EP1821163A2 - Timepiece with generator - Google Patents

Abstract

The watch has an oscillating mass which is free to rotate around a fixed rotation axis with respect to the watch. An electric generator e.g. micro alternator, is driven in rotation by the mass. An electric energy storage module e.g. lithium-ion storage battery, is electrically connected to an output of the generator. A movement is supplied by the module and has a display module that is visible on a side of the watch. The module and the mass are disposed side by side at the same level. A glass (30) permits the vision of the mass from a front side of the watch.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a watch with a generator module for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy useful for the operation of the watch.

State of the art

The difficulties related to the energy supply of electronic wrist watches are known. Everyone knows, in particular, how much the periodic replacement of the battery, made by a specialized technician, is unpleasant and binding for the users.

Substitution of the battery includes, for the producer, the need to provide openings, often sealed, in the bottom of the watch, for example, to perform the substitution. These openings and additional parts involve additional costs for the watch.

Several watches incorporating autonomous generators of electrical energy have been proposed, for example in patents US6144621 and EP0927917 . In these watches the generator is often actuated by an oscillating mass, similar to the winding mass of the automatic mechanical watches, and charges an accumulator, which feeds a quartz watch movement, of known type.

• Une épaisseur plus élevée par rapport à une montre à quartz classique ;
• La difficulté de vérifier, à tout moment, si la montre est chargée correctement, et de connaître l'état de charge de l'accumulateur ;
• Si la montre n'est pas portée pendant une période de temps assez long, l'accumulateur peut se décharger complètement, et cela peut provoquer un démarrage difficile de la montre.

This type of watch, however, has a number of disadvantages, including:

• A higher thickness compared to a classic quartz watch;
• The difficulty of checking, at any time, whether the watch is charged correctly, and to know the state of charge of the accumulator;
• If the watch is not worn for a long period of time, the battery may discharge completely, and this may cause a difficult start of the watch.

Brief summary of the invention

The present invention therefore proposes to solve these difficulties and to propose a watch powered by a generator which is free from the disadvantages mentioned above.

Another object of the invention is to provide a watch in which the state of charge can be easily checked.

Another object of the invention is to provide a watch of simpler design and construction.

• une masse oscillante libre de tourner autour d'un axe de rotation fixe relativement à la montre ;
• une génératrice électrique, entraînée par la rotation de la masse oscillante ;
• un organe de stockage d'énergie électrique, connecté électriquement à la sortie de la génératrice électrique ;
• un mouvement, alimenté par l'organe de stockage, ledit garde-temps comprenant un module d'affichage visible sur la face de la montre ; caractérisé en ce que ladite masse oscillante est visible du côté face de la montre.

These objects are achieved by the subject of the independent claim, and in particular by a wristwatch comprising:

• an oscillating mass free to rotate about a fixed axis of rotation relative to the watch;
• an electric generator, driven by the rotation of the oscillating mass;
• an electrical energy storage member electrically connected to the output of the electric generator;
• a movement, powered by the storage member, said timepiece comprising a display module visible on the face of the watch; characterized in that said oscillating mass is visible on the face side of the watch.

In the present application, the "face" side of the watch indicates the upper side, the one where the time indicators are.

Brief description of the drawings

• La figure 1 illustre l'aspect extérieur d'une montre selon un aspect de l'invention;
• La figure 2 illustre, de manière schématique et non limitative, une disposition possible des organes internes d'une montre selon l'invention;
• La figure 3 exemplifie schématiquement les rapports entre les éléments de la montre de l'invention.

Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which:

• Figure 1 illustrates the appearance of a watch according to one aspect of the invention;
• FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic and nonlimiting illustration of a possible arrangement of the internal organs of a watch according to the invention;
• Figure 3 schematically exemplifies the relationships between the elements of the watch of the invention.

Example (s) of embodiment of the invention

FIG. 1 shows a watch 10 according to the invention comprising, in a box 20, a quartz digital watch movement, with a digital display device visible through the ice 40.

The box 20 is, for example, metal and arched to fit the curve of the wrist of the wearer, as shown in the figures. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to these features, and one could also consider a box arched or flat bottom, ceramic, plastic, composite, or any other suitable material.

The display device or dial preferably comprises two lines of alphanumeric characters and / or other graphic symbols. Preferably one line, for example the upper line, is intended for displaying the time, while the other line of display is used for displaying another function of the watch, for example a function chronograph, alarm clock, time zone, calendar, thermometer, altimeter, barometer, short messages, calculator, phone, calendar or any other function.

In addition, the present invention also includes variants with different display devices, for example analog needle displays, or mixed analog-digital displays.

The watch comprises input and control devices, for example the push button 24 on the caseband, to allow the user to control the operation of the watch, activate the various functions and perform the time setting, from conventional way.

