EP1498790A1 - Astronomical watch - Google Patents

Astronomical watch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1498790A1
EP1498790A1 EP03015970A EP03015970A EP1498790A1 EP 1498790 A1 EP1498790 A1 EP 1498790A1 EP 03015970 A EP03015970 A EP 03015970A EP 03015970 A EP03015970 A EP 03015970A EP 1498790 A1 EP1498790 A1 EP 1498790A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
watch
sky
watch according
constellations
dial
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
EP03015970A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1498790B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Jacques Born
Raymond Froidevaux
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 DE60320976T priority Critical patent/DE60320976D1/en
Priority to EP03015970A priority patent/EP1498790B1/en
Priority to AT03015970T priority patent/ATE395638T1/en
Priority to US10/886,100 priority patent/US7154815B2/en
Priority to CNB2004100638644A priority patent/CN100570517C/en
Priority to KR1020040054790A priority patent/KR101056256B1/en
Priority to JP2004206883A priority patent/JP4537135B2/en
Publication of EP1498790A1 publication Critical patent/EP1498790A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1498790B1 publication Critical patent/EP1498790B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/26—Clocks or watches with indicators for tides, for the phases of the moon, or the like
    • G04B19/262—Clocks or watches with indicators for tides, for the phases of the moon, or the like with indicators for astrological informations
    • 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
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/06—Dials
    • G04B19/16—Shiftable dials, e.g. indicating alternately from 1 to 12 and from 13 to 24
    • 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
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/18—Cases for pocket or wrist watches
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G9/00—Visual time or date indication means
    • G04G9/0076—Visual time or date indication means in which the time in another time-zone or in another city can be displayed at will

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a timepiece such as a wristwatch of the astronomical type, that is to say a watch capable of indicating the position of a star of the solar system in relation to the Earth and the constellations of the zodiac.
  • a watch that meets this definition is described in the patent EP 0 949 549 in the name of the Applicant.
  • This watch includes including an hour hand and a minute hand that move over a dial that carries on its periphery a graduation in hours and minutes and inside of it the symbols of the twelve signs of the zodiac.
  • This watch also includes a rotating bezel bearing the symbols of the planets of the solar system.
  • the minute hand moves to come to the position where it simultaneously indicates the sign of the zodiac in which is the star in question and the position approximation of the latter within said zodiac sign, using the twelve zodiac signs and the graduation in hours and minutes of the dial of the watch. If desired, the user can repeat the same operations for one or more other stars.
  • the major disadvantage of the above-mentioned astronomical watch lies in the fact that it is not able to provide information that enables its user to find quickly and simply the position of the star that interests him in the sky.
  • this watch only provides an indication of the position of a given star of the solar system in relation to the constellations of the zodiac. If the user wants then to see the star in question in the sky, it will be necessary that he first constellation of the zodiac that has been designated by the watch. This assumes that the user is able to recognize the aggregates of stars corresponding to the different constellations of the zodiac, which is not within the reach of everyone.
  • the present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned problem as well as than others by providing a watch, including a wristwatch, which allows a user to know at any time, when he wants, what is the position of a celestial body in the sky and to be able to easily locate the position of this body in the sky, without this requiring the user to special knowledge in astronomy.
  • the map of the sky is a representation of the constellations, including the twelve constellations of the zodiac, and visible stars from Earth.
  • the present invention provides a watch astronomical that allows the user not only to know the position of a celestial body in relation to the stars and constellations of the Milky Way but to know the position of stars and constellations in the sky.
  • the user can, without the need for special knowledge in astronomy, identify the moment he wants it, the position of the celestial body that interests him.
  • the astronomical watch allows to locate the position of the planets of the solar system.
  • the watch includes an ice cream on a horizon line which indicates to the user at any time the portion of the sky that is visible from where it is.
  • the dial of the watch which bears the chart of the sky makes a complete turn in 23h56 '4,09 ".
  • the dial of the watch is therefore a complete turn in just under 24 hours, this to take into account that the Earth revolves around the Sun in one year.
  • the dial would make a complete turn in 24 hours if one ignored the movement of the Earth around the Sun in a year, but actually requires an adjustment of 3.94 minutes less if we consider that the year equals 365.24 days to hold account of the 0.24 day contribution of leap years.
  • the watch is therefore able to determine, at the request of the user, the positions of the different stars of the solar system in relation to constellations on a given date. Of the watch is able to continuously determine the position of the constellations in the sky.
  • the present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of provide an astronomical watch that allows the user to locate, when desire, the position of a celestial body in the sky.
  • the astronomical watch according to the invention essentially comprises a rotary dial on which is represented the map of stars and constellations and a pair of needles hours and minutes whose shape is such that their point of intersection or conjunction allows to designate any of the stars or constellations represented on the dial.
  • the user After selecting the celestial body he wants to know the position, the user only has to consult the dial of his watch on the point where the hands intersect tells him which constellation is find the celestial body that interests him.
  • the fact that the dial bears a representation of the celestial vault visible from where the user is located allows the user to easily spot the position of the celestial body he is looking for in the sky without having need special knowledge in astronomy.
  • FIG. 1 shows a particular embodiment of the watch according to the invention.
  • the Figure 1 is a wristwatch with an analogue display that includes classic way a box 2 consisting of a middle part 4 to which are attached the two ends or the two strands of a bracelet 6, an ice cream 8 attached to the front of this middle 4 and a bottom, not visible in the drawing, which can be removable or provided a hatch to allow the introduction and replacement of a battery which serves as a source of supply voltage for the watch 1.
  • the display means of the watch 1 comprise an hour hand 10 and a minute hand 12 which are driven each by a motor not to not in two directions of rotation and via a suitable gear train.
  • a map of the sky 16 is represented 14.
  • the chart of the sky 16 shown on the dial 14 corresponds to the ordering of constellations as it is visible at a latitude 45 ° North, with the polar star 18 in the center of the dial 14.
  • the polar star 18 in the center of the dial 14.
  • the constellations 20, in particular the constellations of the zodiac, are not represented on the dial 14 by their names or by pictograms, but by the aggregates of stars that form.
  • the user thus has at all times at his disposal a complete map of the sky as it is visible from where it is and which will be useful to him when he will wish to locate the position of a star of the solar system as will be explained in detail below.
  • the Latin names of the twelve constellations of the zodiac are indicated on the periphery of the rotary dial 14. To enable the user to better distinguish constellations of the zodiac, these may be represented in another color or with a thicker line than the other constellations on the map from the sky 16.
  • the dial 14 moves next to a fixed graduation 22 graduated in hours and in minutes and bearing a marker 24 placed at noon.
  • This graduation 22 surrounds the dial 14 and is carried by a flange.
  • the means for selecting a star of the solar system comprise a rod of control 26 provided with a ring 28 and a rotating bezel 30.
  • the control rod 26 is a rotary rod that can be moved axially between three positions, namely a stable neutral position which corresponds to the normal operation of the watch, a position drawn equally stable and a unstable thrust position in which a return spring constantly tends to return the rod to the neutral position.
  • the axial and rotational movements of the rod 26 are transformed by switches into characteristic electrical signals that are sent to a unit of control 32 (see Figure 3) of the watch 1.
  • these electrical signals are pulse trains that allow the control unit to determine in which meaning the rod is rotated and if the rotational speed is less than or greater than a certain value, in other words if the stem is turned slowly or quickly.
  • the rotating bezel 30 is arranged so that the fixed graduation 22 is disposed concentrically between the rotary dial 14 and said bezel 30.
  • This telescope 30 bears the symbols of the Sun in 34, the Moon in 36 and the different planets of the solar system in 38 including the Earth in 40.
  • the position of the telescope 30 can be detected by any device known connected to the control unit 32, as for example that described in the document EP-A-0 738 944 and which is constituted by magnets included in the telescope and reed contacts placed inside the watch 1.
  • the needles 10 and 12 have a shape such that they can form a point of intersection above virtually anything which points of the dial or a conjunction of their spikes opposite one of these points. It is thus possible to address a particular point of the dial in controlling the movement of the 10-hour and 12-minute hands for bring in intersection or conjunction above this particular point.
  • the European patent application Applicant's name registered under the number 02080624.6 and which is included here for reference.
  • the particular shape of the hands of the watch 1 according to the invention is used to precisely designate the point of the sky represented on the rotary dial 14 where is the star of the solar system selected by the user.
  • an oval is postponed by any appropriate means such that, for example, by trimming, on the inner face of the ice 8.
  • This oval represents the skyline 42 that delineates the visible part of the sky from where is the user of the watch at a given time.
  • the horizon line is calculated for a north latitude of approximately 45 °, which allows the watch to be used with a good accuracy in North America, Europe and Asia.
  • Initializing the position of the 10 and 12 minute hands is performed by first turning the telescope 30 to bring the symbol of the Sun 34 to noon, that is to say opposite the marker 24 carried by the fixed graduation 22. Press then the ring 28 for a long enough time, for example greater than 10 seconds, until the needles 10, 12 move, then the crown 28 is pulled correction position. The ring 28 is then rotated clockwise to bring the hour hand 10 at noon and counter-clockwise to bring minute hand 12 also at noon. Finally, the crown 28 is pushed back into normal position of rest.
  • the initialization of the position of the hands 10, 12 and the rotary dial 14 can also operate automatically.
  • the hour wheel and the wheel minutes each include a tray with a peripheral toothing.
  • a device for detecting the angular position of the hour and minute wheels comprises a magnetic or capacitive sensor whose detection element, namely a spiral flat coil, used to detect a variation in the presence of the material, in particular a conductive metal constituting the plate.
  • the trays present each at least one aperture whose angular position is determined by the detection device.
  • the detection device briefly described above is enabled.
  • the openings made in the hour and minute wheels position themselves above the detection members with a precision of one step, then the hour and minute hands are driven at noon.
  • the position of the rotary dial 14 can be initialized in a manner similar to that of the needles 10, 12.
  • the rotary dial 14 is made of a material molded plastic and includes a metal plate whose presence is detected by an inductive sensor mounted on a printed circuit board better known as its Anglo-Saxon name "Printed Circuit Board” or "PCB".
  • the precision of the positioning of the rotary dial 14 which carries the chart of the sky 16 is a function of the precise positioning of the metal plate and the inductive sensor.
  • said bezel comprises a certain number of permanent magnets, while magnetic switches of the type REED contacts are arranged in the box of the watch. Permanent magnets determine the open or closed binary state of the magnetic switches.
  • the particular arrangement of REED contacts and permanent magnets that at each angular position of the rotating bezel corresponds an arrangement particular, different from the others, states of the REED contacts, which allows a unambiguous identification of the angular position occupied by the telescope 30.
  • the control unit 32 of the watch 1 needs to know the current time of the place where find the user.
  • control unit 32 To be able to correctly orient the chart of the sky 16, the control unit 32 also needs to know the current date. We will first examine the mode reading the date and then the correction mode thereof.
  • the control unit 32 of the watch 1 is able to properly orient the map of the sky 16.
  • the control unit 32 has a memory 46 (see Figure 3) which is a non-volatile memory programmed by the manufacturer of the watch and in which are stored the parameters for stars and constellations, including constellations of the zodiac, and the relative movements of the stars of the solar system in relation to the Earth that the control unit needs.
  • memory 46 also contains all the data necessary for the control unit 32 which is also programmed for that.
  • the watch comprises (see FIG. 3) a time base 48, a circuit of determination of the current time and date 50, the control unit 32 to which associated is the data memory 46, a control circuit of the display 52, a display system 54 formed by the hour and minute hands 10 and 12, a manual control system 56 comprising the rod 26 and the telescope 30 and a DC power supply source, for example a battery, not shown.
  • the time base 48 which provides a standard frequency signal to the circuit of determining the time and date 50 can be advantageously constituted by a quartz oscillator like the one used in the usual way in electronic watches and that is formed by a quartz resonator and a circuit electronic maintenance that allows to vibrate this resonator at a frequency determined.
  • the current time and date determination circuit 50 includes a frequency divider as well as counters of minutes, hours, days of the months, months and years.
  • the circuit 50 contains the means necessary for, on the one hand, take into account the months of 28, 29, 30 and 31 days, ie for the watch to be provided with a perpetual calendar and, on the other hand, to allow corrections of the time and date through the Control Unit 32 at which circuit is connected.
  • circuit 50 is also designed to provide the control unit 32 and, through it, to the control circuit of the display 52, all the signals periodicals produced by its frequency divider and which these need to fulfill their different functions.
  • Unit 32 there is the one of determining at the user request the positions of different stars of the solar system other than the Earth, with respect to the latter and to the stars and constellations and this to the current date.
  • the needles 10, 12 display the current time.
  • the motors that drive the hour hand 10 and minute hand 12 provide 180 pulses for a full turn of the fixed scale 22.
  • the minute hand 12 therefore receives a driving pulse every 20 seconds, while the needle of hours 10 receives a driving pulse every 240 seconds.
  • the position of these needles 10, 12 is counted by means of two counters, respectively hours and minutes, whose content is incremented in steps of a unit from 0 to 179.
  • the binary signals that represent the content of these counters therefore allow the control unit 32 of the watch 1 to know any time the position of the hour and minute hands 10, 12 relative to the position occupied by these same needles 10, 12 during initialization.
  • the rotary dial 14 meanwhile, is driven by a gear train whose gear ratio is close to 1000, which means that the dial has to perform 1000 steps to complete a complete turn on itself.
  • the report of gear ratio is chosen high so that the dial 14 presents a better resistance to rotary shocks.
  • a gear ratio is well adapted to drive the dial 14 which is relatively heavy and which must overcome significant frictional forces.
  • a counter counts the position of the rotary dial 14, in other words, the map of the sky 16, relative to the position that it occupied during the initialization step.
  • the hour hand 10 has a heart shape which deviates from the usual shapes of the watch hands. This configuration particular allows the hour hand 10 to have with the minute hand 12, whatever its angular position on the rotary dial 14, a point of intersection which allows to designate any point on the surface of said dial 14.
  • the user when the user chooses one of the stars of the solar system (to the exception of the Earth that is used for the date) represented on the bezel turn 30 and bring it up at noon, then it will exert a brief pressure on the 28, the point of intersection of the needles 10, 12 will indicate the position of the star on the map of the sky 16. It will then remain for the user to look at the dial 14 of his watch 1 by raising his arm and making sure the North geographical area is behind him (see figure 2) to identify the position of the solar system that interests him in the sky. In this, the user will be helped by the line horizon 42 materialized on the ice 8 which indicates the part of the sky that is visible from where he is at the time he does the consultation.
  • the control unit 32 In order to be able to locate the position of the body selected, the control unit 32 has the current date which will enable him to calculate the position occupied by the said compared to the constellations for that date.
  • the position of the selected star is located on the surface of the dial 14 by its polar coordinates, namely an angle and a ray.
  • the position counter of the sky chart 16 then indicates to the unit of control 32 the position of said card 16 and allows him to calculate the position to give to the needles to bring them to the desired point of the dial 14.

