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EP3845977A1 - Method for testability of a thermoelectric element - Google Patents

Method for testability of a thermoelectric element Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3845977A1
EP3845977A1 EP19220192.9A EP19220192A EP3845977A1 EP 3845977 A1 EP3845977 A1 EP 3845977A1 EP 19220192 A EP19220192 A EP 19220192A EP 3845977 A1 EP3845977 A1 EP 3845977A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
storage elements
thermoelectric
secondary storage
testability method
watch
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19220192.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
M. Alain Jornod
François Gueissaz
Benjamin Krähenbühl
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.)
Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Original Assignee
Swatch Group Research and Development SA
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 Swatch Group Research and Development SA filed Critical Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Priority to EP19220192.9A priority Critical patent/EP3845977A1/en
Priority to JP2020211012A priority patent/JP7100690B2/en
Priority to US17/130,825 priority patent/US12007723B2/en
Priority to CN202011624637.XA priority patent/CN113126471B/en
Publication of EP3845977A1 publication Critical patent/EP3845977A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C10/00—Arrangements of electric power supplies in time pieces
    • G04C10/04—Arrangements of electric power supplies in time pieces with means for indicating the condition of the power supply
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C10/00—Arrangements of electric power supplies in time pieces
    • 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
    • G04D7/002—Electrical measuring and testing 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
    • G04D7/002—Electrical measuring and testing apparatus
    • G04D7/003—Electrical measuring and testing apparatus for electric or electronic clocks
    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G19/00—Electric power supply circuits specially adapted for use in electronic time-pieces
    • G04G19/02—Conversion or regulation of current or voltage
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G19/00—Electric power supply circuits specially adapted for use in electronic time-pieces
    • G04G19/10—Arrangements for supplying back-up power

