EP1388766A1 - Device and method for testing watertightness of an enclosure such as a watch case - Google Patents

Device and method for testing watertightness of an enclosure such as a watch case Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1388766A1
EP1388766A1 EP02078340A EP02078340A EP1388766A1 EP 1388766 A1 EP1388766 A1 EP 1388766A1 EP 02078340 A EP02078340 A EP 02078340A EP 02078340 A EP02078340 A EP 02078340A EP 1388766 A1 EP1388766 A1 EP 1388766A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas
concentration
enclosure
sensor
box
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP02078340A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Francois Gueissaz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Asulab AG
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Asulab AG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Asulab AG filed Critical Asulab AG
Priority to EP02078340A priority Critical patent/EP1388766A1/en
Priority to CNA038191210A priority patent/CN1675598A/en
Priority to US10/522,895 priority patent/US20050270908A1/en
Priority to AU2003258575A priority patent/AU2003258575A1/en
Priority to KR1020057001896A priority patent/KR20050035874A/en
Priority to JP2004530084A priority patent/JP2005535902A/en
Priority to EP03792255A priority patent/EP1529248A2/en
Priority to PCT/EP2003/008672 priority patent/WO2004019141A2/en
Publication of EP1388766A1 publication Critical patent/EP1388766A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D7/00—Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D7/00—Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus
    • G04D7/006—Testing apparatus for complete clockworks with regard to external influences or general good working
    • G04D7/007—Testing apparatus for complete clockworks with regard to external influences or general good working with regard to the sealing of the case

