EP1128239B1 - Portable object, in particular time piece, incorporating a piezo-electric transducer for manually introducing data - Google Patents
Portable object, in particular time piece, incorporating a piezo-electric transducer for manually introducing data Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1128239B1 EP1128239B1 EP00200646A EP00200646A EP1128239B1 EP 1128239 B1 EP1128239 B1 EP 1128239B1 EP 00200646 A EP00200646 A EP 00200646A EP 00200646 A EP00200646 A EP 00200646A EP 1128239 B1 EP1128239 B1 EP 1128239B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- piezoelectric transducer
- portable object
- object according
- voltage
- transistor
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- 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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- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
- G04G21/08—Touch switches specially adapted for time-pieces
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G13/00—Producing acoustic time signals
- G04G13/02—Producing acoustic time signals at preselected times, e.g. alarm clocks
- G04G13/021—Details
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a portable object such as, in particular, a timepiece, comprising a piezoelectric transducer for the manual introduction of data. More particularly, the present invention aims to use the piezoelectric transducer operating as a sound generator in an alarm wristwatch to perform the function of a push switch.
- the ice are manually operated by axial pressure on the edge of the ice.
- the ice must be slightly mobile.
- the ice is elastically mounted relative to the box by means of a rigid rubber ring.
- the piezoelectric sensors are connected to an electrical circuit arranged under the dial and which detects the pressures exerted on these sensors.
- the invention described in the Junghans patent provides a wristwatch that is devoid of rod or push button and is therefore less expensive to manufacture and a more attractive aesthetic appearance.
- the watch functions of this watch are controlled by simple mechanical pressure on piezoelectric sensors which, in response to this solicitation, produce a voltage that acts on the desired watch function via an appropriate electronic circuit.
- the Junghans watch has unfortunately some drawbacks among which we can mention the fact that the ice must be mounted slightly movable, which poses significant problems of adjustment of this ice compared to the watch case. These problems of course have a negative impact on manufacturing costs and are only partially solved by the use of a rigid ring. rubber disposed between said ice and the middle of said box. Indeed, because of its rigidity, the rubber ring can hardly compensate for the games between the ice and the watch case, so that a good seal can not be guaranteed. The risks of moisture entering the watch are therefore important which, it will be easily understood, is not acceptable. Similarly, solid particles can be housed between the rubber ring and the ice and seize the operation of the mechanism.
- the Junghans system is activated by a succession of mechanical pressures exerted on the ice of the watch. Under these pressures, the piezoelectric sensors deform and generate a voltage that is applied to the input of an electronic circuit of interpretation. In response to this signal, the electronic circuit will act on the desired horological function.
- the repetition of these pressures may, after a while, damage or even put the sensors out of use. Above all, it is not easy for the user to exert sufficient pressure to actuate the sensors without being excessive and risk damaging these sensors.
- a timepiece comprising means for displaying at least one piece of information and a case formed of an upper part comprising an ice covering the display means and a bottom part delimited by a bottom located underneath.
- said display means said object comprising a piezoelectric transducer producing an electrical voltage when a mechanical pressure is exerted on said upper part, the voltage produced by the piezoelectric transducer being applied to a first electronic circuit which will generate a logic signal in response to the pressure exerted, this electronic circuit being arranged inside said housing, said piezoelectric transducer being arranged in the lower part of said housing and is rigidly connected to this housing.
- the mechanical pressure that accompanies the manual introduction of data can be exerted anywhere on the surface of the ice.
- the wrist of the wearer of the watch exerts a reaction force on the housing.
- the latter then deforms very slightly, whether plastic, metal or other.
- the piezoelectric transducer is rigidly connected to this housing, it is deformed by the deformations of the housing and typically generates an electrical voltage in response to this deformation. This is no more likely to damage the transducer under the effect of too high mechanical pressure.
- the transducer which is no longer wedged between a fixed part and a moving part, can withstand a very large number of successive pressures without its physical characteristics being degraded over time.
- the watch crystal is fixedly mounted relative to the case of said watch, for example by gluing or ultrasonic welding or by driving with interposition of a seal between the ice and the box.
- the waterproofness of the watch is thus not impaired and the construction of such a watch is very simple and therefore inexpensive.
- Such a device is a watch whose watch functions can be controlled by simple mechanical pressure on the ice.
- the watch may be devoid of rod or push button, which further reduces its manufacturing costs.
- tactile pressure data entry systems which use, for example, capacitive, inductive, ultrasonic or infrared keys.
- the disadvantage of such systems lies in the fact that before they can be used, they must be placed in an active mode of receiving commands in which they consume electric current.
- the portable object described in US 4,769,797 further comprises a second electronic circuit that operates the piezoelectric transducer as a source of vibration for a sound generator.
- the same piezoelectric transducer can be used both as a sound generator for an alarm device, for example in an electronic wristwatch, and as a means for introducing data by mechanical pressure on the ice of this watch.
- Such an embodiment is, it will be easily understood, particularly advantageous. It reduces the number of components used, and therefore the volume that these components occupy in the box, and limit manufacturing costs.
