EP3336618A1 - Watch case with control means using a rotating ring - Google Patents

Abstract

Watch box (1) comprising a wheel (3) for controlling a function of the watch, which can be manipulated by the user, movable in a housing (2) is arranged to allow a limited translational movement of a part ( 30) of the wheel (3) in a radial direction of the box (1), against elastic return means (5) arranged to move this part (30) away from the inside of the box (1), this housing (2) comprises a control detection means (7) detecting the presence of this part (30) closer to the center of the box (1) during a user-imposed support, and arranged to activate or deactivating sensor means (8) that comprises the box (1) near the housing (2), arranged to detect, during a rotational movement printed by the user at the wheel (3), the passage of transmitting means (9) that includes this wheel (3).

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a watch case, comprising a housing in which is rotated at least in rotation at least one control wheel of a display or a function of the watch, said wheel being arranged to be directly manipulated by the user of the watch at a peripheral contact surface.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a box.

The invention relates to the field of watch function control mechanisms for watches.

Background of the invention

To use the many features of a current watch, user interfaces are limited. The best known are the crown, the pushers, and the targets. Also known are touch screens, including areas corresponding to the selection of certain functions, or rotating glasses.

Many control means are fragile, or poorly adapted to use in all conditions.

Summary of the invention

The aim of the invention is to provide a new user interface that is more suited to a watch, in particular to a smart watch with electronic and / or communication functions, than these conventional solutions, which can also operate in a humid environment, or even in a computer. water, or with wet hands, while having good protection against shocks.

For this purpose, the invention relates to claim 1.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a box, arranged to enclose a watch movement, whose display or watch functions are arranged to be controlled by sensor means that includes this box.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, une boîte de montre selon l'invention, comportant un logement pour la réception d'une molette, interrompu par une ouverture dans laquelle est mobile un poussoir ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée, et en plan, la boîte de la figure 1, équipée d'un moyen de détection à proximité du poussoir, et de moyens capteurs à proximité du logement ;
• la figure 3 représente, de façon schématisée, et en plan, la boîte de la figure 2, équipée de la molette dans son logement, d'un mouvement d'horlogerie, et de moyens de pilotage connectés au moyen de détection et aux moyens capteurs, dans une position de repos de la molette;
• la figure 4 représente, de façon schématisée, et en plan, la boîte de la figure 3, dans une position activée de la molette par un appui d'un utilisateur;
• la figure 5 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, la boîte de la figure 3, dans une variante où un couvercle de révolution enferme la molette ;
• la figure 6 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, une bague en relief destinée à être introduite dans le logement de la boîte sous la molette, pour un effet de crantage ;
• la figure 7 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, la boîte de la figure 1, dans laquelle est insérée la bague crantée de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 8 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, la boîte de la figure 7, dans laquelle la molette est insérée au-dessus de la bague crantée de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 9 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, une molette comportant des moyens émetteurs constitués par des aimants, et comportant, en partie inférieure, des reliefs constitués par des ergots en vé agencés pour coopérer avec le profil en ligne brisée de la bague crantée de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 10 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, la coopération de la molette de la figure 9 et de la bague crantée de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 11 représente, de façon schématisée, et en plan, le détail du logement de la boîte de la figure 1 ;
• les figures 12, 13, 14, représentent, de façon schématisée, en plan 3 vues, la bague crantée de la figure 6 ;
• les figures 15 à 20 représentent, de façon schématisée, les principes de quelques variantes de l'invention :
• la figure 15 une boîte comportant des ouvertures pour la molette à 3h, 6h, 9h, 12h ;
• la figure 16, en coupe, le détail des ouvertures sur l'axe 3h-9h, et sur l'axe 6h-12h ;
• la figure 17 une boîte avec deux ouvertures à 3h et à 9h, avec un poussoir face à chacune de ces ouvertures ;
• la figure 17, en coupe, une boîte avec deux molettes selon l'invention, superposées, chacune coopérant avec une ouverture propre ;
• la figure 19 une boîte comportant des moyens capteurs logés dans une corne, coopérant avec la surface périphérique de la molette ;
• la figure 20 un poussoir combiné avec des moyens capteurs comportant un pignon coopérant avec une denture que comporte la molette ;
• la figure 21 est un schéma-blocs représentant une montre comportant un mouvement et une boîte selon l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 represents, schematically, and in perspective, a watch case according to the invention, comprising a housing for receiving a wheel, interrupted by an opening in which is movable a pusher;
• the figure 2 represents, schematically, and in plan, the box of the figure 1 equipped with a detection means near the pusher, and sensor means near the housing;
• the figure 3 represents, schematically, and in plan, the box of the figure 2 equipped with the wheel in its housing, a clockwork movement, and control means connected to the detection means and the sensor means, in a rest position of the wheel;
• the figure 4 represents, schematically, and in plan, the box of the figure 3 , in an activated position of the wheel by a support of a user;
• the figure 5 represents, schematically, and in perspective, the box of the figure 3 in a variant where a revolution cover encloses the wheel;
• the figure 6 represents, schematically, and in perspective, a raised ring intended to be introduced into the housing of the box under the wheel, for a notching effect;
• the figure 7 represents, schematically, and in perspective, the box of the figure 1 , in which is inserted the toothed ring of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 8 represents, schematically, and in perspective, the box of the figure 7 , in which the wheel is inserted above the toothed ring of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 9 represents schematically and in perspective, a wheel having emitter means constituted by magnets, and having, in the lower part, reliefs constituted by vee lugs arranged to cooperate with the broken line profile of the toothed ring of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 10 represents, schematically, and in perspective, the cooperation of the wheel of the figure 9 and the toothed ring of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 11 represents, schematically, and in plan, the detail of the housing of the box of the figure 1 ;
• the Figures 12, 13, 14 , represent, schematically, in plan 3 views, the notched ring of the figure 6 ;
• the Figures 15 to 20 schematically represent the principles of some variants of the invention:
• the figure 15 a box with openings for the wheel at 3h, 6h, 9h, 12h;
• the figure 16 , in section, the detail of the openings on the axis 3h-9h, and on the axis 6h-12h;
• the figure 17 a box with two openings at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, with a pusher facing each of these openings;
• the figure 17 , in section, a box with two wheels according to the invention, superimposed, each cooperating with a clean opening;
• the figure 19 a box comprising sensor means housed in a horn cooperating with the peripheral surface of the wheel;
• the figure 20 a pusher combined with sensor means comprising a pinion cooperating with a toothing that includes the wheel;
• the figure 21 is a block diagram showing a watch comprising a movement and a box according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to a watch case 1, comprising a housing 2 in which is movable, at least in rotation, at least one control wheel 3 of a display or a function of the watch. This wheel 3 is arranged to be handled directly by the user of the watch at a peripheral contact surface 4. The denomination "box" is to be taken in the broad sense: this box 1 can naturally be a middle or the like .

