EP1141788A1 - Watch providing barometer and altimeter reading, and method for making same - Google Patents

Watch providing barometer and altimeter reading, and method for making same

Info

Publication number
EP1141788A1
EP1141788A1 EP99962265A EP99962265A EP1141788A1 EP 1141788 A1 EP1141788 A1 EP 1141788A1 EP 99962265 A EP99962265 A EP 99962265A EP 99962265 A EP99962265 A EP 99962265A EP 1141788 A1 EP1141788 A1 EP 1141788A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pressure
sensor
watch according
watch
partition
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP99962265A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1141788B1 (en
Inventor
Michael Bourquin
Christophe Germiquet
Jean-Jacques Born
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Asulab AG
Original Assignee
Asulab AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Asulab AG filed Critical Asulab AG
Priority to EP99962265A priority Critical patent/EP1141788B1/en
Publication of EP1141788A1 publication Critical patent/EP1141788A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1141788B1 publication Critical patent/EP1141788B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C17/00—Indicating the time optically by electric means
    • G04C17/0091—Combined electro-optical and electro-mechanical displays
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
    • G04G21/02—Detectors of external physical values, e.g. temperature
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02—Divers' equipment

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electronic watch providing a barometric or altimetric indication based on ambient pressure and comprising:
  • a housing the interior of which is divided by means of separation into a sealed part and a pressure chamber which communicates with the exterior of the housing so as to receive the ambient pressure
  • a pressure sensor having one side exposed to the pressure prevailing in the pressure chamber, display means for providing a time indication and said barometric or altimetric indication, and
  • a printed circuit board placed in the sealed part of the case and provided with time-keeping circuits and electronic circuits arranged to receive and process an output signal from the pressure sensor and to control the means for displaying the barometric indication or altimetric.
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a watch.
  • Electronic watches of this kind are known, in particular from US Pat. No. 4,835,716 or from patent application EP 640,896, which provides for the analog display of atmospheric pressure, the trend of this pressure and the altitude by hands on the watch face.
  • the installation of the pressure sensor poses problems of space, sealing, electrical connection and internal deformations due to pressure differences between the waterproof part and the pressure chamber.
  • pressure where ambient pressure prevails i.e. atmospheric pressure, to which hydrostatic pressure is added if the watch is immersed in water.
  • the pressure sensor is housed in the case in the vicinity of the middle part, under a plate of the clockwork movement against which it is kept applied.
  • a small pressure chamber is provided between the top of the sensor and the plate and communicates with the outside via a channel which crosses the plate and the middle part and opens out under a rotating bezel.
  • a cover disposed between the bottom of the housing and the sensor carries electrical connections connecting the latter to an integrated circuit located next to the sensor and processing the signal to provide barometric and / or altimetric indications. Additional electrical connections are necessary to connect this integrated circuit to the other electrical circuits of the watch, in particular to those which control the display.
  • This known construction takes up a considerable amount of space and requires special provisions to ensure sealing around the pressure chamber and around the channel connecting the latter to the outside.
  • the altimetric indications provided with commonly used piezoresistive sensors may have deviations up to approximately 100 m of altitude.
  • the present invention aims to avoid the aforementioned drawbacks and it relates to a watch, in particular a wristwatch, allowing individual calibration of the indications provided by an inexpensive pressure sensor, and this thanks to an adequate construction and a manufacturing process. economically acceptable.
  • An additional object of the invention is to arrange the watch so as to guarantee a good seal and avoid problems due to deformations resulting from variations in the ambient pressure in the pressure chamber.
  • an electronic watch of the kind defined above characterized in that the pressure sensor is fixed to the printed circuit board, to which it is connected directly by electrical connections.
  • the invention can also be implemented in an instrument devoid of temperature measurement means, therefore also without the use of a memory for individual calibration parameters of the pressure sensor, either because we accept a poorer accuracy of the pressure measurement, either because a thermocompensated or low drift pressure sensor depending on the temperature becomes available at an acceptable price.
  • the separation means comprise a separation partition connected to the housing in a sealed manner along its periphery and having an opening in which said sensor is placed.
  • This partition supports the effect of the external pressure in the pressure chamber and thus protects the plate supporting the organs display and, if necessary, the clockwork movement in the waterproof part.
  • the partition can easily be connected to the housing in a sealed manner along its periphery, in the manner of a double bottom, and the pressure chamber extending between this double bottom and the bottom of the housing can advantageously contain a transducer. electro-acoustic arranged to emit sounds in this room which communicates with the outside.
  • the sensor used is preferably a pressure and temperature sensor of the piezoresistive type comprising resistors connected in a Wheatstone bridge in which the resistance of the bridge varies only as a function of temperature, while the variations in pressure create an imbalance in the bridge
  • Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a watch as defined above, in which said electronic circuits include a non-volatile memory intended for recording individual calibration parameters of the pressure sensor, the method comprising the successive steps consisting in: a) manufacturing the printed circuit board and mounting at least the pressure sensor and said electronic circuits on this board to form a sub-assembly; b) calibrating said sub-assembly under different temperature and pressure conditions and determining sensor calibration parameters as a function of these conditions; c) save the calibration parameters in the non-volatile memory of the electronic circuits; d) if necessary, complete the sub-assembly with other elements to be supported by the printed circuit board; and e) mounting said subassembly and the other watch components in the case.
  • FIG. 1 is a top view of 'a wristwatch made according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the watch of Figure 1 along the line II-II, without the rotating bezel
  • Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of the shown in Figure 1 along the line lll-lll, without the rotating bezel
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 represent in perspective respectively the top and the bottom of a partition partition forming part of the watch of FIG. 1.
  • the watch shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises a case 1 comprising a middle part 2, a removable bottom 3 mounted on the middle part using a compressible lining 4, and a crystal 5 fixed to the middle part and covering a dial 6.
  • the middle part 2 supports a rotating bezel 7 bearing azimuth marks 8.
  • the bezel has been deleted in FIGS. 2 and 3 in order to simplify the drawings.
  • external control members are provided in the form of three lateral pushers 10, 11 and 12.
  • the case 1 is attached to a strap 13.
  • a hand is provided for the analog display of the time.
  • hours 14 and a minute hand 15 which cooperate with a conventional hourly scale 16 on the dial 6. These hands are also used to display other indications, as will be described later.
  • a digital display is formed by a liquid crystal cell (LCD) 17 preferably placed under a transparent window of the dial 6 and intended to display timed times obtained in a conventional manner by manipulation of the pushers 11 and 12, as well as 'other values which will be mentioned later.
  • the watch described here also constitutes an electronic instrument performing various measurement or indication functions in addition to time measurements or indications. These additional functions, more precisely the corresponding operating modes of the watch, are represented on the dial 6 by symbols 20 to 23, while another symbol 24 (TIME) represents the classic time display mode of the watch.
  • the user engages the desired mode by means of capacitive control members comprising transparent electrodes (not shown) fixed under the glass 5 above the corresponding symbols 20 to 24.
  • capacitive control members comprising transparent electrodes (not shown) fixed under the glass 5 above the corresponding symbols 20 to 24.
  • Such control members are well known and are described in particular in patent publications JP 49-13168 A, CH 607 872 and EP 674 247. However, provision may be made for different control members within the scope of
  • thermometer symbol 20 represents a mode of display of the ambient temperature, which is indicated numerically by the LCD cell 17. This temperature is measured using a pressure and temperature sensor 26 which will be described more far.
  • the symbol 21 comprising a cloud and a sun corresponds to a mode of indication of the barometric trend, indicated by hands 14 and 15 superimposed and brought near the cloud or the sun. This trend is calculated from the pressure indications provided by the sensor 26.
  • the symbol 22 in the shape of a mountain corresponds to a display mode of the altitude, which is indicated numerically on the LCD cell 17. This altitude is calculated at from barometric indications obtained using sensor 26.
  • the symbol 23 in the shape of a compass rose corresponds to a compass function, that is to say the indication of the north by means of the hands 14 and 15 set in an aligned position and making it possible to read an azimuth on the telescope 7.
  • This direction is determined using a magnetic field direction sensor 27, incorporated in the instrument for example as described in the publication of patent EP 713 162. Since the present invention essentially relates to the means used to provide barometric or altimetric indications, the other functions of the watch will not be described in detail here. It should also be noted that such a watch may include other functions, for example a chronograph, an alarm at a predetermined time or at a predetermined altitude, an indication of end of battery life, setting the radio time.
  • the watch contains a printed circuit board 30 which also serves as a plate for the electronic watch movement.