- the present invention relates to a portable object of the type indicated in the preamble of claim 1 (described in US 47 69 797 and characterized by the features of the characterizing portion of claim 1. Optional features are described in the dependent claims.
- the present invention is not limited to such a timepiece and, in particular, a wristwatch, the present invention is not limited to such a timepiece and can easily be applied any other portable object in which is arranged a piezoelectric transducer for the manual introduction of data.
- the timepiece 1 conventionally comprises a housing 2 provided with a middle part 4 and a bottom 6 which delimits the housing 2 in its lower part.
- the bottom 6 is made in one piece with the middle part 4.
- the housing 2 can be made, for example, of a plastic material according to well-known injection techniques. The present invention is not limited to the choice of such a material and the housing 2 can be made of any type of material adapted to the needs of the watch industry such as, in particular, steel.
- the timepiece 1 also comprises a horometric movement 8 mounted in a casing ring 10.
- This movement 8 is supplied with current by an electric battery 12 which can, if necessary, be recharged after exhaustion.
- the battery 12 shown schematically on the figure 1 typically has the shape of a pellet. It can be housed in the bottom 6 of the watch 1.
- the lower face of the battery 12 which constitutes one of its poles is electrically connected to the mass of the watch 1, for example by means of a contact with spring 13 fixed on the bottom 6 of said watch 1.
- the other pole of the battery 12 which is constituted by its upper face is, in the usual way, electrically connected to the horometric movement 8.
- the housing 2 is delimited by an ice 14 covering display means 16 of a time information.
- these display means 16 consist of a dial 18 above which move an hour hand 20, a minute hand 22 and a second hand 24. It is therefore analog means of displaying the time. It could also be digital display means constituted by a liquid crystal cell.
- the housing 2 comprises at its upper periphery a notch 26 in which is engaged a telescope 28 which ensures the attachment of the lens 14 to the housing 2.
- the bezel 28 is fixedly mounted on the housing 2, for example by gluing or by ultrasonic welding or else by driving.
- the window 14 is sealed against the housing 2 by the use of a seal 30 wedged between the window and the housing.
- a piezoelectric transducer 32 is arranged in the lower part of the case 2 of the watch 1 and is rigidly connected to this case 2.
- This transducer 32 can be used for the sole purpose of introducing data into the watch 1.
- the transducer 32 is used both as a sound generator for the alarm device of watch 1, and as a means for introducing data by successive mechanical pressure on the glass 14 of this watch 1.
- the piezoelectric transducer 32 consists of an element made, for example, of a piezoelectric ceramic. This element may have, without limitation, a circular shape, its diameter typically being between ten and fifteen millimeters, and its thickness being of the order of a few tenths of millimeters.
- this element is bonded between two upper metal electrodes 34 and lower 36.
- the lower electrode 36 is rigidly connected to the bottom 6 of the housing 2 by any appropriate means such as, for example, by gluing.
- the electrodes 34, 36 are connected via an electronic circuit 38 for training and interpretation which will be described in detail with reference to FIG. figure 2 at the terminals of the electric battery 12 by means of contact strips respectively 34a and 36a.
- the electrical circuit 38 whose diagram is shown in FIG. figure 2 comprises, connected to the output of switching means comprising a transistor T R0 alternately passing and blocked, a coil L 1 .
- the piezoelectric transducer 32 is connected in parallel to the coil L 1 .
- This electrical circuit 38 receives, on an input connection "a", a pulsed pulse control signal corresponding to that shown in curve A of FIG. figure 3 whose abscissa represents the time "t" and the ordinate the voltage "v”. From the input terminal "a”, this signal is applied to the base of the transistor T R0 via a resistor R 0 .
- the electrical circuit 38 for training and interpretation shown in FIG. figure 2 comprises, firstly, a capacitor C 1 mounted between the coil L 1 and the transducer 32.
- the impedance of the coil L 1 is low, so that it plays practically the role of a short circuit. Therefore, the variation of the voltage at the connection point "b" of the transducer 32 is also small. To remedy this problem, the capacitor C 1 is added.
- the variation of the voltage at the connection point "b" will be significant only if one has a high impedance at this connection point "b".
- Gold at low frequency, the capacitor C 1 has a high impedance, so that the voltage at said connection point "b” reaches a high threshold.
- the capacitor C 1 when the piezoelectric transducer 32 is driven at high frequency, typically of the order of 1 kHz, to function as a sound generator, the capacitor C 1 has a low impedance and thus acts substantially in the manner of a simple electrical connection between the coil L 1 and the transducer 32. The capacitor C 1 does not interfere with the operation of the transducer 32 as a sound generator.
- the electrical circuit 38 for driving and evaluation is completed by a passive filter 40 connected in parallel across the piezoelectric transducer 32.
- This filter 40 is conventionally composed of a resistor R 1 and a capacitor C 2 .
- the filter 40 serves to filter the high frequency signal present across the transducer 32 when it operates as a sound generator at a frequency of the order of 1 kHz, and to prevent this signal from occurring. propagation to the amplification and conversion stages which will be described below.
