WO2017006162A2

WO2017006162A2 - Reversible hybrid watch

Info

Publication number: WO2017006162A2
Application number: PCT/IB2016/000899
Authority: WO
Inventors: Farid LETIF
Original assignee: Letif Farid
Priority date: 2015-07-08
Filing date: 2016-06-27
Publication date: 2017-01-12
Also published as: CH711311A2; WO2017006162A4; CH711311B1; WO2017006162A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanical/connected hybrid wristwatch comprising a reversible watch case (1) comprising two opposing surfaces that each have a display device, the display device on one surface being a mechanical hour display device and the display device on the other surface being an electronic display device. The wristwatch further comprises a carrier element (2) arranged so as to be rigidly connected to a bracelet. The carrier element (2) comprises electronic elements (12), in particular sensors, for cooperating with said electronic module (9). The watch case (1) can be placed on the carrier element (2) in a first position in which the surface of said watch case having the mechanical display device is arranged on the outside, and in a second position in which the surface of said watch case having the electronic display device is also arranged on the outside. A hinge (3) between the periphery of the watch case (1) and the carrier element (2) allows movement of the watch case (1) between the first position and the second position thereof.

Description

REVERSIBLE HYBRID WATCH

The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking, more particularly to a mechanical-connected hybrid watch comprising a reversibility mechanism with respect to a bracelet.

Some mechanical watches now incorporate electronic functions to make the watch more interactive. So-called connected watches are no longer purely electronic watches but they can also be equipped with a mechanical movement. For example, a watch manufacturer has designed a mechanical watch with a tracker of physical activity, the tracker being arranged inside the watch case.

By connected watch, we must understand a watch that can be connected to a smartphone and it is essentially their functionality that will be used. Some models can access the Internet directly without any intermediary. In general, the watch is provided with a screen for displaying information (digital or not), and the link between smartphone and watch is via a wireless technology such as a 3G network or a wireless network. Equipped for most touch screens, they have more or less the same features, often less developed, than smartphones and tablets. For example, it is possible to receive phone call alerts, read and answer calls with a loudspeaker and a built-in microphone, make a call, be alerted when receiving emails or notifications social networks (Facebook, Twitter, ...), to use applications and even, in some cases, to access the Internet, manage the music listened to from your Smartphone, use GPS functions, or simply play.

Other watchmaking factories have integrated an electronic module on a bracelet, the module comprising additional functions to the watch.

CH707105 describes a mechanical watch comprising a device for obtaining an electronic measurement of the smooth running of the movement. This device, triggerable by push button, is in particular composed of a compound sensor a transmitter and a receiver positioned on either side of the pendulum. Thus, once the measurement is made, the wearer can refine the setting of his watch via a regulation screw.

EP0718910 discloses a wristwatch comprising, in addition to a device for measuring and displaying time, a high-frequency transmitter, a power source for the power supply of this emitter, a switch for turning on the ignition. transmitter and an extensible antenna shaped wire wrapped in a housing of the watch before use. This wristwatch is intended to be used as a distress beacon and offers no other functions.

Moreover, innumerable devices allowing the reversibility of a watch case with respect to a bracelet are already part of the state of the art.

Such a mechanism is disclosed for example in the publication CH659167. It reveals a wristwatch having two different displays on each of its faces and which has a reversibility device comprising two removable elements on which are arranged the horns of the watch. These removable elements are arranged on either side of the watch case and can be actuated to rotate 180 ° in their center around a trunnion along an axis perpendicular to the central axis of the watch case. to orient one or other of the faces of the watch according to the type of poster that the wearer of the watch wishes to display. The lock of the watch case with respect to one end of the bracelet is provided by a first is a second ball arranged respectively in a first and a second housing located on either side of a rectangular portion of the watch case . These balls are subjected to the action of a return spring tending to engage in a recess arranged on the end of a rectangular loop in correspondence with the balls.

The publication CH138929 discloses, for its part, a wristwatch having two diametrically opposed pivots fixed projecting outside the watch case and on which the fasteners of the bracelet pivot. These fasteners have a curvature in order to fit a portion of the circumference of the watch case. However, this device does not include a locking system, the watch case being retained only by the wrist of the wearer. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a reversible wristwatch having a mechanical display of the time on one side and a display of additional functions on the other side.

The wristwatch according to the present invention makes it possible to combine luxury with innovation by proposing a hybrid watch composed of a traditional luxury watch and a connected watch.