Abstract

The watch (1) has a control unit that determines a position of a selected celestial body in the sky and indicates the position by hands (10, 12). A rotating dial (14) is provided and on which is represented a map (16) of the sky. The hands have a shape such that their intersection or their point of conjunction permits to assign any point of the map of the sky represented on the dial. The map of the sky is a representation of the stars and constellations (20) particularly the zodiac constellations, visible from Earth.

Description

La présente invention concerne une pièce d'horlogerie telle qu'une montre-bracelet du type astronomique, c'est-à-dire une montre capable d'indiquer la position d'un astre du système solaire par rapport à la Terre et aux constellations du zodiaque.The present invention relates to a timepiece such as a wristwatch of the astronomical type, that is to say a watch capable of indicating the position of a star of the solar system in relation to the Earth and the constellations of the zodiac.

Une montre qui répond à cette définition est décrite dans le document de brevet EP 0 949 549 au nom de la Demanderesse. Cette montre comprend notamment une aiguille des heures et une aiguille des minutes qui se déplacent au-dessus d'un cadran qui porte à sa périphérie une graduation en heures et en minutes et à l'intérieur de celle-ci les symboles des douze signes du zodiaque. Cette montre comprend également une lunette tournante portant les symboles des planètes du système solaire. Lorsque l'utilisateur souhaite connaítre la position par rapport aux constellations du zodiaque d'une planète du système solaire, il tourne la lunette jusqu'à ce que le symbole de l'astre qui l'intéresse se trouve à 12 heures et il presse ensuite sur la couronne d'une tige de commande. A ce moment, l'aiguille des minutes se déplace pour venir se placer dans la position où elle indique simultanément le signe du zodiaque dans lequel se trouve l'astre en question et la position approximative de ce dernier à l'intérieur dudit signe du zodiaque, en utilisant les douze signes du zodiaque et la graduation en heures et en minutes du cadran de la montre. Si il le désire, l'utilisateur peut répéter les mêmes opérations pour un ou plusieurs autres astres.A watch that meets this definition is described in the patent EP 0 949 549 in the name of the Applicant. This watch includes including an hour hand and a minute hand that move over a dial that carries on its periphery a graduation in hours and minutes and inside of it the symbols of the twelve signs of the zodiac. This watch also includes a rotating bezel bearing the symbols of the planets of the solar system. When the user wishes to know the position in relation to zodiac constellations of a solar system planet he turns the telescope until the symbol of the star that interests him is at 12 o'clock and he presses then on the crown of a control rod. At this moment, the minute hand moves to come to the position where it simultaneously indicates the sign of the zodiac in which is the star in question and the position approximation of the latter within said zodiac sign, using the twelve zodiac signs and the graduation in hours and minutes of the dial of the watch. If desired, the user can repeat the same operations for one or more other stars.

