said direction indicator is excentric relative to said rotation axis, the rotation of said direction indicator being limited so that its biggest longitudinal part, measured from said rotation axis and partially defining said longitudinal dimension, is always located within a circular sector substantially orientaded in the direction of the center of the watch relative to said rotation axis
  2. Watch according to claim 1, characterized in that said direction indicator (24) is located between a dial (26; 82; 128) and a crystal (8) of said watch and said permanent magnet is located between said dial and the back cover of the watch.
  3. Watch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said permanent magnet (16) is located in a lateral peripheral region exterior to said horological movement (2; 52).
  4. Watch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said permanent magnet (16) is located in a lateral peripheral region interior of said horological movement (72), said shaft (18) bearing said permanent magnet having two pivots (44, 46) respectively mounted in two bearings (40, 42) fitted into said horological movement.
  5. Watch according to claim 1, comprising a power cell, characterized in that said permanent magnet (16) is located in a region (62) of said case opposite the region in which such power cell is localized relative to a central axis of said horological movement (52).
  6. Watch comprising an horological movement having magnetic masses (2; 52; 72), a case (12; 32, 34; 98) within which is fitted this horological movement and means (14) for indicating the terrestrial magnetic north also fitted within said case, said terrestrial north indicating means comprising a bipolar permanent magnet (16), mounted on a shaft (18) defining a rotation axis (20), and a direction indicator (24) rigidly fixed to said permanent magnet, this direction indicator being made of a non-magnetic material and defining a longitudinal axis (86) perpendicular to said rotation axis which defines the direction indicated by said indicator, said permanent magnet exhibiting a radial magnetization defining a magnetic axis (38) perpendicular to said rotation axis and being located within a lateral peripheral region of said horological movement, said watch being characterized in that said direction indicator (24) is associated with a positioning reference marker (84, 100, 125) along which said longitudinal axis is adapted to align itself, said magnetic axis (38) of the permanent magnet (16) and said longitudinal axis (86) of said direction indicator (24) exhibiting an angular separation (α) the value of which is a function of said magnetic masses and the position of said positioning reference marker relative to said first rotation axis (20), such value being determined in a manner such that said direction indicator (24) indicates precisely the direction of the terrestrial magnetic north when its longitudinal axis (86) is aligned on said positioning reference marker.
  7. Watch according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a first graduation (102) associated with said direction indicator (24), such graduation enabling the identification of at least the four cardinal points.
  8. Watch according to claim 7, characterized in that the direction defined in the general plane of the watch by said first rotation axis (20) and said positioning reference marker (100) corresponds to the north-south direction of said first graduation (102).
  9. Watch according to any of claims 6 to 8, serving to indicate the direction of Mecca, characterized in that such watch comprises means (124, 134, 136) for indicating the direction of Mecca capable of undergoing a rotation around a second rotation axis (132) perpendicular to the general plane of the watch, such second rotation axis defining a point representative of the geographical position of Mecca projected onto said general plane of the watch, said watch having at least one angular reference marker (130) representative of a place or a region of Earth on which a direction reference marker belonging to said means (134) for indicating the direction of Mecca is capable of aligning itself, the direction of Mecca being provided by such direction reference marker whenever the latter is aligned on said angular reference marker corresponding to the place where the user of said watch is located and that said longitudinal axis (86) of said direction indicator (24) is aligned on said positioning reference marker (125).
  10. Watch according to claim 9, characterized in that a set (130) of angular reference markers is provided corresponding to a set of cities and on each of which said direction reference marker (134) is adapted to be aligned, such angular reference markers being laid out around said second rotation axis (132).
  11. Watch according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said first graduation (102) is laid out on an element of said case (98), such case being rotatably mounted on a support (110) fixedly coupled to a bracelet (106) of such watch, said case being apt to undergo a rotation relative to said support in a manner to position any division whatsoever of said graduation in the 12 o'clock position of said watch.
  12. Watch according to any of claims 7, 8 and 11, characterized in that it comprises a second graduation (88) defining a scale of magnetic declination, such second graduation being associated with said direction indicator (24) in a manner such that said longitudinal axis (86) of such direction indicator is apt to align itself on any division whatsoever of such second graduation.
EP95111303A 1994-07-26 1995-07-19 Watch with a magnetic, north, indicating device Expired - Lifetime EP0694822B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH2353/94 1994-07-26
CH02353/94A CH687496B5 (en) 1994-07-26 1994-07-26 Watch comprising a magnetic north indicating device.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0694822A1 EP0694822A1 (en) 1996-01-31
EP0694822B1 true EP0694822B1 (en) 1998-10-07

