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EP0822470B1 - Electronic timepiece comprising a generator driven by a barrel spring - Google Patents

Electronic timepiece comprising a generator driven by a barrel spring Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0822470B1
EP0822470B1 EP97112585A EP97112585A EP0822470B1 EP 0822470 B1 EP0822470 B1 EP 0822470B1 EP 97112585 A EP97112585 A EP 97112585A EP 97112585 A EP97112585 A EP 97112585A EP 0822470 B1 EP0822470 B1 EP 0822470B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
generator
timepiece
barrel
error signal
circuit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP97112585A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0822470A1 (en
Inventor
Pierre-André Farine
Jean-Jacques Born
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Asulab AG
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Asulab AG
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Publication of EP0822470A1 publication Critical patent/EP0822470A1/en
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04CELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C10/00Arrangements of electric power supplies in time pieces
    • G04C10/04Arrangements of electric power supplies in time pieces with means for indicating the condition of the power supply

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a part electronic timepieces of the type comprising a source of energy formed by a spring barrel, winding manual or automatic, coupled to a current generator alternative intended to supply electronic circuits of the workpiece by means of a rectifier.
  • this device works the way next.
  • the generator directly coupled to the barrel tends to turn too fast and thus provide a tension whose frequency is higher than a setpoint of frequency derived from a working frequency standard based on a watchmaking quartz.
  • the generator must therefore be braked, which is achieved by short-circuiting periodically its winding.
  • the number of brakes required to keep generator running nominal is high at the start of disarming the spring and gradually decreases as the energy accumulated in the spring runs out.
  • this number can thus be used to determine when the energy of the spring will no longer be sufficient to maintain the exact course of the timepiece.
  • the number of brakes successive is counted for periods of time successive fixed duration and if during such a period the number becomes less than a predetermined value, we can then trigger a display device warning the user that the power reserve is going soon to be exhausted.
  • Information can also be operated to display an indication of the number hours during which the power reserve will be still sufficient to allow time display correct.
  • this earlier timepiece must have outside the hands indicating the time one other display device such as a counter behind which moves an indicator that needs to be trained specially, depending on the state of exhaustion of the power reserve.
  • timepieces battery-powered electronics with a device for to indicate, by means of a particular movement of one hands in particular the second hands, the degree of battery depletion.
  • these devices so that when the battery voltage goes down below a predetermined minimum value, it occurs a jump of the second hand which for example instead of beating the second, do both seconds a step of two seconds on the dial.
  • the invention aims to provide a timepiece electronic generator driven by a barrel spring in which one can avoid the presence of a special display device of the depletion of the power reserve, but in which, on the contrary, can indicate this with a particular movement of the second hand as is the case in classic quartz timepieces driven by a motor and powered by a battery.
  • the exceeding of second and third limit values allow to order the electric brake on the generator so that from a certain exhaustion of the power reserve of barrel, the second hand moves periodically from the start on an angle of several seconds inviting the wearer of the timepiece to wind the spring from the barrel.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an example of torque evolution supplied by a barrel which can be used in a room electronic clockwork with generator according to the invention.
  • the diagram is drawn in gr.mm according to the number of barrel turns, both during cocking and during the disarming of the spring.
  • a tour of the barrel corresponds to a walking time of eight hours about the timepiece.
  • Curve A corresponds to the winding, it starts from a point A1 of total relaxation of the spring and ends after reassembly during which the barrel makes seven turns, at a point A2 of maximum arming for which the potential torque of the barrel is about 1200 gr.mm.
  • Curve B represents the disarming of the spring during which the barrel supplies energy to the room of watchmaking. This curve begins at point B1 at a torque value of around 1050 gr.mm (this reduction in torque relative to the value of point A2 is due to inevitable mechanical losses) and leads to a point B2 of total disarming of the spring, this point obviously coinciding with point A1.
  • the diagram also indicates, by a dotted line T, a critical value of the couple (critical C).
  • critical C a critical value of the couple
  • this value may correspond to a frequency of the generator output voltage equal to 21.3 Hz.
  • phase P FI extends over approximately 0.75 turn of the barrel, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, and is followed by a phase known as "pronounced braking" P FP of the generator during which the the speed of rotation thereof is maintained at a value such that the rotation of the hands becomes practically imperceptible for the wearer of the timepiece.
  • This phase extends until the energy accumulated in the spring is almost completely used up (in the example after completion of the seventh turn).
  • the timepiece will always remain ready to restart if the spring is re-armed enough that the part is automatic or manual winding.
  • the phase P FP can immediately follow the phase P FI or be distant from it by a certain time interval I, the latter case being represented on the figure 1.
  • means may be provided in addition to "magnetically" brake the rotor of the generator for example by exerting a low magnetic positioning torque there, preferably using at least one fixed magnet placed in the vicinity of the rotor at a suitably chosen distance. This arrangement temporarily blocks the rotation of the barrel, while waiting for the spring to be reset again, either automatically or manually.
  • FIG. 2 represents a simplified diagram of a timepiece according to the invention.
  • the rotor includes a generator symbolized by the rectangle 1 comprising a magnetic rotor 2 and at least one winding 3.
  • the rotor is mechanically coupled, for example through a cog 4 symbolized by lines in dotted, to a barrel 5 in which is housed a spring 6. It can be armed by a winding mechanism, manual or automatic, known per se and not shown on the figure.
  • the cog 4 is also coupled to a game hour indicator hands composed of a 7 hour hands, 8 minute hand and a second hand 9. The hands are coupled between them in the usual way with the reports of gear reduction, rigidly linked to the rotor of generator 1. As a result, they rotate as long as the rotor 2 is in motion.
  • the generator 1 delivers an alternating voltage at its terminals 1a and 1b at a frequency of 21.3 Hz (64/3 Hz) and with a maximum value of 1.2 Volt, for example.
  • the generator 1 is connected to a rectifier, for example a full-wave rectifier 10, to the output of which an integrated circuit 11 is connected, certain components of which form a circuit regulating the speed of rotation of the generator 1.
  • the integrated circuit 11 receives continuous potentials V DD and V SS . It should be noted that FIG. 2 represents of the integrated circuit 11 only the components which are essential for the implementation of the concept of the invention.
  • a quartz 12 drives an oscillator that is part of the integrated circuit 11 by delivering a pulse signal from a frequency of 32,768 Hz to a frequency divider 13, the whole forming a time base.
  • This divider includes a terminal 14 delivering a signal whose frequency corresponds to the nominal frequency that must deliver the generator 1 so that the needles 7, 8 and 9 indicate the exact time. In the example described, this nominal frequency is 21.3 Hz (64/3 / Hz).
  • the output 14 is connected to the counting input 15 of a reversible counter 16.
  • Terminal 1a of generator 1 is connected to one inputs of a comparator 17 whose other input is connected to a reference potential source 18 like the mass for example.
  • the output of comparator 17 is connected at the countdown input 19 of the reversible counter 16.
  • Comparator 17 delivers an output pulse to the reversible counter 16 as soon as the voltage on terminal 1a of the generator rises slightly above the potential mass. Therefore, in the example, assuming that generator 1 is rotating at exactly the speed nominal corresponding to a frequency of 21.3 Hz, the content of reversible counter 16 must be equal to zero at the end of each half-wave of the output voltage of the generator.
  • the output of the reversible counter 16 is connected to a decision logic 20 which according to some predetermined criteria which we will come back to below, produces an output signal at terminal 21, the criteria being materialized by wiring a certain number of elementary doors that make up this logic of decision.
  • a decision logic 20 which according to some predetermined criteria which we will come back to below, produces an output signal at terminal 21, the criteria being materialized by wiring a certain number of elementary doors that make up this logic of decision.
  • the signal present on the output terminal 21 is applied to the control electrode of a component of switching 22 selectively controlling the braking of the generator 1.
  • This switching component 22 can be a MOS transistor whose source-drain path is connected between terminals 1a and 1b of generator 1.
  • the regulator circuit according to the invention makes also intervene a circuit 23 called "starting" that usually designated by POR circuit (acronym of the Anglo-Saxon expression Power-On-Reset).
  • POR circuit anglo-Saxon expression Power-On-Reset
  • POR circuit is normally expected in most integrated circuits and especially in those used in rooms electronic watchmaking, to position the components of the integrated circuit in a certain logical state so that when it is powered up, these components can start working with the right logical state.
  • the circuit start-up 23 includes two outputs 23a and 23b complementary, changing logical level when the voltage supplied to the integrated circuit 11 crosses, respectively in one direction or the other a value predetermined.
  • this value can be about 0.7 volts excluding the hysteresis that this signal can undergo.
  • the output 23a of the starting circuit 23 is connected to the reversible counter 16 of which it puts the content has “1", when its logic level goes from "0" to "1".
  • the output 23b is connected to a switching component 24 for pronounced braking control.
  • the latter can be formed by a PMOS transistor whose drain-source path is connected in series with a resistor 25, all of these two components forming a shunt mounted in parallel on the supply terminals V DD and V SS of the circuit. integrated 11.
  • the switching component is made conductive when the logic level at output 23b of the starting circuit 23 changes from "1" to "0".
  • the functioning of the timepiece according to the invention is as follows.
  • the regulator circuit according to the invention is responsible for limit the speed of rotation of generator 1, because the latter, in the absence of such a limitation, would have tendency to get carried away until exhaustion of energy accumulated in the spring while driving the needles high speed.
  • the speed limit is operated thanks to the presence of the brake control transistor 22 which can short-circuit terminals 1a and 1b of the generator and therefore electrically brake it, when it receives a corresponding signal from the logic of decision 20.
  • the regulator circuit constantly compares the standard frequency provided by the divider 13 to that of the voltage delivered to terminal 1a of generator 1 and analyzed by the comparator 17.
  • this operating mode lasts for around 5.3 turns of barrel 5 (a little more than forty hours) to assume naturally the spring 6 has not been wound manually or automatically. As this time interval, recurrence of braking successive becomes increasingly weak. Note also that during this operating mode the setting in recurrent short-circuit of generator 1 by the transistor 22 will not disturb the operation of the integrated circuit 11, two smoothing capacitors (not shown) of relatively large capacity and planned in rectifier 10, making it possible to continuously supply the voltage necessary for this purpose.
  • the generator rotates at a speed such that its frequency is no longer sufficient for that in the reversible counter 16 the pulses from the divider 13 are compensated by the pulses produced by the comparator 17.
  • the voltage that the generator supplies to the integrated circuit 11 is still sufficient to make it work.
  • the counter thus sees its content increase to a predetermined limit value corresponding for example to its total positive capacity (overflow of the counter).
  • this value can be equal to 512, which corresponds, taking into account the frequency with which the signal on terminal 15 of counter 16 makes it progress, to approximately 24 seconds.
  • the decision logic 20 is also wired to detect this predetermined limit value.
  • the decision logic 20 turns on the transistor braking 22 to reduce the rotation speed of the generator 1. This one having rotated at a speed lower than the nominal speed while filling the up / down counter 16, hands 7, 8 and 9 have taken a delay from the exact time, equal to the time of filling it (24 seconds in the example).
  • generator 1 can resume speed and voltage supplied to the integrated circuit 11 increase until the starting circuit 23 react again and change state in direction reverse the logic levels on its terminals 23a and 23b, while at the same time the integrated circuit 11 starts again to operate.
  • FIG. 3 This figure represents in a) the evolution of the logic level of the output 23a of the starting circuit 23 at this stage of operation.
  • Diagram b) of FIG. 3 shows how the number N contained in the reversible counter 16 can evolve (curve C) from the moment when the signals POR on the terminals 23a and 23b change state in the opposite direction as we have just describe it. This moment is indicated by the time t 0 in FIG. 3 in b).
  • the signal POR (output 23a) is applied to the counter 16. Consequently, when this signal goes to "1" at time t 0 , the number N in this counter 16 goes to +1.
  • the decision logic 20 is connected to the divider 13 to receive a time signal establishing a predetermined duration DP which in the present example is chosen at 4 seconds.
  • the generator 1 Despite the fact that during phase P FI , the generator 1 always rotates at a speed lower than the nominal speed, it will nevertheless rotate the hands relatively quickly with respect to the nominal speed of the exact time and as regards the seconds hand over a sufficient angle (typically several seconds at a time) so that the phenomenon is easily perceptible by the user of the timepiece and encourages the latter to perform the winding.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates this process by two curves C and D, the curve C corresponding to the case where the critical value N is reached just at the expiration of the predetermined duration.
  • Curve D shows the case where at the expiration of the predetermined duration DP, the counter 16 contains a value N 2 much greater than the critical value.
  • the decision logic 20 thus controls the braking transistor 22 at the end of the duration DP, the generator 1 is braked, the voltage supplied to the circuit 11 drops sharply to the point that the latter stops working, the braking transistor 22 is again made non-conductive and the generator restarts again causing the second hand to jerky. This process can be repeated until either of the following two events has occurred.
  • the first event is that the user manually wind the spring or start to wear the timepiece by imprinting movements on it.
  • the number accumulated in the counter 16 will decrease, because generator 1 will quickly regain speed nominal and send pulses to counter 16 at the same rhythm as divider 13. This eventuality is shown in Figure 3 by curve E.
  • the starting circuit 23 will react when the voltage supplied to the integrated circuit 11 crosses downwards the value of 0.7 volts, for example.
  • the signal on terminal 23b goes to "1" and makes transistor 24 conductive.
  • That -It is chosen at a value such that the current established in this shunt absorbs an amount of energy such that the barrel 5 can no longer drive the hands at a speed perceptible to the wearer of the timepiece.
  • This very low speed regime is established throughout the pronounced braking phase P FP which lasts until the almost total exhaustion of the power reserve.
  • the pronounced braking phase P FP although optional, is useful for giving the wearer of the timepiece total stop information (the rotation of the seconds hands is then too low to be perceptible by the wearer. Without this phase, the non-attentive wearer could have the impression that the part is still working, the hands still progressing at a speed, admittedly slow, but still perceptible to the wearer, especially during a certain time interval immediately following the intermittent braking phase P FI .
  • the resistor 25 must be chosen at a value such that the shunt that it constitutes with the transistor 25 does not prevent restarting, when the carrier proceeds to reassemble the spring 5 from the phase of pronounced braking P FP .
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a variant of the invention which can be added in addition to the assembly to completely prevent rotation of the generator 1 at the end of the pronounced braking phase P FP .
  • This variant consists in placing in the vicinity of the periphery of the rotor 2 of the generator 1 one or more magnets 26 of very low attraction force and capable of imposing a low positioning torque on this rotor, a torque which, in order not to prevent restarting, must not be greater than the torque that the barrel will be able to provide when the power reserve is almost entirely used up.
  • the rotor 2 shown in plan has magnets oriented perpendicular to the plane drawing. They are alternately North and South depending on the around the rotor. The magnets 26 are placed next to the rotor in the same orientation.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)