The Figures 1 and 2 show such a box 1, wherein the housing 2 is a groove-shaped groove, with, on either side of a bottom 20, an inner partition 21 and an outer partition 22. This outer partition 22 is interrupted between two edges 23 and 24, arranged to define an opening by which a user can operate a wheel 3 inserted in the housing 2, as visible on the figure 5 .

The geometry of the housing 2 allows the insertion, with play, of such a wheel 3, and allows in particular that the wheel 3 can turn and translate on a small distance, for example and not limited in the direction 3h-9h on the box 1 illustrated by the figures, and with an opening so that the user of the watch can perform two movements: push the wheel 3 radially, and make it turn.

According to the invention, this housing 2 is arranged to allow a limited movement of translation, between an inner end-stop and an outer end-of-travel, of at least one part 30 of the wheel 3 in a radial direction of the box 1 , against elastic return means 5 which are arranged to move the part 30 away from the inside of the box 1. It is understood that the part 30 is not always the same: it is only the part of the wheel 3, which faces at a given instant at the opening, defined in the figures by the two edges 23 and 24.

The figures illustrate a particular variant, wherein the housing 2 of the wheel 3 is in the immediate vicinity of the periphery of the box 1. Thus the wheel 3 surrounds a movement 100, without direct contact therewith.

Other variants are feasible, in particular with a small wheel, which does not circumnavigate the watch, but which is substantially tangent internally to its periphery, only a part 30 of the wheel 3 being, as before, accessible to the wheel. 'user. The housing 2 of this small wheel is also separated, in a sealed manner, the inner compartment of the box 1 which encloses the movement 100.

The elastic return means 5 provide the repulsion function of the wheel 3 towards the outside of the box 1 at rest, at the opening.