- the electric signal can pass.
- the electrical circuit 38 finally comprises, connected in parallel with each other across the terminals of the passive filter 40, a polarization resistor R 2 , an amplification stage 42 and a conversion stage 44.
- the amplification stage 42 comprises a pMOS transistor T R1 whose source is connected to the DC voltage source + E and whose drain is connected to a resistor R 3 .
- the gate of transistor T R1 is connected to one of the ends "c" of resistor R 2 whose other end is connected to DC voltage source + E.
- the conversion stage 44 comprises a CMOS inverter which consists of a pMOS transistor T R2 connected to a nMOS transistor T R3 .
- the gates of these two transistors T R2 and T R3 are connected to the connection point "d" between the drain of the transistor T R1 and the resistor R 3 .
- This connection point "d" constitutes the input of the inverter 44.
- the source of the pMOS transistor T R2 is connected to the DC voltage source + E, and its drain is connected to the drain of the transistor T R3 .
- the point of connection "f" between the drains of transistors T R2 and T R3 constitutes the output of inverter 44.
- the source of transistor T R3 it is connected to the ground of circuit 38.
- the resistance R 2 which is of considerable value, serves to maintain the gate-source voltage of the transistor T R1 to zero in order to prevent this transistor T R1 from conducting. It will also be noted that between two successive pressures exerted on the transducer 32, the latter can be discharged through the resistor R 2 , so that the voltage at its terminals gradually regains its resting value.
- the transistor T R1 when the piezoelectric transducer 32 is at rest, the transistor T R1 does not conduct.
- the connection point "d" between the drain of the transistor T R1 and the resistor R 3 is therefore connected to the ground of the circuit 38.
- the connection point "d” constitutes the input of the conversion stage 40. Therefore, the gate-source voltage of the pMOS transistor T R2 is equal to -E. This voltage is lower than the threshold voltage of transistor T R2 which is of the order of -0.6 V, so that transistor T R2 conducts.
- the gate-source voltage of the nMOS transistor T R3 is zero, that is to say less than the tripping voltage of this transistor T R3 . Therefore, the transistor T R3 is blocked.
- the voltage at the connection point "f" which constitutes the output of the conversion stage 44 is equal to + E, while the voltage at the connection point "d" which constitutes the input of the conversion stage 40 is zero.
- the conversion stage 44 functions well as an inverter.
- the gate-source voltage of the nMOS transistor T R3 becomes greater than the tripping voltage of this transistor T R3 , so that the latter will start driving.
- the voltage at the connection point "f" which constitutes the output of the conversion stage 44 will go to zero.
- the voltage at the input of the conversion stage 44 is at + E, while the output of the conversion stage 40 is at zero.
- the conversion stage 44 functions well as an inverter.
- the voltage at the output point "f" of the conversion stage 44 therefore alternately passes the value + E when the piezoelectric transducer 32 is at rest at a zero voltage value when the transducer 32 is activated.
- This logic signal is applied to the input of a microprocessor (not shown) which will control the watch functions of watch 1.
- the passive filter 40 prevents the high frequency signals generated by the transducer 28 from reaching the amplification stages 42 and conversion 44. Therefore, the data input system according to the invention is permanently available. .
- the filter can also be digital, switched capacitor or realized with an active filter.
- the polarity of the supply voltage of the electrical circuit 38 for driving and evaluation can be reversed.
- the bipolar transistor npn T R0 will be replaced by a pnp transistor, and the pMOS transistors will be replaced by nMOS transistors and vice versa.
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Abstract
Description
La présente invention concerne un objet portatif tel que, notamment, une pièce d'horlogerie, comprenant un transducteur piézo-électrique pour l'introduction manuelle de données. Plus particulièrement, la présente invention a pour but d'utiliser le transducteur piézo-électrique fonctionnant comme générateur de son dans une montre-bracelet à dispositif d'alarme pour réaliser la fonction d'un commutateur à poussoir.The present invention relates to a portable object such as, in particular, a timepiece, comprising a piezoelectric transducer for the manual introduction of data. More particularly, the present invention aims to use the piezoelectric transducer operating as a sound generator in an alarm wristwatch to perform the function of a push switch.
On connaît par le brevet
L'invention décrite dans le brevet Junghans procure une montre-bracelet qui est dépourvue de tige ou de bouton-poussoir et qui est donc moins coûteuse à fabriquer et d'un aspect esthétique plus attrayant. Les fonctions horlogères de cette montre sont commandées par simple pression mécanique sur des capteurs piézo-électriques qui, en réponse à cette sollicitation, produisent une tension électrique qui agit sur la fonction horlogère désirée via un circuit électronique approprié.The invention described in the Junghans patent provides a wristwatch that is devoid of rod or push button and is therefore less expensive to manufacture and a more attractive aesthetic appearance. The watch functions of this watch are controlled by simple mechanical pressure on piezoelectric sensors which, in response to this solicitation, produce a voltage that acts on the desired watch function via an appropriate electronic circuit.