According to the invention, a wristwatch comprises a reversible watch case comprising two faces each opposed with a display device. The watch case has on one side a mechanical device for displaying the time driven by a watch movement inside the watch case and on the other side an electronic display device actuated by an electronic module. inside the watch box. The wristwatch has, on the other hand, a support element arranged to be integral with a bracelet of the wristwatch or integral with the holding elements of a bracelet. The support element comprises electronic elements, in particular sensors, intended to cooperate with said electronic module. The watch case is disposable on the support member in a first position where its face with the mechanical display device is disposed outside and in a second position where its face with the electronic display device is also arranged to outside. An articulation between the periphery of the watch case and the support element allows the movement of the watch case between its first position and its second position while ensuring an electrical connection between the electronic elements of the support and said electronic module. For example this articulation can allow the movement of the watch case by pivoting around two virtual axes perpendicular to each other.

In one embodiment, the watch case is disposable on the support member remaining integral with the support member by the hinge during its movement between the two positions.

In another embodiment, the watch case is separated from the support member during its movement between the two positions. Locking means are arranged so as to fix the watch case on the support member. For example, to ensure correct locking of the watch case on the support member, the support member may comprise on its inner periphery spring balls held in their housing by crimping, while the watch case is on his band middle of the cylindrical holes. The spring balls are arranged such that, when the watch case is folded down on the support member, they engage in one of the holes. To ensure the pivoting of the watch case in the open position, simply pull on the watch case, which releases the balls holes and allows the movement of the watch case with reference to the support member.

In a preferred embodiment, the watch movement is a mechanical movement, typically comprising a spiral balance. Of course, in one variant, a quartz watch movement can also be integrated into the watch case.

In one embodiment, the electronic module comprises a data storage unit of the SD (Secure Digital) card type or removable and expandable micro SD card. The storage capacity of these cards can vary from a few gigabytes to several hundred gigabytes, for example from 2 gigabytes to 512 gigatets. In addition, the electronic module includes a SIM card (Subcriber Indentity Module).

In one embodiment, the electronic module is removably mounted in a housing arranged in the watch case. Removability is used in particular to recharge the module. It is therefore possible to extract the electronic module from the watch case, to put it in charge before reinstalling it or for those who have several electronic modules, to put back a recharged one as soon as the one no longer has a battery is extracted.

Preferably, the support element comprises at least one backup unit and optionally at least one sensor.

In one embodiment, the electronic elements of the support element comprise a sensor for the geolocation of the watch. The sensor for the geolocation of the watch can for example be arranged in a container made in a rigid material, such as aggregated diamond nanobaguets.

In a preferred embodiment, the electronic module is rechargeable, for example by the mechanical energy of a mechanical watch movement, or by photovoltaic cells arranged on the wristband of the watch or by a mains charger or by induction.

Regardless of the face, each face ideally comprises a means such as a light, a sound device or a vibrating function to indicate alert messages from an external electronic device such as a smartphone. Preferably, and for more discretion, when the visible side is the one carrying the electronic module, the wearer can choose to be alerted only by the indicator light without another message being displayed on the screen. In a variant, the wearer may choose to be alerted by the indicator light on the one hand and by the display of a message on the other hand screen.

In one embodiment, the wristwatch comprises a micro-camera controlled by the electronic module. The micro-camera is preferably housed at the periphery of the watch case at a location opposite to the articulation of the support member. The micro-camera can be located in an opening through the watch movement and the constituent elements of the watch case. The microcamera can be completely carried by the electronic module or, alternatively, a part can be carried by the electronic module and another party remain permanently in the watch case.

Preferably, the electronic module comprises a non-contact payment device. For greater security, the payment device can be secured by a fingerprint, for example a fingerprint affixed by the holder of the wristwatch.

In general, the electronic module can integrate a lot of functions related to telecoms, geolocation, contactless payment by CCP (near-field control, in English NFC), home automation (home automation), or even health. Health is becoming more and more of a focus for everyone, so having functions related to the human body and health on a wristwatch whose primary function is to tell the time is a asset. For example, the wristwatch can constitute an electronic control station of the body through sensors that will go on or in the body of the wearer.

In terms of home automation, the wristwatch can act as a remote control that can be used to open / close doors or appliances, or even as a control of a heating system or even a system alarm.

The wristwatch has means for being waterproof, whether the electronic module 9 is positioned or not on the watch case 1.

The payment device and / or the activation of the functions of the electronic module can be secured by a fingerprint. Thus, only those who have previously registered a fingerprint can either pay through the wristwatch, or access certain features of the electronic module. In one embodiment, each fingerprint is associated with a user profile giving the right to use some or all functions of the electronic module.