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for ensuring that a hermetically sealed enclosure such that a box of a timepiece is waterproof vis-à-vis the outside.
  • the present invention also relates to a method for checking the tightness of such an enclosure.
  • a pressure gauge is however a complicated, delicate and expensive instrument which, in case of failure of the watch case sealing device, risk of being deteriorated in the same way as the movement, which considerably increases the repair costs.
  • a device of the kind described above has the merit of being relatively simple and fairly robust, and less expensive than a pressure gauge.
  • Such a device has however for the disadvantage of providing information of the all or nothing type comparable to that provided by an indicator light for example.
  • This device does not will pass from its first to its second stable state in which it indicates to the carrier of shows that it has a leak, that when the overpressure the interior of the watch case will have dropped by a predetermined value. So it turns out It may very well be that the watch has leaks, but that the prevailing pressure has not yet reached the threshold value necessary for triggering of the device for checking that the seal is maintained. Movement can therefore deteriorate without the wearer of the watch knowing anything about it.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above as well as to others by proposing a monitoring device sealing, for example a watch case, which allows its wearer to be alerted as soon as it begins to show leaks.
  • the present invention relates to a device for monitoring the sealing of a closed enclosure such as a box of a timepiece, characterized in that it comprises a sensor capable of measuring the fluctuations of the concentration of a gas from the atmosphere confined in the enclosure.
  • the present invention provides a device to instantly alert, for example the wearer of a watch, of a defect sealing the case of his watch. Indeed, as soon as the watch presents a leakage, this causes a gas exchange between the surrounding air and the atmosphere in the watch case and decreases concomitant with the concentration of gas from the atmosphere confined in said box, decrease which is detected by the sensor. Quickly warned of leakage of his watch, the wearer can bring it back to his watchmaker who can place it under a vacuum bell to test and repair it if necessary. The risks that the movement of the watch is deteriorated are thus greatly reduced.
  • the gas sensor includes an electronic detection circuit.
  • Such a circuit is reliable, little bulky and consumes less energy when it is only switched on for brief moments at regular time intervals.
  • it has no movable member, which further increases its reliability.
  • the gas present in the confined atmosphere of the watch case is a neutral and heavy gas with a thermal conductivity different from that of air, such as, for example, carbon.
  • the watch can be very easily reconditioned by a watchmaker Trade. It suffices, in fact, while the watch case is still open, to pour neutral and heavy gas into it, the concentration of which fluctuates are to be watched. So in the case of carbon dioxide which is a gas it is easy to obtain in the form of an aerosol can, no specific tools are necessary. After filling the canister with gas, completely or partially, it suffices to close it tightly without having to worry about the concentration of said gas insofar as the device according to the invention uses relative concentration values and not absolute values.
  • a neutral gas has other advantages. Because of its neutrality, it can only react with the components of the watch, so that the variations in its concentration in the confined atmosphere of the box are a reflection faithful gas exchanges that occur between this box and the ambient air. Well of course, the neutral gas chosen must be non-toxic and not very widespread in the air, i.e. that its concentration in the box should be higher than its concentration in the air.
  • the neutral gas can be blown into the box via a valve.
  • a neutral gas lighter than air such as helium.
  • the coefficient of thermal conductivity of helium is in a ratio of ten to that of ambient air, which allows a increased detection sensitivity.
  • a light gas such as helium diffuses more which further enhances the detection sensitivity.
  • the present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea which consists in measure the fluctuations in the concentration of a gas in the atmosphere confined in a closed enclosure such as a watch case. As soon as a decrease in the gas concentration is detected, an alarm is produced to warn the wearer of shows that it has a leak.
  • the main advantage of the present invention is that it does not constitute an all-or-nothing system that only provides information when the parameter to be monitored reaches a trigger threshold value, but on the contrary provide an extremely sensitive system that will warn the wearer of the watch as soon as it begins to show signs of leakage.
  • the system according to the invention measures a relative value and not a value absolute. It is therefore not necessary to fix the initial gas concentration at a determined value, only the value of this initial concentration to be known.
  • the device according to the invention is of the passive type, so that it does not include no moving parts and is therefore very reliable.
  • the present invention will be described in conjunction with a timepiece of the wristwatch type. It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to such a watch and that it can be applied identically to the measurement of the loss of any hermetically sealed enclosure.
  • FIG. 1 appended to this patent application is a sectional view a timepiece fitted with the gas detection device according to the invention.
  • this piece watchmaking conventionally comprises a case 2 provided with a middle part 4 and a bottom 6 which delimits the housing 2 in its lower part.
  • the back 6 is made in one piece with the middle part 4.
  • Box 2 can be made, for example, of a plastic material according to well injection techniques known.
  • the present invention is not however 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 includes 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 or replaced.
  • the battery 12 shown schematically in the drawing, has typically the shape of a pellet. It can be housed in the back 6 of watch 1.
  • the underside of the battery 12 which constitutes one of the poles of the latter is connected electrically to ground of watch 1, for example via a spring contact 13 fixed to the bottom 6 of said watch 1.
  • the other pole of the battery 12 which consists of its upper face is usually connected electrically to the time movement 8.
  • the housing 2 is delimited by a glass 14 covering means 16 for displaying time information.
  • these display means 16 consist of a dial 18 above which move an hour hand 20, a minute hand 22 and a hand 24 seconds. These are therefore analog means of displaying the time. He could also be digital display means constituted by a crystal cell liquids.
  • the housing 2 has at its upper periphery a notch 26 in which is engaged a bezel 28 which secures the lens 14 on the housing 2.
  • the bezel 28 is fixedly mounted on the housing 2, for example by gluing or welding with ultrasound or by hunting.
  • the glass 14 is sealed against the case 2 through the use of a seal 30 wedged between the glass and the case.
  • the timepiece 1 comprises also a sensor 32 housed in the housing 2.
  • This sensor 32 is capable of detecting fluctuations in the concentration of a gas such as, for example, dioxide carbon, from the atmosphere confined in the housing 2.
  • the sensor 32 is preferably electronic type, small dimensions and low consumption energy.
  • An example of such a sensor is that sold by the Swiss company Microsens Products under the reference MTCS 2200.
  • the operating principle of such a sensor is as follows. Means of electric heating have the role of maintaining a membrane thermally and electrically insulating part of the sensor at a temperature of predetermined setpoint. Depending on fluctuations in the gas concentration neutral of the atmosphere confined in the box, the thermal conductivity of said atmosphere varies, so more or less electrical energy must be supplied to heating means to maintain the membrane at its set temperature. Correspondence tables are used to determine, depending on the electric power supplied, the concentration of the atmosphere in neutral gas used. In the case of carbon dioxide, its thermal conductivity is less than a third to that of air, which makes it possible to detect variations in the concentration of this gas as low as 1%. In another embodiment, the heat flux is measured between the heating membrane and a temperature sensor, separated from each other by the gas whose concentration fluctuations are to be measured.
  • the first which is the simplest, is to open the box 2 of the shows 1 and spray the gas into it. So in the case of carbon dioxide which is a gas which is easy to obtain in the form of an aerosol can 34 (see FIG. 2), no specific tools are required. After filling the box 2 with gas, it just close it tightly.
  • a valve 36 (see figure 3) intended to open under the action of an external pressure and comprising a tube 38 on which can be fixed a supply pipe 40 of a pressurized gas.
  • the sensor 32 performs a measurement of the initial concentration of this gas, and then performs subsequent measurements by continuously or intermittently. As soon as the sensor detects a variation in the concentration of neutral gas in the atmosphere confined in the housing, it generates a alarm. Indeed, if the concentration of neutral gas varies, it means that air has penetrated into the case from outside of it.
  • the alarm can be visual and display as a message or symbol on a crystal screen liquids.
  • the sensor can also control the lighting of a warning light or although still the emission of an audible signal. Therefore, the wearer of watch 1 is warned that it has a leak and that it must be returned to the watchmaker at the end of the repair. The carrier being quickly informed, the risks that the movement of the mount is deteriorated is greatly limited.
  • the gas sensor measures the ambient temperature before measure the desired gas concentration.
  • a timepiece is typically designed to operate in a temperature range between -20 ° C and + 70 ° C. It is understood that such temperature differences affect the pressure inside the box. By measuring the ambient temperature beforehand, the sensor can take into account the result of this measurement to correct the measurement of the pressure which he will subsequently carry out.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)

Abstract

Device for checking the sealing of a closed container, such as the casing (2) of a watch (1), comprises a sensor (32) for measuring fluctuations in the concentration of an atmospheric gas within the casing. When the concentration falls below the initial value, an alarm is sounded. An independent claim is made for a method for checking the sealing of a closed container.

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif permettant de s'assurer qu'une enceinte hermétiquement close telle qu'une boíte d'une pièce d'horlogerie est étanche vis-à-vis de l'extérieur. La présente invention concerne également un procédé pour le contrôle de l'étanchéité d'une telle enceinte.The present invention relates to a device for ensuring that a hermetically sealed enclosure such that a box of a timepiece is waterproof vis-à-vis the outside. The present invention also relates to a method for checking the tightness of such an enclosure.