L'inconvénient majeur de la montre astronomique susdécrite réside dans le fait qu'elle n'est pas apte à fournir une information qui permette à son utilisateur de trouver de façon simple et rapide la position de l'astre qui l'intéresse dans le ciel. En effet, cette montre fournit uniquement une indication de la position d'un astre donné du système solaire par rapport aux constellations du zodiaque. Si l'utilisateur veut ensuite voir l'astre en question dans le ciel, il faudra qu'il repère tout d'abord la constellation du zodiaque qui lui a été désignée par la montre. Ceci suppose que l'utilisateur soit à même de reconnaítre les agrégats d'étoiles correspondant aux différentes constellations du zodiaque, ce qui n'est pas à la portée de tout un chacun.The major disadvantage of the above-mentioned astronomical watch lies in the fact that it is not able to provide information that enables its user to find quickly and simply the position of the star that interests him in the sky. In Indeed, this watch only provides an indication of the position of a given star of the solar system in relation to the constellations of the zodiac. If the user wants then to see the star in question in the sky, it will be necessary that he first constellation of the zodiac that has been designated by the watch. This assumes that the user is able to recognize the aggregates of stars corresponding to the different constellations of the zodiac, which is not within the reach of everyone.

La présente invention a pour but de remédier au problème susmentionné ainsi qu'à d'autres encore en procurant une montre, notamment une montre-bracelet, qui permette à un utilisateur de savoir à tout moment, lorsqu'il le désire, quelle est la position d'un corps céleste dans le ciel et de pouvoir repérer facilement la position de ce corps dans le ciel, sans que cela n'exige de la part de l'utilisateur de connaissances particulières en astronomie. The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned problem as well as than others by providing a watch, including a wristwatch, which allows a user to know at any time, when he wants, what is the position of a celestial body in the sky and to be able to easily locate the position of this body in the sky, without this requiring the user to special knowledge in astronomy.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet une montre astronomique électronique, en particulier du type montre-bracelet, cette montre étant capable d'indiquer la position de corps célestes dans le ciel, ladite montre comprenant :

  • une base de temps pour produire un signal de fréquence standard;
  • des moyens pour déterminer l'heure et la date courantes à partir du signal standard;
  • des moyens de sélection d'un corps céleste;
  • des moyens pour déterminer la position du corps céleste dans le ciel et faire indiquer cette position par les moyens d'affichage, la montre étant caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend un cadran rotatif sur lequel est représentée une carte du ciel et en ce que les aiguilles ont une forme telle que leur intersection ou leur point de conjonction permet de désigner n'importe quel point de la carte du ciel représentée sur le cadran.
For this purpose, the subject of the present invention is an electronic astronomical watch, in particular of the wristwatch type, this watch being capable of indicating the position of celestial bodies in the sky, said watch comprising:
  • a time base for producing a standard frequency signal;
  • means for determining the current time and date from the standard signal;
  • means for selecting a celestial body;
  • means for determining the position of the celestial body in the sky and having said position indicated by the display means, the watch being characterized in that it comprises a rotary dial on which a chart of the sky is represented and in that the needles have a shape such that their intersection or their point of conjunction allows to designate any point of the sky map represented on the dial.

Selon une caractéristique complémentaire de l'invention, la carte du ciel est une représentation des constellations, notamment des douze constellations du zodiaque, et des étoiles visibles depuis la Terre.According to a complementary characteristic of the invention, the map of the sky is a representation of the constellations, including the twelve constellations of the zodiac, and visible stars from Earth.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, la présente invention procure une montre astronomique qui permet à son utilisateur, non seulement de connaítre la position d'un corps céleste par rapport aux étoiles et aux constellations de la voie lactée, mais encore de connaítre la position des étoiles et constellations dans le ciel. L'utilisateur peut donc, sans avoir besoin de connaissances particulières en astronomie, repérer, à l'instant où il le désire, la position du corps céleste qui l'intéresse.Thanks to these features, the present invention provides a watch astronomical that allows the user not only to know the position of a celestial body in relation to the stars and constellations of the Milky Way but to know the position of stars and constellations in the sky. The user can, without the need for special knowledge in astronomy, identify the moment he wants it, the position of the celestial body that interests him.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, la montre astronomique permet de repérer la position des planètes du système solaire.According to another characteristic of the invention, the astronomical watch allows to locate the position of the planets of the solar system.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique, la montre comprend une glace sur laquelle est reportée une ligne d'horizon qui indique à tout moment à l'utilisateur la portion du ciel qui est visible depuis l'endroit où il se trouve.According to yet another characteristic, the watch includes an ice cream on a horizon line which indicates to the user at any time the portion of the sky that is visible from where it is.

Grâce à cette autre caractéristique, le repérage dans le ciel de l'astre du système solaire ou de tout autre corps céleste qui intéresse l'utilisateur est rendue plus simple encore.Thanks to this other characteristic, the location in the sky of the star of the solar system or any other celestial body that interests the user is rendered simpler still.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique, le cadran de la montre qui porte la carte du ciel fait un tour complet en 23h56' 4,09".According to yet another characteristic, the dial of the watch which bears the chart of the sky makes a complete turn in 23h56 '4,09 ".

Le cadran de la montre fait donc un tour complet en un peu moins de 24 heures, ceci pour tenir compte du fait que la Terre tourne autour du Soleil en un an. Le cadran ferait un tour complet en 24 heures si l'on ignorait le mouvement de la Terre autour du Soleil en un an, mais nécessite en réalité un ajustement de 3,94 minutes en moins si l'on considère que l'année équivaut à 365,24 jours pour tenir compte de la contribution de 0,24 jour des années bissextiles. La montre est donc capable de déterminer, à la demande de l'utilisateur, les positions des différents astres du système solaire par rapport aux constellations à une date déterminée. De même, la montre est capable de déterminer en permanence la position des constellations dans le ciel.The dial of the watch is therefore a complete turn in just under 24 hours, this to take into account that the Earth revolves around the Sun in one year. The dial would make a complete turn in 24 hours if one ignored the movement of the Earth around the Sun in a year, but actually requires an adjustment of 3.94 minutes less if we consider that the year equals 365.24 days to hold account of the 0.24 day contribution of leap years. The watch is therefore able to determine, at the request of the user, the positions of the different stars of the solar system in relation to constellations on a given date. Of the watch is able to continuously determine the position of the constellations in the sky.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront plus clairement de la description détaillée qui suit d'un exemple de réalisation de la montre astronomique selon l'invention, cet exemple étant donné à titre purement illustratif et non limitatif seulement en liaison avec le dessin annexé sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en plan d'une montre astronomique conforme à la présente invention;
  • la figure 2 est une vue illustrant la façon dont la montre de la figure 1 doit être utilisée pour repérer un astre du système solaire dans le ciel, et
  • la figure 3 est un schéma bloc illustrant les différentes fonctions de la montre représentée à la figure 1.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description which follows of an exemplary embodiment of the astronomical watch according to the invention, this example being given for purely illustrative and nonlimiting purposes only in connection with the attached drawing in which:
  • Figure 1 is a plan view of an astronomical watch according to the present invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a view illustrating how the watch of FIG. 1 is to be used for locating a star of the solar system in the sky, and
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the different functions of the watch shown in FIG.

La présente invention procède de l'idée générale inventive consistant à procurer une montre astronomique qui permet à son utilisateur de repérer, lorsqu'il le désire, la position d'un corps céleste dans le ciel. A cet effet, la montre astronomique selon l'invention comprend essentiellement un cadran rotatif sur lequel est représentée la carte des étoiles et des constellations et une paire d'aiguilles des heures et des minutes dont la forme est telle que leur point d'intersection ou de conjonction permet de désigner n'importe laquelle des étoiles ou constellations représentées sur le cadran. Après avoir sélectionné le corps céleste dont il souhaite connaítre la position, l'utilisateur n'a plus qu'à consulter le cadran de sa montre sur lequel le point de croisement des aiguilles lui indique dans quelle constellation se trouve le corps céleste qui l'intéresse. Le fait que le cadran porte une représentation de la voûte céleste visible depuis l'endroit où se trouve l'utilisateur permet à ce dernier de repérer aisément la position du corps céleste qu'il recherche dans le ciel sans avoir besoin de connaissance particulière en astronomie.The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of provide an astronomical watch that allows the user to locate, when desire, the position of a celestial body in the sky. For this purpose, the astronomical watch according to the invention essentially comprises a rotary dial on which is represented the map of stars and constellations and a pair of needles hours and minutes whose shape is such that their point of intersection or conjunction allows to designate any of the stars or constellations represented on the dial. After selecting the celestial body he wants to know the position, the user only has to consult the dial of his watch on the point where the hands intersect tells him which constellation is find the celestial body that interests him. The fact that the dial bears a representation of the celestial vault visible from where the user is located allows the user to easily spot the position of the celestial body he is looking for in the sky without having need special knowledge in astronomy.