Description

La présente invention est relative à une pièce d'horlogerie électronique du type comportant une source d'énergie formée d'un barillet à ressort, à remontage manuel ou automatique, couplé à une génératrice de courant alternatif destinée à alimenter les circuits électroniques de la pièce par l'intermédiaire d'un redresseur.The present invention relates to a part electronic timepieces of the type comprising a source of energy formed by a spring barrel, winding manual or automatic, coupled to a current generator alternative intended to supply electronic circuits of the workpiece by means of a rectifier.

Une description d'une telle pièce d'horlogerie a été donnée dans le brevet suisse No 686 332, ce document portant notamment sur un circuit régulateur permettant d'asservir la vitesse de rotation de la génératrice à une vitesse de consigne qui correspond à la marche exacte de la pièce, pour autant que l'énergie du ressort du barillet soit suffisante pour maintenir cette vitesse de rotation à la valeur de consigne.A description of such a timepiece was given in Swiss patent No 686 332, this document relating in particular to a regulating circuit allowing to control the speed of rotation of the generator to a set speed which corresponds to the exact running of the part, provided that the energy of the barrel spring is sufficient to maintain this speed of rotation at the setpoint.

Pour que l'utilisateur de la pièce d'horlogerie soit informé de l'épuisement du ressort de barillet, il est déjà connu d'équiper cette pièce d'un dispositif d'indication de la réserve de marche. On peut trouver une description d'un tel dispositif dans la demande de brevet suisse No 02 298/95-4 déposée le 10 août 1995.So that the user of the timepiece is informed of the exhaustion of the barrel spring, it is already known to equip this room with a device indication of the power reserve. We can find a description of such a device in the patent application Switzerland No 02 298 / 95-4 filed on August 10, 1995.