Preferably the watch also comprises, on the middle and partially occupying the face, an easySkroll® type control roller 22, which can be actuated in rotation and pressure by the tip of a finger. This device is described in the patent application EP1422583 in the name of the applicant which is here incorporated by reference.

Other input devices are also possible and included within the scope of the present invention. Examples of non-exhaustive input devices include buttons on the face, conventional type crowns, magnetic contacts or touch-sensitive glass.

The ice 30 allows the vision of an oscillating mass, free to rotate about a fixed axis of rotation, driving an electric generator, not visible in Figure 1, which provides the power of the movement, as will be seen by the after. In the example, the ice 30 is separated from the ice 40 of the display. This arrangement makes it possible to hide the electrical elements between the generator and the display under portions of middle section. However, one could also realize the invention with a single curved or flat mirror, of appropriate shape, which protects both the display and the generator module, comprising the oscillating weight and the electric generator.

Depending on the shape chosen for the oscillating weight, the generator, which is, according to a variant of the invention, below the latter, can also be partially or completely visible.

The visibility of the oscillating weight adds a dynamic and aesthetically interesting aspect to the watch. Moreover, the user can also directly appreciate, by the observation of this mass, if the load of the watch takes place effectively.

Referring to Figure 2, we will now describe a possible arrangement of the elements of the watch of the invention. The watch comprises an oscillating mass 50, free to rotate following the movements of the wearer, around its central axis. The mass 50 causes, by a transmission not shown, the generator 55.

According to a variant not shown, the generator module comprises a spring, tensioned by the movement of the oscillating mass, and an automatic clutch device for actuating the generator when the spring tension exceeds a predetermined threshold. Once the spring is relaxed, the generator stops and this cycle, which can be repeated several times per minute if the carrier is very active, starts again.

This variant is advantageous because it makes it possible to rotate the generator very quickly, thus reducing part of the energy losses that take place if it turns too slowly. However, the generator 55 can be driven directly by the oscillating mass 50, with a synchronous transmission with a timely gear ratio always in engagement.

Generator 55 is for example a micro-alternator with permanent-magnet rotor, or any other known electric generator. The electrical output of the generator 55 is directed to the electrical storage module 60 which comprises, in a variant, a rechargeable battery and an electronic charger circuit, which transforms, by for example, the alternating current from the generator, in direct current suitable for charging the accumulator.

The accumulator will for example be a Li-ion, Li-Poly or NiMH battery, a supercapacitor or any other accumulator, depending on the circumstances.

The movement 80 is a quartz movement with digital display, for example, powered by the energy stored in the storage module 60.

According to a variant not shown, the watch has a ring that allows to manually rotate the generator, by a suitable transmission, and thus store in the module 60 sufficient load for the start of the watch, for example.

It can be seen that the three elements of the watch: the generator module comprising the oscillating mass 50, the generator 55 and the transmission, the storage module 60 and the movement 80, are mechanically independent of each other, and require only a few electrical interconnections to ensure the operation of the watch.

The display module 88 and the oscillating mass 50 are arranged side by side and substantially at the same level. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the watch and to obtain an aesthetically interesting result. Advantageously, the movement 80 and the generator module, comprising the oscillating mass 50 and the generator 55 are mounted in the box 20 independently and separately. In the illustrated example, the oscillating mass 50 and the generator 55 are superimposed, parallel to each other, but not parallel to the plane of movement 80 and its plate. Furthermore, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 2, the storage module 60 is neither parallel to the movement stage nor to the generator. This advantageous arrangement makes it possible to arrange the three elements juxtaposed according to an arc of a circle matching the shape of the wrist.

However, it is also possible to use as a storage module a storage element occupying the housing provided for this purpose for the battery in the movement of the watch.

Thanks to these unique characteristics of separation between the generator module and the movement, the construction and the design of the watch result simpler than in the case of a traditional construction on platinum. The elements of the watch can be placed with the greatest freedom and a rational and economical construction can be obtained which exploits the available volume optimally.

Moreover, the generator module with its oscillating weight can be placed next to an existing movement in the watch case. The movement can be constituted by an existing quartz electronic movement, available at low cost, and able to operate without the generator module with, if necessary, an adaptation of the software. The only material modifications to be made to this existing movement to extend its power reserve are to connect it electrically to the generator module, and possibly to replace the battery with a rechargeable battery.

With reference to FIG. 3, the movement 80 comprises a control unit 82, for example a microprocessor or a dedicated logic circuit ASIC, or an FPGA or equivalent programmable logic integrated circuit, whose operating rate is rigorously fixed by an oscillator. quartz 84. The control unit is supplied with energy by the storage module 60 and receives commands from the input devices 22 and 24 of the watch, to activate, for example, the various functions of the watch and control the display 88 appropriately.