Dans tout ce qui suit, on se réfèrera au repérage de la position des planètes du système solaire dans le ciel. On comprendra toutefois que l'invention n'est pas limitée à ce mode de réalisation et qu'elle permet de repérer dans le ciel la position d'un corps céleste quelconque tel qu'une comète, voire un satellite artificiel.In all that follows, reference will be made to the location of the planets' position of the solar system in the sky. It will be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to this embodiment and that it makes it possible to locate in the sky the position of any celestial body such as a comet, or even an artificial satellite.

La figure 1 représente une forme particulière d'exécution de la montre selon l'invention.FIG. 1 shows a particular embodiment of the watch according to the invention.

Désignée dans son ensemble par la référence numérique générale 1, la montre de la figure 1 est une montre-bracelet à affichage analogique qui comprend de manière classique une boíte 2 constituée par une carrure 4 à laquelle sont attachés les deux extrémités ou les deux brins d'un bracelet 6, une glace 8 fixée à l'avant de cette carrure 4 et un fond, non visible sur le dessin, qui peut être amovible ou muni d'une trappe pour permettre d'introduire et de changer une pile qui sert de source de tension d'alimentation pour la montre 1.Designated as a whole by the general numerical reference 1, the Figure 1 is a wristwatch with an analogue display that includes classic way a box 2 consisting of a middle part 4 to which are attached the two ends or the two strands of a bracelet 6, an ice cream 8 attached to the front of this middle 4 and a bottom, not visible in the drawing, which can be removable or provided a hatch to allow the introduction and replacement of a battery which serves as a source of supply voltage for the watch 1.

Les moyens d'affichage de la montre 1 comprennent une aiguille des heures 10 et une aiguille des minutes 12 qui sont entraínées chacune par un moteur pas à pas à deux sens de rotation et par l'intermédiaire d'un rouage approprié.The display means of the watch 1 comprise an hour hand 10 and a minute hand 12 which are driven each by a motor not to not in two directions of rotation and via a suitable gear train.

Ces deux aiguilles 10 et 12 se déplacent au-dessus d'un cadran rotatif 14 qui est entraíné par un troisième moteur pas à pas dans les deux sens de rotation via un rouage approprié. Ce cadran 14 tourne autour du même axe que les aiguilles 10 et 12 et effectue un tour complet dans le sens anti-horaire en un peu moins de 24 heures, très précisément 23h56' 4,09", ceci afin de tenir compte des années bissextiles.These two needles 10 and 12 move over a rotary dial 14 which is driven by a third stepping motor in both directions of rotation via a appropriate wheel. This dial 14 rotates about the same axis as the needles 10 and 12 and makes a full turn counter-clockwise in just under 24 hours, very precisely 23h56 '4.09 ", in order to account for leap years.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, une carte du ciel 16 est représentée sur le cadran 14. Comme la montre représentée à la figure 1 est destinée à être employée dans l'hémisphère nord, la carte du ciel 16 représentée sur le cadran 14 correspond à l'ordonnancement des constellations tel qu'il est visible sous une latitude de 45° Nord, avec l'étoile polaire 18 au centre dudit cadran 14. Bien entendu, pour une montre destinée à être employée dans l'hémisphère sud, on représenterait le ciel tel qu'il est visible sous ces latitudes.According to one characteristic of the invention, a map of the sky 16 is represented 14. As the watch shown in Figure 1 is intended to be used in the northern hemisphere, the chart of the sky 16 shown on the dial 14 corresponds to the ordering of constellations as it is visible at a latitude 45 ° North, with the polar star 18 in the center of the dial 14. Of course, for a watch intended to be used in the southern hemisphere, we would represent the sky as it is visible in these latitudes.

Comme on peut le constater à l'examen de la figure 1, les constellations 20, en particulier les constellations du zodiaque, ne sont pas représentées sur le cadran 14 par leurs noms ou par des pictogrammes, mais par les agrégats d'étoiles qui les forment. L'utilisateur a ainsi en permanence à sa disposition une carte complète du ciel tel qu'il est visible depuis l'endroit où il se trouve et qui lui sera utile lorsqu'il souhaitera repérer la position d'un astre du système solaire comme cela sera expliqué en détail ci-dessous.As can be seen from Figure 1, the constellations 20, in particular the constellations of the zodiac, are not represented on the dial 14 by their names or by pictograms, but by the aggregates of stars that form. The user thus has at all times at his disposal a complete map of the sky as it is visible from where it is and which will be useful to him when he will wish to locate the position of a star of the solar system as will be explained in detail below.

Les noms en latin des douze constellations du zodiaque sont indiqués sur la périphérie du cadran rotatif 14. Pour permettre à l'utilisateur de mieux distinguer les constellations du zodiaque, celles-ci pourront être représentées dans une autre couleur ou avec un trait plus épais que les autres constellations figurant sur la carte du ciel 16.The Latin names of the twelve constellations of the zodiac are indicated on the periphery of the rotary dial 14. To enable the user to better distinguish constellations of the zodiac, these may be represented in another color or with a thicker line than the other constellations on the map from the sky 16.

Le cadran 14 se déplace en regard d'une graduation fixe 22 graduée en heures et en minutes et portant un repère 24 placé à midi. Cette graduation 22 entoure le cadran 14 et est portée par un rehaut. The dial 14 moves next to a fixed graduation 22 graduated in hours and in minutes and bearing a marker 24 placed at noon. This graduation 22 surrounds the dial 14 and is carried by a flange.

Dans la forme particulière de réalisation de l'invention représentée à la figure 1, les moyens de sélection d'un astre du système solaire comprennent une tige de commande 26 munie d'une couronne 28 et une lunette tournante 30.In the particular embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the means for selecting a star of the solar system comprise a rod of control 26 provided with a ring 28 and a rotating bezel 30.

La tige de commande 26 est une tige rotative qui peut être déplacée axialement entre trois positions, à savoir une position neutre stable qui correspond au fonctionnement normal de la montre, une position tirée également stable et une position poussée instable dans laquelle un ressort de rappel tend en permanence à ramener la tige en position neutre.The control rod 26 is a rotary rod that can be moved axially between three positions, namely a stable neutral position which corresponds to the normal operation of the watch, a position drawn equally stable and a unstable thrust position in which a return spring constantly tends to return the rod to the neutral position.

Les mouvements axiaux et rotatoires de la tige 26 sont transformés par des interrupteurs en signaux électriques caractéristiques qui sont envoyés à une unité de contrôle 32 (voir figure 3) de la montre 1.The axial and rotational movements of the rod 26 are transformed by switches into characteristic electrical signals that are sent to a unit of control 32 (see Figure 3) of the watch 1.

En ce qui concerne les mouvements de rotation, ces signaux électriques sont des trains d'impulsions qui permettent à l'unité de contrôle de déterminer dans quel sens la tige est tournée et si la vitesse de rotation est inférieure ou supérieure à une certaine valeur, autrement dit si la tige est tournée lentement ou rapidement.With regard to the rotational movements, these electrical signals are pulse trains that allow the control unit to determine in which meaning the rod is rotated and if the rotational speed is less than or greater than a certain value, in other words if the stem is turned slowly or quickly.

La lunette tournante 30 est disposée de façon que la graduation fixe 22 soit disposée concentriquement entre le cadran rotatif 14 et ladite lunette 30. Cette lunette 30 porte les symboles du Soleil en 34, de la Lune en 36 et des différentes planètes du système solaire en 38 dont la Terre en 40.The rotating bezel 30 is arranged so that the fixed graduation 22 is disposed concentrically between the rotary dial 14 and said bezel 30. This telescope 30 bears the symbols of the Sun in 34, the Moon in 36 and the different planets of the solar system in 38 including the Earth in 40.

La position de la lunette 30 peut être détectée par n'importe quel dispositif connu relié à l'unité de contrôle 32, comme par exemple celui décrit dans le document de brevet EP-A-0 738 944 et qui est constitué par des aimants inclus dans la lunette et des contacts Reed placés à l'intérieur de la montre 1.The position of the telescope 30 can be detected by any device known connected to the control unit 32, as for example that described in the document EP-A-0 738 944 and which is constituted by magnets included in the telescope and reed contacts placed inside the watch 1.