To ensure the support detection function when the wheel 3 is depressed near the housing 2, the box 1 also comprises at least a first control detection means 7, which is arranged to detect the presence of the part 30 of the wheel 3 closer to the center of the box 1 during a user-imposed support, including the end of internal race.

In a particular and nonlimiting way, and as visible on the Figures 1 to 4 , the box 1 may be provided with a pusher 54 constituting these elastic return means 5, which constrains the wheel 3 in an extreme position in the direction in which it can translate, in the 3h position in the particular case of the figures. More particularly, this pusher 54 comprises a head 53 in the form of a pad to facilitate the rotation of the wheel 3. On the inside of the box 1, this pusher 54, which passes through the inner partition 21 here, comprises an arranged tail to cooperate with a first control detection means 7. Because of its small dimensions, such a pusher 54 poses little problem sealing. For a more demanding environment, such as a diving watch or the like, it may be advantageous to dissociate, on the one hand, the repulsion function of the wheel 3 towards the outside of the box 1 at rest, at the level of the opening , for example by a leaf spring or the like, and on the other hand the function of detecting the support during the driving of the wheel 3, by a strain gauge in the internal partition 21, an inductive sensor, the use of a deformable partition, or other.

The figure 3 shows the system at rest, the pusher 54 keeps the wheel 3 to the position at 3 o'clock.

The figure 4 shows the system when a user presses the wheel 3: his local area 30 translates from a position at 3 o'clock to the 9 o'clock position, the pusher 54 is pushed towards the inside of the box 1. For example, it detects this pressure by an electronic module in the movement 100 of the watch 200.

This first detection means 7 is arranged to activate or deactivate sensor means 8 that includes the box 1 near the housing 2, which sensor means 8 are arranged to detect, during a rotational movement printed by the user to the wheel 3, the passage of transmitter means 9 that includes the wheel 3.

More particularly, the sensor means 8 are kept remote from the emitter means 9, it is then a contactless interaction.

In a particular variant, at least one of the sensor means 8 is arranged to detect the direction of passage or / and the reversal of the direction of passage of an emitter means 9.

In a particular variant, at least one of the sensor means 8 is arranged to detect the angular difference between two successive emitter means 9.

In a particular variant, at least two of the sensor means 8 are arranged to detect the passage of the same transmitter means 9.

In a particular variant, at least one of the sensor means 8 is arranged to measure the rotation angle of the wheel 3, traveled since a control detection performed by the first detection means 7.

In a particular variant, at least one of the sensor means 8 is arranged to change its position during the passage of a transmitter means 9 to its proximity. More particularly, such a sensor means 8 constitutes a mechanical rocker, arranged to control a mechanical or electronic function of a clockwork movement 100 contained in the box 1. The mechanism according to the invention can thus, in a particular variant, to be completely mechanical. The combination of the mobile trip and stop components can also be sequential. For example, any movement of rotation of the wheel can trigger successively, on a chronograph mechanism, the start, stop, and reset.

In an advantageous variant, the box 1 comprises control means 10, which are arranged to manage the signals transmitted and received at the first detection means 7 and the sensor means 8, to activate or deactivate these sensor means 8, and for when the sensor means 8 are activated, analyzing the number of emitter means 9 identified by the sensor means 8, and / or the angular deviation of the emitter means 9 two by two, and / or the direction of passage of the emitter means 9, to transform the result of the analysis into an order of display or activation of a function of the watch, addressed to a watch movement 100 contained in the box 1. More particularly, the detection means 7, and / or the sensor means 8, and / or the control means 10, are of the electronic type.

In a particular variant, the wheel 3 is flexible and constitutes itself the elastic return means 5. In this variant the housing 2 may consist of a groove of revolution, perfectly annular, and the pusher 54, arranged for the detection of the bearing pressure, advantageously plays the additional role of a tensioner of this flexible wheel 3, and locally gives the circular shape to this flexible wheel 3.

In another particular variant, illustrated by the figures, the wheel 3 is rigid, and the elastic return means 5 comprise a pusher 54, which is arranged to bear on the wheel 3 by its head 53.

In a particular variant, illustrated by the figures, the wheel 3 is annular, and the housing 2 is an oval having two half-rings connected by two straight sections, as visible on the figure 11 . In one variant each half-ring is not strictly of revolution, but the outermost circle, opening on the opening, has an eccentricity, a little greater than the value. the offset between the two inner circles, so that the wheel 3 protrudes from one side of the middle part but not from the other.