In one embodiment, some or all of the functions of the electronic module are deactivated when opening the bracelet or by an external device to the wristwatch. For example, a ring with a small push button could be connected to the wristwatch and pressing the pushbutton could then disable some or all of the functions of the electronic module. In a variant, the external device can erase all the data of the electronic module.

In another embodiment of the wristwatch is arranged for the automatic backup of data if a network loss is noted or if a manual backup is requested by the wearer or even another authorized user, including using a external device. Thus, the wearer of such a hybrid wristwatch can have a multitude of applications on his forearm in a practical way. The wearer of such a hybrid wristwatch will be able to control various objects connected in the environment of the internet.

Another feature of this hybrid wristwatch is that the watch movement part is not doomed to change while the design and functions of the electronic part can evolve. Thus, the hybrid wristwatch according to the present invention makes it possible to combine in particular a traditional luxury watch and a connected watch.

The characteristics of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description of several embodiments given solely by way of example, in no way limiting with reference to the schematic figures, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a front view of a hybrid wristwatch in which a face indicating the time by a mechanical display is visible;

FIG. 2 represents a front view of a hybrid wristwatch in which a face indicating data coming from an electronic module is visible;

- Figure 3 shows a partial sectional view of Figure 2 along the axis AA;

- Figure 4 shows a partial sectional view of Figure 1 or Figure 2 along the axis AA when the watch case is in the open position relative to its support member;

- Figure 5 shows the wristwatch of Figure 4 in which the watch case is rotated about an axis BB revealing the electronic face of the wristwatch;

FIG. 6 represents a partial sectional view of the watch case without the electronic module in which a connector and a housing to receive the electronic module and to provide electrical connection with other components;

FIG. 7 represents a schematic view of an electronic module integrating into the watch case; and

- Figure 8 shows a schematic view of an electronic module landing on a charging station sector.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hybrid wristwatch comprises a reversible watch case 1 comprising two faces each opposed with a display device. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, only the face having a mechanical device for displaying the time driven by a mechanical clockwork movement inside the watch case is visible. The mechanical display is made using hour and minute hands. A micro-camera 8 is disposed at the periphery of the watch case 1, opposite a hinge 3 located between the periphery of the watch case 1 and a support member 2 for moving the watch case 1 The support element 2 is arranged to be secured to a bracelet 18 of the wristwatch. The wristwatch has on its visible side, a light 17 to indicate alert messages from an external electronic device such as a smartphone. In addition, this wristwatch has a multiple mechanical display. Indeed, this wristwatch is provided with a main display with hands centered on a dial, to display the current time on this dial. This display generally gives the indication of time by moving the hands on the dial divided by a scale and by indexes. This wristwatch further includes three other auxiliary mechanical displays. A winding crown 20 makes it possible, in particular, to adjust the watch and to access the auxiliary functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the hybrid wristwatch has on the other side an electronic display device actuated by an electronic module 9 inside the watch case 1. The wristwatch also has on this face a light 17 to indicate alert messages from an external electronic device such as a smartphone. In addition to the indication of the arrival of a notification by the indicator light 17, the user can choose to display a message on the electronic screen. Preferably, only the indicator 17 will illuminate without displaying a message on the screen. The micro-camera 8, controlled by the electronic module 9, is located in an opening through the watch movement and the constituent elements of the watch case. In this configuration, the functions of the electronic module are accessible through a touch screen on which a scrolling menu is displayed when pressure is exerted on said screen.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the watch case 1 is arranged integrally on the support member 2 in a position where its face with the electronic display device is disposed outside. The support element 2 comprises electronic components 12, for example a backup unit and a sensor intended to cooperate with the electronic module 9. These electronic components 12 are connected to the electronic module 9 by a conductive sheet 13. The conductive sheet 13 crosses the articulation 3 between the periphery of the watch case 1 and the support member 2. The sensor / transmitter is used for the geolocation of the watch and the backup unit can store various information. An automatic backup is performed in case of loss of sensor network or in case of battery problem of the electronic module 9 as a discharged battery. When the network is active again, the data saved in the backup device is automatically sent back to a so-called "cloud" server storage. Thanks to geolocation, the watch can be found using the transmitter's signal transmissions.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, once the watch case 1 is rotated open, the latter can move in a virtual plane perpendicular to the support member 2 and pivoting the watch case 1 around a second virtual axis represented by the 6H - 12H axis of the wristwatch. In the example of Figure 5, the watch case 1 pivots with respect to a plane defined by the support member by an angle greater than 90 °. Depending on the type of joint 3, the watch case 1 can pivot relative to a plane defined by the support member at an angle ranging from 0 to 180 ° or beyond. In order not to break the electrical sheet 13 by successive rotations in the same direction, the hinge 3 may be limited to a rotation of a turn in one direction and a rotation of a turn in the opposite direction. The micro-camera 8 is housed at the periphery of the watch case 1 at a location opposite to the articulation 3 of the support element 2. A winding crown 20 which serves in particular for setting the time of the mechanical part is arranged at 9H on the display of the electronic module, the micro-camera 8 being at 12H and the articulation 3 to 6H.