La montre Junghans présente malheureusement certains inconvénients parmi lesquels on peut citer le fait que la glace doit être montée légèrement mobile, ce qui pose d'importants problèmes d'ajustement de cette glace par rapport à la boîte de la montre. Ces problèmes ont bien entendu une incidence négative sur les coûts de fabrication et ne sont que partiellement résolus par l'utilisation d'un anneau rigide en caoutchouc disposé entre ladite glace et la carrure de ladite boîte. En effet, du fait de sa rigidité, l'anneau en caoutchouc ne peut que difficilement compenser les jeux entre la glace et la boîte de la montre, de sorte qu'une bonne étanchéité ne peut être garantie. Les risques de voir l'humidité pénétrer dans la montre sont donc importants ce qui, on le comprendra aisément, n'est pas acceptable. De même, des particules solides peuvent venir se loger entre l'anneau en caoutchouc et la glace et gripper le fonctionnement du mécanisme. Enfin, comme décrit ci-dessus, le système Junghans est activé par une succession de pressions mécaniques exercées sur la glace de la montre. Sous l'effet de ces pressions, les capteurs piézo-électriques se déforment et génèrent une tension électrique qui est appliquée à l'entrée d'un circuit électronique d'interprétation. En réponse à ce signal, le circuit électronique va agir sur la fonction horlogère désirée. Or, la répétition de ces pressions risque, au bout d'un certain temps, d'endommager, voire de mettre les capteurs hors d'usage. Surtout, il n'est pas facile pour l'utilisateur d'exercer une pression qui soit suffisante pour actionner les capteurs sans être toutefois excessive et risquer d'endommager ces capteurs.The Junghans watch has unfortunately some drawbacks among which we can mention the fact that the ice must be mounted slightly movable, which poses significant problems of adjustment of this ice compared to the watch case. These problems of course have a negative impact on manufacturing costs and are only partially solved by the use of a rigid ring. rubber disposed between said ice and the middle of said box. Indeed, because of its rigidity, the rubber ring can hardly compensate for the games between the ice and the watch case, so that a good seal can not be guaranteed. The risks of moisture entering the watch are therefore important which, it will be easily understood, is not acceptable. Similarly, solid particles can be housed between the rubber ring and the ice and seize the operation of the mechanism. Finally, as described above, the Junghans system is activated by a succession of mechanical pressures exerted on the ice of the watch. Under these pressures, the piezoelectric sensors deform and generate a voltage that is applied to the input of an electronic circuit of interpretation. In response to this signal, the electronic circuit will act on the desired horological function. However, the repetition of these pressures may, after a while, damage or even put the sensors out of use. Above all, it is not easy for the user to exert sufficient pressure to actuate the sensors without being excessive and risk damaging these sensors.
Le document
Grâce à ces caractéristiques, la pression mécanique qui accompagne l'introduction manuelle d'une donnée peut être exercée en un endroit quelconque de la surface de la glace. Sous l'effet de cette pression, le poignet du porteur de la montre exerce une force de réaction sur le boîtier. Ce dernier se déforme alors très légèrement, qu'il soit en matière plastique, métallique ou autre. Comme le transducteur piézo-électrique est relié rigidement à ce boîtier, il se trouve déformé par les déformations du boîtier et génère classiquement une tension électrique en réponse à cette déformation. On ne risque plus ainsi d'endommager le transducteur sous l'effet d'une pression mécanique trop élevée. De même, le transducteur, qui n'est plus coincé entre une partie fixe et une partie mobile, peut supporter un très grand nombre de pressions successives sans que ses caractéristiques physiques ne se dégradent dans le temps.Thanks to these characteristics, the mechanical pressure that accompanies the manual introduction of data can be exerted anywhere on the surface of the ice. Under the effect of this pressure, the wrist of the wearer of the watch exerts a reaction force on the housing. The latter then deforms very slightly, whether plastic, metal or other. Since the piezoelectric transducer is rigidly connected to this housing, it is deformed by the deformations of the housing and typically generates an electrical voltage in response to this deformation. This is no more likely to damage the transducer under the effect of too high mechanical pressure. Similarly, the transducer, which is no longer wedged between a fixed part and a moving part, can withstand a very large number of successive pressures without its physical characteristics being degraded over time.
Un autre avantage d'une telle montre réside dans le fait que l'objet portatif ne comporte aucune partie mobile. Ainsi, la glace de la montre est montée fixe par rapport à la boîte de ladite montre, par exemple par collage ou par soudage aux ultrasons ou encore par chassage avec interposition d'un joint entre la glace et la boîte. L'étanchéité de la montre n'est ainsi pas altérée et la construction d'une telle montre s'avère très simple et donc peu coûteuse.Another advantage of such a watch lies in the fact that the portable object has no moving part. Thus, the watch crystal is fixedly mounted relative to the case of said watch, for example by gluing or ultrasonic welding or by driving with interposition of a seal between the ice and the box. The waterproofness of the watch is thus not impaired and the construction of such a watch is very simple and therefore inexpensive.