Il a déjà été proposé de faire régner dans une boíte de montre une pression supérieure à la pression atmosphérique, de manière à éviter qu'une pression extérieure supérieure à la pression dans la boíte entraíne une pénétration d'eau, de vapeur, de gaz ou de poussière dans la boíte (brevet suisse N° 312740). A cet effet, la boíte est munie d'une soupape permettant d'y insuffler un gaz inerte sous une pression de 1,1 à 1,5 atmosphère et d'un manomètre permettant au porteur de la montre de connaítre la pression régnant à l'intérieur de la boíte.It has already been proposed to put pressure in a watch box higher than atmospheric pressure, so that pressure external higher than the pressure in the box causes water penetration, vapor, gas or dust in the box (Swiss patent N ° 312740). To this end, the box is provided with a valve allowing to inject an inert gas under a pressure from 1.1 to 1.5 atmospheres and a pressure gauge allowing the wearer to shows to know the pressure inside the box.

Un manomètre est cependant un instrument compliqué, délicat et coûteux qui, en cas de défaillance du dispositif d'étanchéité de la boíte de montre, risque d'être détérioré au même titre que le mouvement, ce qui augmente considérablement les frais de remise en état.A pressure gauge is however a complicated, delicate and expensive instrument which, in case of failure of the watch case sealing device, risk of being deteriorated in the same way as the movement, which considerably increases the repair costs.

Pour remédier à ces problèmes, il a été proposé (brevet suisse N° 544959) de remplacer le manomètre par un dispositif permettant également de vérifier le maintien de la surpression dans une boíte de montre, ce dispositif comprenant une membrane élastiquement déformable, bistable, séparant de façon étanche aux gaz la boíte d'une enceinte dans laquelle règne une pression différente, et des moyens pour rendre visibles à l'utilisateur l'un ou l'autre des deux états stables de la membrane.To remedy these problems, it has been proposed (Swiss Patent No. 544959) to replace the pressure gauge with a device that also makes it possible to check the maintenance overpressure in a watch case, this device comprising a membrane elastically deformable, bistable, separating the box in a gas-tight manner from a enclosure in which there is a different pressure, and means to make visible to the user one or the other of the two stable states of the membrane.

Un dispositif du genre susdécrit a pour mérite d'être relativement simple et assez robuste, et d'être moins coûteux qu'un manomètre. Un tel dispositif a cependant pour inconvénient de fournir une information du type tout ou rien comparable à celle fournie par un témoin lumineux par exemple. Ainsi, ce dispositif ne passera de son premier à son second état stable dans lequel il indique au porteur de la montre que celle-ci présente un défaut d'étanchéité, que lorsque la surpression à l'intérieur de la boíte de montre aura chuté d'une valeur prédéterminée. Ainsi, il se peut fort bien que la montre présente des défauts d'étanchéité, mais que la surpression qui y règne n'ait pas encore atteint la valeur de seuil nécessaire au déclenchement du dispositif de vérification du maintien de l'étanchéité. Le mouvement peut donc se détériorer sans que le porteur de la montre n'en sache rien. D'autre part, il est nécessaire d'insuffler le gaz inerte dans la boíte avec une pression déterminée supérieure au seuil de déclenchement du dispositif de vérification, ce qui nécessite un outillage approprié que tous les horlogers ne sont pas susceptibles de détenir. Enfin, les mesures effectuées par un tel dispositif peuvent être gravement entachées d'erreur par des variations de la température ambiante qui affectent la pression de l'air confinée dans la boíte.A device of the kind described above has the merit of being relatively simple and fairly robust, and less expensive than a pressure gauge. Such a device has however for the disadvantage of providing information of the all or nothing type comparable to that provided by an indicator light for example. This device does not will pass from its first to its second stable state in which it indicates to the carrier of shows that it has a leak, that when the overpressure the interior of the watch case will have dropped by a predetermined value. So it turns out It may very well be that the watch has leaks, but that the prevailing pressure has not yet reached the threshold value necessary for triggering of the device for checking that the seal is maintained. Movement can therefore deteriorate without the wearer of the watch knowing anything about it. On the other hand, it is necessary to blow the inert gas into the box with a determined pressure higher than the trigger level of the verification device, which requires a appropriate tools that not all watchmakers are likely to have. Finally, the measurements made by such a device can be seriously tainted error due to variations in ambient temperature that affect air pressure confined in the box.

La présente invention a pour but de remédier aux inconvénients susmentionnés ainsi qu'à d'autres encore en proposant un dispositif de surveillance de l'étanchéité, par exemple d'une boíte de montre, qui permette à son porteur d'être alerté aussitôt que celle-ci commence à présenter des défauts d'étanchéité.The object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above as well as to others by proposing a monitoring device sealing, for example a watch case, which allows its wearer to be alerted as soon as it begins to show leaks.

A cet effet, la présente invention concerne un dispositif de surveillance de l'étanchéité d'une enceinte close telle qu'une boíte d'une pièce d'horlogerie, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un capteur capable de mesurer les fluctuations de la concentration en un gaz de l'atmosphère confinée dans l'enceinte.To this end, the present invention relates to a device for monitoring the sealing of a closed enclosure such as a box of a timepiece, characterized in that it comprises a sensor capable of measuring the fluctuations of the concentration of a gas from the atmosphere confined in the enclosure.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, la présente invention procure un dispositif permettant d'alerter instantanément, par exemple le porteur d'une montre, d'un défaut d'étanchéité de la boíte de sa montre. En effet, aussitôt que la montre présente un défaut d'étanchéité, cela provoque un échange gazeux entre l'air environnant et l'atmosphère contenue dans la boíte de la montre et entraíne une diminution concomitante de la concentration du gaz de l'atmosphère confinée dans ladite boíte, diminution qui est détectée par le capteur. Rapidement averti de la perte d'étanchéité de sa montre, le porteur peut ramener celle-ci chez son horloger qui pourra la placer sous une cloche à vide afin de la tester et la réparer le cas échéant. Les risques que le mouvement de la montre soit détérioré sont ainsi grandement réduits.Thanks to these characteristics, the present invention provides a device to instantly alert, for example the wearer of a watch, of a defect sealing the case of his watch. Indeed, as soon as the watch presents a leakage, this causes a gas exchange between the surrounding air and the atmosphere in the watch case and decreases concomitant with the concentration of gas from the atmosphere confined in said box, decrease which is detected by the sensor. Quickly warned of leakage of his watch, the wearer can bring it back to his watchmaker who can place it under a vacuum bell to test and repair it if necessary. The risks that the movement of the watch is deteriorated are thus greatly reduced.

