CH712578B1 - Method of adjusting the running of a mechanical watch - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for adjusting the running of a mechanical watch by means of an electronic device comprising: at least one measurement sensor arranged to measure a physical parameter to which the electronic device is subjected and a data transmission device arranged to transmit the data provided by the measurement sensor to a data receiving device external to the mechanical watch, the method comprising successively: a step (20) of periodic measurement performed, at regular time intervals or not, throughout the period during which the value of the physical parameter to which the electronic device is subjected is measured by means of the measurement sensor; a step (22) of transmitting the data provided by the measurement sensor to the data receiving device; a step (24) of recording and analyzing data transmitted to the data receiving device to derive the conditions to which the electronic device is subjected; a step (26) for determining the adjustment parameters of the running of the mechanical watch according to the conditions of use, and a step (28) of adjusting the running of the mechanical watch from the adjustment parameters determined according to terms of use.

Description

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling the running of a mechanical watch and, more specifically, to a method of adjusting the running of a mechanical watch according to the conditions of use of this watch. shows.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a known manner, a mechanical watch comprises, in a watch case, a clockwork mechanical movement which causes a set of hour and minute hands. The mechanical watchmaking movement comprises in particular a spiral spring, a balance and an escapement together forming a time base of the watch movement.

[0003] A mechanical watch, even the most accurate, delays or advances a few seconds per day. The setting of the time base (commonly called "walk" of the watch) is intended to minimize this delay or advance.

The running of a mechanical watch depends in particular on mechanical parameters specific to the watch movement, such as the variation of the moment of force transmitted by the escapement to the balance, or the geometry of the spiral spring. These mechanical parameters are well known to the watchmaker, and taken into account for adjusting the running of the mechanical watch at the end of manufacture or during a maintenance of the watch.

The operation of a mechanical watch also depends on parameters outside the watch, including the conditions in which the watch is used. The watchmaker classically regulates the running of the watch based on standard conditions of use. However, these standard conditions of use are difficult to estimate and, moreover, they do not necessarily correspond to the actual conditions of use of a particular watch. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The present invention aims to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above as well as others, by proposing a method of adjusting the running of a mechanical watch which takes into account the actual conditions of use. of this watch.

For this purpose, the invention provides a method of adjusting the running of a mechanical watch by means of an electronic device comprising: - at least one measurement sensor arranged to measure at least one physical parameter to which is subject the electronic device, and - a data transmission device arranged to transmit the data provided by the measurement sensor to a device for receiving data outside the watch.

The method according to the invention comprises the following steps, consisting in: measuring by means of the measurement sensor the value of the physical parameter to which the electronic device is subjected; - transmit the data provided by the measurement sensor to the external data receiving device; recording and analyzing the data collected by the external data receiving device in order to deduce the conditions to which the electronic device is subjected; - to determine the parameters of adjustment of the mechanical watch's running according to the conditions of use, and - to adjust the running of the mechanical watch from the setting parameters determined according to the conditions of use.

The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to refine at best the adjustment parameters of a mechanical watch according to the actual conditions in which this mechanical watch is used.

The electronic device for the collection of the values or physical parameters to which the mechanical watch is subjected may be arranged preferentially inside the watch case or inside the wristband of the watch. In this case, after analysis of the data relating to the actual conditions in which the mechanical watch is used, the movement of the watch is adjusted during a step of maintenance or repair of the watch. Thus, the data is analyzed and the watch is set by a professional specialist in mechanical movement watches.

Another way to exploit the values of the physical parameters to which the electronic device is subject is to house the electronic device in a simple bracelet that the user can for example get in a point of sale watches. The user will then wear this bracelet for a few days on the wrist to which he wears his watch. During this period, the value of the physical parameter (s) to which the electronic device housed in the bracelet will be measured by means of the measurement sensor. After these few days, the user reports his bracelet in the watch store and the data provided by the measurement sensor will be analyzed. The analysis of these data then makes it possible to determine the way the customer wears the bracelet and to propose to him, among an assortment of mechanical watches all set differently from each other, the watch whose adjustment corresponds best to the way the watch customer wears his watch.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic device comprises a memory space for storing the data provided by the at least one measurement sensor.