Un tel dispositif est une montre dont les fonctions horlogères peuvent être commandées par de simples pressions mécaniques sur la glace. Ainsi, la montre peut être dépourvue de tige ou de bouton-poussoir, ce qui réduit encore davantage ses coûts de fabrication. Il existe, bien entendu, d'autres systèmes d'introduction de données par pression tactile qui utilisent, par exemple, des touches capacitives, inductives, à ultrasons ou à infrarouge. L'inconvénient de tels systèmes réside cependant dans le fait qu'avant de pouvoir être utilisés, ils doivent être placés dans un mode actif de réception des commandes dans lequel ils consomment du courant électrique.Such a device is a watch whose watch functions can be controlled by simple mechanical pressure on the ice. Thus, the watch may be devoid of rod or push button, which further reduces its manufacturing costs. There are, of course, other tactile pressure data entry systems which use, for example, capacitive, inductive, ultrasonic or infrared keys. The disadvantage of such systems however lies in the fact that before they can be used, they must be placed in an active mode of receiving commands in which they consume electric current.
L'objet portatif décrit dans
Grâce à cette caractéristique, un même transducteur piézo-électrique peut être utilisé à la fois comme générateur de son pour un dispositif d'alarme, par exemple dans une montre-bracelet électronique, et comme moyen pour introduire des données par pressions mécaniques sur la glace de cette montre. Un tel mode de réalisation est, on le comprendra aisément, particulièrement avantageux. Il permet de réduire le nombre de composants utilisés, et donc le volume que ces composants occupent dans la boîte, et de limiter les coûts de fabrication.Thanks to this characteristic, the same piezoelectric transducer can be used both as a sound generator for an alarm device, for example in an electronic wristwatch, and as a means for introducing data by mechanical pressure on the ice of this watch. Such an embodiment is, it will be easily understood, particularly advantageous. It reduces the number of components used, and therefore the volume that these components occupy in the box, and limit manufacturing costs.
La présente invention concerne un objet portatif du type indiqué dans le préambule de la revendication 1 (décrit dans
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit d'un exemple de réalisation de l'objet portatif selon l'invention, cet exemple étant donné à titre purement illustratif et non limitatif, en liaison avec les dessins annexés dans lesquels :
- la
figure 1 est une vue générale en coupe dans une pièce d'horlogerie selon l'invention; - la
figure 2 représente un schéma électrique d'un circuit permettant d'utiliser le transducteur piézo-électrique fonctionnant comme générateur de son pour réaliser la fonction d'un commutateur à poussoir, et - la
figure 3 est un diagramme des niveaux de tension en fonction du temps en deux endroits du circuit de lafigure 2 .
- the
figure 1 is a general sectional view in a timepiece according to the invention; - the
figure 2 represents a circuit diagram of a circuit for using the piezoelectric transducer operating as a sound generator to perform the function of a push switch, and - the
figure 3 is a diagram of voltage levels versus time in two places in the circuit of thefigure 2 .
On notera dès à présent que, bien que la description qui suit concerne une pièce d'horlogerie et, en particulier, une montre-bracelet, la présente invention n'est pas limitée à une telle pièce d'horlogerie et peut aisément s'appliquer à tout autre objet portatif dans lequel est agencé un transducteur piézo-électrique permettant l'introduction manuelle de données.It will be noted from now on that, although the following description concerns a timepiece and, in particular, a wristwatch, the present invention is not limited to such a timepiece and can easily be applied any other portable object in which is arranged a piezoelectric transducer for the manual introduction of data.
On se reportera tout d'abord à la
La pièce d'horlogerie 1 comporte de manière classique un boîtier 2 muni d'une carrure 4 et d'un fond 6 qui délimite le boîtier 2 dans sa partie inférieure. Dans l'exemple représenté, le fond 6 est fait d'une seule pièce avec la carrure 4. Il va toutefois de soi que la présente invention s'applique de la même manière à une boîte qui ne serait pas monocoque et qui comprendrait un fond distinct de la carrure. Le boîtier 2 peut être réalisé, par exemple, en un matériau plastique selon des techniques d'injection bien connues. La présente invention ne se limite néanmoins pas au choix d'un tel matériau et le boîtier 2 pourra être réalisé en tout type de matériau adapté aux besoins de l'industrie horlogère tel que, notamment, de l'acier.The timepiece 1 conventionally comprises a
La pièce d'horlogerie 1 comporte également un mouvement horométrique 8 monté dans un cercle d'encageage 10. Ce mouvement 8 est alimenté en courant par une batterie électrique 12 qui peut, le cas échéant, être rechargée après épuisement. La batterie 12, représentée schématiquement sur la
Dans sa partie supérieure, le boîtier 2 est délimité par une glace 14 recouvrant des moyens d'affichage 16 d'une information horaire. Dans l'exemple représenté à la
Enfin, le boîtier 2 comporte à sa périphérie supérieure un cran 26 dans lequel est engagée une lunette 28 qui assure la fixation de la glace 14 sur le boîtier 2. La lunette 28 est montée fixe sur le boîtier 2, par exemple par collage ou par soudage aux ultrasons ou encore par chassage. La glace 14 est rendue étanche par rapport au boîtier 2 grâce à l'utilisation d'un joint 30 coincé entre la glace et le boîtier.Finally, the