  • the card 30 has a relatively rigid and thick substrate, for example of about 1.0 mm.
  • - timepiece circuits represented schematically by the reference 31 and comprising in particular a quartz resonator and an integrated circuit,
  • a stepping motor 32 with two rotors respectively driving two concentric output shafts 33 and 34 which carry the needles 14 and 15,
  • non-volatile memory 36 for example of the EEPROM type
  • the magnetic sensor 27 other electronic circuits not shown, intended to process the signals from the magnetic sensor 27, - And a spacer 37 fixed to the dial 6 and supporting a flange 38 and the LCD cell 17.
  • Screws 39 secure the card 30 to the spacer 37.
  • Printed circuits on the upper face of the card 30 provide the electrical connections between the elements 31, 32, 35 and 36, as well as connections with the organs of control described above and with contactors such as 29 arranged on the periphery of the card and actuated by pushers 10 and 12.
  • the lower face of the card 30 also carries printed circuits which are connected to those of the upper face, to the sensor 26 and to power connections connecting these circuits to a battery 40 housed in the lower part of the housing 1.
  • the interior of the watch case is divided into a waterproof part, which contains in particular the printed circuit board 30 and all the elements arranged between the latter and the crystal 5, and a pressure chamber 42, by separation means. mainly comprising a rigid partition 43 whose periphery is connected to the middle part 2 in a sealed manner by means of an O-ring 44.
  • the upper face of the partition 43 has, along said periphery and around the region of the sensor 26 , a horizontal bearing surface 45 which bears against the card 30 and, through the latter, against an appropriate shoulder 46 of the middle part 2.
  • the card 30 is fixed to the partition 43 by screws not shown, screwed into thick parts such as 47 of the partition.
  • the upper face of the partition 43 is slightly hollowed out so as to leave a small vertical gap 48 between it and the card 30. This allows the partition 43 to flex under the effect of the external pressure without risking deforming the card 30 constituting the plate of the watch movement.
  • the partition 43 can be relatively thick, for example as much as the stack 40, it will be rigid enough to withstand high pressures, in particular in a watch for divers. It can be made both of synthetic material and of metal.
  • the internal structure formed by the partition 43, the card 30 and the spacer 37 is fixed in the housing 1 using conventional flanges, not shown, which are fixed to the middle part 2 and bear against the underside of the partition 43 for pressing said structure against the shoulder 46.
  • the sealed part of the interior of the housing contains air or another gas.
  • the pressure chamber 42 contains air and communicates with the atmosphere through one or more orifices 49 formed, for example through the periphery of the bottom 3, so that it is always subjected to the external ambient pressure.
  • the partition 43 has three openings 51, 52 and 53 in which the battery 40, the pressure and temperature sensor 26 and a electroacoustic transducer 54 intended to provide a sound signal take place respectively. to the user.
  • This transducer comprises a vibrating plate 55 glued to the partition 43 and a piezoelectric ceramic element 56 fixed to the plate 55 on the side of the waterproof part of the watch.
  • the opening 52 receiving the sensor 26 is located in the vicinity of the periphery of the partition 43, the bearing surface 45 of this partition pressing against the card 30 all around this opening.
  • As a possible bending of the partition 30 would only have a small amplitude in this peripheral zone, there is no need to fear that it deforms excessively the card 30 serving as a plate of the clockwork movement.
  • the battery 40 is slidably inserted into a battery holder 57 of annular shape, fixed to the underside of the card 30. It is separated from the pressure chamber 42 by a cap 58 tightly engaged in the opening 51 of the partition 43, by means of an O-ring 59.
  • the cap internally coated with a shield 60 arranged to prevent magnetic influences from the battery on the magnetic sensor 27.
  • the cap 58 can be fixed to the partition 43 by a system bayonet or maintained by other appropriate means.
  • the plate 55 and the cap 58 cooperate with the partition 43 to divide the interior of the housing into two parts in the present example.
  • these elements could be arranged differently and not be part of the separation means.
  • the pressure and temperature sensor 26 is a piezoresistive sensor of known type and inexpensive, made of a micro-machined silicon element comprising a membrane, one face of which is exposed to the ambient pressure prevailing in the pressure chamber 42 , while the other face carries resistors connected in Wheatstone bridge, as provided for example in US patent 4,783,772.
  • the resistors are arranged in such a way that the overall resistance of the bridge varies only as a function of temperature, while variations in pressure create an imbalance in the bridge, resulting in variations in the voltage between its two output terminals.
  • bonding connecting it directly to the card 30
  • the sensor 26 supplies the integrated circuit 35 with output signals representing both the pressure and the temperature to which the sensor is exposed.
  • This sensor may for example be of the AM761 type sold by the company Intersema Sensoric in Bevaix, Switzerland.
  • the sensor 26 is protected by means of a ring 61 glued to the card 30 and engaged in the opening 52 of the partition 43, and of a silicone gel 62 which also coats the wires 60.
  • This gel is electrically insulating and Water-proof.
  • An O-ring seal 63 is compressed, preferably axially, that is to say parallel to the central axis 65 of the watch, between the ring 61 and a flange of the partition 43, and its central part is closed. tightly by a flexible membrane 64 which allows the pressure to be transmitted from the chamber 42 to the gel 62 and to the sensor 26. It will be noted that this membrane is optional, but it has the advantage of preventing the gel 62 from displaces or is polluted.
  • the seal 63 devoid of membrane could be placed directly between the card 30 and the partition 43, in an annular recess formed around the upper edge of the opening 52.
  • the partition wall 43 with the elements 55, 58, 63 and 64 closing off its three openings, constitutes a rigid and watertight interior bottom which protects all the electrical and watchmaking components of the shows against pressure and external agents and makes it possible to provide, between it and the real bottom 3 of the case, a pressure chamber which covers the entire extent of the bottom 3 and therefore makes it possible to fix the latter to the middle part 2 of a simple and easily removable way, since the bottom 3 is not stressed by the external pressure.
  • the replacement of the battery 40 is easy and does not risk damaging the interior elements of the watch.
  • the sound signals emitted by the transducer 54 in the pressure chamber 42 can easily propagate outwards without having to pass through the bottom 3 itself.
  • the pressure and temperature sensor 26 is fixed and electrically connected directly to the printed circuit board 30 carrying the electronic circuits 35 associated with this sensor. This is what makes it possible to incorporate into the manufacturing process, inexpensively, a step of individual calibration of the pressure signal as a function of the temperature signal supplied by this same sensor (or possibly by a separate temperature sensor. also mounted on the same printed circuit board).
  • each watch a sub-assembly comprising at least the printed circuit board 30, the pressure and temperature sensor 26 and the associated electronic circuits 35 arranged to receive and process the sensor output signals, can easily, before assembling the watch and even before the card 30 is equipped with other components such as the motor 32 or the quartz resonator, place a batch of such sub-assemblies under predetermined conditions of temperature and pressure in an enclosure, measure the output signals of each sensor 26 before and / or after their processing by the electronic circuits 35, determine individual calibration parameters of the signals from this sensor with a view to the subsequent correction of these signals by the circuits electronic, and save these calibration parameters in the non-volatile memory 36 so that the electronic circuits 35 can use constantly thereafter.
  • batch processing has the advantage of ensuring high productivity, a batch being able to comprise several hundreds of sub-assemblies which are all electrically connected to a common support allowing the transmission of signals to the calibration device. The latter can thus calibrate and control the sub-assemblies successively at a high rate.
  • each card 30 serving as a plate will then be fixed on the one hand to the spacer 37 and d 'on the other hand to the partition 43, the dial and the hands will be mounted, then the assembly can be placed in the housing from the bottom.
  • the seal 63 is compressed in the axial direction represents great ease of assembly and guarantees good sealing performance in the long term in the region of the sensor 26. As the tightening of the seal 63 is guaranteed by the screws fixing the card 30 to the partition 43, it is independent of the method of fixing these two elements to the housing.
  • the watches thus produced are capable of providing barometric and altimetric indications more precise than the watches according to the prior art cited above.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a wristwatch comprising in its case a resistive piezoelectric pressure and temperature sensor (26) exposed to a pressure chamber (42) communicating with the outside environment, for measuring ambient pressure. In order to provide individual calibration depending on temperature followed by a permanent correction of the sensor pressure signals, the latter is fixed to the lower surface of a printed circuit card (30) bearing the electronic circuits (35) processing the sensor signals. The calibration parameters are recorded in a non-volatile memory (36) of said circuits. A rigid and sealed separating partition (43) forms an internal floor separating the pressure chamber (42) from the watch sealed part.