Grosso modo, ce dispositif fonctionne de la façon suivante. Pendant la durée normale de marche, la génératrice couplée directement au barillet a tendance à tourner trop vite et à fournir ainsi une tension dont la fréquence est plus élevée qu'une valeur de consigne de fréquence dérivée d'un standard de fréquence fonctionnant sur la base d'un quartz horloger. La génératrice doit donc être freinée, ce qui est réalisé en court-circuitant périodiquement son bobinage. Le nombre de freinages nécessaires pour maintenir la génératrice à la vitesse nominale est élevé au début du désarmage du ressort et décroít progressivement au fur et à mesure que l'énergie accumulée dans le ressort s'épuise. Basically, this device works the way next. During normal walking time, the generator directly coupled to the barrel tends to turn too fast and thus provide a tension whose frequency is higher than a setpoint of frequency derived from a working frequency standard based on a watchmaking quartz. The generator must therefore be braked, which is achieved by short-circuiting periodically its winding. The number of brakes required to keep generator running nominal is high at the start of disarming the spring and gradually decreases as the energy accumulated in the spring runs out.

La valeur de ce nombre peut ainsi être utilisée pour déterminer à quel moment l'énergie du ressort va ne plus être suffisante pour maintenir la marche exacte de la pièce d'horlogerie. Selon le concept décrit dans la demande de brevet précitée, le nombre de freinages successifs est comptabilisé pendant des périodes de temps successives de durée fixe et si pendant une telle période le nombre devient inférieur à une valeur prédéterminée, on peut alors déclencher un dispositif d'affichage avertissant l'utilisateur que la réserve de marche va bientôt être épuisée. L'information peut également être exploitée de manière à afficher une indication du nombre d'heures pendant lesquelles la réserve de marche sera encore suffisante pour permettre l'affichage de l'heure correcte.The value of this number can thus be used to determine when the energy of the spring will no longer be sufficient to maintain the exact course of the timepiece. According to the concept described in the the aforementioned patent application, the number of brakes successive is counted for periods of time successive fixed duration and if during such a period the number becomes less than a predetermined value, we can then trigger a display device warning the user that the power reserve is going soon to be exhausted. Information can also be operated to display an indication of the number hours during which the power reserve will be still sufficient to allow time display correct.

Ainsi cette pièce d'horlogerie antérieure doit comporter en dehors des aiguilles indiquant l'heure un autre dispositif d'affichage tel qu'un guichet derrière lequel se déplace un indicateur qui doit être entraíné spécialement, en fonction de l'état d'épuisement de la réserve de marche.So this earlier timepiece must have outside the hands indicating the time one other display device such as a counter behind which moves an indicator that needs to be trained specially, depending on the state of exhaustion of the power reserve.

On connaít par ailleurs des pièces d'horlogerie électroniques à pile comportant un dispositif permettant d'indiquer, au moyen d'un mouvement particulier de l'une des aiguilles en particulier l'aiguilles des secondes, le degré d'épuisement de la pile. En général, ces dispositifs font en sorte que lorsque la tension de la pile descend en dessous d'une valeur minimale prédéterminée, il se produit un sautillement de l'aiguille des secondes qui par exemple au lieu de battre la seconde, fait toutes les deux secondes un pas de deux secondes sur le cadran.We also know timepieces battery-powered electronics with a device for to indicate, by means of a particular movement of one hands in particular the second hands, the degree of battery depletion. In general, these devices so that when the battery voltage goes down below a predetermined minimum value, it occurs a jump of the second hand which for example instead of beating the second, do both seconds a step of two seconds on the dial.

L'invention vise à fournir une pièce d'horlogerie électronique à génératrice entraínée par un barillet à ressort dans laquelle on peut éviter la présence d'un dispositif d'affichage spécial de l'épuisement de la réserve de marche, mais dans laquelle, au contraire, on peut indiquer celui-ci à l'aide d'un mouvement particulier de l'aiguille des secondes comme cela est le cas dans les pièces d'horlogerie classiques à quartz entraínées par un moteur et alimentées par une pile.The invention aims to provide a timepiece electronic generator driven by a barrel spring in which one can avoid the presence of a special display device of the depletion of the power reserve, but in which, on the contrary, can indicate this with a particular movement of the second hand as is the case in classic quartz timepieces driven by a motor and powered by a battery.

L'invention a donc pour objet une pièce d'horlogerie électronique comportant :

  • une génératrice de tension alternative connectée à un redresseur destiné à alimenter un circuit électronique de la pièce,
  • un barillet à ressort couplé à ladite génératrice pour l'entraíner,
  • un jeu d'aiguilles d'indication de l'heure entraíné également par ledit barillet,
   ledit circuit électronique comprenant :
  • un base de temps destinée à fournir un signal de fréquence standard,
  • des moyens de comparaison pour comparer la fréquence de ladite base de temps à la fréquence de ladite tension alternative afin d'engendrer un signal d'erreur, et
  • des moyens de vérification connectés auxdits moyens de comparaison pour vérifier si ledit signal d'erreur franchit une première limite prédéterminée et
  • des moyens de freinage commandés par lesdits moyens de vérification pour freiner électriquement ladite génératrice lorsque ledit signal d'erreur franchit ladite première limite prédéterminée,
  • ladite pièce d'horlogerie étant caractérisée en ce que
  • lesdits moyens de vérification sont en outre agencés pour vérifier si ledit signal d'erreur franchit une seconde limite prédéterminée supérieure à ladite première limite prédéterminée et témoignant d'un degré prédéterminé d'épuisement de la réserve de marche dudit barillet, lesdits moyens de freinage étant également commandés lorsque ladite seconde limite est franchie,
  • lesdits moyens de vérification étant en outre agencés pour vérifier si, après que ledit signal d'erreur a dépassée ladite seconde limite prédéterminée, ledit signal d'erreur devient au moins égal à une troisième limite prédéterminée, pendant un intervalle de temps prédéterminé pour commander lesdits moyens de freinage à l'expiration dudit intervalle;
  • de telle sorte que lesdites aiguilles indiquent ledit état d'épuisement par une rotation à une vitesse supérieure à la vitesse correspondant à l'indication de l'heure exacte, chaque fois que ledit signal d'erreur atteint ou franchit ladite troisième limite prédéterminée.
The subject of the invention is therefore an electronic timepiece comprising:
  • an alternating voltage generator connected to a rectifier intended to supply an electronic circuit in the room,
  • a spring barrel coupled to said generator to drive it,
  • a set of time indication hands also driven by said barrel,
said electronic circuit comprising:
  • a time base intended to provide a standard frequency signal,
  • comparison means for comparing the frequency of said time base with the frequency of said alternating voltage in order to generate an error signal, and
  • verification means connected to said comparison means for verifying whether said error signal crosses a first predetermined limit and
  • braking means controlled by said checking means for electrically braking said generator when said error signal crosses said first predetermined limit,
  • said timepiece being characterized in that
  • said verification means are further arranged to verify whether said error signal crosses a second predetermined limit greater than said first predetermined limit and indicating a predetermined degree of exhaustion of the power reserve of said barrel, said braking means being also ordered when said second limit is crossed,
  • said checking means being further arranged to check whether, after said error signal has exceeded said second predetermined limit, said error signal becomes at least equal to a third predetermined limit, during a predetermined time interval for controlling said braking means at the expiration of said interval;
  • so that said needles indicate said exhaustion state by rotation at a speed greater than the speed corresponding to the indication of the exact time each time said error signal reaches or crosses said third predetermined limit.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, le dépassement des seconde et troisième valeur limite permettent de commander le frein électrique de la génératrice de telle façon qu'à partir d'un certain épuisement de la réserve de marche du barillet, l'aiguille des secondes se déplace périodiquement d'emblée sur un angle de plusieurs secondes invitant le porteur de la pièce d'horlogerie à remonter le ressort du barillet. On peut donc ainsi éviter un dispositif d'affichage complémentaire spécialement dédicacé à l'affichage de l'épuisement de la réserve de marche.Thanks to these characteristics, the exceeding of second and third limit values allow to order the electric brake on the generator so that from a certain exhaustion of the power reserve of barrel, the second hand moves periodically from the start on an angle of several seconds inviting the wearer of the timepiece to wind the spring from the barrel. We can thus avoid a specially designed additional display device dedicated to the display of the exhaustion of the reserve of market.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaítront au cours de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est un diagramme d'armage/désarmage d'un barillet à ressort illustrant en fonction du nombre de tour de ce barillet, comment évolue le couple disponible sur celui-ci, le diagramme mettant notamment en évidence l'épuisement de la réserve de marche;
  • la figure 2 montre un schéma simplifié du circuit régulateur de la pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention;
  • la figure 3 est un diagramme en fonction du temps montrant l'évolution du contenu d'un compteur réversible utilisé dans le circuit régulateur de la figure 2, afin d'illustrer le fonctionnement de ce dernier;
  • la figure 4 illustre par un dessin schématique de la génératrice de la pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention une variante de réalisation particulière de cette génératrice.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a diagram of winding / disarming a spring barrel illustrating as a function of the number of turns of this barrel, how the torque available on it changes, the diagram highlighting in particular the exhaustion of the reserve Steps;
  • Figure 2 shows a simplified diagram of the regulator circuit of the timepiece according to the invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram as a function of time showing the evolution of the content of a reversible counter used in the regulator circuit of FIG. 2, in order to illustrate the operation of the latter;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates by a schematic drawing of the generator of the timepiece according to the invention a particular embodiment variant of this generator.