Un transducteur piézo-électrique 32 est agencé dans la partie inférieure du boîtier 2 de la montre 1 et est relié rigidement à ce boîtier 2. Ce transducteur 32 peut être utilisé dans le seul but d'introduire des données dans la montre 1. Le transducteur 32 est utilisé à la fois comme générateur de son pour le dispositif d'alarme de la montre 1, et comme moyen pour introduire des données par pression mécaniques successives sur la glace 14 de cette montre 1. A cet effet, le transducteur piézo-électrique 32 est constitué d'un élément réalisé, par exemple, en une céramique piézo-électrique. Cet élément peut avoir, de manière non limitative, une forme circulaire, son diamètre étant typiquement compris entre dix et quinze millimètres, et son épaisseur étant de l'ordre de quelques dixièmes de millimètres. Comme il ressort de la
Le circuit électrique 38 dont le schéma est représenté à la
Au moment où le transistor TR0 passe à l'état bloqué lors du front descendant de chaque impulsion de la forme d'onde A, toute l'énergie accumulée dans la bobine L1 est transmise aux bornes du transducteur piézo-électrique 32, chargeant celui-ci à une tension bien supérieure à la tension d'alimentation +E. Cette impulsion de forte amplitude fournit au transducteur piézo-électrique 32 l'énergie électrique efficace qui lui est nécessaire pour fonctionner comme générateur de son. Selon une variante, pour obtenir une pression acoustique plus élevée, on pourra monter une diode (non représentée) en série avec la bobine L1. Pour plus de détails, on se reportera au brevet
A ce stade de la description, il est essentiel de bien comprendre que les éléments de circuit qui viennent d'être décrits servent uniquement à entraîner le transducteur piézo-électrique 32 pour le faire fonctionner comme générateur de son dans un dispositif d'alarme équipant, par exemple, la montre-bracelet 1 susdécrite. En conséquence, ces différents composants ne sont nullement nécessaires à la mise en oeuvre de la présente invention. Ils permettent simplement de démontrer que, grâce aux caractéristiques particulières de l'invention, un unique transducteur piézo-électrique peut être avantageusement utilisé à la fois comme générateur de son et comme moyen pour introduire des données dans une montre. Dans ce qui va suivre, on va maintenant s'intéresser à la partie du circuit électrique 38 d'entraînement et d'interprétation qui permet de convertir une succession de pressions mécaniques en données pouvant être comprises par un microprocesseur équipant la montre 1 selon l'invention et permettant de commander les fonctions horlogères de cette dernière.At this stage of the description, it is essential to understand that the circuit elements which have just been described serve only to drive the
Les pressions mécaniques successives qui sont exercées par l'utilisateur sur la glace 14 de la montre 1 se traduisent, aux bornes du transducteur piézo-électrique 32, par un signal électrique basse fréquence, typiquement de l'ordre de 1 Hz, dont le niveau doit être augmenté. A cet effet, le circuit électrique 38 d'entraînement et d'interprétation représenté à la
Le circuit électrique 38 d'entraînement et d'évaluation est complété par un filtre passif 40 monté en parallèle aux bornes du transducteur piézo-électrique 32. Ce filtre 40 se compose classiquement d'une résistance R1 et d'un condensateur C2. La fréquence de coupure au-delà de laquelle le filtre 40 ne laisse plus passer de signal est déterminée par la relation
Le circuit électrique 38 comprend enfin, branchés en parallèle les uns à la suite des autres aux bornes du filtre passif 40, une résistance R2 de polarisation, un étage d'amplification 42 et un étage de conversion 44. L'étage d'amplification 42 comprend un transistor pMOS TR1 dont la source est reliée à la source de tension continue +E et dont le drain est relié à une résistance R3. La grille du transistor TR1 est reliée à l'une des extrémités "c" de la résistance R2 dont l'autre extrémité est reliée à la source de tension continue +E.The
Pour l'étage de conversion 44, on peut envisager tous les inverseurs disponibles dans les technologies actuelles. A titre d'exemple non limitatif seulement, l'étage de conversion 44 comprend un inverseur CMOS qui se compose d'un transistor pMOS TR2 relié à un transistor nMOS TR3. Les grilles de ces deux transistors TR2 et TR3 sont reliées au point de connexion "d" entre le drain du transistor TR1 et la résistance R3. Ce point de connexion "d" constitue l'entrée de l'inverseur 44. La source du transistor pMOS TR2 est reliée à la source de tension continue +E, et son drain est relié au drain du transistor TR3. Le point de connexion "f' entre les drains des transistors TR2 et TR3 constitue la sortie de l'inverseur 44. Quant à la source du transistor TR3, elle est reliée à la masse du circuit 38.For the
Lorsque le transducteur piézo-électrique 32 est au repos, c'est-à-dire lorsque aucune pression n'est exercée sur la glace 14 de la montre 1, la résistance R2, qui est d'assez grande valeur, sert à maintenir la tension grille-source du transistor TR1 à zéro afin d'éviter que ce transistor TR1 ne conduise. On notera également qu'entre deux pressions successives exercées sur le transducteur 32, ce dernier peut se décharger à travers la résistance R2, de sorte que la tension à ses bornes retrouve progressivement sa valeur de repos.When the