D'autre part, il est bien évident que les symboles que porte la lunette tournante 30 pourraient être remplacés par les noms de ces astres ou n'importe quelle autre représentation permettant de les identifier.On the other hand, it is quite obvious that the symbols on the rotating bezel 30 could be replaced by the names of these stars or any other representation to identify them.

On observe immédiatement à l'examen de la figure 1 que l'aiguille des heures 10 a une forme de coeur qui s'écarte des formes ordinaires conférées aux aiguilles de montres, tandis que l'aiguille des minutes a une forme droite classique.It is immediately observed on examining Figure 1 that the hour hand 10 has a heart shape that deviates from the ordinary forms imparted to the needles of watches, while the minute hand has a classic straight form.

Ceci répond à un impératif technique, même si cela peut rejoindre une préoccupation d'ordre esthétique. En effet, les aiguilles 10 et 12 ont une forme telle qu'elles peuvent former un point d'intersection au-dessus de pratiquement n'importe lequel des points du cadran ou une conjonction de leurs pointes en regard de l'un de ces points. Il est ainsi possible d'adresser un point particulier du cadran en commandant le déplacement des aiguilles d'heures 10 et de minutes 12 pour les amener en intersection ou en conjonction au-dessus de ce point particulier. Pour plus de détail, on se reportera avantageusement à la demande de brevet européen au nom de la Demanderesse enregistrée sous le numéro 02080624.6 et qui est incluse ici à titre de référence. D'autre part, on se rendra compte dans la suite de la description que la forme particulière des aiguilles de la montre 1 selon l'invention est utilisée pour désigner avec précision le point du ciel représenté sur le cadran rotatif 14 où se trouve l'astre du système solaire sélectionné par l'utilisateur.This answers a technical imperative, even if it can join a aesthetic concern. Indeed, the needles 10 and 12 have a shape such that they can form a point of intersection above virtually anything which points of the dial or a conjunction of their spikes opposite one of these points. It is thus possible to address a particular point of the dial in controlling the movement of the 10-hour and 12-minute hands for bring in intersection or conjunction above this particular point. For more in detail, reference is made to the European patent application Applicant's name registered under the number 02080624.6 and which is included here for reference. On the other hand, we will be aware in the following of the description that the particular shape of the hands of the watch 1 according to the invention is used to precisely designate the point of the sky represented on the rotary dial 14 where is the star of the solar system selected by the user.

On se rend enfin compte qu'un ovale est reporté par tout moyen approprié tel que, par exemple, par décalquage, sur la face intérieure de la glace 8. Cet ovale représente la ligne d'horizon 42 qui délimite la partie visible du ciel depuis l'endroit où se trouve l'utilisateur de la montre à une heure donnée. La ligne d'horizon est calculée pour une latitude Nord d'environ 45°, ce qui permet d'utiliser la montre avec une bonne précision en Amérique du Nord, en Europe et en Asie.We finally realize that an oval is postponed by any appropriate means such that, for example, by trimming, on the inner face of the ice 8. This oval represents the skyline 42 that delineates the visible part of the sky from where is the user of the watch at a given time. The horizon line is calculated for a north latitude of approximately 45 °, which allows the watch to be used with a good accuracy in North America, Europe and Asia.

Ceci dit, la montre de la figure 1 fonctionne de la façon suivante :That said, the watch in Figure 1 works as follows:

Si le mouvement ne comporte pas de capteurs de position, il faut initialiser la position des aiguilles 10, 12 et du cadran rotatif 14 manuellement.If the movement does not include position sensors, initialize the position of the hands 10, 12 and the rotary dial 14 manually.

L'initialisation de la position des aiguilles d'heures 10 et de minutes 12 s'effectue en tournant tout d'abord la lunette 30 pour amener le symbole du Soleil 34 à midi, c'est-à-dire en regard du repère 24 porté par la graduation fixe 22. On presse ensuite la couronne 28 pendant un temps assez long, par exemple supérieur à 10 secondes, jusqu'à ce que les aiguilles 10, 12 bougent, puis on tire la couronne 28 en position de correction. On tourne alors la couronne 28 dans le sens horaire pour amener l'aiguille des heures 10 à midi et dans le sens anti-horaire pour amener l'aiguille des minutes 12 également à midi. Enfin, on repousse la couronne 28 en position normale de repos.Initializing the position of the 10 and 12 minute hands is performed by first turning the telescope 30 to bring the symbol of the Sun 34 to noon, that is to say opposite the marker 24 carried by the fixed graduation 22. Press then the ring 28 for a long enough time, for example greater than 10 seconds, until the needles 10, 12 move, then the crown 28 is pulled correction position. The ring 28 is then rotated clockwise to bring the hour hand 10 at noon and counter-clockwise to bring minute hand 12 also at noon. Finally, the crown 28 is pushed back into normal position of rest.

Pour initialiser la position du cadran rotatif 14, autrement dit la carte du ciel 16, on tourne tout d'abord la lunette 30 pour amener le symbole des phases de Lune 36 à midi. On presse ensuite la couronne 28 pendant plus de 10 secondes, jusqu'à ce que la carte du ciel 16 bouge, puis on tourne la couronne 28 dans un sens ou l'autre pour amener un repère matérialisé sur la carte du ciel 16 en regard du repère 24. Enfin, on repousse la couronne 28 en position normale de repos.To initialize the position of the rotary dial 14, in other words the sky chart 16, we first turn the telescope 30 to bring the symbol of the phases of Moon 36 to midday. The crown 28 is then pressed for more than 10 seconds, until the map of the sky 16 moves, then we turn the crown 28 in one direction or the other to bring a materialized mark on the chart of the sky 16 opposite the mark 24. Finally, one pushes the crown 28 to the normal rest position.

L'initialisation de la position des aiguilles 10, 12 et du cadran rotatif 14 peut également s'opérer de façon automatique. A cet effet, la roue des heures et la roue des minutes comprennent chacun un plateau avec une denture périphérique. Un dispositif de détection de la position angulaire des roues d'heures et de minutes comprend un capteur magnétique ou capacitif dont l'organe de détection, à savoir une bobine plate en spirale, sert à la détection d'une variation de présence de la matière, notamment d'un métal conducteur constituant le plateau. Les plateaux présentent chacun au moins une ouverture dont la position angulaire est déterminée par le dispositif de détection. Pour plus de détails, on pourra avantageusement se reporter au document de brevet EP-A-0 952 426 qui est intégré par référence à la présente description.The initialization of the position of the hands 10, 12 and the rotary dial 14 can also operate automatically. For this purpose, the hour wheel and the wheel minutes each include a tray with a peripheral toothing. A device for detecting the angular position of the hour and minute wheels comprises a magnetic or capacitive sensor whose detection element, namely a spiral flat coil, used to detect a variation in the presence of the material, in particular a conductive metal constituting the plate. The trays present each at least one aperture whose angular position is determined by the detection device. For more details, we can advantageously refer to EP-A-0 952 426 which is incorporated by reference herein. description.

Lors de l'emboítage du mouvement, le dispositif de détection brièvement décrit ci-dessus est activé. Les ouvertures pratiquées dans les roues d'heures et de minutes se positionnent au-dessus des organes de détection avec une précision d'un pas, puis les aiguilles d'heures et de minutes sont chassées à midi.During the casing of the movement, the detection device briefly described above is enabled. The openings made in the hour and minute wheels position themselves above the detection members with a precision of one step, then the hour and minute hands are driven at noon.

La position du cadran rotatif 14 peut être initialisée de manière semblable à celle des aiguilles 10, 12. Dans ce cas, le cadran rotatif 14 est réalisé en un matériau plastique moulé et comprend une plaquette métallique dont la présence est détectée par un capteur inductif monté sur une plaquette de circuit imprimé mieux connue sous sa dénomination anglo-saxonne "Printed Circuit Board" ou "PCB". La précision du positionnement du cadran rotatif 14 qui porte la carte du ciel 16 est fonction de la précision du positionnement de la plaquette métallique et du capteur inductif.The position of the rotary dial 14 can be initialized in a manner similar to that of the needles 10, 12. In this case, the rotary dial 14 is made of a material molded plastic and includes a metal plate whose presence is detected by an inductive sensor mounted on a printed circuit board better known as its Anglo-Saxon name "Printed Circuit Board" or "PCB". The precision of the positioning of the rotary dial 14 which carries the chart of the sky 16 is a function of the precise positioning of the metal plate and the inductive sensor.