Selon une caractéristique complémentaire de l'invention, le capteur de gaz comprend un circuit électronique de détection. Un tel circuit est fiable, peu encombrant et consomme d'autant moins d'énergie qu'il n'est enclenché que pendant de brefs instants à intervalles de temps réguliers. En outre, il ne comporte aucun organe mobile, ce qui augmente encore davantage sa fiabilité.According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the gas sensor includes an electronic detection circuit. Such a circuit is reliable, little bulky and consumes less energy when it is only switched on for brief moments at regular time intervals. In addition, it has no movable member, which further increases its reliability.

Selon encore une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le gaz présent dans l'atmosphère confinée de la boíte de montre est un gaz neutre et lourd possédant une conductivité thermique différente de celle de l'air, comme, par exemple, le dioxyde de carbone. Après constatation d'une perte d'étanchéité de la boíte et réparation subséquente, la montre peut être très facilement remise en condition par un horloger du commerce. Il suffit, en effet, alors que la boíte de montre est encore ouverte, de verser dans celle-ci le gaz neutre et lourd dont les fluctuations de la concentration sont à surveiller. Ainsi, dans le cas du dioxyde de carbone qui est un gaz qu'il est facile de se procurer sous forme de bombe aérosol, aucun outillage spécifique n'est nécessaire. Après avoir rempli la boíte de gaz, complètement ou partiellement, il suffit de refermer celle-ci de manière étanche sans avoir à se préoccuper de la concentration dudit gaz dans la mesure où le dispositif selon l'invention utilise des valeurs relatives de concentration et non des valeurs absolues.According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the gas present in the confined atmosphere of the watch case is a neutral and heavy gas with a thermal conductivity different from that of air, such as, for example, carbon. After finding a loss of sealing of the box and repair subsequent, the watch can be very easily reconditioned by a watchmaker Trade. It suffices, in fact, while the watch case is still open, to pour neutral and heavy gas into it, the concentration of which fluctuates are to be watched. So in the case of carbon dioxide which is a gas it is easy to obtain in the form of an aerosol can, no specific tools are necessary. After filling the canister with gas, completely or partially, it suffices to close it tightly without having to worry about the concentration of said gas insofar as the device according to the invention uses relative concentration values and not absolute values.

L'emploi d'un gaz neutre présente d'autres avantages. Ainsi, du fait de sa neutralité, il ne peut réagir avec les composants de la montre, de sorte que les variations de sa concentration dans l'atmosphère confinée de la boíte sont le reflet fidèle des échanges gazeux qui se produisent entre cette boíte et l'air ambiant. Bien entendu, le gaz neutre choisi devra être non toxique et peu répandu dans l'air, c'est-à-dire que sa concentration dans la boíte devra être plus élevée que sa concentration dans l'air.The use of a neutral gas has other advantages. Because of its neutrality, it can only react with the components of the watch, so that the variations in its concentration in the confined atmosphere of the box are a reflection faithful gas exchanges that occur between this box and the ambient air. Well of course, the neutral gas chosen must be non-toxic and not very widespread in the air, i.e. that its concentration in the box should be higher than its concentration in the air.

Selon une variante, le gaz neutre peut être insufflé dans la boíte via une soupape. Cette variante s'avère particulièrement avantageuse lorsqu'on veut insuffler dans la boíte de montre un gaz neutre plus léger que l'air tel que de l'hélium. En effet, il ne serait pas possible de remplir la boíte d'un tel gaz neutre léger en ouvrant simplement celle-ci et en la remplissant au moyen d'une bombe aérosol car le gaz s'échapperait. D'autre part, le coefficient de conductivité thermique de l'hélium est dans un rapport de dix par rapport à celui de l'air ambiant, ce qui permet une sensibilité de détection accrue. En outre, un gaz léger tel que l'hélium diffuse plus facilement, ce qui contribue encore davantage à renforcer la sensibilité de détection.Alternatively, the neutral gas can be blown into the box via a valve. This variant is particularly advantageous when you want to breathe in the watch case a neutral gas lighter than air such as helium. Indeed, it would not be possible to fill the box with such a light neutral gas by opening simply this one and filling it with an aerosol can because the gas would escape. On the other hand, the coefficient of thermal conductivity of helium is in a ratio of ten to that of ambient air, which allows a increased detection sensitivity. In addition, a light gas such as helium diffuses more which further enhances the detection sensitivity.

