CH711311B1 - Reversible mechanical-connected hybrid watch. - Google Patents

Abstract

A mechanical-connected hybrid wristwatch comprises a reversible watch case (1) comprising two opposite faces each with a display device, one on one side a mechanical time display device, and on the on the other side an electronic display device actuated by an electronic module. The wristwatch comprises, on the other hand, a support element (2) arranged to be integral with a bracelet. The support element (2) comprises electronic elements (12), in particular sensors, intended to cooperate with said electronic module. The watch case (1) is arranged on the support element (2) in a first position where its face with the mechanical display device is disposed outside and in a second position where its face with the display device electronic display is also arranged outside. A joint (3) between the periphery of the watch case (1) and the support element (2) allows the movement of the watch case (1) between its first position and its second position.

Description

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

Some mechanical watches today incorporate electronic functions so as to make the watch more interactive. So-called connected watches are no longer just purely electronic watches but can also be fitted with a mechanical movement. For example, a watch manufacturer has designed a mechanical watch with a physical activity tracker, the tracker being placed inside the watch case.

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

Other watch manufacturers have integrated an electronic module on a bracelet, the module comprising functions annexed to the watch.

CH 707 105 describes a mechanical watch comprising a device for obtaining an electronic measurement of the smooth running of the movement. This device, triggered by a push button, is in particular composed of a sensor composed of a transmitter and a receiver positioned on either side of the balance. Thus, once the measurement has been made, the wearer can refine the adjustment of his watch via a regulating screw.

EP 0 718 910 describes a wristwatch comprising, in addition to a device for measuring and displaying time, a high-frequency transmitter, a current source for supplying this transmitter, a switch for switching on the transmitter and an extendable antenna in the form of a wire wound in a housing of the watch before use. This wristwatch is intended to be used as a distress beacon and does not offer other functions.

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

Such a mechanism is disclosed for example in publication CH 659 167. It reveals a wristwatch having two different displays on each of its faces and which has a reversibility device comprising two removable elements on which are arranged the watch horns. These removable elements are arranged on either side of the watch case and are capable of being actuated to pivot 180 ° in their center around a trunnion along an axis perpendicular to the central axis of the watch case. in order to orient one or the other of the faces of the watch according to the type of poster that the wearer of the watch wishes to display. The locking of the watch case with respect to one of the ends of the bracelet is ensured by a first and a second ball arranged respectively in a first and a second housing located on either side of a rectangular part of the watch case . These balls are subjected to the action of a return spring tending to engage them in a recess arranged on the end of a rectangular handle in correspondence with the balls.

Publication CH 138 929 discloses, for its part, a wristwatch comprising two diametrically opposite pivots fixed projecting outside of the watch case and on which the strap attachments pivot. These fasteners have a curvature in order to be able to match part of the circumference of the watch case. However, this device does not have a locking system, the watch case being retained only by the wearer's wrist.

The object of the present invention is to provide a reversible wristwatch comprising a mechanical time display on one side and a display of related functions on the other side.

The wristwatch according to the present invention allows luxury to be combined with innovation, by proposing a hybrid watch composed of a traditional luxury watch and a connected watch.

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

In one embodiment, the watch case is disposed on the support element while remaining integral with the support element by the articulation during its movement between the two positions.

In another embodiment, the watch case is separated from the support element during its movement between the two positions.

Locking means are arranged so that the watch case can be fixed on the support element. For example, to ensure correct locking of the watch case on the support element, the support element may comprise on its internal periphery spring balls held in their housing by crimping, while the watch case bears on its band of cylindrical holes. The spring balls are arranged so that, when the watch case is folded down on the support element, they engage in one of the holes. To ensure the pivoting of the watch case in the open position, simply pull on the watch case, which releases the balls from the holes and thus allows the movement of the watch case with reference to the support element.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preferably, the electronic module includes a contactless payment device. For added security, the payment device can be secured by a fingerprint, for example a fingerprint affixed by the holder of the wristwatch.

In general, the electronic module can integrate a lot of functions related to telecoms, geolocation, contactless payment by CCP (near field order, in English NFC), home automation (home automation) , or even health.

Health being more and more a center of interest for everyone, this is why having functions related to the human body and health on a wristwatch which has the primary function of giving the hour is an asset. For example, the wristwatch can constitute an electronic body control station by means of sensors which will go on or in the body of the wearer.

In terms of home automation, the wristwatch can act as a remote control that can be used for opening / closing doors or on household appliances, or even as a control for a heating installation or even an alarm system.

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

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

In one embodiment, some or all of the functions of the electronic module are deactivated when the bracelet is opened or by an external device to the wristwatch. For example, a ring comprising a small push-button could be connected to the wristwatch and pressing the push-button could then deactivate some or all of the functions of the electronic module. Alternatively, the external device can erase all data from the electronic module.

In another embodiment the wristwatch is arranged for the automatic backup of data if a loss of network is noted or if a manual backup is requested by the wearer or even another authorized user, in particular using from an external device.

Thus, the wearer of such a hybrid wristwatch may have a multitude of applications on his forearm in a practical manner. The wearer of such a hybrid wristwatch will be able to control various objects connected in the Internet environment.