Description

OIMTRE FOURNISSANT UNE INDICATION BAROMETRIQUE OU ALTIMETRIQUE. OIMTRE PROVIDING A BAROMETRIC OR ALTIMETRIC INDICATION.
ET SON PROCEDE DE FABRICATIONAND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF
La présente invention concerne une montre électronique fournissant une indication barométrique ou altimétrique basée sur la pression ambiante et comportant :The present invention relates to an electronic watch providing a barometric or altimetric indication based on ambient pressure and comprising:
- un boîtier dont l'intérieur est divisé par des moyens de séparation en une partie étanche et une chambre de pression qui communique avec l'extérieur du boîtier de façon à recevoir la pression ambiante,a housing the interior of which is divided by means of separation into a sealed part and a pressure chamber which communicates with the exterior of the housing so as to receive the ambient pressure,
- une source d'énergie électrique,- a source of electrical energy,
- un capteur de pression ayant un côté exposé à la pression régnant dans la chambre de pression, - des moyens d'affichage pour fournir une indication horaire et ladite indication barométrique ou altimétrique, eta pressure sensor having one side exposed to the pressure prevailing in the pressure chamber, display means for providing a time indication and said barometric or altimetric indication, and
- une carte à circuits imprimés disposée dans la partie étanche du boîtier et pourvue de circuits garde-temps et de circuits électroniques agencés pour recevoir et traiter un signal de sortie du capteur de pression et commander les moyens d'affichage de l'indication barométrique ou altimétrique.a printed circuit board placed in the sealed part of the case and provided with time-keeping circuits and electronic circuits arranged to receive and process an output signal from the pressure sensor and to control the means for displaying the barometric indication or altimetric.
L'invention concerne aussi un procédé de fabrication d'une telle montre. Des montres électroniques de ce genre sont connues, notamment par le brevet US 4 835 716 ou par la demande de brevet EP 640 896, qui prévoit l'affichage analogique de la pression atmosphérique, de la tendance de cette pression et de l'altitude par des aiguilles sur le cadran de la montre.The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a watch. Electronic watches of this kind are known, in particular from US Pat. No. 4,835,716 or from patent application EP 640,896, which provides for the analog display of atmospheric pressure, the trend of this pressure and the altitude by hands on the watch face.
Dans ce genre de montre à baromètre et/ou altimètre, l'implantation du capteur de pression pose des problèmes d'encombrement, d'étanchéité, de connexion électrique et de déformations internes dues aux différences de pression entre la partie étanche et la chambre de pression où règne la pression ambiante, c'est-à-dire la pression atmosphérique, à laquelle s'ajoute la pression hydrostatique si la montre est plongée dans l'eau.In this type of barometer and / or altimeter watch, the installation of the pressure sensor poses problems of space, sealing, electrical connection and internal deformations due to pressure differences between the waterproof part and the pressure chamber. pressure where ambient pressure prevails, i.e. atmospheric pressure, to which hydrostatic pressure is added if the watch is immersed in water.
Le boîtier des premières montres électroniques à baromètre et/ou altimètre comportait un appendice latéral spécialement conçu pour contenir le capteur de pression et ayant des orifices de communication avec l'extérieur. Voir par exemple les brevets US 4 783 772 et EP 345 929. Cette solution avait l'avantage de conserver le système d'étanchéité des boîtes de montre traditionnelles, mais cet appendice était inesthétique et parfois gênant. On a donc été conduit à implanter le capteur de pression à l'intérieur d'un boîtier de montre de forme ordinaire, ce qui exige une chambre de pression dans le boîtier. Il en résulte des difficultés supplémentaires pour assurer l'étanchéité et la résistance à la pression à l'intérieur de ce boîtier.The case of the first electronic watches with barometer and / or altimeter had a lateral appendage specially designed to contain the pressure sensor and having communication openings with the outside. See, for example, US Patents 4,783,772 and EP 345,929. This solution had the advantage of retaining the sealing system of traditional watch cases, but this appendix was unsightly and sometimes annoying. We therefore had to implant the pressure sensor inside an ordinary watch case, which requires a pressure chamber in the housing. This results in additional difficulties in ensuring the seal and the resistance to pressure inside this case.
Par exemple dans la montre décrite dans le EP 640 896, le capteur de pression est logé dans le boîtier au voisinage de la carrure, sous une platine du mouvement d'horlogerie contre laquelle il est maintenu appliqué. Une petite chambre de pression est ménagée entre le dessus du capteur et la platine et communique avec l'extérieur via un canal qui traverse la platine et la carrure et débouche sous une lunette tournante. Un couvercle disposé entre le fond du boîtier et le capteur porte des connexions électriques reliant ce dernier à un circuit intégré se trouvant à côté du capteur et traitant le signal pour fournir des indications barométriques et/ou altimétriques. Des connexions électriques supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour relier ce circuit intégré aux autres circuits électriques de la montre, en particulier à ceux qui commandent l'affichage. Cette construction connue prend passablement de place en hauteur et exige des dispositions spéciales pour assurer l'étanchéité autour de la chambre de pression et autour du canal reliant celle-ci à l'extérieur.For example in the watch described in EP 640 896, the pressure sensor is housed in the case in the vicinity of the middle part, under a plate of the clockwork movement against which it is kept applied. A small pressure chamber is provided between the top of the sensor and the plate and communicates with the outside via a channel which crosses the plate and the middle part and opens out under a rotating bezel. A cover disposed between the bottom of the housing and the sensor carries electrical connections connecting the latter to an integrated circuit located next to the sensor and processing the signal to provide barometric and / or altimetric indications. Additional electrical connections are necessary to connect this integrated circuit to the other electrical circuits of the watch, in particular to those which control the display. This known construction takes up a considerable amount of space and requires special provisions to ensure sealing around the pressure chamber and around the channel connecting the latter to the outside.
D'autre part, il existe un problème de variation du signal de sortie du capteur en fonction de la température. Cette variation est différente d'un capteur à un autre de même type. Pour une variation de 10°C, les indications altimétriques fournies avec des capteurs piézo-résistifs couramment utilisés, relativement peu coûteux, peuvent présenter des écarts allant jusqu'à environ 100 m d'altitude.On the other hand, there is a problem of variation of the output signal of the sensor as a function of the temperature. This variation is different from one sensor to another of the same type. For a variation of 10 ° C, the altimetric indications provided with commonly used piezoresistive sensors, relatively inexpensive, may have deviations up to approximately 100 m of altitude.
Le demandeur a imaginé d'étalonner chaque capteur en fonction des variations de température, de calculer des paramètres de calibrage du signal et d'enregistrer ceux-ci dans les circuits électroniques associés à ce capteur, mais un tel procédé serait excessivement coûteux dans une fabrication industrielle d'une montre selon le EP 640 896, parce qu'il pourrait être appliqué seulement une fois que le capteur et les circuits électroniques associés sont réunis, c'est-à-dire après leur montage dans le boîtier.The applicant has imagined calibrating each sensor according to temperature variations, calculating signal calibration parameters and recording these in the electronic circuits associated with this sensor, but such a method would be excessively expensive in manufacturing. industrial watch according to EP 640 896, because it could be applied only once the sensor and the associated electronic circuits are combined, that is to say after their mounting in the housing.
Dans la demande de brevet EP 670 532, il est prévu un fond interne séparant l'intérieur du boîtier de la montre en une partie étanche, qui contient le mouvement de la montre, et une chambre de pression qui se trouve entre le fond interne et un fond externe percé de plusieurs trous. Le fond interne porte un capteur de pression qui est connecté électriquement à la commande électronique du mouvement par une languette de contact flexible permettant d'absorber une flexion du fond interne sous l'effet de la pression. Toutefois, cette construction présente une épaisseur relativement grande et ne résout pas le problème susmentionné de l'étalonnage.In patent application EP 670 532, there is provided an internal bottom separating the interior of the watch case into a sealed part, which contains the movement of the watch, and a pressure chamber which is located between the internal bottom and an external bottom pierced with several holes. The internal bottom carries a pressure sensor which is electrically connected to the electronic movement control by a flexible contact tab making it possible to absorb a bending of the internal bottom under the effect of the pressure. However, this construction has a relatively large thickness and does not solve the aforementioned problem of calibration.