In the case where the electronic device does not include memory space, the data provided by the measurement sensor is directly transmitted to an external data receiving device, for example a mobile phone provided with an application for recording. and analyzing the data collected by the measurement sensor to derive the conditions to which the electronic device is subjected. In the case where the electronic device comprises a memory space, the data collected by the measurement sensor are momentarily stored in this memory space, then are transmitted to an external data receiving device for analysis in order to determine the conditions to which is subjected the electronic device and, consequently, the mechanical watch worn by the user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic device comprises at least one accelerometer and / or a gyrometer and / or a magnetic sensor and / or a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or a sensor. relative humidity sensor, the data provided by the electronic device comprising at least data relating to acceleration including angular acceleration and / or data relating to a magnetic induction and / or data relating to a temperature and / or data relating to pressure and / or relative humidity data to which the mechanical watch is subjected.

The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to refine the setting of a mechanical watch according to the case, according to the case, accelerations to which the mechanical watch is subjected in time and / or variations in the time of the temperature. and / or the pressure and / or relative humidity and / or magnetic field experienced by the watch. These parameters are those likely to cause the most error of walking the time base of the mechanical watch. For this, the running of the mechanical watch is adjusted using the values of the adjustment parameters determined during the method of adjusting the running of this mechanical watch according to the invention.

The invention also proposes a mechanical watch comprising a bracelet associated with a watch case and an electronic device adapted for implementing a method according to the invention, this electronic device being housed inside the watch case or inside a wristband of the watch, this electronic device comprising at least one measuring sensor arranged to measure a physical parameter to which the mechanical watch is subjected, and a data transmission device arranged to transmit data provided by the measurement sensor to a data receiving device external to the watch.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic device comprises a memory space arranged to store data provided by the measurement sensor.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic device comprises at least one accelerometer and / or a gyrometer and / or a magnetic sensor and / or a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor and / or a sensor. relative humidity sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0019] Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description which follows of examples of implementation of a method according to the invention. This example is given for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes and is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a diagram of a mechanical watch adapted for the implementation of a method according to the invention; fig. 2 is a variant of the watch of FIG. 1; fig. 3 details the essential components necessary for the implementation of the invention; fig. 4 schematically shows the steps of a method according to the invention, and FIG. 5 shows another variant of embodiment adapted to the implementation of the method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION [0020] The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of collecting data relating to the actual conditions of use of a mechanical watch, and to take into account these data to fine-tune the running of the mechanical watch.

For this purpose, a mechanical watch according to the invention, designated as a whole by the general numerical reference 1, comprises a bracelet 2 associated with a watch case 4 and an electronic device 6.

According to one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, the electronic device 6 is housed in one of the strands 2a or 2b of the bracelet 2, or its components are distributed in the two strands 2a and 2b, the two strands 2a, 2b being in this case electrically connected to one another. to the other.

According to another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2, the electronic device 6 is housed inside the watch case 4, this watch case 4 being sealed with water according to known techniques.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the electronic device 6 can be fixed on the structure of a clasp with folding clasp which is equipped with the bracelet 2.

The electronic device 6 comprises in particular (see Fig. 3) at least one measurement sensor 8 arranged to measure a physical parameter to which the mechanical watch 1 is subjected, if necessary a memory space 10 arranged to store data provided by the at least one measuring sensor 8, and a data transmission device 12 arranged to transmit data supplied by the measurement sensor 8 to a data receiving device 14 outside the mechanical watch 1. In FIG. 3, the data transfer paths are represented by thick line arrows. The transfer of data can be done by means of a wired connection using a connector and a cable, for example of the USB type, or by means of a wireless link, for example of the Bluetooth type, or near-field type based on RFID technology.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the measurement sensors 8 are three in number and comprise an accelerometer 8a, a magnetic sensor 8b and a temperature sensor 8c. The memory space 10 is here integrated in a microcontroller 16 whose overall function is to drive the plurality of measurement sensors 8, the memory space 10 and the data transmission device 12. In FIG. 3, the control signals are represented by arrows in fine lines.