Other forms of housing are conceivable, for example substantially elliptical, or substantially annular, of variable width, and whose projection on any parallel to the radial direction of the box 1 is at least equal to the difference between the end of inner race and the outer race. Preferably, the housing 2 is shaped such that the game is as small as possible between the wheel 3 and the inner 21 and outer 22 walls, without causing excessive friction.

In a particular variant, the first detection means 7 is a switch actuated by the elastic return means 5 or a pusher 54 that comprise the elastic return means 5.

In the variant illustrated by the figures, the wheel 3 is provided with magnets which constitute the emitter means 9, in particular but not exclusively, arranged in a regular manner around its entire periphery, which allows the detection of the rotation of the wheel 3, via one or more sensors inside the middle part which constitute the sensor means 8.

Thus, in a particular variant, the sensor means 8 are magnetic sensors, which are arranged to detect, once activated, the passage of magnets 91 that comprise the emitter means 9. More particularly, these magnets 91 are arranged in a step constant angular around the wheel 3. In another variant, these magnets 91 are arranged in different angular steps around the wheel 3.

In a particular variant, the wheel 3 comprises, on a face arranged to cooperate with the bottom 20 of the housing 2, a relief 31 which is arranged to cooperate with a complementary relief 21 that comprises the bottom 20, for braking by notching during the rotation of the wheel 3.

In a particular embodiment, the wheel 3 comprises, on a face arranged to cooperate with the bottom 20 of the housing 2, a relief 31 which is arranged to cooperate with a ring 39 in relief interposed between the wheel 3 and the bottom 20, for a braking by detent during the rotation of the wheel 3. More particularly, this ring 39 in relief is an elastic ring. More particularly, this ring 39 in relief comprises at least one tab 38 stop radial, arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner with a recess 28 of the housing 2.

Thus one simply realizes a notching system for the wheel, more enjoyable for the user than a simple friction. Such a ring 39 with a repetition of bumps and depressions is inserted in the housing 2 with the wheel 3, which is provided on its underside with at least one relief 31. The Figures 9, 10 , 13, 14 , show two such reliefs 31 constituted by V-shaped lugs. Thus, when the wheel 3 rotates, each lug 31 vee jumps from one hollow of the ring to another.

In a variant, the box 1 comprises a cover 19 or a telescope or a bottom, or an additional spacer, this component being arranged to enclose the wheel 3 in the box 1, as visible on the figure 5 .

The principle of the invention is applicable to many variants, depending on the space available in the watch case, the thickness thereof, and the number of functions to be controlled.

So the figure 17 illustrates a box 1 with two openings at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, with a pusher 54 facing each of these openings. The wheel 3 is accessible at 3 and 9 o'clock, and the presence of a pusher 54 on each side allows navigation in the menus: rotation detection detection at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, then "validation ok" at 3 o'clock and "return" at 9am (or vice versa).

Another box variant, illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 , has four non-detailed pushbuttons (some of which are without detection of rotation) and a geometry adapted to the wheel to do without a piece for vertical locking (no bezel or bottom ring).

Yet another variant concerns a box with several wheels according to the invention, superimposed, each cooperating with a clean opening, the figure 18 illustrates an example with two wheels 3X and 3Y, the box 1 having for example but not limited to two diametrically opposed openings, one for each wheel. The same housing 2 may contain several wheels 3, or each wheel 3 may have a separate housing 2.

The figure 19 illustrates a box variant comprising sensor means 8 housed in a horn 18, cooperating with the peripheral surface 4 of the wheel 3, either by mechanical friction contact or direct drive if for example this Peripheral surface 4 is fluted or the like, either by magnetic interaction, or the like.

The figure 20 illustrates a variant where the pusher comprises, in place of a shoe, a pinion 57 cooperating with a toothing 37 which then comprises the wheel 3, or which is attached to the wheel, the push rod then allows the detection of the translation and of the rotation.

The invention also relates to a watch 200 comprising such a box 1, arranged to enclose a watch movement 100, whose display or watch functions are arranged to be controlled by sensor means 8 of the box 1.

The mechanism according to the invention has different advantages.

First of all this system is without risk for the waterproofness of the watch, the zones to be sealed concerning known and controlled systems, such as the links ice / box and push / box. The sensor that detects the pressure is mounted on the movement and is activated by the pusher which is easy to seal. Sensors that detect rotation are on the move. As magnetic sensing is non-contact, there is no sealing problem.