La présente invention vise à éviter les inconvénients susmentionnés et elle a pour objet une montre, notamment une montre-bracelet, permettant un calibrage individuel des indications fournies par un capteur de pression peu coûteux, et ceci grâce à une construction adéquate et un procédé de fabrication économiquement acceptable.The present invention aims to avoid the aforementioned drawbacks and it relates to a watch, in particular a wristwatch, allowing individual calibration of the indications provided by an inexpensive pressure sensor, and this thanks to an adequate construction and a manufacturing process. economically acceptable.
Un but additionnel de l'invention consiste à agencer la montre de façon à garantir une bonne étanchéité et éviter des problèmes dus à des déformations résultant des variations de la pression ambiante dans la chambre de pression.An additional object of the invention is to arrange the watch so as to guarantee a good seal and avoid problems due to deformations resulting from variations in the ambient pressure in the pressure chamber.
Selon un premier aspect de l'invention, il est prévu une montre électronique du genre défini plus haut, caractérisé en ce que le capteur de pression est fixé à la carte à circuits imprimés, à laquelle il est raccordé directement par des liaisons électriques.According to a first aspect of the invention, an electronic watch of the kind defined above is provided, characterized in that the pressure sensor is fixed to the printed circuit board, to which it is connected directly by electrical connections.
Ces caractéristiques permettent d'associer, à un stade précoce de la fabrication, le capteur de pression aux circuits électroniques destinés à traiter son signal de sortie. Ainsi, on peut prévoir que des moyens de mesure de la température sont installés sur la carte à circuits imprimés et que les circuits électroniques comportent une mémoire non volatile dans laquelle sont enregistrés des paramètres de calibrage individuels du capteur de pression, et l'on peut déterminer ces paramètres et les enregistrer dans la mémoire avant l'assemblage de l'instrument, comme on l'expliquera plus loin.These characteristics make it possible to associate, at an early stage of manufacture, the pressure sensor with the electronic circuits intended to process its output signal. Thus, provision can be made for means for measuring the temperature to be installed on the printed circuit board and for the electronic circuits to include a non-volatile memory in which individual calibration parameters of the pressure sensor are recorded, and it is possible to determine these parameters and save them in memory before assembling the instrument, as will be explained below.
Cependant, il faut noter que l'invention peut aussi être mise en oeuvre dans un instrument dépourvu de moyens de mesure de la température, donc aussi sans utilisation d'une mémoire pour des paramètres de calibrage individuels du capteur de pression, soit parce qu'on accepte une moins bonne précision de la mesure de pression, soit parce qu'un capteur de pression thermocompensé ou à faible dérive en fonction de la température devient disponible à un prix acceptable.However, it should be noted that the invention can also be implemented in an instrument devoid of temperature measurement means, therefore also without the use of a memory for individual calibration parameters of the pressure sensor, either because we accept a poorer accuracy of the pressure measurement, either because a thermocompensated or low drift pressure sensor depending on the temperature becomes available at an acceptable price.
De préférence, les moyens de séparation comportent une cloison de séparation raccordée au boîtier de manière étanche le long de son pourtour et ayant une ouverture dans laquelle ledit capteur est placé.Preferably, the separation means comprise a separation partition connected to the housing in a sealed manner along its periphery and having an opening in which said sensor is placed.
Ceci permet de diviser commodément l'intérieur du boîtier en une partie étanche et une chambre de pression dont la forme et la taille peuvent être quelconques. Cette cloison supporte l'effet de la pression extérieure dans la chambre de pression et protège ainsi la platine supportant les organes d'affichage et, le cas échéant, le mouvement d'horlogerie dans la partie étanche. La cloison de séparation peut aisément être raccordée au boîtier de manière étanche le long de son pourtour, à la manière d'un double fond, et la chambre de pression s'étendant entre ce double fond et le fond du boîtier peut avantageusement contenir un transducteur électro-acoustique agencé pour émettre des sons dans cette chambre qui communique avec l'extérieur.This allows to conveniently divide the interior of the housing into a sealed part and a pressure chamber whose shape and size can be any. This partition supports the effect of the external pressure in the pressure chamber and thus protects the plate supporting the organs display and, if necessary, the clockwork movement in the waterproof part. The partition can easily be connected to the housing in a sealed manner along its periphery, in the manner of a double bottom, and the pressure chamber extending between this double bottom and the bottom of the housing can advantageously contain a transducer. electro-acoustic arranged to emit sounds in this room which communicates with the outside.
Le capteur utilisé est de préférence un capteur de pression et de température du type piézo-résistif comportant des résistances connectées en pont de Wheatstone dans lequel la résistance du pont varie seulement en fonction de la température, tandis que les variations de pression créent un déséquilibre du pontThe sensor used is preferably a pressure and temperature sensor of the piezoresistive type comprising resistors connected in a Wheatstone bridge in which the resistance of the bridge varies only as a function of temperature, while the variations in pressure create an imbalance in the bridge
Un autre aspect de l'invention concerne un procédé de fabrication d'une montre tel que définie plus haut, dans lequel lesdits circuits électroniques comportent une mémoire non volatile destinée à l'enregistrement de paramètres de calibrage individuels du capteur de pression, le procédé comportant les étapes successives consistant à : a) fabriquer la carte à circuits imprimés et monter au moins le capteur de pression et lesdits circuits électroniques sur cette carte pour former un sous-ensemble; b) étalonner ledit sous-ensemble dans différentes conditions de température et de pression et déterminer des paramètres de calibrage du capteur en fonction des ces conditions; c) enregistrer les paramètres de calibrage dans la mémoire non volatile des circuits électroniques; d ) le cas échéant, compléter le sous-ensemble par d'autres éléments devant être supportés par la carte à circuits imprimés; et e) monter dans le boîtier ledit sous-ensemble et les autres composants de la montre.Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a watch as defined above, in which said electronic circuits include a non-volatile memory intended for recording individual calibration parameters of the pressure sensor, the method comprising the successive steps consisting in: a) manufacturing the printed circuit board and mounting at least the pressure sensor and said electronic circuits on this board to form a sub-assembly; b) calibrating said sub-assembly under different temperature and pressure conditions and determining sensor calibration parameters as a function of these conditions; c) save the calibration parameters in the non-volatile memory of the electronic circuits; d) if necessary, complete the sub-assembly with other elements to be supported by the printed circuit board; and e) mounting said subassembly and the other watch components in the case.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront dans la description suivante d'un mode de réalisation préféré, présenté à titre d'exemple non limitatif et en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels : la figure 1 est une vue de dessus d'une montre-bracelet réalisée selon la présente invention, la figure 2 est une vue en coupe schématique de la montre de la figure 1 suivant la ligne ll-ll, sans la lunette tournante, la figure 3 est une vue en coupe schématique de la montre de la figure 1 suivant la ligne lll-lll, sans la lunette tournante, et les figures 4 et 5 représentent en perspective respectivement le dessus et le dessous d'une cloison de séparation faisant partie de la montre de la figure 1.Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description of a preferred embodiment, presented by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a top view of 'a wristwatch made according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the watch of Figure 1 along the line II-II, without the rotating bezel, Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of the shown in Figure 1 along the line lll-lll, without the rotating bezel, and FIGS. 4 and 5 represent in perspective respectively the top and the bottom of a partition partition forming part of the watch of FIG. 1.