La figure 1 illustre un exemple d'évolution du couple fourni par un barillet pouvant être utilisé dans une pièce d'horlogerie électronique à génératrice selon l'invention. Le diagramme est tracé en gr.mm en fonction du nombre de tours qu'effectue le barillet, tant pendant l'armage que pendant le désarmage du ressort. Typiquement, un tour du barillet correspond à une durée de marche de huit heures environ de la pièce d'horlogerie. Bien entendu, toutes ces valeurs ainsi que celles qui seront données ci-après, ne sont données qu'à titre d'exemple.Figure 1 illustrates an example of torque evolution supplied by a barrel which can be used in a room electronic clockwork with generator according to the invention. The diagram is drawn in gr.mm according to the number of barrel turns, both during cocking and during the disarming of the spring. Typically, a tour of the barrel corresponds to a walking time of eight hours about the timepiece. Of course, all of these values as well as those which will be given below, do not are given only as an example.

La courbe A correspond à l'armage, elle part d'un point A1 de détente totale du ressort et aboutit après remontage pendant lequel le barillet fait sept tours, à un point A2 d'armage maximal pour lequel le couple potentiel du barillet est d'environ 1200 gr.mm.Curve A corresponds to the winding, it starts from a point A1 of total relaxation of the spring and ends after reassembly during which the barrel makes seven turns, at a point A2 of maximum arming for which the potential torque of the barrel is about 1200 gr.mm.

La courbe B représente le désarmage du ressort pendant lequel le barillet fournit de l'énergie à la pièce d'horlogerie. Cette courbe commence au point B1 à une valeur du couple d'environ 1050 gr.mm (cette réduction du couple par rapport à la valeur du point A2 est due aux pertes mécaniques inévitables) et aboutit à un point B2 de désarmage total du ressort, ce point coïncidant évidemment avec le point A1.Curve B represents the disarming of the spring during which the barrel supplies energy to the room of watchmaking. This curve begins at point B1 at a torque value of around 1050 gr.mm (this reduction in torque relative to the value of point A2 is due to inevitable mechanical losses) and leads to a point B2 of total disarming of the spring, this point obviously coinciding with point A1.

On notera que, si la pièce d'horlogerie est à remontage automatique, les courbes seront parcourues en fonction des mouvements imprimés à la pièce, les deux opérations d'armage et de désarmage étant alors étroitement imbriquées en fonction des circonstances.Note that, if the timepiece is at automatic winding, the curves will be run in function of the movements printed on the piece, both arming and disarming operations then being closely intertwined depending on the circumstances.

Le diagramme indique également, par un trait en pointillé T, une valeur critique du couple (Ccritique). Tant que le barillet est capable de fournir un couple supérieur à cette valeur critique, le rotor de la génératrice pourra toujours atteindre la vitesse de rotation nominale pour que la pièce garde l'heure exacte. A titre d'exemple uniquement, cette valeur pourra correspondre à une fréquence de la tension de sortie de la génératrice égale à 21,3 Hz.The diagram also indicates, by a dotted line T, a critical value of the couple ( critical C). As long as the barrel is capable of supplying a torque greater than this critical value, the generator rotor can always reach the nominal rotation speed so that the part keeps the exact time. By way of example only, this value may correspond to a frequency of the generator output voltage equal to 21.3 Hz.

Au-delà d'un point Cc d'intersection de la courbe B avec le trait en pointillé T, on estime que la pièce d'horlogerie entre dans une condition "d'épuisement d'énergie" appelée communément "EOL" par les horlogers d'après l'expression anglo-saxonne "End Of Life", par analogie avec la fin de vie d'une pile dans les montres classiques à quartz. Dans l'exemple, le point Cc se situe à un degré de détente du ressort correspondant à 5,3 tours environ du barillet. La condition d'EOL s'étend sur une première phase PFI pendant laquelle la génératrice est freinée par intermittence pendant des durées relativement longues permettant de signaler l'état de désarmage du ressort à l'utilisateur par un mouvement particulier de l'aiguille des secondes de la pièce d'horlogerie, en particulier par un sautillement de cette aiguille.Beyond a point C c of intersection of the curve B with the dotted line T, it is estimated that the timepiece enters a condition of "energy depletion" commonly called "EOL" by the watchmakers according to the Anglo-Saxon expression "End Of Life", by analogy with the end of life of a battery in classic quartz watches. In the example, point C c is located at a degree of relaxation of the spring corresponding to approximately 5.3 revolutions of the barrel. The EOL condition extends over a first phase P FI during which the generator is intermittently braked for relatively long periods making it possible to signal the disarming state of the spring to the user by a particular movement of the needle of the seconds of the timepiece, in particular by a hopping of this hand.

La phase PFI s'étend sur environ 0,75 tour du barillet, comme représenté à titre d'exemple sur la figure 1, et elle est suivie d'une phase dite "de freinage prononcée" PFP de la génératrice pendant laquelle la vitesse de rotation de celle-ci est maintenue à une valeur telle que la rotation des aiguilles devient pratiquement imperceptible pour le porteur de la pièce d'horlogerie. Cette phase s'étend jusqu'au moment où l'énergie accumulée dans le ressort est quasi totalement épuisée (dans l'exemple après achèvement du septième tour).The phase P FI extends over approximately 0.75 turn of the barrel, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, and is followed by a phase known as "pronounced braking" P FP of the generator during which the the speed of rotation thereof is maintained at a value such that the rotation of the hands becomes practically imperceptible for the wearer of the timepiece. This phase extends until the energy accumulated in the spring is almost completely used up (in the example after completion of the seventh turn).

Cependant, la pièce d'horlogerie restera toujours prête à redémarrer si le ressort est de nouveau armé suffisamment que la pièce soit à remontage automatique ou manuel. On verra par la suite que selon le choix de certains paramètres lors de la conception du circuit, la phase PFP peut suivre immédiatement la phase PFI ou en être distante d'un certain intervalle de temps I, ce dernier cas étant représenté sur la figure 1.However, the timepiece will always remain ready to restart if the spring is re-armed enough that the part is automatic or manual winding. We will see later that according to the choice of certain parameters during the design of the circuit, the phase P FP can immediately follow the phase P FI or be distant from it by a certain time interval I, the latter case being represented on the figure 1.

En outre, selon une variante de l'invention qui sera décrite plus en détail par la suite à propos de la figure 4, en fin de la phase PFP, des moyens peuvent être prévus en complément pour freiner "magnétiquement" le rotor de la génératrice par exemple en y exerçant un faible couple de positionnement magnétique, de préférence à l'aide d'au moins un aimant fixe placé au voisinage du rotor à une distance convenablement choisie. Cette disposition permet de bloquer provisoirement la rotation du barillet, en attendant que le ressort soit de nouveau réarmé, soit automatiquement, soit manuellement.In addition, according to a variant of the invention which will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4, at the end of the P FP phase, means may be provided in addition to "magnetically" brake the rotor of the generator for example by exerting a low magnetic positioning torque there, preferably using at least one fixed magnet placed in the vicinity of the rotor at a suitably chosen distance. This arrangement temporarily blocks the rotation of the barrel, while waiting for the spring to be reset again, either automatically or manually.

On va maintenant se référer à la figure 2 qui représente un schéma simplifié d'une pièce d'horlogerie suivant l'invention.We will now refer to Figure 2 which represents a simplified diagram of a timepiece according to the invention.