La présente invention concerne également un procédé de contrôle de l'étanchéité d'une enceinte close telle qu'une boíte d'une pièce d'horlogerie, ce procédé étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les étapes consistant à :

  • introduire un gaz avec une concentration de départ dans l'atmosphère confinée de l'enceinte close;
  • mesurer la concentration de départ dudit gaz;
  • mesurer de façon continue ou intermittente la concentration du gaz, et
  • générer une alarme lorsque la concentration de gaz mesurée est différente de la concentration de départ dudit gaz.
The present invention also relates to a method for checking the tightness of a closed enclosure such as a case of a timepiece, this method being characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in:
  • introducing a gas with a starting concentration into the confined atmosphere of the closed enclosure;
  • measuring the starting concentration of said gas;
  • measure the gas concentration continuously or intermittently, and
  • generate an alarm when the measured gas concentration is different from the starting concentration of said gas.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront plus clairement de la description détaillée qui suit d'un mode de réalisation du dispositif de contrôle selon l'invention, cet exemple étant donné à titre purement illustratif et non limitatif seulement, en liaison avec le dessin annexé dans lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe d'une montre-bracelet équipée du dispositif de contrôle d'étanchéité selon l'invention;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de la boíte de la montre représentée sur la figure 1 au moment où l'on procède à son remplissage en gaz au moyen d'une bombe aérosol, et
  • la figure 3 est une vue d'une montre équipée d'une soupape permettant d'insuffler un gaz dans la boíte de la montre.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the control device according to the invention, this example being given purely by way of non-limiting illustration only, in conjunction with the attached drawing in which:
  • Figure 1 is a sectional view of a wristwatch equipped with the tightness control device according to the invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a view of the watch case shown in FIG. 1 at the time when it is filled with gas by means of an aerosol can, and
  • Figure 3 is a view of a watch equipped with a valve for blowing a gas into the watch case.

La présente invention procède de l'idée générale inventive qui consiste à mesurer les fluctuations de la concentration en un gaz de l'atmosphère confinée dans une enceinte close telle qu'une boíte de montre. Aussitôt qu'une diminution de la concentration en gaz est détectée, une alarme est produite afin d'avertir le porteur de la montre que celle-ci présente un défaut d'étanchéité. Par rapport aux solutions connues de l'art antérieur qui consistent, pour la plupart, à établir une surpression dans la boíte de la montre et à surveiller une éventuelle diminution de cette surpression, la présente invention a comme principal avantage de ne pas constituer un système du type tout ou rien qui ne fournit une information que lorsque le paramètre à surveiller atteint une valeur seuil de déclenchement, mais au contraire de procurer un système extrêmement sensible qui avertira le porteur de la montre aussitôt que celle-ci commencera à présenter des signes de perte d'étanchéité. D'autre part, le système selon l'invention mesure une valeur relative et non une valeur absolue. Il n'est donc pas nécessaire de fixer la concentration initiale en gaz à une valeur déterminée, seule la valeur de cette concentration initiale devant être connue. Enfin, le dispositif selon l'invention est de type passif, de sorte qu'il ne comprend aucune pièce mobile et est par conséquent très fiable.The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea which consists in measure the fluctuations in the concentration of a gas in the atmosphere confined in a closed enclosure such as a watch case. As soon as a decrease in the gas concentration is detected, an alarm is produced to warn the wearer of shows that it has a leak. Compared to solutions known from the prior art which consist, for the most part, of establishing an overpressure in the watch case and watch for a possible decrease in this overpressure, the main advantage of the present invention is that it does not constitute an all-or-nothing system that only provides information when the parameter to be monitored reaches a trigger threshold value, but on the contrary provide an extremely sensitive system that will warn the wearer of the watch as soon as it begins to show signs of leakage. On the other hand, the system according to the invention measures a relative value and not a value absolute. It is therefore not necessary to fix the initial gas concentration at a determined value, only the value of this initial concentration to be known. Finally, the device according to the invention is of the passive type, so that it does not include no moving parts and is therefore very reliable.

La présente invention va être décrite en liaison avec une pièce d'horlogerie du type montre-bracelet. Il va de soi que l'invention n'est pas limitée à une telle montre et qu'elle peut s'appliquer de façon identique à la mesure de la perte d'étanchéité de toute enceinte hermétiquement close.The present invention will be described in conjunction with a timepiece of the wristwatch type. It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to such a watch and that it can be applied identically to the measurement of the loss of any hermetically sealed enclosure.

La figure 1 annexée à la présente demande de brevet est une vue en coupe d'une pièce d'horlogerie munie du dispositif de détection de gaz selon l'invention. Désignée dans son ensemble par la référence numérique générale 1, cette pièce d'horlogerie comporte de manière classique un boítier 2 muni d'une carrure 4 et d'un fond 6 qui délimite le boítier 2 dans sa partie inférieure. Dans l'exemple représenté au dessin, le fond 6 est fait d'une seule pièce avec la carrure 4. Il va néanmoins de soi que la présente invention s'applique de la même manière à une boíte qui ne serait pas monocoque et qui comprendrait un fond distinct de la carrure. Le boítier 2 peut être réalisé, par exemple, en un matériau plastique selon des techniques d'injection bien connues. La présente invention ne se limite cependant pas au choix d'un tel matériau et le boítier 2 pourra être réalisé en tout type de matériau adapté aux besoins de l'industrie horlogère tel que, notamment, de l'acier.Figure 1 appended to this patent application is a sectional view a timepiece fitted with the gas detection device according to the invention. Referred to as a whole by the general reference numeral 1, this piece watchmaking conventionally comprises a case 2 provided with a middle part 4 and a bottom 6 which delimits the housing 2 in its lower part. In the example shown in drawing, the back 6 is made in one piece with the middle part 4. It goes without saying, that the present invention applies in the same way to a box which would not be monocoque and which would include a distinct background from the middle. Box 2 can be made, for example, of a plastic material according to well injection techniques known. The present invention is not however 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.