La montre représentée aux figures 1 à 3 comporte un boîtier 1 comprenant une carrure 2, un fond amovible 3 monté sur la carrure à l'aide d'une garniture compressible 4, et une glace 5 fixée à la carrure et recouvrant un cadran 6. La carrure 2 supporte une lunette tournante 7 portant des repères d'azimut 8. On a supprimé la lunette dans les figures 2 et 3 afin de simplifier les dessins. De manière classique, des organes extérieurs de commande sont prévus sous la forme de trois poussoirs latéraux 10, 11 et 12. Le boîtier 1 est rattaché à un bracelet 13. Pour l'affichage analogique de l'heure, il est prévu une aiguille des heures 14 et une aiguille des minutes 15 qui coopèrent avec une graduation horaire classique 16 sur le cadran 6. Ces aiguilles sont utilisées aussi pour afficher d'autres indications, comme on le décrira plus loin. En outre, un affichage numérique est formé par une cellule à cristaux liquides (LCD) 17 placée de préférence sous une fenêtre transparente du cadran 6 et destinée à afficher des temps chronométrés obtenus de manière classique par manipulation des poussoirs 11 et 12, ainsi que d'autres valeurs qui seront mentionnées plus loin. La montre décrite ici constitue par ailleurs un instrument électronique effectuant diverses fonctions de mesure ou d'indication en plus des mesures ou indications horaires. Ces fonctions additionnelles, plus précisément les modes de fonctionnement correspondants de la montre, sont représentés sur le cadran 6 par des symboles 20 à 23, tandis qu'un autre symbole 24 (TIME) représente le mode d'affichage horaire classique de la montre. Dans cet exemple, l'utilisateur enclenche le mode voulu au moyen d'organes de commande capacitifs comportant des électrodes transparentes (non représentées) fixées sous la glace 5 au-dessus des symboles correspondants 20 à 24. De tels organes de commande sont bien connus et sont décrits notamment dans les publications de brevet JP 49-13168 A, CH 607 872 et EP 674 247. Cependant, on peut prévoir des organes de commande différents dans le cadre de la présente invention.The watch shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises a case 1 comprising a middle part 2, a removable bottom 3 mounted on the middle part using a compressible lining 4, and a crystal 5 fixed to the middle part and covering a dial 6. The middle part 2 supports a rotating bezel 7 bearing azimuth marks 8. The bezel has been deleted in FIGS. 2 and 3 in order to simplify the drawings. Conventionally, external control members are provided in the form of three lateral pushers 10, 11 and 12. The case 1 is attached to a strap 13. For the analog display of the time, a hand is provided. hours 14 and a minute hand 15 which cooperate with a conventional hourly scale 16 on the dial 6. These hands are also used to display other indications, as will be described later. In addition, a digital display is formed by a liquid crystal cell (LCD) 17 preferably placed under a transparent window of the dial 6 and intended to display timed times obtained in a conventional manner by manipulation of the pushers 11 and 12, as well as 'other values which will be mentioned later. The watch described here also constitutes an electronic instrument performing various measurement or indication functions in addition to time measurements or indications. These additional functions, more precisely the corresponding operating modes of the watch, are represented on the dial 6 by symbols 20 to 23, while another symbol 24 (TIME) represents the classic time display mode of the watch. In this example, the user engages the desired mode by means of capacitive control members comprising transparent electrodes (not shown) fixed under the glass 5 above the corresponding symbols 20 to 24. Such control members are well known and are described in particular in patent publications JP 49-13168 A, CH 607 872 and EP 674 247. However, provision may be made for different control members within the scope of the present invention.
Le symbole 20 en forme de thermomètre représente un mode d'affichage de la température ambiante, qui est indiquée numériquement par la cellule LCD 17. Cette température est mesurée à l'aide d'un capteur de pression et de température 26 qui sera décrit plus loin. Le symbole 21 comprenant un nuage et un soleil correspond à un mode d'indication de la tendance barométrique, indiquée au moyen des aiguilles 14 et 15 mises en superposition et amenées près du nuage ou du soleil. Cette tendance est calculée à partir des indications de pression fournies par le capteur 26. Le symbole 22 en forme de montagne correspond à un mode d'affichage de l'altitude, laquelle est indiquée numériquement sur la cellule LCD 17. Cette altitude est calculée à partir d'indications barométriques obtenues à l'aide du capteur 26. Le symbole 23 en forme de rose des vents correspond à une fonction de boussole, c'est-à-dire l'indication du nord au moyen des aiguilles 14 et 15 mises en position alignée et permettant de lire un azimut sur la lunette 7. Cette direction est déterminée à l'aide d'un capteur 27 de direction du champ magnétique, incorporé à l'instrument par exemple comme il est décrit dans la publication de brevet EP 713 162. Etant donné que la présente invention se rapporte essentiellement aux moyens utilisés pour fournir des indications barométriques ou altimétriques, les autres fonctions de la montre ne seront pas décrites en détail ici. On notera aussi qu'une telle montre peut comporter encore d'autres fonctions, par exemple un chronographe, une alarme à une heure prédéterminée ou à une altitude prédéterminée, une indication de fin de vie de pile, une mise à l'heure radio-commandée, la réception d'appels par radio (paging), etc. Comme on le voit particulièrement dans les figures 2 à 5, la montre contient une carte à circuits imprimés 30 qui sert également de platine pour le mouvement d'horlogerie électronique. A cet effet, la carte 30 a un substrat relativement rigide et épais, par exemple d'environ 1 ,0 mm. Sur la face supérieure de la carte à circuits imprimés 30 sont montés notamment: - des circuits garde-temps représentés schématiquement par la référence 31 et comprenant en particulier un résonateur à quartz et un circuit intégré,The thermometer symbol 20 represents a mode of display of the ambient temperature, which is indicated numerically by the LCD cell 17. This temperature is measured using a pressure and temperature sensor 26 which will be described more far. The symbol 21 comprising a cloud and a sun corresponds to a mode of indication of the barometric trend, indicated by hands 14 and 15 superimposed and brought near the cloud or the sun. This trend is calculated from the pressure indications provided by the sensor 26. The symbol 22 in the shape of a mountain corresponds to a display mode of the altitude, which is indicated numerically on the LCD cell 17. This altitude is calculated at from barometric indications obtained using sensor 26. The symbol 23 in the shape of a compass rose corresponds to a compass function, that is to say the indication of the north by means of the hands 14 and 15 set in an aligned position and making it possible to read an azimuth on the telescope 7. This direction is determined using a magnetic field direction sensor 27, incorporated in the instrument for example as described in the publication of patent EP 713 162. Since the present invention essentially relates to the means used to provide barometric or altimetric indications, the other functions of the watch will not be described in detail here. It should also be noted that such a watch may include other functions, for example a chronograph, an alarm at a predetermined time or at a predetermined altitude, an indication of end of battery life, setting the radio time. controlled, receiving radio calls (paging), etc. As seen particularly in Figures 2 to 5, the watch contains a printed circuit board 30 which also serves as a plate for the electronic watch movement. To this end, the card 30 has a relatively rigid and thick substrate, for example of about 1.0 mm. On the upper face of the printed circuit board 30 are mounted in particular: - timepiece circuits represented schematically by the reference 31 and comprising in particular a quartz resonator and an integrated circuit,
- un moteur pas-à-pas 32 à deux rotors entraînant respectivement deux arbres de sortie concentriques 33 et 34 qui portent les aiguilles 14 et 15,a stepping motor 32 with two rotors respectively driving two concentric output shafts 33 and 34 which carry the needles 14 and 15,
- des circuits électroniques 35 pourvus d'une mémoire non volatile 36 (par exemple du type EEPROM) et destinés à traiter les signaux de sortie du capteur 26,electronic circuits 35 provided with a non-volatile memory 36 (for example of the EEPROM type) and intended to process the output signals from the sensor 26,
- le capteur magnétique 27, - d'autres circuits électroniques non représentés, destinés à traiter les signaux du capteur magnétique 27, - et une entretoise 37 fixée au cadran 6 et supportant un rehaut 38 et la cellule LCD 17.the magnetic sensor 27, other electronic circuits not shown, intended to process the signals from the magnetic sensor 27, - And a spacer 37 fixed to the dial 6 and supporting a flange 38 and the LCD cell 17.
Des vis 39 assurent la fixation de la carte 30 à l'entretoise 37. Des circuits imprimés sur la face supérieure de la carte 30 assurent les liaisons électriques entre les éléments 31 , 32, 35 et 36, ainsi que des connexions avec les organes de commande décrits plus haut et avec des contacteurs tels que 29 disposés sur la périphérie de la carte et actionnés par les poussoirs 10 et 12.Screws 39 secure the card 30 to the spacer 37. Printed circuits on the upper face of the card 30 provide the electrical connections between the elements 31, 32, 35 and 36, as well as connections with the organs of control described above and with contactors such as 29 arranged on the periphery of the card and actuated by pushers 10 and 12.
La face inférieure de la carte 30 porte aussi des circuits imprimés qui sont raccordés à ceux de la face supérieure, au capteur 26 et à des connexions d'alimentation reliant ces circuits à une pile 40 logée dans la partie inférieure du boîtier 1.The lower face of the card 30 also carries printed circuits which are connected to those of the upper face, to the sensor 26 and to power connections connecting these circuits to a battery 40 housed in the lower part of the housing 1.