Elle comporte une génératrice symbolisée par le rectangle 1 comportant un rotor aimanté 2 et au moins un bobinage 3. Le rotor est couplé mécaniquement, par exemple à travers un rouage 4 symbolisé par des traits en pointillé, à un barillet 5 dans lequel est logé un ressort 6. Celui-ci peut être armé par un mécanisme de remontage, manuel ou automatique, connu en soi et non représenté sur la figure. Le rouage 4 est couplé également à un jeu d'aiguilles indicatrices de l'heure composé d'une aiguilles des heures 7, d'une aiguille des minutes 8 et d'une aiguille des secondes 9. Les aiguilles sont couplées entre elles de la façon habituelle avec les rapports de démultiplication appropriés, et rigidement liées au rotor de la génératrice 1. De ce fait, elles tournent tant que le rotor 2 est en mouvement.It includes a generator symbolized by the rectangle 1 comprising a magnetic rotor 2 and at least one winding 3. The rotor is mechanically coupled, for example through a cog 4 symbolized by lines in dotted, to a barrel 5 in which is housed a spring 6. It can be armed by a winding mechanism, manual or automatic, known per se and not shown on the figure. The cog 4 is also coupled to a game hour indicator hands composed of a 7 hour hands, 8 minute hand and a second hand 9. The hands are coupled between them in the usual way with the reports of gear reduction, rigidly linked to the rotor of generator 1. As a result, they rotate as long as the rotor 2 is in motion.

La génératrice 1 délivre une tension alternative à ses bornes 1a et 1b à une fréquence de 21,3 Hz (64/3 Hz) et d'une valeur maximale de 1,2 Volt, par exemple. La génératrice 1 est connectée à un redresseur par exemple à double alternance 10 à la sortie de laquelle est connecté un circuit intégré 11 dont certains composants forment un circuit régulateur de la vitesse de rotation de la génératrice 1. Le circuit intégré 11 reçoit des potentiels continus VDD et VSS. Il est à noter que la figure 2 ne représente du circuit intégré 11 que les composants qui sont essentiels pour la mise en oeuvre du concept de l'invention.The generator 1 delivers an alternating voltage at its terminals 1a and 1b at a frequency of 21.3 Hz (64/3 Hz) and with a maximum value of 1.2 Volt, for example. The generator 1 is connected to a rectifier, for example a full-wave rectifier 10, to the output of which an integrated circuit 11 is connected, certain components of which form a circuit regulating the speed of rotation of the generator 1. The integrated circuit 11 receives continuous potentials V DD and V SS . It should be noted that FIG. 2 represents of the integrated circuit 11 only the components which are essential for the implementation of the concept of the invention.

Un quartz 12 pilote un oscillateur faisant partie du circuit intégré 11 en délivrant un signal impulsionnel d'une fréquence de 32 768 Hz à un diviseur de fréquence 13, le tout formant une base de temps.A quartz 12 drives an oscillator that is part of the integrated circuit 11 by delivering a pulse signal from a frequency of 32,768 Hz to a frequency divider 13, the whole forming a time base.

Ce diviseur comprend une borne 14 délivrant un signal dont la fréquence correspond à la fréquence nominale que doit délivrer la génératrice 1 pour que les aiguilles 7, 8 et 9 indiquent l'heure exacte. Dans l'exemple décrit, cette fréquence nominale est de 21,3 Hz (64/3/Hz). La sortie 14 est connectée à l'entrée de comptage 15 d'un compteur réversible 16.This divider includes a terminal 14 delivering a signal whose frequency corresponds to the nominal frequency that must deliver the generator 1 so that the needles 7, 8 and 9 indicate the exact time. In the example described, this nominal frequency is 21.3 Hz (64/3 / Hz). The output 14 is connected to the counting input 15 of a reversible counter 16.

La borne 1a de la génératrice 1 est connectée à l'une des entrées d'un comparateur 17 dont l'autre entrée est reliée à une source de potentiel de référence 18 comme la masse par exemple. La sortie du comparateur 17 est reliée à l'entrée de décomptage 19 du compteur réversible 16.Terminal 1a of generator 1 is connected to one inputs of a comparator 17 whose other input is connected to a reference potential source 18 like the mass for example. The output of comparator 17 is connected at the countdown input 19 of the reversible counter 16.

Le comparateur 17 délivre une impulsion de sortie au compteur réversible 16 dès que la tension sur la borne 1a de la génératrice monte légèrement au-dessus du potentiel de la masse. Par conséquent, dans l'exemple, à supposer que la génératrice 1 tourne exactement à la vitesse nominale correspondant à une fréquence de 21,3 Hz, le contenu du compteur réversible 16 devra être égal à zéro à la fin de chaque alternance de la tension de sortie de la génératrice.Comparator 17 delivers an output pulse to the reversible counter 16 as soon as the voltage on terminal 1a of the generator rises slightly above the potential mass. Therefore, in the example, assuming that generator 1 is rotating at exactly the speed nominal corresponding to a frequency of 21.3 Hz, the content of reversible counter 16 must be equal to zero at the end of each half-wave of the output voltage of the generator.

La sortie du compteur réversible 16 est connectée à une logique de décision 20 qui, en fonction de certains critères prédéterminés sur lesquels on va revenir ci-après, produit un signal de sortie à une borne 21, les critères étant matérialisés par câblage d'un certain nombre de portes élémentaires qui composent cette logique de décision. L'homme de métier, connaissant ses critères après avoir examiné la présente description, sera capable de réaliser la logique de décision de sorte que l'on ne la décrit pas en détail ici.The output of the reversible counter 16 is connected to a decision logic 20 which according to some predetermined criteria which we will come back to below, produces an output signal at terminal 21, the criteria being materialized by wiring a certain number of elementary doors that make up this logic of decision. The skilled person, knowing his criteria after reviewing this description, will be able to realize the decision logic so that we don't not described in detail here.

Le signal présent sur la borne de sortie 21 est appliqué à l'électrode de commande d'un composant de commutation 22 commandant sélectivement le freinage de la génératrice 1. Ce composant de commutation 22 peut être un transistor MOS dont le trajet source-drain est relié entre les bornes 1a et 1b de la génératrice 1. The signal present on the output terminal 21 is applied to the control electrode of a component of switching 22 selectively controlling the braking of the generator 1. This switching component 22 can be a MOS transistor whose source-drain path is connected between terminals 1a and 1b of generator 1.

Le circuit régulateur suivant l'invention fait également intervenir un circuit 23 dit "de démarrage" que l'on désigne habituellement par circuit POR (acronyme de l'expression anglo-saxonne Power-On-Reset). Comme le savent les spécialistes, un tel circuit POR est normalement prévu dans la plupart des circuits intégrés et en particulier dans ceux utilisés dans les pièces d'horlogerie électroniques, pour positionner les composants du circuit intégré dans un certain état logique pour qu'au moment où il est mis sous tension, ces composants puissent commencer à fonctionner avec le bon état logique.The regulator circuit according to the invention makes also intervene a circuit 23 called "starting" that usually designated by POR circuit (acronym of the Anglo-Saxon expression Power-On-Reset). As the know specialists, such a POR circuit is normally expected in most integrated circuits and especially in those used in rooms electronic watchmaking, to position the components of the integrated circuit in a certain logical state so that when it is powered up, these components can start working with the right logical state.

Dans le dispositif selon l'invention, le circuit de démarrage 23 comprend deux sorties 23a et 23b complémentaires, changeant de niveau logique lorsque la tension fournie au circuit intégré 11 franchit, respectivement dans un sens ou dans l'autre une valeur prédéterminée. Dans l'exemple décrit, cette valeur peut être de 0,7 volt environ en faisant abstraction de l'hystérèse que peut subir ce signal.In the device according to the invention, the circuit start-up 23 includes two outputs 23a and 23b complementary, changing logical level when the voltage supplied to the integrated circuit 11 crosses, respectively in one direction or the other a value predetermined. In the example described, this value can be about 0.7 volts excluding the hysteresis that this signal can undergo.

Pour ce qui concerne en particulier la présente invention, la sortie 23a du circuit de démarrage 23 est connectée au compteur réversible 16 dont elle met le contenu a "1", lorsque son niveau logique passe de "0" à "1".With particular regard to this invention, the output 23a of the starting circuit 23 is connected to the reversible counter 16 of which it puts the content has "1", when its logic level goes from "0" to "1".

La sortie 23b est reliée à un composant de commutation 24 de commande de freinage prononcé. Ce dernier peut être formé par un transistor PMOS dont le trajet drain-source est connecté en série avec une résistance 25, l'ensemble de ces deux composants formant un shunt monté en parallèle sur les bornes d'alimentation VDD et VSS du circuit intégré 11. Le composant de commutation est rendu conducteur, lorsque le niveau logique à la sortie 23b du circuit de démarrage 23 passe de "1" à "0".The output 23b is connected to a switching component 24 for pronounced braking control. The latter can be formed by a PMOS transistor whose drain-source path is connected in series with a resistor 25, all of these two components forming a shunt mounted in parallel on the supply terminals V DD and V SS of the circuit. integrated 11. The switching component is made conductive when the logic level at output 23b of the starting circuit 23 changes from "1" to "0".