In principle the repulsion function of the wheel can be provided by a pusher that does not open on the inside of the box or the middle part. In particular in the variants illustrated, an appropriate dimensioning of the notch, the force and the position of the magnets, and the position of the magnetic sensors, allows the detection of the translation and the rotation of the wheel. Other other non-contact solutions, in particular galvanic or optical, are feasible, but of less economic realization. The use of a deformable partition, for a watch plastic box in particular, allows a detection of the translation without contact.

Another advantage of the invention is, in the preferred but nonlimiting variant of magnetic detection, the possibility of using the watch under water or in a humid environment.

The area available for the finger of the user to actuate the wheel is extended, which allows a good resolution of the detection: in the case of an electronic watch or a connected or smart watch, the user does not is not required to do many tricks to scroll through the menus (relative to an electronic crown for example). This advantage comes from the fact that the wheel is all around the movement.

The notching system allows a good feeling to the user to determine how many steps he is moving forward.

Claims (17)

Watch box (1) comprising a housing (2) in which at least one rotating wheel (3) for controlling a display or a function of the watch is movable, said wheel (3) being arranged for being manipulated directly by the user of the watch at a peripheral contact surface (4), characterized in that said housing (2) is arranged to allow limited translational movement between an internal end of stroke and an outer limit switch, at least a portion (30) of said wheel (3) in a radial direction of said box (1), against elastic return means (5) which are arranged to move said part (30) of the inside of said box (1), and in that said box (1) comprises at least a first control detection means (7) arranged to detect the presence of said portion (30) of said wheel (3) closer to the center of said box (1) during a support imposed by a user, or at the end of internal stroke, said first detection means (7) being arranged to activate or deactivate sensor means (8) that comprises said box (1) near said housing (2), which sensor means (8) are arranged to detect, during a rotational movement printed by the user to said wheel (3), the passage of emitter means (9) that includes said wheel (3). Box (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of said sensor means (8) is arranged to detect the direction of passage or / and reversal of the direction of passage of said transmitter means (9). Box (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of said sensor means (8) is arranged to detect the angular difference between two said successive emitter means (9). Box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least two of said sensor means (8) are arranged to detect the passage of the same said transmitter means (9). Box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of said sensor means (8) is arranged to measure the rotation angle of said wheel (3) from a control detection performed by said first detection means (7). Box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said box (1) comprises control means (10) arranged to manage the signals transmitted and received at said first detection means (7) and said means sensors (8), for activating or deactivating said sensor means (8), and for, when said sensor means (8) is activated, analyzing the number of said transmitter means (9) identified by said sensor means (8), and / or the angular deviation of said transmitting means (9) two by two, and / or the direction of passage of said transmitting means (9), for transforming the result of the analysis into a display order or activation of a function of the watch, addressed to a watch movement (100) that encloses said box (1). Box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said wheel (3) is flexible and is itself said elastic return means (5). Box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said wheel (3) is rigid, and in that said elastic return means (5) comprise a pusher (54) arranged to bear on said wheel (3). Box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said wheel (3) is annular, and in that said housing (2) is a substantially annular groove, of variable width, and whose projection on any parallel to said radial direction of said box (1) is at least equal to the distance between said inner limit switch and said outer limit switch. Box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said first detection means (7) is a switch actuated by said elastic return means (5) or a pusher (54) that comprises said means resilient return (5). Box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said sensor means (8) are magnetic sensors, which are arranged to detect, once activated, the passage of magnets (91) that comprise transmitting means (9). Box (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said magnets (91) are arranged at a constant angular pitch around said wheel (3). Box (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said magnets (91) are arranged in different angular increments around said wheel (3). Box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said wheel (3) comprises, on a face arranged to cooperate with the bottom (20) of said housing (2), a relief (31) arranged to cooperate with a complementary relief (21) that comprises said bottom (20), for braking by notching during the rotation of said wheel (3). Box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said wheel (3) comprises, on a face arranged to cooperate with the bottom (20) of said housing (2), a relief (31) arranged for cooperate with a ring (39) in relief interposed between said wheel (3) and said bottom (20), for braking by detent during the rotation of said wheel (3). Box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that said box (1) comprises a cover (19) or a bezel or a bottom for enclosing said wheel (3) in said box (1). Watch (200) comprising a box (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, arranged to enclose a watch movement (100) whose display or watch functions are arranged to be controlled by said sensor means (8). ) of said box (1).

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