In the example of FIG. 3, the electronic device 6 additionally comprises a source of electrical energy 18, for example an accumulator, for supplying the plurality of measurement sensors 8 with electrical energy, the microcontroller 16 and its memory space 10 as well as the transmission device data 12.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described and that various modifications and simple variants can be envisaged by the skilled person without departing from the scope of the invention. as defined by the appended claims.

For example, the plurality of measurement sensors 8 may comprise a single sensor, for example an accelerometer 8a, which integrates its own memory space and its own control microcontroller. In this case, a microcontroller and a memory space external to the sensor are obviously not essential.

In another example, the energy for the operation of the electrical and electronic components can be provided by the movements of the person wearing the watch and / or by the external data receiving device. In this case, an additional source of electrical energy is not essential. In fact, the solution chosen to supply the electrical and electronic components is essentially a function of the acquisition frequency of the measurement signals supplied by the sensor (s) and the duration of the communication during which the data supplied by the sensor of measurement are transferred to the data receiving device. A hybrid solution comprising an on-board energy source in addition to the energy recovered, whether from the carrier's movements or from the environment (solar energy), is also conceivable. Such a solution makes it possible, for example during the active scope, to provide a faster sampling frequency of the measurements (thanks to the external supply of energy), whereas in the case of low activity, it is possible to reduce this sampling frequency without significant loss of information.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic device 6 comprises a memory space 10 for storing the data provided by the measured sensor. However, it is also conceivable that the electronic device 6 is not provided with a memory space, in which case the data supplied by the measurement sensor 8 is directly transmitted to an external data receiving device such as a mobile phone which can be equipped with an application for recording and analyzing the data provided by the measuring sensor 8. In the case where the electronic device 6 comprises a memory space 10, the data relating to the physical parameters to which the electronic device 6 is subjected and which are measured by the measuring sensor 8 are temporarily stored in the memory space 10, then transferred to the data receiving device 14 for analysis in order to deduce the conditions to which the electronic device 6 is subjected and to allow the adjustment of the mechanical watch 1 accordingly.

A mechanical watch according to the invention is adapted to implement a method according to the invention shown schematically in FIG. 4 and comprising the steps of: periodically measuring the value of the physical parameter to which the electronic device 6 is subjected by means of the measurement sensor 8 in step 20; transmit the recorded data to the external data reception device 14 to the mechanical watch 1 in step 22; recording and analyzing the transmitted data with a view to deriving from the conditions of use of the mechanical watch 1 at step 24; - Determine, according to the conditions of use established in step 24, the adjustment parameters of the operation of the mechanical watch 1 in step 26; - Set the movement of the mechanical watch 1 according to these conditions of use in step 28.

Prior to step 22 of transmitting the data collected by the plurality of measurement sensors 8, these data can be temporarily stored in the memory space 10 during a step 30 for their subsequent transfer to the device receiving data 14.

The sensor or sensors 8 can perform measurements continuously, regardless of the use that is made of the mechanical watch 1. Alternatively, the sensor or sensors 8 take measurements only when the mechanical watch I is worn by a user. It is also possible to envisage that the accelerometer 8a performs measurements continuously, and that the microcontroller 16 activates the other measurement sensors only when the accelerometer 8a detects a movement of the mechanical watch 1, that is to say say when the mechanical watch 1 is worn by a user. The measurements made by the sensor or sensors are made at regular time intervals sufficiently short to detect variations in the measured parameters: for example time intervals of the order of a few tenths of a second to a few tens of seconds for the sensor of the sensor. 8a acceleration, or a few minutes for the temperature sensor 8b or the induction sensor 8c.