Le fonctionnement de la pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention est le suivant.The functioning of the timepiece according to the invention is as follows.

Lorsqu'après le remontage complet du ressort de barillet 6, la pièce d'horlogerie fonctionne normalement, le circuit régulateur selon l'invention est chargé de limiter la vitesse de rotation de la génératrice 1, car celle-ci, en l'absence d'une telle limitation, aurait tendance à s'emballer jusqu'à épuisement de l'énergie accumulée dans le ressort tout en entraínant les aiguilles à grande vitesse.When after the complete reassembly of the barrel 6, the timepiece functions normally, the regulator circuit according to the invention is responsible for limit the speed of rotation of generator 1, because the latter, in the absence of such a limitation, would have tendency to get carried away until exhaustion of energy accumulated in the spring while driving the needles high speed.

La limitation de la vitesse de rotation est opérée grâce à la présence du transistor de commande de freinage 22 qui peut court-circuiter les bornes 1a et 1b de la génératrice et donc freiner électriquement celle-ci, lorsqu'il reçoit un signal correspondant de la logique de décision 20. Celle-ci analyse en permanence le contenu du compteur réversible 16 et délivre un signal de commande au transistor 22 dès que la position du compteur 16 devient égale à "-1". C'est en effet dans ces conditions que la fréquence de la génératrice est supérieure à celle délivrée par le diviseur 13 et que les aiguilles 7, 8 et 9 vont avoir tendance à tourner trop vite. Il convient alors de rendre conducteur le transistor 22 pour ramener la vitesse de la génératrice à sa vitesse nominale correspondant à l'indication de l'heure exacte.The speed limit is operated thanks to the presence of the brake control transistor 22 which can short-circuit terminals 1a and 1b of the generator and therefore electrically brake it, when it receives a corresponding signal from the logic of decision 20. This permanently analyzes the content of the reversible counter 16 and delivers a control signal to the transistor 22 as soon as the position of the counter 16 becomes equal to "-1". It is indeed under these conditions that the generator frequency is higher than that delivered by the divider 13 and that the needles 7, 8 and 9 will tend to spin too fast. It should then to make the transistor 22 conductive to bring the generator speed at nominal speed corresponding to the indication of the exact time.

Ainsi, pour maintenir la vitesse nominale de la génératrice 1, le circuit régulateur compare en permanence la fréquence standard fournie par le diviseur 13 à celle de la tension délivrée sur la borne 1a de la génératrice 1 et analysée par le comparateur 17.So to maintain the rated speed of the generator 1, the regulator circuit constantly compares the standard frequency provided by the divider 13 to that of the voltage delivered to terminal 1a of generator 1 and analyzed by the comparator 17.

Dans l'exemple décrit, ce mode de fonctionnement perdure pendant environ 5,3 tours du barillet 5 (un peu plus d'une quarantaine d'heures) à supposer naturellement que le ressort 6 n'est pas remonté manuellement ou automatiquement. Au fur et à mesure que s'écoule cet intervalle de temps, la récurrence des freinages successifs devient de plus en plus faible. Il est à noter également que pendant ce mode de fonctionnement, la mise en court-circuit récurrente de la génératrice 1 par le transistor 22 ne perturbera pas le fonctionnement du circuit intégré 11, deux condensateurs de lissage (non représenté) d'une capacité relativement grande et prévus dans le redresseur 10, permettant de fournir en permanence la tension nécessaire à cet effet.In the example described, this operating mode lasts for around 5.3 turns of barrel 5 (a little more than forty hours) to assume naturally the spring 6 has not been wound manually or automatically. As this time interval, recurrence of braking successive becomes increasingly weak. Note also that during this operating mode the setting in recurrent short-circuit of generator 1 by the transistor 22 will not disturb the operation of the integrated circuit 11, two smoothing capacitors (not shown) of relatively large capacity and planned in rectifier 10, making it possible to continuously supply the voltage necessary for this purpose.

Lorsque la valeur du couple fourni par le barillet 5 descend jusqu'à la valeur Ccritique (point Cc sur la figure 1), la génératrice tourne à une vitesse telle que sa fréquence n'est plus suffisante pour que dans le compteur réversible 16 les impulsions provenant du diviseur 13 soient compensées par les impulsions élaborées par le comparateur 17. Cependant, la tension que la génératrice fournit au circuit intégré 11 est encore suffisante pour le faire fonctionner. Le compteur voit ainsi augmenter son contenu jusqu'à une valeur limite prédéterminée correspondant par exemple à sa capacité positive totale (débordement du compteur). Dans l'exemple, cette valeur peut être égale à 512, ce qui correspond, en tenant compte de la fréquence avec laquelle le signal sur la borne 15 du compteur 16 le fait progresser, à 24 secondes environ. La logique de décision 20 est câblée également pour détecter cette valeur limite prédéterminée.When the value of the torque supplied by the barrel 5 drops to the critical value C (point C c in Figure 1), the generator rotates at a speed such that its frequency is no longer sufficient for that in the reversible counter 16 the pulses from the divider 13 are compensated by the pulses produced by the comparator 17. However, the voltage that the generator supplies to the integrated circuit 11 is still sufficient to make it work. The counter thus sees its content increase to a predetermined limit value corresponding for example to its total positive capacity (overflow of the counter). In the example, this value can be equal to 512, which corresponds, taking into account the frequency with which the signal on terminal 15 of counter 16 makes it progress, to approximately 24 seconds. The decision logic 20 is also wired to detect this predetermined limit value.

Par conséquent, dès que cette valeur est atteinte, la logique de décision 20 rend conducteur le transistor de freinage 22 pour réduire la vitesse de rotation de la génératrice 1. Celle-ci ayant tournée à une vitesse inférieure à la vitesse nominale pendant le remplissage du compteur/décompteur 16, les aiguilles 7, 8 et 9 ont pris un retard par rapport à l'heure exacte, égal au temps de remplissage de celui-ci (24 secondes dans l'exemple).Therefore, as soon as this value is reached, the decision logic 20 turns on the transistor braking 22 to reduce the rotation speed of the generator 1. This one having rotated at a speed lower than the nominal speed while filling the up / down counter 16, hands 7, 8 and 9 have taken a delay from the exact time, equal to the time of filling it (24 seconds in the example).

La génératrice 1 étant freinée, la tension fournie au circuit intégré 11 descend à une valeur faible et dès que les condensateurs de lissage du redresseur 10 sont suffisamment déchargés, cette valeur devient inférieure à celle à laquelle le circuit intégré peut encore fonctionner correctement (typiquement 0,7 volt). Ceci, entre autres rend non conducteur le transistor de freinage 22 qui ne reçoit plus de signal de commande de la logique de décision 20. En outre, comme la tension aux bornes du circuit intégré descend en dessous de la valeur à laquelle le circuit de démarrage 23 réagit, les niveaux logiques des signaux sur les sorties 23a et 23b sont inversés.With generator 1 braked, the voltage supplied to integrated circuit 11 drops to a low value and as soon as the smoothing capacitors of rectifier 10 are sufficiently discharged, this value becomes less than one at which the integrated circuit can still operate correctly (typically 0.7 volts). This, among other things makes the braking transistor non-conductive 22 which no longer receives logic control signal decision 20. In addition, as the voltage across the integrated circuit drops below the value at which the starting circuit 23 reacts, the logic levels signals on outputs 23a and 23b are inverted.

Dès lors, la génératrice 1 peut reprendre de la vitesse et la tension fournie au circuit intégré 11 augmenter jusqu'à ce que le circuit de démarrage 23 réagisse de nouveau et fasse changer d'état en sens inverse les niveaux logiques sur ses bornes 23a et 23b, pendant qu'en même temps le circuit intégré 11 recommence à fonctionner.From then on, generator 1 can resume speed and voltage supplied to the integrated circuit 11 increase until the starting circuit 23 react again and change state in direction reverse the logic levels on its terminals 23a and 23b, while at the same time the integrated circuit 11 starts again to operate.