L'intérieur du boîtier de la montre est divisé en une partie étanche, qui contient notamment la carte à circuits imprimés 30 et tous les éléments disposés entre celle-ci et la glace 5, et une chambre de pression 42, par des moyens de séparation comprenant principalement une cloison rigide de séparation 43 dont le pourtour est raccordé à la carrure 2 de manière étanche au moyen d'un joint torique 44. La face supérieure de la cloison 43 présente, le long dudit pourtour et autour de la région du capteur 26, une surface d'appui horizontale 45 qui s'appuie contre la carte 30 et, par l'intermédiaire de celle-ci, contre un épaulement approprié 46 de la carrure 2. La carte 30 est fixée à la cloison 43 par des vis non représentées, vissées dans des parties épaisses telles que 47 de la cloison. En dehors de la surface d'appui 45, la face supérieure de la cloison 43 est légèrement creusée de façon à laisser un petit intervalle vertical 48 entre elle et la carte 30. Ceci permet à la cloison 43 de fléchir sous l'effet de la pression extérieure sans risquer de déformer la carte 30 constituant la platine du mouvement de la montre.The interior of the watch case is divided into a waterproof part, which contains in particular the printed circuit board 30 and all the elements arranged between the latter and the crystal 5, and a pressure chamber 42, by separation means. mainly comprising a rigid partition 43 whose periphery is connected to the middle part 2 in a sealed manner by means of an O-ring 44. The upper face of the partition 43 has, along said periphery and around the region of the sensor 26 , a horizontal bearing surface 45 which bears against the card 30 and, through the latter, against an appropriate shoulder 46 of the middle part 2. The card 30 is fixed to the partition 43 by screws not shown, screwed into thick parts such as 47 of the partition. Outside the bearing surface 45, the upper face of the partition 43 is slightly hollowed out so as to leave a small vertical gap 48 between it and the card 30. This allows the partition 43 to flex under the effect of the external pressure without risking deforming the card 30 constituting the plate of the watch movement.
Comme la cloison 43 peut être relativement épaisse, par exemple autant que la pile 40, elle sera assez rigide pour supporter des pressions élevées, notamment dans une montre pour plongeurs. Elle peut être réalisée aussi bien en matière synthétique qu'en métal. La structure interne formée par la cloison 43, la carte 30 et l'entretoise 37 est fixée dans le boîtier 1 à l'aide de brides classiques non représentées, qui sont fixées à la carrure 2 et s'appuient contre la face inférieure de la cloison 43 pour presser ladite structure contre l'épaulement 46. La partie étanche de l'intérieur du boîtier contient de l'air ou un autre gaz. La chambre de pression 42 contient de l'air et communique avec l'atmosphère par un ou plusieurs orifices 49 ménagés par exemple à travers la périphérie du fond 3, de sorte qu'elle est toujours soumise à la pression ambiante extérieure.As the partition 43 can be relatively thick, for example as much as the stack 40, it will be rigid enough to withstand high pressures, in particular in a watch for divers. It can be made both of synthetic material and of metal. The internal structure formed by the partition 43, the card 30 and the spacer 37 is fixed in the housing 1 using conventional flanges, not shown, which are fixed to the middle part 2 and bear against the underside of the partition 43 for pressing said structure against the shoulder 46. The sealed part of the interior of the housing contains air or another gas. The pressure chamber 42 contains air and communicates with the atmosphere through one or more orifices 49 formed, for example through the periphery of the bottom 3, so that it is always subjected to the external ambient pressure.
Comme on le voit dans les figures 4 et 5, la cloison 43 comporte trois ouvertures 51 , 52 et 53 dans lesquelles prennent place respectivement la pile 40, le capteur de pression et de température 26 et un transducteur électroacoustique 54 destiné à fournir un signal sonore à l'utilisateur. Ce transducteur comprend une plaque vibrante 55 collée à la cloison 43 et un élément en céramique piézo-électrique 56 fixé sur la plaque 55 du côté de la partie étanche de la montre.As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the partition 43 has three openings 51, 52 and 53 in which the battery 40, the pressure and temperature sensor 26 and a electroacoustic transducer 54 intended to provide a sound signal take place respectively. to the user. This transducer comprises a vibrating plate 55 glued to the partition 43 and a piezoelectric ceramic element 56 fixed to the plate 55 on the side of the waterproof part of the watch.
L'ouverture 52 recevant le capteur 26 se trouve au voisinage du pourtour de la cloison 43, la surface d'appui 45 de cette cloison s'appliquant contre la carte 30 tout autour de cette ouverture. Comme une éventuelle flexion de la cloison 30 n'aurait qu'une faible amplitude dans cette zone périphérique, on n'a pas à craindre qu'elle déforme outre mesure la carte 30 servant de platine du mouvement d'horlogerie.The opening 52 receiving the sensor 26 is located in the vicinity of the periphery of the partition 43, the bearing surface 45 of this partition pressing against the card 30 all around this opening. As a possible bending of the partition 30 would only have a small amplitude in this peripheral zone, there is no need to fear that it deforms excessively the card 30 serving as a plate of the clockwork movement.
La pile 40 est insérée de manière coulissante dans un support de pile 57 de forme annulaire, fixé à la face inférieure de la carte 30. Elle est séparée de la chambre de pression 42 par un capuchon 58 engagé de manière étanche dans l'ouverture 51 de la cloison 43, grâce à un joint torique 59. Le capuchon revêtu intérieurement d'un blindage 60 agencé pour empêcher des influences magnétiques de la pile sur le capteur magnétique 27. Le capuchon 58 peut être fixé à la cloison 43 par une système à baïonnette ou maintenu par d'autres moyens appropriés.The battery 40 is slidably inserted into a battery holder 57 of annular shape, fixed to the underside of the card 30. It is separated from the pressure chamber 42 by a cap 58 tightly engaged in the opening 51 of the partition 43, by means of an O-ring 59. The cap internally coated with a shield 60 arranged to prevent magnetic influences from the battery on the magnetic sensor 27. The cap 58 can be fixed to the partition 43 by a system bayonet or maintained by other appropriate means.
Ainsi, on remarque que la plaque 55 et le capuchon 58 coopèrent avec la cloison 43 pour diviser l'intérieur du boîtier en deux parties dans le présent exemple. Toutefois, ces éléments pourraient être agencés autrement et ne pas faire partie des moyens de séparation.Thus, it is noted that the plate 55 and the cap 58 cooperate with the partition 43 to divide the interior of the housing into two parts in the present example. However, these elements could be arranged differently and not be part of the separation means.
Le capteur de pression et de température 26 est un capteur piézo- résistif de type connu et peu coûteux, fait d'un élément en silicium micro-usiné comportant une membrane dont une face est exposée à la pression ambiante régnant dans la chambre de pression 42, tandis que l'autre face porte des résistances connectées en pont de Wheatstone, comme cela est prévu par exemple dans le brevet US 4 783 772. Dans le cas présent, les résistances sont disposées de telle façon que la résistance globale du pont varie seulement en fonction de la température, tandis que les variations de pression créent un déséquilibre du pont, se traduisant par des variations de la tension entre ses deux bornes de sortie. Ainsi, par des fils de connexion fixes ("bonding") 60 le raccordant directement à la carte 30, le capteur 26 fournit au circuit intégré 35 des signaux de sortie représentant à la fois la pression et la température auxquelles le capteur est exposé. Ce capteur peut être par exemple du type AM761 commercialisé par la société Intersema Sensoric à Bevaix, Suisse.The pressure and temperature sensor 26 is a piezoresistive sensor of known type and inexpensive, made of a micro-machined silicon element comprising a membrane, one face of which is exposed to the ambient pressure prevailing in the pressure chamber 42 , while the other face carries resistors connected in Wheatstone bridge, as provided for example in US patent 4,783,772. In the present case, the resistors are arranged in such a way that the overall resistance of the bridge varies only as a function of temperature, while variations in pressure create an imbalance in the bridge, resulting in variations in the voltage between its two output terminals. Thus, by fixed connection wires ("bonding") 60 connecting it directly to the card 30, the sensor 26 supplies the integrated circuit 35 with output signals representing both the pressure and the temperature to which the sensor is exposed. This sensor may for example be of the AM761 type sold by the company Intersema Sensoric in Bevaix, Switzerland.