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 ou remplacée. La batterie 12, représentée de façon schématique au dessin, présente typiquement la forme d'une pastille. Elle peut être logée dans le fond 6 de la montre 1. La face inférieure de la batterie 12 qui constitue l'un des pôles de celle-ci est reliée électriquement à la masse de la montre 1, par exemple par l'intermédiaire d'un contact à ressort 13 fixé sur le fond 6 de ladite montre 1. L'autre pôle de la batterie 12 qui est constitué par sa face supérieure est, de manière habituelle, relié électriquement au mouvement horométrique 8.The timepiece 1 also includes 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 or replaced. The battery 12, shown schematically in the drawing, has typically the shape of a pellet. It can be housed in the back 6 of watch 1. The underside of the battery 12 which constitutes one of the poles of the latter is connected electrically to ground of watch 1, for example via a spring contact 13 fixed to the bottom 6 of said watch 1. The other pole of the battery 12 which consists of its upper face is usually connected electrically to the time movement 8.

Dans sa partie supérieure, le boítier 2 est délimité par une glace 14 recouvrant des moyens d'affichage 16 d'une information horaire. Dans l'exemple représenté au dessin, ces moyens d'affichage 16 se composent d'un cadran 18 au-dessus duquel se déplacent une aiguille des heures 20, une aiguille des minutes 22 et une aiguille des secondes 24. Il s'agit donc de moyens analogiques d'affichage de l'heure. Il pourrait également s'agir de moyens d'affichage digitaux constitués par une cellule à cristaux liquides.In its upper part, the housing 2 is delimited by a glass 14 covering means 16 for displaying time information. In the example shown in drawing, these display means 16 consist of a dial 18 above which move an hour hand 20, a minute hand 22 and a hand 24 seconds. These are therefore analog means of displaying the time. He could also be digital display means constituted by a crystal cell liquids.

Enfin, le boítier 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 boítier 2. La lunette 28 est montée fixe sur le boítier 2, par exemple par collage ou soudage aux ultrasons ou encore par chassage. La glace 14 est rendue étanche par rapport au boítier 2 grâce à l'utilisation d'un joint 30 coincé entre la glace et le boítier.Finally, the housing 2 has at its upper periphery a notch 26 in which is engaged a bezel 28 which secures the lens 14 on the housing 2. The bezel 28 is fixedly mounted on the housing 2, for example by gluing or welding with ultrasound or by hunting. The glass 14 is sealed against the case 2 through the use of a seal 30 wedged between the glass and the case.

Comme on peut le voir à la figure 1, la pièce d'horlogerie 1 comprend également un capteur 32 logé dans le boítier 2. Ce capteur 32 est capable de détecter les fluctuations de la concentration en un gaz tel que, par exemple, du dioxyde de carbone, de l'atmosphère confinée dans le boítier 2. Le capteur 32 est préférentiellement de type électronique, de petites dimensions et consommant peu d'énergie. Un exemple d'un tel capteur est constitué par celui commercialisé par la société suisse Microsens Products sous la référence MTCS 2200.As can be seen in FIG. 1, the timepiece 1 comprises also a sensor 32 housed in the housing 2. This sensor 32 is capable of detecting fluctuations in the concentration of a gas such as, for example, dioxide carbon, from the atmosphere confined in the housing 2. The sensor 32 is preferably electronic type, small dimensions and low consumption energy. An example of such a sensor is that sold by the Swiss company Microsens Products under the reference MTCS 2200.

Le principe de fonctionnement d'un tel capteur est le suivant. Des moyens de chauffage électrique ont pour rôle de maintenir une membrane thermiquement et électriquement isolante faisant partie intégrante du capteur à une température de consigne prédéterminée. En fonction des fluctuations de la concentration en gaz neutre de l'atmosphère confinée dans la boíte, la conductivité thermique de ladite atmosphère varie, et il faut donc fournir plus ou moins d'énergie électrique aux moyens de chauffage pour maintenir la membrane à sa température de consigne. Des tableaux de correspondance permettent de déterminer, en fonction de la puissance électrique fournie, la concentration de l'atmosphère en gaz neutre utilisé. Dans le cas du dioxyde de carbone, sa conductivité thermique est inférieure d'un tiers à celle de l'air, ce qui permet de détecter des variations de la concentration de ce gaz aussi faibles que 1%. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, on mesure le flux thermique entre la membrane chauffante et un capteur de température, séparés l'un de l'autre par le gaz dont les fluctuations de la concentration sont à mesurer.The operating principle of such a sensor is as follows. Means of electric heating have the role of maintaining a membrane thermally and electrically insulating part of the sensor at a temperature of predetermined setpoint. Depending on fluctuations in the gas concentration neutral of the atmosphere confined in the box, the thermal conductivity of said atmosphere varies, so more or less electrical energy must be supplied to heating means to maintain the membrane at its set temperature. Correspondence tables are used to determine, depending on the electric power supplied, the concentration of the atmosphere in neutral gas used. In the case of carbon dioxide, its thermal conductivity is less than a third to that of air, which makes it possible to detect variations in the concentration of this gas as low as 1%. In another embodiment, the heat flux is measured between the heating membrane and a temperature sensor, separated from each other by the gas whose concentration fluctuations are to be measured.