Preferably, the control device comprises an energy monitoring module 86, which controls the state of charge of the battery of the storage module 60, as well as the powers delivered by the generator 55 and consumed by the movement 80. monitoring may be, for example, a dedicated electronic circuit, or a software module included in the firmware of the controller 82. It can also be partially or totally included in the storage module 60.

The state of charge of the battery can be obtained from its voltage and temperature, in a known manner, or by temporal integration of the charging and discharging currents, and the spontaneous discharge of the battery. Preferably, the state of charge of the battery will be obtained by an intelligent battery management system (Smart Battery System), which optimally integrates the electrical, thermal and historical data available to achieve a reliable determination of the state of the battery. charge.

According to a variant of the invention, the energy monitoring module ensures optimal management of the consumption of the watch, and can, if the charge of the battery falls below a predetermined level, for example, activate one or more low-power modes, for example by inactivating non-essential functions of the watch that consume significant power. Examples of non-essential functions but of high consumption include the lighting of the display, and the ringing.

Optionally a low power mode can reduce the power consumed by these functions, but not disable them completely. For example, you could reduce the intensity of the lighting and limit the volume and duration of the ring.

On the other hand, a low-power mode could also include disabling all interactive features and display. In this case the watch would be limited, in the low power mode, to keep the time internally until the storage module 60 reaches a satisfactory level of charge.

Finally, if the residual charge is no longer compatible with a steady march of motion, for example, a low mode consumption may comprise the total inactivation of the movement 80 and / or the display of a discharge indication.

According to one variant, one or more low consumption modes can be activated on the initiative of the wearer, for example by acting on one of the input devices 22, 24.

According to a variant of the invention, the activation of a low power mode can derive from an evaluation of other parameters than the state of charge of the battery. A low power mode may be activated, for example, when the average generated power is low or zero during a long time interval, indicating that the watch is not worn.

According to another aspect of the invention, the watch provides an energy balance display mode, in which the information concerning the state of charge and / or the power generated and consumed, available by the monitoring module 86, are presented. on the display 88.

Preferably the state of charge of the battery is converted into hours of operating autonomy, based on an average consumption forecast, for example. In this way it is possible to display, numerically or graphically, the instantaneous power reserve of the watch, ie the autonomy of the watch in the absence of recharging by the generator 55. As an alternative one can display, numerically or graphically, the load battery simply as a percentage of a maximum charge.

The display of the generated and consumed powers also allows the user to appreciate the autonomy of the watch. Preferably we will not display the instantaneous powers, very variable, but an average power calculated on an adequate time base, for example a few hours.

Claims (18)

Watch (10) comprising: - an oscillating mass (50) free to rotate about a fixed axis of rotation relative to the watch; - an electric generator (55) driven in rotation by the oscillating mass; - an electrical energy storage member (60), electrically connected to the output of the electric generator (55); - a movement (80), powered by the storage member (60), said movement comprising a display module (88) visible on the face of the watch; characterized in that said oscillating mass (50) is visible on the face side of the watch. The watch (10) of claim 1, wherein the oscillating weight (50) is located adjacent and substantially at the same level of the display module (88). The watch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the oscillating mass (50) drives the generator (55) through an always-engaged mechanical transmission. The watch (10) of claim 1 comprising a spring, tensioned by the movement of the oscillating mass and a clutch device, for actuating the generator (55) when the spring tension exceeds a predetermined threshold. Watch according to claim 1, characterized in that said movement (80) comprises an electronic oscillator (84) to quartz, and in that said display unit (88) is a digital display module. Watch according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said display module (88) comprises two lines of characters and alphanumeric and / or graphic symbols. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said generator (55) and said oscillating mass (50) are mechanically independent of said movement. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (86) for determining the electrical power generated by the generator (55) and the electric power consumed by the watch. Watch according to the preceding claim, characterized by an operating mode for displaying the energy balance of the storage member (60) and / or a power reserve corresponding to the state of charge of the storage member. Watch according to claim 8, wherein said powers are average powers for a given time. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a low consumption mode, in which at least some of the functions of the watch are totally or partially disabled. Watch according to the preceding claim, wherein said disabled functions comprise the display, and / or a ringing function and / or a lighting function. Watch according to claim 11, wherein the movement is totally inactive in the low power mode. The watch of claim 11 wherein the low power mode is user operable. The watch of claim 11, wherein the low power mode is autonomously enabled when the state of charge of the storage member (60) is below a predetermined threshold. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a connection for an external power source. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a device, for example a crown, for manually rotating the generator (55). Watch according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said movement is mounted in the watch case independently of said oscillating mass (50) and said generator (55).

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