In step 30, the data collected by the sensor or sensors are recorded in the memory space 10. It is essentially the data collected by the sensor or sensors when the mechanical watch 1 is worn by the user, that is to say when movements of the mechanical watch 1 are detected. But data relating to the environmental conditions (magnetic field, temperature, atmospheric pressure, residual humidity) can also be measured during the rest phases of the watch. In addition to the measured values of the physical parameters to which the mechanical watch 1 is subjected, the data collected may also include an indication of the periods of time during which the mechanical watch 1 is worn and periods of time during which the mechanical watch 1 is stationary.

In step 22, the stored data is transmitted to the external data receiving device 14 to the mechanical watch 1. The transmission can be performed via any type of connection, preferably non-wired, such as for example a link Bluetooth.

In step 24, the transmitted data are analyzed to determine the conditions of use of the watch, and in particular: the data relating to the accelerations, including the angular accelerations, experienced by the mechanical watch 1 are analyzed to determine which position is most frequently the watch: vertical position, horizontal, inclined, and then estimate the evolution of friction at a balance of the watch may affect the operation of the mechanical watch 1 ; the data relating to the induction undergone by the mechanical watch 1 are analyzed to determine the evolution over time of the magnetic field to which the watch is subjected, and to estimate the impact of this magnetic field on the progress of the mechanical watch 1 ; the data relating to the temperature at which the mechanical watch 1 is exposed are analyzed in order to determine a revolution in the time of the temperature undergone by the mechanical watch 1, and to estimate the consequences of this temperature, in particular on the balance spring and the pendulum of the watch mechanical 1 (expansion or contraction), and therefore on the running of the mechanical watch 1; the data relating to the pressure and the humidity give indications on physical quantities which influence the aging of the lubricants, and thus the friction of the mobiles and the running of the watch; the data relating to the angular accelerations which give valuable information on the rotations undergone by the motions of the movement and which supplement the information provided by the accelerometer on the shocks and other mechanical disturbances of the movement of the watch, such as the sudden movements of the carrier.

In step 26, it is determined, depending on the conditions of use of the mechanical watch 1 that were determined in step 24, what are the adjustments to be made to improve the movement of the watch movement mechanical 1.

Finally, during step 28, the operation of the mechanical watch 1 is adjusted according to the settings to be made to improve the gait that were determined during step 26.

Preferably, the transmission steps 22, analysis 24, determination of the adjustment parameters 26 and adjustment 28 are performed during a maintenance or repair step of the mechanical watch 1. Thus, the data are analyzed and the mechanical watch 1 is set by a professional specialist in mechanical movement watches. It is also possible that the professional decides to revise the watch and renew lubricants for critical mobiles, for example.

The invention also relates to a bracelet 32 as illustrated in FIG. 5. This bracelet 32 comprises an electronic device 6 of the type described above adapted for implementing the method according to one of the preceding variants and which comprises at least one measurement sensor 8 arranged to measure a physical parameter to which is subject the bracelet 32, and a data transmission device 12 arranged to transmit data provided by the at least one measuring sensor 8 to a data receiving device 14 outside the bracelet 32. A source of electrical power 18 must also be planned.