Lors de la mise en service du capteur de gaz 32, il faut tout d'abord procéder au remplissage de la montre en gaz neutre. Pour cela, deux solutions sont envisageables. La première, qui est la plus simple, consiste à ouvrir la boíte 2 de la montre 1 et à pulvériser le gaz dans celle-ci. Ainsi, dans le cas du dioxyde de carbone qui est un gaz facile à se procurer sous forme d'une bombe aérosol 34 (voir figure 2), aucun outillage spécifique n'est nécessaire. Après avoir rempli la boíte 2 de gaz, il suffit de refermer celle-ci de manière étanche. Selon une variante, il est également possible de munir la montre 1 d'une soupape 36 (voir figure 3) destinée à s'ouvrir sous l'action d'une pression extérieure et comprenant une tubulure 38 sur laquelle peut être fixé un conduit d'amenée 40 d'un gaz sous pression.When commissioning the gas sensor 32, you must first proceed when filling the watch with neutral gas. For this, two solutions are conceivable. The first, which is the simplest, is to open the box 2 of the shows 1 and spray the gas into it. So in the case of carbon dioxide which is a gas which is easy to obtain in the form of an aerosol can 34 (see FIG. 2), no specific tools are required. After filling the box 2 with gas, it just close it tightly. According to a variant, it is also possible to equip watch 1 with a valve 36 (see figure 3) intended to open under the action of an external pressure and comprising a tube 38 on which can be fixed a supply pipe 40 of a pressurized gas.

Une fois le gaz introduit dans le boítier 2, le capteur 32 effectue une mesure de la concentration initiale de ce gaz, puis effectue des mesures subséquentes en continu ou de façon intermittente. Aussitôt que le capteur détecte une variation de la concentration en gaz neutre de l'atmosphère confinée dans le boítier, il génère une alarme. En effet, si la concentration en gaz neutre varie, cela signifie que de l'air a pénétré dans le boítier depuis l'extérieur de celui-ci. L'alarme peut être de type visuel et s'afficher sous forme d'un message ou d'un symbole sur un écran à cristaux liquides. Le capteur peut également commander l'allumage d'un témoin lumineux ou bien encore l'émission d'un signal sonore. Dès lors, le porteur de la montre 1 est averti que celle-ci présente un défaut d'étanchéité et qu'elle doit être ramenée chez l'horloger à fin de réparation. Le porteur étant rapidement informé, les risques que le mouvement de la monter soit détérioré est grandement limité.Once the gas has been introduced into the housing 2, the sensor 32 performs a measurement of the initial concentration of this gas, and then performs subsequent measurements by continuously or intermittently. As soon as the sensor detects a variation in the concentration of neutral gas in the atmosphere confined in the housing, it generates a alarm. Indeed, if the concentration of neutral gas varies, it means that air has penetrated into the case from outside of it. The alarm can be visual and display as a message or symbol on a crystal screen liquids. The sensor can also control the lighting of a warning light or although still the emission of an audible signal. Therefore, the wearer of watch 1 is warned that it has a leak and that it must be returned to the watchmaker at the end of the repair. The carrier being quickly informed, the risks that the movement of the mount is deteriorated is greatly limited.

Il va de soi que la présente invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation qui viennent d'être décrits et que diverses modifications et variantes simples peuvent être envisagées sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. En particulier, il peut être envisagé que le capteur de gaz procède à une mesure de la température ambiante avant de mesurer la concentration du gaz recherchée. En effet, une pièce d'horlogerie est typiquement prévue pour fonctionner dans un intervalle de température compris entre -20°C et +70°C. On comprend que de tels écarts de température affectent la pression à l'intérieur de la boíte. En mesurant préalablement la température ambiante, le capteur pourra tenir compte du résultat de cette mesure pour corriger la mesure de la pression à laquelle il procèdera subséquemment.It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described and which various modifications and simple variants can be considered without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, it can be considered that the gas sensor measures the ambient temperature before measure the desired gas concentration. Indeed, a timepiece is typically designed to operate in a temperature range between -20 ° C and + 70 ° C. It is understood that such temperature differences affect the pressure inside the box. By measuring the ambient temperature beforehand, the sensor can take into account the result of this measurement to correct the measurement of the pressure which he will subsequently carry out.

Claims (12)