Les opérations que l'on vient de décrire se déroulent au tout début de la phase PFI qui peut cependant durer quelques heures si le ressort 6 n'est pas remonté, ce qui se traduit par une avance saccadée du type "EOL" connu pour les montres à quartz entraínées par un moteur. La suite du fonctionnement de la pièce d'horlogerie pendant cette phase est illustrée sur la figure 3. Cette figure représente en a) l'évolution du niveau logique de la sortie 23a du circuit de démarrage 23 à ce stade du fonctionnement. Le diagramme b) de la figure 3 montre comment peut évoluer le nombre N contenu dans le compteur réversible 16 (courbe C) à partir du moment où les signaux POR sur les bornes 23a et 23b changent d'état en sens inverse comme on vient de le décrire. Ce moment est indiqué par le temps t0 sur la figure 3 en b).The operations that we have just described take place at the very beginning of the P FI phase which can however last a few hours if the spring 6 is not wound up, which results in a jerky advance of the "EOL" type known for quartz watches driven by a motor. The continuation of the operation of the timepiece during this phase is illustrated in FIG. 3. This figure represents in a) the evolution of the logic level of the output 23a of the starting circuit 23 at this stage of operation. Diagram b) of FIG. 3 shows how the number N contained in the reversible counter 16 can evolve (curve C) from the moment when the signals POR on the terminals 23a and 23b change state in the opposite direction as we have just describe it. This moment is indicated by the time t 0 in FIG. 3 in b).

On a vu que le signal POR (sortie 23a) est appliqué au compteur 16. Par conséquent, lorsque ce signal passe à "1" au temps t0, le nombre N dans ce compteur 16 passe à +1. Par ailleurs, la logique de décision 20 est connectée au diviseur 13 pour en recevoir un signal temporel établissant une durée prédéterminée DP qui dans le présent exemple est choisie à 4 secondes. La logique de décision 20 est également capable de fournir un signal de commande pour le transistor 22, lorsqu'au bout de cette durée prédéterminée DP, le contenu du compteur 16 atteint une valeur critique (N=Ncritique) ou dépasse cette valeur.We have seen that the signal POR (output 23a) is applied to the counter 16. Consequently, when this signal goes to "1" at time t 0 , the number N in this counter 16 goes to +1. Furthermore, the decision logic 20 is connected to the divider 13 to receive a time signal establishing a predetermined duration DP which in the present example is chosen at 4 seconds. The decision logic 20 is also capable of providing a control signal for the transistor 22, when at the end of this predetermined duration DP, the content of the counter 16 reaches a critical value (N = N critical ) or exceeds this value.

Malgré le fait que pendant la phase PFI, la génératrice 1 tourne toujours à une vitesse inférieure à la vitesse nominale, elle va néanmoins faire tourner les aiguilles assez rapidement par rapport à la vitesse nominale de l'heure exacte et pour ce qui concerne l'aiguille des secondes sur un angle suffisant (typiquement de plusieurs secondes à la fois) pour que le phénomène soit facilement perceptible par l'utilisateur de la pièce d'horlogerie et incite celui-ci à effectuer le remontage.Despite the fact that during phase P FI , the generator 1 always rotates at a speed lower than the nominal speed, it will nevertheless rotate the hands relatively quickly with respect to the nominal speed of the exact time and as regards the seconds hand over a sufficient angle (typically several seconds at a time) so that the phenomenon is easily perceptible by the user of the timepiece and encourages the latter to perform the winding.

Cependant, lorsque la génératrice 1 tourne pendant la phase PFI, les impulsions qui parviennent au compteur 16 par l'intermédiaire du comparateur 17 ont toujours une fréquence inférieure à celle fournie par le diviseur 13. Le compteur 16 va donc se remplir dans le sens positif. Le critère imposé par la logique de décision 20 revient ainsi à commander le transistor de freinage 22 si le contenu du compteur atteint la valeur Ncritique ou dépasse cette valeur avant l'expiration de la durée prédéterminée DP fixée par le diviseur 13. La figure 3 illustre ce processus par deux courbes C et D, la courbe C correspondant au cas où la valeur Ncritique est atteinte juste à l'expiration de la durée prédéterminée. La courbe D montre le cas où à l'expiration de la durée prédéterminée DP, le compteur 16 contient une valeur N2 bien supérieure à la valeur critique. Lorsque la logique de décision 20 commande ainsi le transistor de freinage 22 au bout de la durée DP, la génératrice 1 est freinée, la tension fournie au circuit 11 diminue fortement au point que ce dernier cesse de fonctionner, le transistor de freinage 22 est de nouveau rendu non conducteur et la génératrice redémarre entraínant une nouvelle fois l'aiguille des secondes à une allure saccadée. Ce processus peut se répéter tant que l'un ou l'autre des deux événements suivants ne soit pas intervenu.However, when the generator 1 rotates during phase P FI , the pulses which reach the counter 16 via the comparator 17 always have a frequency lower than that supplied by the divider 13. The counter 16 will therefore fill in the direction positive. The criterion imposed by the decision logic 20 thus amounts to controlling the braking transistor 22 if the content of the counter reaches the critical value N or exceeds this value before the expiration of the predetermined duration DP fixed by the divider 13. FIG. 3 illustrates this process by two curves C and D, the curve C corresponding to the case where the critical value N is reached just at the expiration of the predetermined duration. Curve D shows the case where at the expiration of the predetermined duration DP, the counter 16 contains a value N 2 much greater than the critical value. When the decision logic 20 thus controls the braking transistor 22 at the end of the duration DP, the generator 1 is braked, the voltage supplied to the circuit 11 drops sharply to the point that the latter stops working, the braking transistor 22 is again made non-conductive and the generator restarts again causing the second hand to jerky. This process can be repeated until either of the following two events has occurred.

Le premier événement consiste en ce que l'utilisateur remonte le ressort manuellement ou recommence à porter la pièce d'horlogerie en lui imprimant des mouvements. Dans ce cas, le nombre accumulé dans le compteur 16 va baisser, car la génératrice 1 va rapidement retrouver la vitesse nominale et envoyer des impulsions au compteur 16 au même rythme que le diviseur 13. Cette éventualité est représentée sur la figure 3 par la courbe E.The first event is that the user manually wind the spring or start to wear the timepiece by imprinting movements on it. In this case, the number accumulated in the counter 16 will decrease, because generator 1 will quickly regain speed nominal and send pulses to counter 16 at the same rhythm as divider 13. This eventuality is shown in Figure 3 by curve E.

L'autre événement consiste en l'épuisement encore plus poussé de la réserve de marche moyennant quoi, lorsque la génératrice redémarre, la tension qu'elle fournit ne sera plus suffisante pour alimenter le circuit intégré 11. On rappelle que dans l'exemple décrit, la valeur correspondante est de 0,9 V. Le fonctionnement entre alors dans l'intervalle intermédiaire désignée par I sur la figure 1, pendant lequel les aiguilles tournent en permanence à une vitesse très lente, la génératrice ne pouvant plus être freinée par le transistor 22.The other event is exhaustion again further from the power reserve whereby, when the generator restarts, the voltage it supply will no longer be sufficient to supply the circuit integrated 11. Remember that in the example described, the corresponding value is 0.9 V. Operation then enters the intermediate interval designated by I in Figure 1, during which the hands rotate in permanently at a very slow speed, the generator does not can no longer be braked by transistor 22.

La vitesse de la génératrice se réduisant encore, le circuit de démarrage 23 va réagir au moment où la tension fournie au circuit intégré 11 franchit vers la bas la valeur de 0,7 volt, par exemple. Lorsque ceci se produit, le signal sur la borne 23b passe à "1" et rend conducteur le transistor 24. Ceci connecte entre les bornes d'alimentation VDD et VSS, le shunt formé par ce transistor 24 et la résistance 25. Celle-ci est choisie à une valeur telle que le courant s'établissant dans ce shunt absorbe une quantité d'énergie telle que le barillet 5 ne peut plus entraíner les aiguilles à une vitesse perceptible pour le porteur de la pièce d'horlogerie. Ce régime de très faible vitesse s'établit pendant toute la phase de freinage prononcé PFP qui dure jusqu'à l'épuisement quasi total de la réserve de marche.The speed of the generator further reducing, the starting circuit 23 will react when the voltage supplied to the integrated circuit 11 crosses downwards the value of 0.7 volts, for example. When this occurs, the signal on terminal 23b goes to "1" and makes transistor 24 conductive. This connects between the supply terminals V DD and V SS , the shunt formed by this transistor 24 and the resistor 25. That -It is chosen at a value such that the current established in this shunt absorbs an amount of energy such that the barrel 5 can no longer drive the hands at a speed perceptible to the wearer of the timepiece. This very low speed regime is established throughout the pronounced braking phase P FP which lasts until the almost total exhaustion of the power reserve.