Après avoir initialisé la position des aiguilles d'heures et de minutes 10 et 12 et celle du cadran rotatif 14 portant la carte du ciel 16, on peut encore indiquer à la montre l'heure du méridien passant par Greenwich (mieux connue sous sa dénomination anglo-saxonne "Universal Time Constant" ou "UTC"), l'heure de l'endroit où se trouve le porteur de la montre afin de permettre à ladite montre de déterminer le fuseau horaire dans lequel se trouve le porteur, et la date.After initializing the position of the hour and minute hands 10 and 12 and that of the rotary dial 14 bearing the chart of the sky 16, it is still possible to indicate to the shows the time of the meridian passing through Greenwich (better known as Anglo-Saxon name "Universal Time Constant" or "UTC"), the time of the place the wearer of the watch to allow said watch to determine the time zone in which the bearer is located, and the date.

On commence donc par régler l'heure UTC. Pour cela, on amène l'indication "UTC" 44 qui figure sur la lunette tournante 30 à midi. On notera que pour détecter une position angulaire de la lunette tournante 30, ladite lunette comporte un certain nombre d'aimants permanents, tandis que des interrupteurs magnétiques du type contacts REED sont disposés dans la boíte de la montre. Les aimants permanents déterminent l'état binaire ouvert ou fermé des interrupteurs magnétiques. La disposition particulière des contacts REED et des aimants permanents a comme effet qu'à chaque position angulaire de la lunette tournante correspond un arrangement particulier, différent des autres, des états des contacts REED, ce qui permet une identification sans ambiguïté de la position angulaire qu'occupe ladite lunette tournante 30. Pour une description complète de ce dispositif de détection de la position de la lunette tournante 30, on se reportera utilement au document de brevet US 5,572,489 qui est intégré dans la présente description à titre de référence.We start by setting the UTC time. For that, we bring the indication "UTC" 44 which appears on the rotating bezel 30 at noon. It will be noted that to detect an angular position of the rotating bezel 30, said bezel comprises a certain number of permanent magnets, while magnetic switches of the type REED contacts are arranged in the box of the watch. Permanent magnets determine the open or closed binary state of the magnetic switches. The particular arrangement of REED contacts and permanent magnets that at each angular position of the rotating bezel corresponds an arrangement particular, different from the others, states of the REED contacts, which allows a unambiguous identification of the angular position occupied by the telescope 30. For a complete description of this device for detecting the the position of the rotating bezel 30, reference will be made to the patent document US 5,572,489 which is incorporated herein by reference.

Après avoir tourné la lunette et amené l'indication "UTC" à midi, on presse la couronne 28 un bref instant. L'aiguille des minutes 12 ne bouge pas, tandis que l'aiguille des heures 10 indique l'heure UTC (de 1 à 24 heures) sur la graduation fixe 22. After turning the telescope and bringing the indication "UTC" at noon, press the crown 28 a brief moment. The minute hand 12 does not move, while the hour hand 10 indicates the UTC time (from 1 to 24 hours) on the fixed graduation 22.

Depuis ce mode de lecture de l'heure UTC, on peut entrer en mode de correction de ladite heure UTC en tirant la couronne 28 en position de correction avant expiration d'un délai de temporisation qui peut être de dix secondes. L'aiguille des minutes 12 ne bouge pas, tandis que l'aiguille des heures 10 indique l'heure UTC (de 1 à 24 heures) sur la graduation fixe 22. On peut ensuite corriger l'heure UTC (heure et minutes) en tournant la couronne 28 dans les deux sens. Après correction de l'heure UTC, on repousse la couronne 28 dans sa position neutre de repos.From this UTC time reading mode, you can enter the correction of said UTC time by pulling the crown 28 in the correction position before the expiration of a delay time which may be ten seconds. The needle 12 minutes does not move, while the 10 hour hand indicates UTC time (from 1 to 24 hours) on the fixed scale 22. You can then correct the UTC time (hour and minute) by turning the ring 28 in both directions. After correction of the UTC time, the crown 28 is pushed back into its neutral rest position.

Pour pouvoir convenablement orienter la carte du ciel 16, l'unité de contrôle 32 de la montre 1 selon l'invention a besoin de connaítre l'heure courante du lieu où se trouve l'utilisateur.To be able to correctly orient the chart of the sky 16, the control unit 32 of the watch 1 according to the invention needs to know the current time of the place where find the user.

Pour corriger l'heure locale, il suffit de tirer la couronne 28 en position de correction. L'aiguille des minutes 12 ne bouge pas et l'aiguille des heures 10 indique l'heure (de 1 à 24 heures) sur la graduation fixe. L'heure locale peut ensuite être corrigée en tournant la couronne 28 dans les deux sens. Après correction de l'heure locale, on repousse la couronne 28 dans sa position neutre de repos. L'aiguille des heures 10 reprend alors sa position normale.To correct the local time, simply pull the crown 28 in the position of correction. The minute hand 12 does not move and the hour hand 10 indicates the time (from 1 to 24 hours) on the fixed scale. Local time can then be corrected by turning the crown 28 in both directions. After correcting the time local, it pushes the crown 28 in its neutral position of rest. The needle 10 hours then resumes its normal position.

Pour pouvoir convenablement orienter la carte du ciel 16, l'unité de contrôle 32 a également besoin de connaítre la date courante. On examinera tout d'abord le mode de lecture de la date puis le mode de correction de celle-ci.To be able to correctly orient the chart of the sky 16, the control unit 32 also needs to know the current date. We will first examine the mode reading the date and then the correction mode thereof.

Pour lire le quantième, on tourne la lunette 30 afin d'amener le symbole de la Terre 40 à midi. Après une pression brève sur la couronne 28, les aiguilles 10 et 12 se superposent et indiquent le quantième de 1 à 31 sur la graduation fixe 22.To read the date, we turn the telescope 30 to bring the symbol of the Earth 40 at noon. After a short press on the ring 28, the needles 10 and 12 are superimpose and indicate the date from 1 to 31 on the fixed scale 22.

Pour lire le mois, on entre dans le mode de lecture du quantième. Avant expiration d'un délai de temporisation qui peut être de dix secondes, on tourne la lunette 30 pour amener le symbole des phases de la Lune 36 à midi. Les aiguilles 10, 12 se superposent et indiquent le mois de 1 à 12 sur la graduation fixe 22.To read the month, we enter the date reading mode. Before expiry of a delay time that can be ten seconds, turn the telescope 30 to bring the symbol of the phases of the Moon 36 at noon. Needles 10, 12 are superimposed and indicate the month of 1 to 12 on the fixed graduation 22.

Pour lire l'année, on entre dans le mode de lecture du quantième. Avant expiration du délai de temporisation, on tourne la lunette 30 pour amener le symbole du Soleil 34 à midi. Les aiguilles se superposent et indiquent l'année de 1 à 60 sur la graduation fixe 22.To read the year, we enter the date reading mode. Before expiration of the delay time, turn the telescope 30 to bring the symbol from Sun 34 at noon. The hands are superimposed and indicate the year from 1 to 60 on the fixed graduation 22.

Pour corriger le quantième, le mois ou l'année, on se place en mode de lecture respectivement du quantième, du mois ou de l'année. Avant expiration du délai de temporisation, il faut tirer la couronne 28 et corriger la valeur en tournant ladite couronne dans les deux sens. Après correction, on repousse la couronne 28 en position neutre de repos.To correct the date, the month or the year, we go into reading mode date, month or year, respectively. Before the expiry of the timing, it is necessary to pull the crown 28 and correct the value by turning said crown in both directions. After correction, the crown 28 is pushed back into neutral position of rest.

Connaissant l'heure locale et la date, l'unité de contrôle 32 de la montre 1 est en mesure d'orienter convenablement la carte du ciel 16. Pour cela, l'unité de contrôle 32 dispose d'une mémoire 46 (voir figure 3) qui est une mémoire non volatile programmée par le fabricant de la montre et dans laquelle sont stockés les paramètres concernant les étoiles et les constellations, notamment les constellations du zodiaque, et les mouvements relatifs des astres du système solaire par rapport à la Terre dont l'unité de contrôle a besoin.Knowing the local time and the date, the control unit 32 of the watch 1 is able to properly orient the map of the sky 16. For this, the control unit 32 has a memory 46 (see Figure 3) which is a non-volatile memory programmed by the manufacturer of the watch and in which are stored the parameters for stars and constellations, including constellations of the zodiac, and the relative movements of the stars of the solar system in relation to the Earth that the control unit needs.