The electronic module 9 can be removably mounted in a housing 7 arranged in the watch case 1. For this purpose and as shown in FIG. 6, a connector 11 and a housing 7 make it possible to receive the electronic module and to provide a connection electric with other components.

FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic module 9 ready to integrate into the housing 7 of the watch case 1. The electronic module 9 comprises a micro-camera 8 that fits in an opening 15 through the watch movement and the elements Components of the watch case 1. The electronic module 9 comprises a connector 14 at an end opposite to the one where the camera 8 is positioned. This connector 14 is arranged to connect with the connector 11 of the watch case 1, itself even connected to the electric sheet 13.

As illustrated in Figure 8, the electronic module 9, once removed from the watch case 1, arises on a charging station sector 16. The indicator light 7 may indicate the end of the load.

A hybrid wristwatch according to the present invention makes it possible to combine preserving the traditional aesthetic appearance of a luxury watch and a connected watch.

The displays and control means described in the present application, both for the mechanical part and for the electronic module, are only given by way of example, and other configurations are possible.

Claims

1. Wristwatch featuring:

A reversible watch case (1) comprising two opposite faces each with a display device,

- The watch case (1) having on one side a mechanical device for displaying the time driven by a watch movement inside the watch case (1),

- The watch case (1) having on the other side an electronic display device actuated by an electronic module (9) inside the watch case (1),

- The wristwatch having, on the other hand, a support element (2) arranged to be secured to a bracelet of the wristwatch or secured to the holding elements of a bracelet,

The support element (2) comprising electronic elements (12), in particular sensors, designed to cooperate with said electronic module (9),

- The watch case (1) being disposable on the support member (2) in a first position where its face with the mechanical display device is disposed outside and in a second position or its face with the device of electronic display is also arranged outside,

- An articulation (3) between the periphery of the watch case (1) and the support member (2) for moving the watch case (1) between its first position and its second position while ensuring an electrical connection between the electronic elements (12) of the support (2) and said electronic module.

2. Wristwatch according to claim 1, wherein the watch case (1) is disposable on the support member (2) while remaining attached to the support member (2) by the hinge (3) during its displacement. between the two positions.

3. Wristwatch according to claim 1 wherein the watch case is separated from the support member (2) during its movement between the two positions.

4. Wristwatch according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the watch movement is a mechanical movement.

5. Wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge (3) can move the watch case (1) by pivoting about two virtual axes perpendicular to each other.

6. Wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic module (9) comprises an SD card-type data storage unit or removable and expandable micro SD card and / or a SIM card.

7. Watch-bracetet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic module (9) is removably mounted in a housing (7) arranged in the watch case (1).

8. Wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic elements (12) of the support member (2) comprise at least one backup unit.

9. Wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic elements (12) of the support member (2) comprise at least one sensor.

10. Wristwatch according to claim 6, comprising a sensor / transmitter for the geolocation of the watch arranged in a container made of a rigid material, such as aggregated diamond nanobaguets aggregates.

11. Wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic module (9) is rechargeable by the mechanical energy of a mechanical watch movement, or by photovoltaic cells arranged on the wristband of the watch or by a charger sector or by induction.

12. Wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, comprising on each of the faces of the watch case (1), an indicator light for indicating messages from an external electronic device such as a smartphone.

13. Wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a micro-camera (8) controlled by the electronic module (9).

14. Wristwatch according to claim 10, wherein the micro-camera (8) is located in an opening (15) through the watch movement and the constituent elements of the watch case.

15. Wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, comprising in the electronic module (9) a non-contact payment device.

16. Wristwatch according to claim 12, wherein the payment device and / or activation of the functions of the electronic module are securable by a fingerprint.

17. Wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein some or all of the functions of the electronic module (9) are deactivated when opening the bracelet or by an external device to the wristwatch.

18. Wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, arranged for automatic data backup if network loss or manual backup if requested by the wearer or another authorized user.