La phase de freinage prononcé PFP, bien que facultative, est utile pour donner au porteur de la pièce d'horlogerie une information d'arrêt total (la rotation des l'aiguilles des secondes est alors trop faible pour être perceptible par le porteur. Sans cette phase, le porteur non attentif pourrait avoir l'impression que la pièce marche toujours, les aiguilles progressant toujours à une vitesse, certes lente, mais encore perceptible au porteur, surtout pendant un certain intervalle de temps suivant immédiatement la phase de freinage intermittent PFI. C'est d'ailleurs pour la même raison qu'il est utile de réduire autant que possible la durée de l'intervalle I (pendant lequel les aiguilles tournent déjà assez lentement, mais librement), ce que l'on peut obtenir en choisissant des valeurs très proches pour la tension minimale à laquelle le circuit intégré peut encore fonctionner et pour la tension à laquelle les signaux de sortie du circuit de démarrage 23 changent de niveau.The pronounced braking phase P FP , although optional, is useful for giving the wearer of the timepiece total stop information (the rotation of the seconds hands is then too low to be perceptible by the wearer. Without this phase, the non-attentive wearer could have the impression that the part is still working, the hands still progressing at a speed, admittedly slow, but still perceptible to the wearer, especially during a certain time interval immediately following the intermittent braking phase P FI . It is, moreover, for the same reason that it is useful to reduce as much as possible the duration of interval I (during which the hands already rotate quite slowly, but freely), which can be obtain by choosing very similar values for the minimum voltage at which the integrated circuit can still operate and for the voltage at which the output signals of the starting circuit 23 change from level.

Il est à noter en outre que la résistance 25 doit être choisie à une valeur telle que le shunt qu'elle constitue avec le transistor 25 n'empêche pas le redémarrage, lorsque le porteur procède au remontage du ressort 5 à partir de la phase de freinage prononcé PFP.It should also be noted that the resistor 25 must be chosen at a value such that the shunt that it constitutes with the transistor 25 does not prevent restarting, when the carrier proceeds to reassemble the spring 5 from the phase of pronounced braking P FP .

La figure 4 illustre une variante de l'invention qui peut être ajoutée en complément à l'ensemble pour empêcher totalement la rotation de la génératrice 1 à la fin de la phase de freinage prononcé PFP. Cette variante consiste à placer au voisinage de la périphérie du rotor 2 de la génératrice 1 un ou plusieurs aimants 26 de très faible force d'attraction et capables d'imposer un faible couple de positionnement à ce rotor, couple qui, afin de ne pas empêcher le redémarrage, ne doit pas être supérieur au couple que le barillet sera capable de fournir lorsque la réserve de marche est quasiment entièrement épuisée.FIG. 4 illustrates a variant of the invention which can be added in addition to the assembly to completely prevent rotation of the generator 1 at the end of the pronounced braking phase P FP . This variant consists in placing in the vicinity of the periphery of the rotor 2 of the generator 1 one or more magnets 26 of very low attraction force and capable of imposing a low positioning torque on this rotor, a torque which, in order not to prevent restarting, must not be greater than the torque that the barrel will be able to provide when the power reserve is almost entirely used up.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté à titre d'exemple sur la figure 4, le rotor 2 montré en plan comporte des aimants orientés perpendiculairement au plan du dessin. Ils sont alternativement Nord et Sud selon le pourtour du rotor. Les aimants 26 sont placés à côté du rotor selon la même orientation.In the embodiment shown as example in Figure 4, the rotor 2 shown in plan has magnets oriented perpendicular to the plane drawing. They are alternately North and South depending on the around the rotor. The magnets 26 are placed next to the rotor in the same orientation.

Claims (7)

  1. Electronic timepiece comprising :
    an a.c. voltage generator (1) connected to a rectifier (10) intended to supply an electronic circuit (11) of the timepiece,
    a spring barrel (5, 6) coupled to said generator (1) for the driving thereof,
    a set of time indicating hands (7, 8, 9) also driven by said barrel, (5, 6),
       said electronic circuit (11) comprising:
    a time base (12, 13) intended to provide a standard frequency signal,
    comparing means (16, 17) for comparing the frequency of said time base (12, 13) to the frequency of said a.c. voltage in order to generate an error signal, and
    verifying means (20) connected to said comparing means (16, 17) for verifying whether said error signal passes a first predetermined threshold, and
    braking means (22) controlled by said verifying means (20) for electrically braking said generator (1) when said error signal passes said first predetermined threshold,
       said timepiece being characterized in that
    said verifying means (20) are also arranged to verify whether said error signal passes a second predetermined threshold greater than said first predetermined threshold and evidencing a predetermined degree of depletion of the power reserve of said barrel (5, 6), said braking means (22) being also controlled when said second threshold is passed,
    said verifying means (20) being further arranged to verify whether, after said error signal has passed said second predetermined threshold, said error signal becomes at least equal to a third predetermined threshold, during a predetermined period of time to control said braking means at the expiry of said period of time;
    in such a way that said hands (7, 8, 9) indicate said state of depletion by a rotation at a higher speed than the speed corresponding to the indication of the correct time, each time that said error signal reaches or passes said third predetermined threshold.
  2. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that said comparing means comprise a reversible counter (16) whose first input (15) receives the signal from said time base and whose second input (19) receives a pulse signal having the instantaneous frequency of the voltage supplied by said generator (1).
  3. Timepiece according to claim 2, characterized in that the second input (19) of said reversible counter (16) is connected to the output of a comparator (17) whose first input connected to an output terminal (1a) of said generator (1) and whose second input is connected to a reference voltage source (18).
  4. Timepiece according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said verifying means (20) comprise a wired logic arranged to analyse selectively the output of said reversible counter (16) as a function of three of its positions representing respectively said first, second and third predetermined thresholds.
  5. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said integrated circuit (11) comprises a starting circuit (23) called a POR circuit, characterized in that it also comprises a resistive shunt (24, 25) able to be selectively connected to the output terminals of said rectifier (10), when said starting circuit (23) notes that the voltage supplied by said rectifier (10) falls below a predetermined value.
  6. Timepiece according to claim 5, characterized in that said resistive shunt comprises a resistor (25) set in series with a switching element (24) whose switching state is controlled by said starting circuit (23), said resistor being calibrated to allow restarting of the timepiece by rewinding of said barrel (5, 6) after total depletion of the power reserve.
  7. Timepiece according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises at least one magnet (27) placed in the vicinity of said generator (1) to impose a positioning torque on the rotor (2) of said generator of such a value that the timepiece can be restarted by rewinding said barrel (5, 6) after complete depletion of the power reserve.
EP97112585A 1996-08-01 1997-07-23 Electronic timepiece comprising a generator driven by a barrel spring Expired - Lifetime EP0822470B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9609747 1996-08-01
FR9609747A FR2752070B1 (en) 1996-08-01 1996-08-01 ELECTRONIC WATCHMAKING PIECE COMPRISING A GENERATOR DRIVEN BY A SPRING BARREL

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0822470A1 EP0822470A1 (en) 1998-02-04
EP0822470B1 true EP0822470B1 (en) 2000-10-11

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EP97112585A Expired - Lifetime EP0822470B1 (en) 1996-08-01 1997-07-23 Electronic timepiece comprising a generator driven by a barrel spring

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US (1) US5751666A (en)
EP (1) EP0822470B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4383551B2 (en)
CN (1) CN1108544C (en)
DE (1) DE69703275T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2752070B1 (en)
HK (1) HK1009530A1 (en)
SG (1) SG60087A1 (en)
TW (1) TW349190B (en)

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JP3627245B2 (en) 1997-09-30 2005-03-09 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Rotation control device and rotation control method
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JP3006593B2 (en) * 1997-09-30 2000-02-07 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Electronically controlled mechanical timepiece and control method thereof
JP3627653B2 (en) * 1998-11-19 2005-03-09 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Electronically controlled mechanical clock and control method thereof
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP4383551B2 (en) 2009-12-16
CN1176415A (en) 1998-03-18
SG60087A1 (en) 1999-02-22
JPH1082870A (en) 1998-03-31
HK1009530A1 (en) 1999-06-04
FR2752070A1 (en) 1998-02-06
US5751666A (en) 1998-05-12
FR2752070B1 (en) 1998-09-18
TW349190B (en) 1999-01-01
DE69703275T2 (en) 2001-05-17
DE69703275D1 (en) 2000-11-16
CN1108544C (en) 2003-05-14
EP0822470A1 (en) 1998-02-04

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