Le capteur 26 est protégé au moyen d'une bague 61 collée à la carte 30 et engagée dans l'ouverture 52 de la cloison 43, et d'un gel au silicone 62 qui enrobe aussi les fils 60. Ce gel est électriquement isolant et imperméable à l'eau. Un joint torique d'étanchéité 63 est comprimé, de préférence axialement, c'est-à-dire parallèlement à l'axe central 65 de la montre, entre la bague 61 et un rebord de la cloison 43, et sa partie centrale est fermée de manière étanche par une membrane souple 64 qui permet à la pression de se transmettre de la chambre 42 au gel 62 et au capteur 26. On notera que cette membrane est facultative, mais elle a l'avantage d'empêcher que le gel 62 se déplace ou soit pollué. Dans une variante, le joint 63 dépourvu de membrane pourrait être placé directement entre la carte 30 et la cloison 43, dans un evidement annulaire ménagé autour du bord supérieur de l'ouverture 52.The sensor 26 is protected by means of a ring 61 glued to the card 30 and engaged in the opening 52 of the partition 43, and of a silicone gel 62 which also coats the wires 60. This gel is electrically insulating and Water-proof. An O-ring seal 63 is compressed, preferably axially, that is to say parallel to the central axis 65 of the watch, between the ring 61 and a flange of the partition 43, and its central part is closed. tightly by a flexible membrane 64 which allows the pressure to be transmitted from the chamber 42 to the gel 62 and to the sensor 26. It will be noted that this membrane is optional, but it has the advantage of preventing the gel 62 from displaces or is polluted. In a variant, the seal 63 devoid of membrane could be placed directly between the card 30 and the partition 43, in an annular recess formed around the upper edge of the opening 52.
Un avantage notable de la construction décrite ci-dessus est que la cloison de séparation 43, avec les éléments 55, 58, 63 et 64 obturant ses trois ouvertures, constitue un fond intérieur rigide et étanche qui protège tous les composants électriques et horlogers de la montre contre la pression et les agents extérieurs et permet de ménager, entre elle et le véritable fond 3 du boîtier, une chambre de pression qui couvre toute l'étendue du fond 3 et permet donc de fixer celui-ci à la carrure 2 d'une manière simple et aisément démontable, puisque le fond 3 n'est pas sollicité par la pression extérieure. Il en résulte que le remplacement de la pile 40 est aisé et ne risque pas de porter atteinte aux éléments intérieurs de la montre. En outre, les signaux sonores émis par le transducteur 54 dans la chambre de pression 42 peuvent se propager facilement vers l'extérieur sans devoir traverser le fond 3 lui- même. Un autre avantage important, déjà mentionné plus haut, réside dans le fait que le capteur 26 de pression et de température est fixé et raccordé électriquement directement à la carte à circuits imprimés 30 portant les circuits électroniques 35 associés à ce capteur. C'est ce qui permet d'incorporer dans le processus de fabrication, à peu de frais, une étape d'étalonnage individuel du signal de pression en fonction du signal de température fourni par ce même capteur (ou éventuellement par un capteur de température distinct monté également sur la même carte à circuits imprimés). Puisque le processus de fabrication fournit pour chaque montre un sous-ensemble comprenant au moins la carte à circuits imprimés 30, le capteur de pression et de température 26 et les circuits électroniques associés 35 agencés pour recevoir et traiter les signaux de sortie du capteur, on peut aisément, avant l'assemblage de la montre et même avant que la carte 30 soit équipée d'autres composants tels que le moteur 32 ou le résonateur à quartz, placer un lot de tels sous-ensembles dans des conditions prédéterminées de température et de pression dans une enceinte, mesurer les signaux de sortie de chaque capteur 26 avant et/ou après leur traitement par les circuits électroniques 35, déterminer des paramètres de calibrage individuels des signaux de ce capteur en vue de la correction ultérieure de ces signaux par les circuits électroniques, et enregistrer ces paramètres de calibrage dans la mémoire non volatile 36 pour que les circuits électroniques 35 puissent les utiliser constamment par la suite. Comme l'obtention d'une température uniforme et stable des pièces contenues dans l'enceinte est assez longue, le traitement par lots a l'avantage d'assurer une productivité élevée, un lot pouvant comprendre plusieurs centaines de sous-ensembles qui sont tous connectés électriquement à un support commun permettant la transmission des signaux à l'appareil de calibrage. Ce dernier peut ainsi calibrer et contrôler les sous-ensembles successivement à une cadence élevée.A notable advantage of the construction described above is that the partition wall 43, with the elements 55, 58, 63 and 64 closing off its three openings, constitutes a rigid and watertight interior bottom which protects all the electrical and watchmaking components of the shows against pressure and external agents and makes it possible to provide, between it and the real bottom 3 of the case, a pressure chamber which covers the entire extent of the bottom 3 and therefore makes it possible to fix the latter to the middle part 2 of a simple and easily removable way, since the bottom 3 is not stressed by the external pressure. As a result, the replacement of the battery 40 is easy and does not risk damaging the interior elements of the watch. In addition, the sound signals emitted by the transducer 54 in the pressure chamber 42 can easily propagate outwards without having to pass through the bottom 3 itself. Another important advantage, already mentioned above, is that the pressure and temperature sensor 26 is fixed and electrically connected directly to the printed circuit board 30 carrying the electronic circuits 35 associated with this sensor. This is what makes it possible to incorporate into the manufacturing process, inexpensively, a step of individual calibration of the pressure signal as a function of the temperature signal supplied by this same sensor (or possibly by a separate temperature sensor. also mounted on the same printed circuit board). Since the manufacturing process provides for each watch a sub-assembly comprising at least the printed circuit board 30, the pressure and temperature sensor 26 and the associated electronic circuits 35 arranged to receive and process the sensor output signals, can easily, before assembling the watch and even before the card 30 is equipped with other components such as the motor 32 or the quartz resonator, place a batch of such sub-assemblies under predetermined conditions of temperature and pressure in an enclosure, measure the output signals of each sensor 26 before and / or after their processing by the electronic circuits 35, determine individual calibration parameters of the signals from this sensor with a view to the subsequent correction of these signals by the circuits electronic, and save these calibration parameters in the non-volatile memory 36 so that the electronic circuits 35 can use constantly thereafter. As obtaining a uniform and stable temperature of the parts contained in the enclosure is quite long, batch processing has the advantage of ensuring high productivity, a batch being able to comprise several hundreds of sub-assemblies which are all electrically connected to a common support allowing the transmission of signals to the calibration device. The latter can thus calibrate and control the sub-assemblies successively at a high rate.
Ensuite, les sous-ensembles ainsi calibrés peuvent être complétés par les autres éléments devant être supportés par la carte 30. Avec la construction décrite plus haut, chaque carte 30 servant de platine sera alors fixée d'une part à l'entretoise 37 et d'autre part à la cloison de séparation 43, le cadran et les aiguilles seront montés, puis l'ensemble pourra être mis en place dans le boîtier à partir du bas. On notera encore que, dans ce mode d'assemblage, le fait que le joint d'étanchéité 63 se trouve comprimé dans la direction axiale représente une grande facilité de montage et garantit une bonne tenue de l'étanchéité à long terme dans la zone du capteur 26. Comme le serrage du joint 63 est garanti par les vis fixant la carte 30 à la cloison 43, il est indépendant du mode de fixation de ces deux éléments au boîtier. Etant donné que les valeurs de pression calculées de la manière traditionnelle à partir des signaux de sortie du capteur 26 sont corrigées à l'aide des paramètres de calibrage déterminés individuellement pour ce capteur, les montres ainsi fabriquées sont capables de fournir des indications barométriques et altimétriques plus précises que les montres selon l'art antérieur cité plus haut. Le demandeur a observé que pour une variation de 10° C, une gamme de dispersion d'environ 100 m sur les mesures d'altitude peut ainsi être réduite à moins de 5 m, par exemple environ 3 m. Then, the sub-assemblies thus calibrated can be supplemented by the other elements to be supported by the card 30. With the construction described above, each card 30 serving as a plate will then be fixed on the one hand to the spacer 37 and d 'on the other hand to the partition 43, the dial and the hands will be mounted, then the assembly can be placed in the housing from the bottom. It will also be noted that, in this method of assembly, the fact that the seal 63 is compressed in the axial direction represents great ease of assembly and guarantees good sealing performance in the long term in the region of the sensor 26. As the tightening of the seal 63 is guaranteed by the screws fixing the card 30 to the partition 43, it is independent of the method of fixing these two elements to the housing. Since the pressure values calculated in the traditional way from the output signals from the sensor 26 are corrected using the calibration parameters determined individually for this sensor, the watches thus produced are capable of providing barometric and altimetric indications more precise than the watches according to the prior art cited above. The applicant has observed that for a variation of 10 ° C., a dispersion range of approximately 100 m on the altitude measurements can thus be reduced to less than 5 m, for example approximately 3 m.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Montre électronique fournissant une indication barométrique ou altimétrique basée sur la pression ambiante et comportant :1. Electronic watch providing a barometric or altimetric indication based on ambient pressure and comprising:
- un boîtier (1 ) dont l'intérieur est divisé par des moyens de séparation en une partie étanche et une chambre de pression (42) qui communique avec l'extérieur du boîtier de façon à recevoir la pression ambiante,- a housing (1) the interior of which is divided by separation means into a sealed part and a pressure chamber (42) which communicates with the exterior of the housing so as to receive the ambient pressure,
- une source d'énergie électrique (40),- a source of electrical energy (40),
- un capteur de pression (26) ayant un côté exposé à la pression régnant dans la chambre de pression,- a pressure sensor (26) having one side exposed to the pressure prevailing in the pressure chamber,
- des moyens d'affichage (14, 15, 17) pour fournir une indication horaire et ladite indication barométrique ou altimétrique, etdisplay means (14, 15, 17) for providing a time indication and said barometric or altimetric indication, and
- une carte à circuits imprimés (30) disposée dans la partie étanche du boîtier et pourvue de circuits garde-temps (31) et de circuits électroniques (35) agencés pour recevoir et traiter un signal de sortie du capteur de pression et commander les moyens d'affichage de l'indication barométrique ou altimétrique, caractérisée en ce que le capteur de pression (26) est fixé à ladite carte à circuits imprimés (30), à laquelle il est raccordé directement par des liaisons électriques (60).- a printed circuit board (30) disposed in the sealed part of the housing and provided with time-keeping circuits (31) and electronic circuits (35) arranged to receive and process an output signal from the pressure sensor and control the means for displaying the barometric or altimetric indication, characterized in that the pressure sensor (26) is fixed to said printed circuit board (30), to which it is connected directly by electrical connections (60).