Dispositif pour le contrôle de l'étanchéité d'une enceinte close telle qu'une boíte (2) d'une pièce d'horlogerie (1), caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un capteur (32) capable de mesurer les fluctuations de la concentration en un gaz de l'atmosphère confinée dans l'enceinte.Device for checking the tightness of a closed enclosure such as a box (2) of a timepiece (1), characterized in that it comprises a sensor (32) capable of measuring the fluctuations of the concentration of a gas in the atmosphere confined in the enclosure. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le capteur (32) comprend un circuit électronique de détection de gaz.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (32) comprises an electronic gas detection circuit. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que le gaz présent dans l'atmosphère confinée de l'enceinte est un gaz neutre.Device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the gas present in the confined atmosphere of the enclosure is a neutral gas. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que la concentration du gaz neutre dans l'atmosphère de l'enceinte est inférieure à sa concentration dans l'air ambiant.Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the concentration of the neutral gas in the atmosphere of the enclosure is lower than its concentration in the ambient air. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que le gaz neutre est du dioxyde de carbone ou de l'hélium.Device according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the neutral gas is carbon dioxide or helium. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que l'enceinte est munie d'une soupape (36) pour y insuffler le gaz.Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the enclosure is provided with a valve (36) for blowing the gas into it. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que le capteur (32) mesure la concentration initiale du gaz, puis mesure cette concentration de façon continue ou intermittente et commande la production d'un signal d'alerte aussitôt qu'il détecte une fluctuation de la valeur de la concentration du gaz.Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensor (32) measures the initial concentration of the gas, then measures this concentration continuously or intermittently and controls the production of an alert signal as soon as 'it detects a fluctuation in the value of the gas concentration. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que le capteur (32) comprend des moyens de chauffage électriques dont le rôle est de maintenir constante la température d'une membrane thermiquement et électriquement isolante.Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sensor (32) comprises electrical heating means, the role of which is to keep the temperature of a thermally and electrically insulating membrane constant. Procédé de contrôle de l'étanchéité d'une enceinte close telle qu'une boíte (2) d'une pièce d'horlogerie (1), ce procédé étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les étapes consistant à : introduire un gaz avec une concentration de départ dans l'atmosphère confinée de l'enceinte close; mesurer la concentration de départ du gaz; mesurer en continu ou de façon intermittente la concentration du gaz, et générer une alarme lorsque la concentration du gaz mesurée est différente de la concentration de départ dudit gaz. Method for checking the tightness of a closed enclosure such as a box (2) of a timepiece (1), this method being characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in: introducing a gas with a starting concentration into the confined atmosphere of the closed enclosure; measure the starting gas concentration; measure the gas concentration continuously or intermittently, and generate an alarm when the measured gas concentration is different from the starting concentration of said gas. Procédé selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce qu'avant de mesurer la concentration du gaz, on procède à une mesure de la température ambiante. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that before measuring the concentration of the gas, a measurement of the ambient temperature is carried out. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 10, caractérisé en ce que l'enceinte est remplie de gaz en ouvrant celle-ci, en la remplissant de gaz, puis en la refermant de manière étanche.A method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the enclosure is filled with gas by opening it, filling it with gas, then closing it tightly. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 10, caractérisé en ce que l'enceinte est remplie de gaz via une soupape.Method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the enclosure is filled with gas via a valve.
EP02078340A 2002-08-09 2002-08-09 Device and method for testing watertightness of an enclosure such as a watch case Withdrawn EP1388766A1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP02078340A EP1388766A1 (en) 2002-08-09 2002-08-09 Device and method for testing watertightness of an enclosure such as a watch case
CNA038191210A CN1675598A (en) 2002-08-09 2003-08-06 Device and method for testing the leak-tightness of a timepiece case
US10/522,895 US20050270908A1 (en) 2002-08-09 2003-08-06 Device and method for testing the leak-tightness of a timepiece case
AU2003258575A AU2003258575A1 (en) 2002-08-09 2003-08-06 Device and method for testing the leak-tightness of a timepiece case
KR1020057001896A KR20050035874A (en) 2002-08-09 2003-08-06 Device and method for testing the leak-tightness of a timepiece case
JP2004530084A JP2005535902A (en) 2002-08-09 2003-08-06 Device for testing tightness of watch case and method thereof
EP03792255A EP1529248A2 (en) 2002-08-09 2003-08-06 Device and method for testing the leak-tightness of a timepiece case
PCT/EP2003/008672 WO2004019141A2 (en) 2002-08-09 2003-08-06 Device and method for testing the leak-tightness of a timepiece case

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EP03792255A Withdrawn EP1529248A2 (en) 2002-08-09 2003-08-06 Device and method for testing the leak-tightness of a timepiece case

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EP (2) EP1388766A1 (en)
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US9310272B2 (en) 2013-02-21 2016-04-12 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Electronic device provided with automatic leak detection means
EP2770380A1 (en) * 2013-02-21 2014-08-27 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Electronic device provided with an automatic leak detection means
DE102015200549A1 (en) * 2015-01-15 2016-07-21 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Circuit device and method for monitoring a circuit device
US11898942B2 (en) 2018-04-24 2024-02-13 Cressi-Sub S.P.A. Method for checking water sealing of instrumentation for underwater use
IT201800004833A1 (en) * 2018-04-24 2019-10-24 Method for checking the water tightness of instruments for underwater use
WO2019207478A1 (en) * 2018-04-24 2019-10-31 Cressi-Sub S.P.A. Method for checking water sealing of instrumentation for underwater use
CN112074454A (en) * 2018-04-24 2020-12-11 科越思潜水股份公司 Method for checking the water seal of an instrument used underwater
EP3985452A1 (en) * 2020-10-16 2022-04-20 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Device for measuring a degree of relative humidity in the enclosure of a watch case
CN114384013A (en) * 2020-10-16 2022-04-22 斯沃奇集团研究及开发有限公司 Device for measuring the relative humidity level inside the envelope of a watch case
US11940379B2 (en) 2020-10-16 2024-03-26 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Device for measuring a relative humidity level inside the enclosure of a watch case
CN112763146A (en) * 2020-12-29 2021-05-07 博众精工科技股份有限公司 Bearing jig for water tightness test, test device and test method
EP4202566A1 (en) * 2021-12-21 2023-06-28 Omega SA Compensation of the rate variation in a watch
EP4386488A1 (en) * 2022-12-14 2024-06-19 Omega SA Compensation of the variation in the running of a watch
WO2024126141A1 (en) * 2022-12-14 2024-06-20 Omega Sa Compensation of rate variation in a watch

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EP1529248A2 (en) 2005-05-11
CN1675598A (en) 2005-09-28
AU2003258575A1 (en) 2004-03-11
WO2004019141A2 (en) 2004-03-04
WO2004019141A8 (en) 2005-02-10
WO2004019141A3 (en) 2004-07-15
US20050270908A1 (en) 2005-12-08
JP2005535902A (en) 2005-11-24
KR20050035874A (en) 2005-04-19

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