D'autre part, les calculs que doit effectuer l'unité de contrôle 32 pour déterminer les positions des astres en utilisant les paramètres susdécrits sont bien connus de l'homme du métier et il existe de nombreux ouvrages qui peuvent être consultés en cas de besoin pour programmer l'unité de contrôle 32 de façon adéquate. Parmi ces ouvrages, on peut citer par exemple "Astronomical Algorithms" de Jean Meeus, publié par Willmann-Bell, Inc. Richmond, Virginia 23235, en 1991 et "Landolt-Börnstein; Numerical Data and Functional Relationships in Science an Technology" group VI, volume I, Springer Verlag, Berlin 1965.On the other hand, the calculations to be made by the control unit 32 for determine the positions of the stars using the parameters described above are well known to those skilled in the art and there are many books that can be consulted when needed to program the control unit 32 so adequate. Among these works, there may be mentioned for example "Astronomical Algorithms" by Jean Meeus, published by Willmann-Bell, Inc. Richmond, Virginia 23235, in 1991 and Landolt-Börnstein, Numerical Data and Functional Relationships in Science Technology "group VI, volume I, Springer Verlag, Berlin 1965.

Naturellement, comme la montre est conçue pour fournir d'autres informations astronomiques comme les phases de la Lune, la mémoire 46 contient également toutes les données nécessaires à l'unité de contrôle 32 qui est aussi programmée pour cela.Naturally, as the watch is designed to provide other information as the phases of the Moon, memory 46 also contains all the data necessary for the control unit 32 which is also programmed for that.

La montre comprend (voir figure 3) une base de temps 48, un circuit de détermination de l'heure et de la date courantes 50, l'unité de contrôle 32 à laquelle est associée la mémoire de données 46, un circuit de commande de l'affichage 52, un système d'affichage 54 formé par les aiguilles d'heures et de minutes 10 et 12, un système de commande manuelle 56 comprenant la tige 26 et la lunette 30 et une source de tension continue d'alimentation, par exemple une pile, non représentée.The watch comprises (see FIG. 3) a time base 48, a circuit of determination of the current time and date 50, the control unit 32 to which associated is the data memory 46, a control circuit of the display 52, a display system 54 formed by the hour and minute hands 10 and 12, a manual control system 56 comprising the rod 26 and the telescope 30 and a DC power supply source, for example a battery, not shown.

La base de temps 48 qui fournit un signal de fréquence standard au circuit de détermination de l'heure et de la date 50 peut être avantageusement constituée par un oscillateur à quartz comme celui qui est utilisé de manière habituelle dans les montres électroniques et qui est formé par un résonateur à quartz et un circuit électronique d'entretien qui permet de faire vibrer ce résonateur à une fréquence déterminée.The time base 48 which provides a standard frequency signal to the circuit of determining the time and date 50 can be advantageously constituted by a quartz oscillator like the one used in the usual way in electronic watches and that is formed by a quartz resonator and a circuit electronic maintenance that allows to vibrate this resonator at a frequency determined.

Le circuit de détermination de l'heure et de la date courantes 50 comprend un diviseur de fréquence ainsi que des compteurs de minutes, d'heures, de jours du mois, de mois et d'années.The current time and date determination circuit 50 includes a frequency divider as well as counters of minutes, hours, days of the months, months and years.

Par ailleurs, le circuit 50 contient les moyens nécessaires pour, d'une part, tenir compte des mois de 28, 29, 30 et 31 jours, autrement dit pour que la montre soit munie d'un calendrier perpétuel et pour, d'autre part, permettre d'effectuer des corrections de l'heure et de la date par l'intermédiaire de l'unité de contrôle 32 à laquelle ce circuit est relié. Moreover, the circuit 50 contains the means necessary for, on the one hand, take into account the months of 28, 29, 30 and 31 days, ie for the watch to be provided with a perpetual calendar and, on the other hand, to allow corrections of the time and date through the Control Unit 32 at which circuit is connected.

Enfin, le circuit 50 est également conçu pour fournir à l'unité de contrôle 32 et, par son intermédiaire, au circuit de commande de l'affichage 52, tous les signaux périodiques produits par son diviseur de fréquence et dont ceux-ci ont besoin pour remplir leurs différentes fonctions.Finally, the circuit 50 is also designed to provide the control unit 32 and, through it, to the control circuit of the display 52, all the signals periodicals produced by its frequency divider and which these need to fulfill their different functions.

Parmi les fonctions de l'unité 32, il y a celle qui consiste à déterminer à la demande de l'utilisateur les positions de différents astres du système solaire autres que la Terre, par rapport à cette dernière et aux étoiles et constellations et ceci à la date courante.Among the functions of Unit 32, there is the one of determining at the user request the positions of different stars of the solar system other than the Earth, with respect to the latter and to the stars and constellations and this to the current date.

Lorsque la tige de commande 26 est en position neutre, les aiguilles 10, 12 affichent l'heure courante.When the control rod 26 is in the neutral position, the needles 10, 12 display the current time.

Plus précisément, les moteurs qui entraínent l'aiguille des heures 10 et l'aiguille des minutes 12 fournissent 180 impulsions pour un tour complet de la graduation fixe 22. Pendant la marche normale de la montre 1, l'aiguille des minutes 12 reçoit donc une impulsion motrice toutes les 20 secondes, tandis que l'aiguille des heures 10 reçoit une impulsion motrice toutes les 240 secondes. Pendant ce même laps de temps, la position de ces aiguilles 10, 12 est comptabilisée au moyen de deux compteurs, respectivement d'heures et de minutes, dont le contenu est incrémenté par pas d'une unité de 0 à 179. Les signaux binaires qui représentent le contenu de ces compteurs permettent donc à l'unité de contrôle 32 de la montre 1 de connaítre à tout moment la position des aiguilles d'heures et de minutes 10, 12 relativement à la position qu'occupaient ces mêmes aiguilles 10, 12 lors de l'initialisation.More specifically, the motors that drive the hour hand 10 and minute hand 12 provide 180 pulses for a full turn of the fixed scale 22. During the normal running of watch 1, the minute hand 12 therefore receives a driving pulse every 20 seconds, while the needle of hours 10 receives a driving pulse every 240 seconds. During this same time, the position of these needles 10, 12 is counted by means of two counters, respectively hours and minutes, whose content is incremented in steps of a unit from 0 to 179. The binary signals that represent the content of these counters therefore allow the control unit 32 of the watch 1 to know any time the position of the hour and minute hands 10, 12 relative to the position occupied by these same needles 10, 12 during initialization.

Le cadran rotatif 14, quant à lui, est entraíné par un train d'engrenages dont le rapport de démultiplication est proche de 1000, ce qui signifie que le cadran doit effectuer 1000 pas pour réaliser un tour complet sur lui-même. Le rapport de démultiplication est choisi élevé de façon que le cadran 14 présente une meilleure résistance aux chocs rotatifs. De même, un tel rapport de démultiplication est bien adapté pour entraíner le cadran 14 qui est relativement pesant et qui doit vaincre des forces de frottement importantes. D'autre part, de même que pour les aiguilles 10, 12, un compteur comptabilise la position du cadran rotatif 14, autrement dit de la carte du ciel 16, relativement à la position que celui-ci occupait lors de l'étape d'initialisation.The rotary dial 14, meanwhile, is driven by a gear train whose gear ratio is close to 1000, which means that the dial has to perform 1000 steps to complete a complete turn on itself. The report of gear ratio is chosen high so that the dial 14 presents a better resistance to rotary shocks. Similarly, such a gear ratio is well adapted to drive the dial 14 which is relatively heavy and which must overcome significant frictional forces. On the other hand, as well as for needles 10, 12, a counter counts the position of the rotary dial 14, in other words, the map of the sky 16, relative to the position that it occupied during the initialization step.

Comme déjà dit précédemment, l'aiguille des heures 10 a une forme de coeur qui s'écarte des formes habituelles des aiguilles de montre. Cette configuration particulière permet à l'aiguille des heures 10 d'avoir avec l'aiguille des minutes 12, quelle que soit sa position angulaire sur le cadran rotatif 14, un point d'intersection qui permet de désigner n'importe quel point à la surface dudit cadran 14.As already mentioned, the hour hand 10 has a heart shape which deviates from the usual shapes of the watch hands. This configuration particular allows the hour hand 10 to have with the minute hand 12, whatever its angular position on the rotary dial 14, a point of intersection which allows to designate any point on the surface of said dial 14.