2. Montre selon la revendication 1 , caractérisée en ce que des moyens de mesure de la température sont installés sur la carte à circuits imprimés et en ce que lesdits circuits électroniques (35) comportent une mémoire non volatile (36) dans laquelle sont enregistrés des paramètres de calibrage individuels du capteur de pression (26) en fonction de la température. 2. Watch according to claim 1, characterized in that temperature measuring means are installed on the printed circuit board and in that said electronic circuits (35) comprise a non-volatile memory (36) in which are recorded individual calibration parameters of the pressure sensor (26) as a function of the temperature.
3. Montre selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisée en ce que les moyens d'affichage comportent des moyens d'affichage analogique.3. Watch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the display means comprise analog display means.
4. Montre selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que la carte à circuits imprimés (30) est rigide et constitue une platine supportant, du côté opposé au capteur de pression, au moins un moteur électrique (32) des moyens d'affichage analogique.4. Watch according to claim 3, characterized in that the printed circuit board (30) is rigid and constitutes a plate supporting, on the side opposite to the pressure sensor, at least one electric motor (32) of the analog display means. .
5. Montre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de séparation comportent une cloison de séparation (43) raccordée au boîtier de manière étanche le long de son pourtour et ayant une ouverture (52) dans laquelle ledit capteur est placé. 5. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation means comprise a partition (43) connected to the housing in a sealed manner along its periphery and having an opening (52) in which said sensor is square.
6. Montre selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que la cloison de séparation (43) est raccordée au boîtier (1) de manière étanche le long de son pourtour, ladite ouverture (52) se trouvant au voisinage dudit pourtour.6. Watch according to claim 5, characterized in that the partition (43) is connected to the housing (1) sealingly along its periphery, said opening (52) being in the vicinity of said periphery.
7. Montre selon la revendication 6, caractérisée en ce que, en dehors de la zone du capteur de pression, un intervalle (48) permettant une flexion de la cloison de séparation (43) est ménagé entre cette cloison et la carte à circuits imprimés.7. Watch according to claim 6, characterized in that, outside the zone of the pressure sensor, an interval (48) allowing a flexion of the partition wall (43) is formed between this partition and the printed circuit board .
8. Montre selon l'une des revendications 5 à 7, caractérisée en ce que des moyens d'étanchéité (61 , 63) entre ladite cloison (43) et ladite carte (30) sont disposés dans ou autour de ladite ouverture (52).8. Watch according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that sealing means (61, 63) between said partition (43) and said card (30) are arranged in or around said opening (52) .
9. Montre selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce qu'une bague (61 ) entourant latéralement le capteur de pression est collée à la carte à circuits imprimés et s'étend dans l'ouverture (52) de la cloison de séparation, lesdits moyens d'étanchéité comportant un joint d'étanchéité (63) interposé entre ladite bague et ladite cloison.9. Watch according to claim 8, characterized in that a ring (61) laterally surrounding the pressure sensor is glued to the printed circuit board and extends in the opening (52) of the partition, said sealing means comprising a seal (63) interposed between said ring and said partition.
10. Montre selon la revendication 9, caractérisée en ce que ledit joint d'étanchéité (63) est associé à une membrane étanche (64) qui sépare le capteur de pression de la chambre de pression.10. Watch according to claim 9, characterized in that said seal (63) is associated with a waterproof membrane (64) which separates the pressure sensor from the pressure chamber.
11. Montre selon l'une des revendications 5 à 10, caractérisée en ce que la chambre de pression (42) s'étend entre la cloison de séparation (43) et un fond (3) du boîtier.11. Watch according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the pressure chamber (42) extends between the partition wall (43) and a bottom (3) of the housing.
12. Montre selon la revendication 11 , caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte un transducteur électro-acoustique (54) agencé pour émettre des sons dans la chambre de pression. 12. Watch according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises an electro-acoustic transducer (54) arranged to emit sounds in the pressure chamber.
13. Montre selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que le capteur13. Watch according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensor
(26) est un capteur de pression et de température du type piézo-résistif comportant des résistances connectées en pont de Wheatstone dans lequel la résistance du pont varie seulement en fonction de la température, tandis que les vaπations de pression créent un déséquilibre du pont. (26) is a pressure and temperature sensor of the piezoresistive type comprising resistors connected in a Wheatstone bridge in which the resistance of the bridge varies only as a function of the temperature, while the pressure variations create an imbalance of the bridge.
14. Procédé de fabrication d'une montre selon la revendication 2, comportant les étapes successives consistant à: a) fabriquer la carte à circuits imprimés et monter au moins le capteur de pression (26) avec les moyens de mesure de température et lesdits circuits électroniques (35) sur cette carte pour former un sous- ensemble; b) étalonner ledit sous-ensemble dans différentes conditions de température et de pression et déterminer des paramètres de calibrage individuel du capteur en fonction de ces conditions; c) enregistrer les paramètres de calibrage dans la mémoire non volatile (36) des circuits électroniques; d) le cas échéant, compléter le sous-ensemble par d'autres éléments devant être supportés par la carte à circuits imprimés; et e) monter dans le boîtier (1) ledit sous-ensemble et les autres composants de la montre. 14. A method of manufacturing a watch according to claim 2, comprising the successive steps consisting in: a) manufacturing the printed circuit board and mounting at least the pressure sensor (26) with the temperature measurement means and said circuits electronics (35) on this card to form a sub-assembly; b) calibrating said subset under different temperature and pressure conditions and determining individual calibration parameters of the sensor as a function of these conditions; c) save the calibration parameters in the non-volatile memory (36) of the electronic circuits; d) if necessary, complete the sub-assembly with other elements to be supported by the printed circuit board; and e) mounting in said case (1) said subassembly and the other components of the watch.
EP99962265A 1998-12-23 1999-12-22 Watch providing barometer and altimeter reading, and method for making same Expired - Lifetime EP1141788B1 (en)

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EP99962265A EP1141788B1 (en) 1998-12-23 1999-12-22 Watch providing barometer and altimeter reading, and method for making same

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EP98124577 1998-12-23
EP98124577 1998-12-23
EP99962265A EP1141788B1 (en) 1998-12-23 1999-12-22 Watch providing barometer and altimeter reading, and method for making same
PCT/EP1999/010317 WO2000039644A1 (en) 1998-12-23 1999-12-22 Watch providing barometer and altimeter reading, and method for making same

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EP1141788A1 true EP1141788A1 (en) 2001-10-10
EP1141788B1 EP1141788B1 (en) 2009-03-25

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CN1145861C (en) 2004-04-14
WO2000039644A1 (en) 2000-07-06
DE69940644D1 (en) 2009-05-07
JP4594531B2 (en) 2010-12-08
CN1335948A (en) 2002-02-13
US6754137B1 (en) 2004-06-22
HK1044052A1 (en) 2002-10-04
JP2002533733A (en) 2002-10-08
HK1044052B (en) 2005-02-04
US20040160859A1 (en) 2004-08-19
EP1141788B1 (en) 2009-03-25
CN1525269A (en) 2004-09-01

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