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

The characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of several forms of execution given solely by way of example, in no way limiting with reference to the schematic figures, in which: <tb> Fig. 1 <SEP> represents a front view of a hybrid wristwatch in which a face indicating the time by a mechanical display is visible; <tb> fig. 2 <SEP> represents a front view of a hybrid wristwatch in which a face indicating data coming from an electronic module is visible; <tb> fig. 3 <SEP> represents a partial section view of FIG. 2 along the AA axis; <tb> fig. 4 <SEP> represents a partial sectional view of FIG. 1 or fig. 2 along the axis AA when the watch case is in the open position relative to its support element; <tb> fig. 5 <SEP> represents the wristwatch of fig. 4 in which the watch case is pivoted about an axis BB revealing the electronic face of the wristwatch; <tb> fig. 6 <SEP> represents a partial section view of the watch case without the electronic module in which a connector and a housing make it possible to receive the electronic module and to ensure an electrical connection with other components; <tb> fig. 7 <SEP> represents a schematic view of an electronic module integrating into the watch case; and <tb> fig. 8 <SEP> represents a schematic view of an electronic module landing on a mains charging station.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the hybrid wristwatch comprises a reversible watch case 1 comprising two opposite faces each with a display device. In the example illustrated in fig. 1, only the side having a mechanical time display device driven by a mechanical watch movement inside the watch case is visible. The mechanical display is produced using hour and minute hands. A micro-camera 8 is arranged at the periphery of the watch case 1, opposite a joint 3 located between the periphery of the watch case 1 and a support element 2 allowing the movement of the watch case 1 The support element 2 is arranged to be integral with a bracelet 18 of the wristwatch. The wristwatch has on its visible face, a first indicator light 17 for indicating alert messages coming from an external electronic device such as a smartphone. Furthermore, this wristwatch has a multiple mechanical display. This wristwatch is equipped with a main display with hands centered on a dial, to display the current time on this dial. This display generally gives the indication of time by the movement of the hands on the dial divided by a scale and by indexes. This wristwatch further includes three other auxiliary mechanical displays. A winding crown 20 makes it possible in particular to ensure the adjustment of the watch and to access the auxiliary functions.

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

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

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

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

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic module 9 ready to be integrated into the housing 7 of the watch case 1. The electronic module 9 comprises a micro-camera 8 which is arranged in an opening 15 through the watch movement and the constituent elements of the watch case 1. The electronic module 9 has a connector 14 at an end opposite to that where the camera is positioned. This connector 14 is arranged to connect with the connector 11 of the watch case 1, itself connected to the electric cable 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the electronic module 9, once removed from the watch case 1, is placed on a sector charging station 16. The indicator light 17 can indicate the end of the charge.

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

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

Claims (16)

1. Wrist watch comprising: - a reversible watch case (1) comprising two opposite faces each with a display device, - the watch case (1) comprising on one side a mechanical time display device driven by a watch movement inside the watch case (1), - the watch case (1) comprising on the other sides an electronic display device actuated by an electronic module (9) inside the watch case (1), - the wristwatch comprising, on the other hand, a support element (2) arranged to be secured to a bracelet of the wristwatch or secured to the holding elements of a bracelet, - the support element (2) comprising electronic elements (12), in particular sensors, intended to cooperate with said electronic module (9), - the watch case (1) being arranged on the support element (2) in a first position where its face with the mechanical display device is arranged outside and in a second position where its face with the device electronic display is also arranged outside, - an articulation (3) between the periphery of the watch case (1) and the support element (2) allowing the movement of the watch case (1) between its first position and its second position while ensuring an electrical connection between the electronic elements (12) of the support (2) and said electronic module. 2. Wrist watch according to claim 1, wherein the watch movement is a mechanical movement. 3. Wristwatch according to claim 1 or 2, in which the articulation (3) makes it possible to move the watch case (1) by pivoting around two virtual axes perpendicular to one another. 4. Wrist watch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic module (9) comprises a data storage unit of the SD card or removable micro SD card type and / or a SIM card. 5. Wrist watch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic module (9) is removably mounted in a housing (7) arranged in the watch case (1). 6. Wrist watch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic elements (12) of the support element (2) comprise at least one backup unit. 7. Wrist watch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic elements (12) of the support element (2) comprise at least one sensor. 8. Wristwatch according to one of claims 2 to 8, comprising a sensor for the geolocation of the watch arranged in a container made of a rigid material, such as for example aggregated diamond nanorods. 9. Wrist watch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic module (9) is rechargeable by the mechanical energy of the mechanical watch movement, or by photovoltaic cells arranged on the watch strap or by a charger. sector even by induction. 10. Wrist watch according to one of the preceding claims, comprising on each side of the watch case (1), an indicator light for indicating messages from an external electronic device such as a smartphone. 11. Wrist watch according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a micro-camera (8) controlled by the electronic module (9). 12. Wrist watch according to claim 11, wherein the micro-camera (8) is located in an opening (15) through the watch movement and the constituent elements of the watch case. 13. Wrist watch according to one of the preceding claims, comprising in the electronic module (9) a contactless payment device. 14. Wrist watch according to claim 13, wherein the contactless payment device and / or the activation of the functions of the electronic module are secured by a fingerprint. 15. Wristwatch according to one of the preceding claims, in which part or all of the functions of the electronic module (9) are deactivated when the bracelet is opened or can be deactivated by a device external to the wristwatch. . 16. Wrist watch according to one of claims 7 to 15, comprising a backup unit arranged for the automatic backup of the data in the event of loss of network of at least one sensor or for the manual backup requested by the wearer or even a other authorized user.