Comme on vient de le voir au paragraphe ci-dessus, lorsque le transducteur piézo-électrique 32 est au repos, le transistor TR1 ne conduit pas. Le point de connexion "d" entre le drain du transistor TR1 et la résistance R3 est donc relié à la masse du circuit 38. Or, le point de connexion "d" constitue l'entrée de l'étage de conversion 40. Par conséquent, la tension grille-source du transistor pMOS TR2 est égale à -E. Cette tension est inférieure à la tension de seuil du transistor TR2 qui est de l'ordre de -0,6 V, de sorte que ce transistor TR2 conduit. Dans le même temps, la tension grille-source du transistor nMOS TR3 est nulle, c'est-à-dire inférieure à la tension de déclenchement de ce transistor TR3. Par conséquent, le transistor TR3 est bloqué. Ainsi, la tension au point de connexion "f" qui constitue la sortie de l'étage de conversion 44 est égale à +E, tandis que la tension au point de connexion "d" qui constitue l'entrée de l'étage de conversion 40 est nulle. L'étage de conversion 44 fonctionne bien comme un inverseur.As we have just seen in the above paragraph, when the
On examine maintenant le cas où l'on exerce une pression mécanique sur le transducteur piézo-électrique 32. Sous l'effet de cette pression, le transducteur 32 se polarise et la tension à son point de connexion "b" diminue. De même, la tension de grille du transistor pMOS TR1 diminue. La différence de potentiel grille-source du transistor TR1 va devenir inférieure à la tension de déclenchement, de sorte que ce transistor TR1 va commencer à conduire. Sous l'effet de la conduction du transistor TR1, le potentiel au point de connexion "d" qui constitue l'entrée de l'étage de conversion 44 va augmenter et tendre vers +E. A ce moment-là, la tension grille-source du transistor pMOS TR2 devient supérieure à la tension de seuil de ce transistor TR2, de sorte que ledit transistor TR2 va passer à l'état bloqué. Dans le même temps, la tension grille-source du transistor nMOS TR3 devient supérieure à la tension de déclenchement de ce transistor TR3, de sorte que ce dernier va se mettre à conduire. La tension au point de connexion "f" qui constitue la sortie de l'étage de conversion 44 va passer à zéro. Ainsi, la tension à l'entrée de l'étage de conversion 44 est à +E, tandis que la sortie de l'étage de conversion 40 est à zéro. L'étage de conversion 44 fonctionne bien comme un inverseur.We now examine the case where it exerts a mechanical pressure on the
La tension au point de sortie "f" de l'étage de conversion 44 passe donc alternativement de la valeur +E lorsque le transducteur piézo-électrique 32 est au repos à une valeur de tension nulle lorsque le transducteur 32 est activé. Ce signal logique est appliqué à l'entrée d'un microprocesseur (non représenté) qui va commander les fonctions horlogères de la montre 1.The voltage at the output point "f" of the
Il est à noter que l'on peut avantageusement introduire des données par pression sur la glace 14 de la montre 1 alors que le transducteur 32 fonctionne comme générateur de son. En effet, le filtre passif 40 empêche les signaux haute fréquence générés par le transducteur 28 de parvenir jusqu'aux étages d'amplification 42 et de conversion 44. Par conséquent, le système d'introduction de données selon l'invention est disponible en permanence. Le filtre peut aussi être numérique, à capacités commutées ou réalisé avec un filtre actif.It should be noted that it is advantageous to introduce data by pressing on the
On comprendra, d'autre part, que la polarité de la tension d'alimentation du circuit électrique 38 d'entraînement et d'évaluation peut être inversée. Dans ce cas, on substituera au transistor bipolaire npn TR0 un transistor pnp, et les transistors pMOS seront remplacés par des transistors nMOS et inversement.It will be understood, on the other hand, that the polarity of the supply voltage of the
Il va de soi que diverses variantes et modifications simples entrent dans le cadre de la présente invention telle que définie dans les revendications.It goes without saying that various variants and simple modifications are within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.
Claims (15)
- Portable object such as, in particular, a timepiece (1), including means (16) for displaying at least one data item and a case (2) formed of a top portion including a crystal (14) covering the display means (16) and a bottom portion delimited by a back cover (6) located below said display means (16), this object further including a piezoelectric transducer (32) generating an electric voltage when mechanical pressure is exerted on said top portion, the voltage generated by the piezoelectric transducer (32) being applied to a first electronic circuit which is arranged to generate a logic signal in response to the pressure exerted, this object also comprising a second electronic circuit arranged to cause the piezoelectric transducer (32) to operate as a vibration source for an acoustic generator, these first and second electronic circuits being arranged inside said case (2), said piezoelectric transducer (32) being arranged in the bottom portion of said case (2) and being rigidly connected to said case (2), characterised in that the first electronic circuit includes a capacitor (C1) arranged to raise the threshold of the voltage produced by the piezoelectric transducer (32) when the latter operates at the frequency at which the mechanical pressure is exerted, said capacitor (C1) exhibiting a low impedance and being thus arranged to behave substantially like a simple electric connection when the piezoelectric transducer (32) is driven to operate like a sound generator at a frequency higher than the frequency at which the mechanical pressure is exerted.