Ainsi, lorsque l'utilisateur choisira l'un des astres du système solaire (à l'exception de la Terre qui est utilisée pour la date) représentés sur la lunette tournante 30 et l'amènera à midi, puis qu'il exercera une pression brève sur la couronne 28, le point de croisement des aiguilles 10, 12 lui indiquera la position de l'astre sur la carte du ciel 16. Il ne restera plus ensuite à l'utilisateur qu'à regarder le cadran 14 de sa montre 1 en élevant le bras et en s'assurant que le Nord géographique est derrière lui (voir figure 2) pour repérer la position de l'astre du système solaire qui l'intéresse dans le ciel. En cela, l'utilisateur sera aidé par la ligne d'horizon 42 matérialisée sur la glace 8 qui lui indique la partie du ciel qui est visible depuis l'endroit où il se trouve au moment où il effectue la consultation.Thus, when the user chooses one of the stars of the solar system (to the exception of the Earth that is used for the date) represented on the bezel turn 30 and bring it up at noon, then it will exert a brief pressure on the 28, the point of intersection of the needles 10, 12 will indicate the position of the star on the map of the sky 16. It will then remain for the user to look at the dial 14 of his watch 1 by raising his arm and making sure the North geographical area is behind him (see figure 2) to identify the position of the solar system that interests him in the sky. In this, the user will be helped by the line horizon 42 materialized on the ice 8 which indicates the part of the sky that is visible from where he is at the time he does the consultation.

Pour pouvoir repérer la position de l'astre sélectionné, l'unité de contrôle 32 dispose de la date courante qui va lui permettre de calculer la position qu'occupe ledit astre par rapport aux constellations pour cette date. La position de l'astre sélectionné est repérée à la surface du cadran 14 par ses coordonnées polaires, à savoir un angle et un rayon. Le compteur de position de la carte du ciel 16 indique ensuite à l'unité de contrôle 32 la position de ladite carte 16 et lui permet de calculer la position à donner aux aiguilles pour les amener sur le point voulu du cadran 14.In order to be able to locate the position of the body selected, the control unit 32 has the current date which will enable him to calculate the position occupied by the said compared to the constellations for that date. The position of the selected star is located on the surface of the dial 14 by its polar coordinates, namely an angle and a ray. The position counter of the sky chart 16 then indicates to the unit of control 32 the position of said card 16 and allows him to calculate the position to give to the needles to bring them to the desired point of the dial 14.

Il va de soi que la présente invention n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit et que diverses modifications et variantes simples peuvent être envisagées par l'homme du métier sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described and that various modifications and simple variants can be envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (12)

Montre astronomique électronique, en particulier du type montre-bracelet, cette montre (1) étant capable d'indiquer la position de corps célestes dans le ciel, ladite montre (1) comprenant : une base de temps (48) pour produire un signal de fréquence standard; des moyens (50) pour déterminer l'heure et la date courantes à partir du signal standard; des moyens (28, 30) de sélection d'un corps céleste; des moyens d'affichage analogiques de l'heure à l'aide de deux aiguilles (10, 12); des moyens (32) pour déterminer la position du corps céleste sélectionné dans le ciel et faire indiquer cette position par les moyens d'affichage (10, 12),    la montre (1) étant caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend un cadran rotatif (14) sur lequel est représentée la carte (16) du ciel et en ce que les aiguilles (10, 12) ont une forme telle que leur intersection ou leur point de conjonction permet de désigner n'importe quel point de la carte du ciel (16) représentée sur le cadran (14).Astronomical electronic watch, in particular of the wristwatch type, this watch (1) being able to indicate the position of celestial bodies in the sky, said watch (1) comprising: a time base (48) for producing a standard frequency signal; means (50) for determining the current time and date from the standard signal; means (28, 30) for selecting a celestial body; analog display means of the hour with two needles (10, 12); means (32) for determining the position of the celestial body selected in the sky and having said position indicated by the display means (10, 12), the watch (1) being characterized in that it comprises a rotary dial (14) on which is represented the map (16) of the sky and in that the hands (10, 12) have a shape such that their intersection or their point of conjunction allows to designate any point of the chart of the sky (16) represented on the dial (14). Montre selon la revendications 1, caractérisée en ce que la carte du ciel (16) est une représentation des étoiles et des constellations (20), notamment des constellations du zodiaque, visibles depuis la Terre.Watch according to claim 1, characterized in that the sky map (16) is a representation of the stars and constellations (20), including constellations of the zodiac visible from Earth. Montre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisée en ce qu'elle permet de repérer la position des planètes (38) du système solaire.Watch according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it makes it possible to locate the position of the planets (38) of the solar system. Montre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend une glace (8) sur laquelle est reportée une ligne d'horizon (42) qui indique à tout moment à un utilisateur celles des constellations qui sont visibles depuis l'endroit où il se trouve.Watch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises an ice (8) on which is presented a horizon line (42) which indicates at any time to a user those constellations which are visible from where he is. Montre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisée en ce que le cadran rotatif (14) fait un tour complet en 23h 56' 4, 09".Watch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rotary dial (14) makes a complete revolution in 23h 56 '4, 09 ". Montre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend une tige de commande (26) rotative qui peut être déplacée entre trois positions, à savoir une position neutre stable qui correspond au fonctionnement normal de la montre (1), une position tirée également stable et une position poussée instable dans laquelle un ressort de rappel tend en permanence à ramener la tige (26) en position neutre.Watch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a rotary control rod (26) which can be moved between three positions, namely a stable neutral position which corresponds to the normal operation of the watch ( 1), a pulled position also stable and an unstable thrust position in which a return spring constantly tends to bring the rod (26) to the neutral position. Montre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend une lunette tournante (30) qui porte les symboles des corps célestes et dont la position peut être repérée au moyen d'aimants inclus dans la lunette (30) et de contacts REED placés à l'intérieur de la montre (1).Watch according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a rotating bezel (30) which bears the symbols of the celestial bodies and whose position can be identified by means of magnets included in the telescope (30). ) and REED contacts placed inside the watch (1). Montre selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce qu'une graduation fixe (22) portée par un rehaut est disposée concentriquement entre le cadran rotatif (14) et la lunette tournante (30).Watch according to claim 7, characterized in that a fixed graduation (22) carried by a flange is disposed concentrically between the rotary dial (14) and the rotating bezel (30). Montre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisée en ce que la carte du ciel (16) est établie pour une latitude de 45° Nord.Watch according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sky map (16) is established for a latitude of 45 ° North. Montre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisée en ce que les moyens pour déterminer la position des corps célestes et faire indiquer cette position par les moyens d'affichage (10, 12) comprennent une unité de contrôle (32) à laquelle est associée une mémoire (46) dans laquelle sont stockés les paramètres concernant les constellations et les mouvements relatifs des astres du système solaire par rapport à la Terre dont l'unité de contrôle a besoin pour calculer la position d'un corps céleste à une date donnée.Watch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the means for determining the position of the celestial bodies and having said position indicated by the display means (10, 12) comprise a control unit (32) to which is associated a memory (46) in which are stored the parameters relating to the constellations and relative movements of the stars of the solar system relative to the Earth which the control unit needs to calculate the position of a celestial body to a given date. Montre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisée en ce que la base de temps (48) est constituée par un oscillateur à quartz comprenant un résonateur à quartz et un circuit électronique d'entretien qui permet de faire vibrer ce résonateur à une fréquence déterminée.Watch according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the time base (48) is constituted by a quartz oscillator comprising a quartz resonator and an electronic maintenance circuit which makes it possible to vibrate this resonator to a determined frequency. Montre selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisée en ce que le circuit (50) de détermination de l'heure et de la date courantes comprend un diviseur de fréquence ainsi que des compteurs de minutes, d'heures, de jours du mois, de mois et d'années.Watch according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the circuit (50) for determining the current time and date comprises a frequency divider as well as meters of minutes, hours, days month, month and year.
EP03015970A 2003-07-14 2003-07-14 Astronomical watch Expired - Lifetime EP1498790B1 (en)

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DE60320976T DE60320976D1 (en) 2003-07-14 2003-07-14 Astronomical clock
EP03015970A EP1498790B1 (en) 2003-07-14 2003-07-14 Astronomical watch
AT03015970T ATE395638T1 (en) 2003-07-14 2003-07-14 ASTRONOMIC CLOCK
US10/886,100 US7154815B2 (en) 2003-07-14 2004-07-08 Astronomical timepiece
CNB2004100638644A CN100570517C (en) 2003-07-14 2004-07-13 Astronomical timepiece
KR1020040054790A KR101056256B1 (en) 2003-07-14 2004-07-14 Astronomical clock
JP2004206883A JP4537135B2 (en) 2003-07-14 2004-07-14 Astronomical watch

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JP (1) JP4537135B2 (en)
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JP2005037393A (en) 2005-02-10
US20050013198A1 (en) 2005-01-20
KR20050008515A (en) 2005-01-21
CN1577189A (en) 2005-02-09
EP1498790B1 (en) 2008-05-14
US7154815B2 (en) 2006-12-26
KR101056256B1 (en) 2011-08-11
JP4537135B2 (en) 2010-09-01
DE60320976D1 (en) 2008-06-26
CN100570517C (en) 2009-12-16
ATE395638T1 (en) 2008-05-15

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