Claims (9)

It can also be envisaged that the electronic device 6 with its various components is designed in the form of a module that we will fix externally for example on the wristband of the watch or on the watch case for the duration of the test. It is also conceivable that such a module is temporarily housed inside the box of the watch. The present description specifies that the step 20 of measuring the value of the physical parameter to which the electronic device 6 is subjected by means of the measurement sensor 8 is carried out periodically. By "periodic" is meant that the measurement must be carried out throughout the period during which a step 30 is taken to record the value of the physical parameter (s) to which the electronic device 6 is subjected. On the other hand, these measurements can be taken at regular time intervals or not. Nomenclature [0044] 1. A method for adjusting the running of a mechanical watch (1) by means of an electronic device (6) comprising: - at least one measurement sensor (8) arranged to measure a physical parameter to which the electronic device is subjected (6), and - a data transmission device (12) arranged to transmit the data supplied by the measurement sensor (8) to a data receiving device (14) external to the mechanical watch (1), the method comprising successively: - a step (20) of periodic measurement performed, at regular time intervals or not, throughout the period during which the value of the physical parameter to which the electronic device (6) is subjected by means of the sensor measuring (8); a step (22) for transmitting the data supplied by the measurement sensor (8) to the data receiving device (14); a step (24) for recording and analyzing the data transmitted to the data receiving device (14) in order to deduce the conditions to which the electronic device (6) is subjected; a step (26) for determining the adjustment parameters of the gait of the mechanical watch (1) according to the conditions of use, and - a step (28) of adjusting the gait of the mechanical watch (1) to from the setting parameters determined according to the conditions of use. 1. Mechanical watch 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic device (6) further comprises a memory space (10) for storing during a step (30) of recording the data provided by the at least one sensor measuring (8). 2. Bracelet 2a, 2b. Strands of the bracelet 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one measuring sensor (8) comprises at least one accelerometer (8a) and / or a gyrometer and / or a magnetic sensor (8b) and / or a temperature sensor (8c) and / or a pressure sensor and / or a relative humidity sensor, the data provided by this or these measurement sensors (8) comprising at least data relating to an acceleration and / or data relating to a magnetic induction and / or temperature data to which the watch is subjected. 4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the data recording is performed during periods when the mechanical watch (1) to be adjusted is worn. 4. Watch box 5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the step (22) for transmitting the data, the step (24) for analyzing the data, the step (26) for determining the parameters. for adjusting the running of the mechanical watch (1) according to the conditions of use and the step (28) for adjusting the running of the mechanical watch (1) are carried out during a maintenance step or repair of the mechanical watch (1). 6. Mechanical watch comprising a bracelet (2) associated with a watch case (4) and an electronic device (6) adapted for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 5, the electronic device ( 6) being housed inside the watch case (4) or in the bracelet (2) of the mechanical watch (1) or in a clasp with a folding clasp equipping the bracelet (2), the electronic device (6) comprising at least one measuring sensor (8) arranged to measure a physical parameter to which the mechanical watch (1) is subjected, and a data transmission device (12) arranged to transmit data supplied by the at least one measuring sensor (8) to a data receiving device (14) outside the mechanical watch (1). 6. Electronic device 7. Mechanical watch according to claim 6, characterized in that the electronic device (6) comprises a memory space (10) arranged for storing data provided by the at least one measuring sensor 8. Mechanical watch according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least one measuring sensor (8) comprises at least one accelerometer (8a) and / or a gyrometer and / or a magnetic sensor (8b) and / or a temperature sensor (8c) and / or a pressure sensor and / or a relative humidity sensor. 8. Measuring sensor 8a. Accelerometer 8b. Magnetic sensor 8c. Temperature sensor 10. Memory space 12. Data transmission device 14. Data receiving device 16. Microcontroller 18. Source of electrical energy 20. Step of measuring the value of the physical parameter 22. Step of transmission of the data 24. Step of analysis of the transmitted data 26. Step of determining the adjustment parameters of the gait of the mechanical watch 28. Step of adjusting the gait of the mechanical watch 30. Step of recording the data collected by the measurement sensor 32. Bracelet Claims 9. Bracelet comprising an electronic device (6) adapted for implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 5, the electronic device (6) comprising at least one measuring sensor (8) arranged to measure a physical parameter to which the bracelet (32) is subjected, and a data transmission device (12) arranged to transmit data supplied by the at least one measuring sensor (8) to a data receiving device (14) outside the bracelet ( 32).