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95111303A Expired - Lifetime EP0694822B1 (en) 1994-07-26 1995-07-19 Watch with a magnetic, north, indicating device

Country Status (9)

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US (1) US5550794A (en)
EP (1) EP0694822B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3604786B2 (en)
CN (1) CN1053749C (en)
CH (1) CH687496B5 (en)
DE (1) DE69505205T2 (en)
HK (1) HK1012728A1 (en)
SG (1) SG115318A1 (en)
TW (1) TW268109B (en)

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US6003714A (en) * 1998-08-11 1999-12-21 Buermann; Henry Compressed gas cylinder safety cap and valve seal retainer
WO2000039644A1 (en) * 1998-12-23 2000-07-06 Asulab S.A. Watch providing barometer and altimeter reading, and method for making same
ITPI990022A1 (en) * 1999-04-13 2000-10-13 Roberto Robba SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF THE CITY OF LA MECCA THROUGH THE USE OF THE GPS AND SATELLITE POSITION SYSTEM
JP3872262B2 (en) * 2000-01-25 2007-01-24 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Electronic compass and electronic watch with electronic compass
JP2001281013A (en) * 2000-03-30 2001-10-10 Denso Corp Indicating instrument
US7487043B2 (en) * 2004-08-30 2009-02-03 Adams Phillip M Relative positioning system
EP1701229B1 (en) * 2005-03-09 2010-07-21 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Electronic watch with compass function
ATE403165T1 (en) * 2005-05-18 2008-08-15 Asulab Sa APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING POSITION USING A GPS RECEIVER AND A COMPASS
EP2207011B1 (en) * 2009-01-12 2011-11-09 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method for providing digital compass function and portable terminal adapted thereto
CN104949671A (en) * 2014-03-28 2015-09-30 联想(北京)有限公司 Electronic equipment and information processing method
CN103869685A (en) * 2014-03-29 2014-06-18 福州小神龙表业技术研发有限公司 Clock with free rotation decorating parts
USD756245S1 (en) * 2014-09-02 2016-05-17 Turlen Holding Sa Wristwatch without bracelet
JP6759631B2 (en) * 2016-03-07 2020-09-23 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Electronic clock
JP6686601B2 (en) * 2016-03-24 2020-04-22 カシオ計算機株式会社 Azimuth display device, azimuth display method and program
JP6763216B2 (en) * 2016-06-30 2020-09-30 カシオ計算機株式会社 Information display device, information display method and program
JP7003732B2 (en) * 2018-02-28 2022-01-21 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Clock and pointer control method
CN111061991B (en) * 2019-11-18 2023-08-25 飞亚达（集团）股份有限公司 Method and device for rapidly determining worship direction of city
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69505205T2 (en) 1999-05-20
CN1053749C (en) 2000-06-21
JP3604786B2 (en) 2004-12-22
CH687496GA3 (en) 1996-12-31
JPH0862352A (en) 1996-03-08
EP0694822A1 (en) 1996-01-31
HK1012728A1 (en) 1999-08-06
DE69505205D1 (en) 1998-11-12
TW268109B (en) 1996-01-11
SG115318A1 (en) 2005-10-28
CN1127371A (en) 1996-07-24
US5550794A (en) 1996-08-27
CH687496B5 (en) 1997-06-30

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