- Portable object according to claim 1, characterised in that the piezoelectric transducer (32) is bonded between two upper (34) and lower (36) electrodes.
- Portable object according to claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the piezoelectric transducer (32) is bonded to the back cover (6) of the case (2).
- Portable object according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the first electronic circuit, connected in parallel across the piezoelectric transducer (32), includes amplification (42) and conversion (44) means in a logic signal of the voltage generated by said piezoelectric transducer (32) under the effect of mechanical pressure.
- Portable object according to claim 4, characterised in that the first electronic circuit further includes means (40) for filtering the acoustic pulses generated by the piezoelectric transducer (32) when the latter operates as a sound generator.
- Portable object according to claim 5, characterised in that the filtering means (40) include a resistor (R1) and a capacitor (C2).
- Portable object according to claim 5, characterised in that the filter is a digital filter, a filter with switched capacitors or made with an active filter.
- Portable object according to any of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the amplification (42) and conversion (44) means respectively include a circuit branch in which a transistor (TR1) and a resistor (R2) are mounted in series and an inverter connected in parallel across said circuit branch.
- Portable object according to claim 8, characterised in that the inverter is of the CMOS type.
- Portable object according to claims 8 or 9, characterised in that a polarisation resistor (R2) is mounted in parallel between the piezoelectric transducer (32) and the circuit branch including the transistor (TR1).
- Portable object according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the second electronic circuit includes:- switching means arranged to be activated upon reception of a pulsed control signal, these means supplying acoustic frequency pulses to the piezoelectric transducer (32);- means for supplying a voltage so as to cause an electrical current to flow in said switching means, and- a coil (L1) connected between the means supplying a voltage and said switching means, said piezoelectric transducer (32) being connected in parallel across the coil (L1).
- Portable object according to claim 11, characterised in that a capacitor (C1) is mounted between the coil (L1) and the piezoelectric transducer (28).
- Portable object according to claims 11 or 12, characterised in that the second electronic circuit further includes a diode connected in series with the coil (L1).
- Portable object according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the switching means are formed by a transistor operating in switching mode.
- Portable object according to claim 14, characterised in that the transistor (TR0) is a bipolar transistor.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP00200646A EP1128239B1 (en) | 2000-02-24 | 2000-02-24 | Portable object, in particular time piece, incorporating a piezo-electric transducer for manually introducing data |
AT00200646T ATE434782T1 (en) | 2000-02-24 | 2000-02-24 | WEARABLE OBJECT, IN PARTICULAR A CLOCK MOVEMENT, WITH A PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCER FOR MANUALLY ENTERING DATA |
DE60042444T DE60042444D1 (en) | 2000-02-24 | 2000-02-24 | Portable object, especially movement, with piezoelectric transducer for manual input of data |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP00200646A EP1128239B1 (en) | 2000-02-24 | 2000-02-24 | Portable object, in particular time piece, incorporating a piezo-electric transducer for manually introducing data |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1128239A1 EP1128239A1 (en) | 2001-08-29 |
EP1128239B1 true EP1128239B1 (en) | 2009-06-24 |
Family
ID=8171086
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP00200646A Expired - Lifetime EP1128239B1 (en) | 2000-02-24 | 2000-02-24 | Portable object, in particular time piece, incorporating a piezo-electric transducer for manually introducing data |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1128239B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE434782T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60042444D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2447790A1 (en) * | 2010-10-27 | 2012-05-02 | The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. | Glass for sealing the top of the housing of a portable object |
US20120306805A1 (en) * | 2011-05-31 | 2012-12-06 | Idt Technology Limited | Hand-worn device with finger activation and control mechanisms |
EP3062170A1 (en) * | 2015-02-27 | 2016-08-31 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Electronic device |
KR20160105268A (en) * | 2015-02-27 | 2016-09-06 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Electronic device |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1582507A (en) * | 1978-05-24 | 1981-01-07 | Seikosha Kk | Piezoelectric vibrator driving circuit arrangements piezo-electrically driven sound generators and electronic timepieces including the same |
US4618264A (en) * | 1985-09-25 | 1986-10-21 | Timex Corporation | Acoustic alarm setting device for a timepiece |
JPH0718934B2 (en) * | 1986-11-18 | 1995-03-06 | シチズン時計株式会社 | Stopwatch |
-
2000
- 2000-02-24 AT AT00200646T patent/ATE434782T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2000-02-24 DE DE60042444T patent/DE60042444D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-02-24 EP EP00200646A patent/EP1128239B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ATE434782T1 (en) | 2009-07-15 |
EP1128239A1 (en) | 2001-08-29 |
DE60042444D1 (en) | 2009-08-06 |
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