Definitions

  • the field of the present invention relates to the field of watches including at least one thermoelectric generator, that is to say watches with a thermoelectric element transforming a thermal flow into electric current by the Seebeck effect.
  • thermoelectric elements for example Peltier elements
  • thermoelectric element the electronic system
  • rechargeable battery the battery
  • said testability method comprises a step of interrupting the power supply circuit prior to the step of applying a heat source.
  • thermoelectric element it is possible to identify a failure of said thermoelectric element.
  • the step of interrupting the power supply circuit is controlled by the user and / or by the energy level of the primary storage elements, preferably by the low energy level of the storage elements. primary.
  • said testability method comprises a step of discharging electrical energy from said secondary storage elements so as to stop the operation of said thermoelectric watch prior to the step of applying a heat source.
  • thermoelectric element it is easy to test that the electrical energy comes from said thermoelectric element and not from said primary storage elements.
  • said testability method comprises a step of reconnecting the power supply circuit prior to the step of applying a heat source controlled by the energy level of the secondary storage elements, preferably by the high energy level of secondary storage elements.
  • high level is meant that the energy level of the secondary storage elements is sufficient or that said secondary storage elements are charged.
  • low level is meant that the energy level of the secondary storage elements is insufficient or that said secondary storage elements are discharged.
  • thermoelectric element can supply said secondary storage elements.
  • said heat source applied to said thermoelectric element is preferably body heat.
  • thermoelectric element can supply electrical energy.
  • thermoelectric watch is powered by said secondary storage elements, preferably said at least one mobile element and / or said at least one electro-optical display is powered by said storage elements. secondary storage.
  • thermoelectric element supplies said secondary storage elements which in turn supply said thermoelectric watch.
  • the supply of said thermoelectric watch by said primary storage elements only occurs after a first charging phase, preferably of the supply of said thermoelectric watch by said primary storage elements which is controlled. by the high energy level of the secondary storage elements.
  • said secondary storage elements are charged or recharged before said primary storage elements.
  • said primary storage elements are only charged or recharged after a certain time or amount of heat.
  • said testability method comprises a step of selecting said at least one movable element to be moved from among the seconds, minutes, hours and / or date indicator.
  • said testability method comprises a step of selecting said indicator between a mobile element and / or an electro-optical display
  • thermoelectric element Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to visually test said thermoelectric element.
  • thermoelectric watch comprising a thermoelectric element, a power supply circuit supplied by primary storage elements, secondary storage elements so as to move at least one mobile element or to display information on an electro-optical display, memory elements and a processing unit configured to implement the testability method according to the invention.
  • thermoelectric watch 100 presents a testability method 500 for testing the operation of a thermoelectric element 110 of a thermoelectric watch 100
  • the figure 2 illustrates the testability method 500 sequentially
  • the figure 3 discloses a functional diagram of said thermoelectric watch 100 configured to implement said testability method 500 according to the invention.
  • thermoelectric element 110 of a thermoelectric watch 100 is functional or whether the breakdown or malfunction has another origin such as for example a primary storage element 101, which can typically take the form of a rechargeable lithium battery as an example.
  • the present invention relates to a testability method 500 for testing the operation of said thermoelectric element 110 of said thermoelectric watch 100.
  • thermoelectric watch 100 comprises said thermoelectric element 110, a power supply circuit supplied by primary storage elements 101, namely a lithium battery 101, preferably a lithium battery. rechargeable lithium battery 101 for example, and secondary storage elements 102, ie capacitors for example. It is surely unnecessary to specify that said primary 101 and secondary 102 storage elements are, of course, configured to receive electrical energy from said thermoelectric element 110.
  • said primary 101 and secondary 102 storage elements are configured to supply an electronic system making it possible to move at least one movable element 190, typically the seconds, minutes, hours, and / or date indicator, or else. to display information on an electro-optical display, preferably an OLED and / or LCD display. It should be noted that the user can select, during a selection step, which of said at least one indicator element, movable 190 or not, must move in order to visually test said thermoelectric element 110.
  • thermoelectric watch 100 shown in the functional diagram of the figure 3 , also comprises memory elements 180, typically RAM and / or ROM memory, and a processing unit 190, such as for example a microcontroller, microprocessor or an integrated circuit configured to implement the testability method 500 described below.
  • memory elements 180 typically RAM and / or ROM memory
  • processing unit 190 such as for example a microcontroller, microprocessor or an integrated circuit configured to implement the testability method 500 described below.
  • Said testability method 500 normally begins with a step of removing the heat source 505 and then interrupting 510 the supply circuit of said primary storage elements of the supply circuit so as to stop the movable element 190.
  • the interruption (510) of the power supply circuit can be activated by the user on a voluntary basis by pulling the stem of the watch if the primary storage elements are not discharged.
  • This step is optional since it is possible that said thermoelectric watch 100 is in this state when it leaves the factory or after a certain period if the elements of primary storage are unloaded, which will be considered an unintentional interruption since it was not intended by the user.
  • thermoelectric watch 100 There follows a step of discharging 520 electrical energy from said secondary storage elements 102 so as to stop the operation of said thermoelectric watch 100 which will allow the user to ensure that the electrical energy comes from said thermoelectric element 110 and not of said primary storage elements 101 and therefore to test said thermoelectric element 110.
  • the power supply circuit is reconnected to said power supply circuit and in particular to said secondary storage elements 102.
  • thermoelectric element 110 to which a heat source is applied 540.
  • Said heat source 540 has a temperature higher than the temperature of the environment, and preferably body heat so that said element thermoelectric 110 can supply electrical energy to said secondary storage elements 102.
  • thermoelectric watch 100 This supplied energy makes it possible to charge 550 or to recharge 550, depending on the initial conditions in which said thermoelectric watch 100 is located, said secondary storage elements 102.
  • said secondary storage elements 102 supply 560 said thermoelectric watch 100 with said electrical energy so as to move said at least one mobile element 190 or display information on the electro-optical display such as an OLED or LCD display to display the date for example.
  • said electro-optical display such as an OLED or LCD display
  • thermoelectric element 110 supplies said secondary storage elements 102 which in turn supply said thermoelectric watch 100 560.
  • said primary storage elements 101 can start either to be recharged or to supply said thermoelectric watch 100, but the power supply 560 of said thermoelectric watch 100 will be done in a first step with said secondary storage elements 102 and then with said primary storage elements 101.
  • the figure 2 sequentially illustrates the testability method 500 implemented by said processing unit 190.
  • thermoelectric element 110 is interrupted 510, or disconnected, by the user on a voluntary basis, by having the crown 150 in the pulled out position 507 for example, and this n It is only from T 1 that the crown 150 is repositioned against the middle part 508.
  • the application of a heat source 540 to said thermoelectric element 110 at T 2 follows .
  • said secondary storage elements 102 are charged or recharged with energy and when the charge or recharge respectively of said secondary storage elements 102 is sufficient, that is to say when the energy level of the secondary storage elements 102 has reached the high level, for example at T 3 , said thermoelectric watch 100 is powered 560 with said electrical energy from said secondary storage elements 102 so as to move said at least one movable element 190 or display information on an electro-optical display.
  • said primary storage elements 101 begin to charge or recharge.
  • thermoelectric watch 100 will subsequently be supplied mainly by said primary storage elements 101 until they are exhausted, if the user no longer wears said thermoelectric watch 100 for example, or by the absence of a heat source.
  • thermoelectric watch 100 should be removed from his wrist at time T 4 , to test the operation of said thermoelectric element 110, said power supply circuit 510 should be interrupted, time T 5 , in positioning the crown 150 in the pulled-out position 507, which will cause said at least one movable element 190 to stop or the display on the electro-optical element to stop.
  • the energy stored in said secondary storage elements 102 will quickly no longer be sufficient to power said at least one movable element 190 or the display on the electro-optical element, that is to say the energy level secondary storage elements (102) is low, and said primary storage elements 101 will be kept charged, with a slight discharge inherent in lithium batteries for example, because said power supply circuit has been interrupted 510.
  • thermoelectric watch 100 draws its operating energy from said primary storage elements 101 until the electrical energy of said primary storage elements 101 is exhausted.
  • said primary storage elements 101 begin to charge or to recharge.
  • testability method 500 can be implemented in three different cases.
  • the primary storage elements are isolated from the supply circuit, the elements secondary storage discharges and the moving element stops.
  • the crown 150 is pushed back against the middle part, which makes it possible to reconnect the power supply circuit 530, however, the primary storage elements are still isolated from the power supply circuit, the secondary storage elements are still discharged and the moving element is still stopped.
  • a heat source is applied which has the effect of recharging the secondary storage elements but not the storage elements primary, and therefore the primary storage elements are still isolated from the supply circuit, the mobile element is activated and this makes it possible to verify that the thermoelectric element is functional. If the heat source is sufficient to maintain the movement of the movable element and recharge the primary storage elements, the primary storage elements are reconnected to the power circuit.
  • the interruption 510 of the supply circuit of the primary storage elements is also voluntary and therefore the primary storage elements are isolated from the supply circuit, the secondary storage elements are discharged and the element mobile stops.
  • the power supply circuit is reconnected, the secondary storage elements are charged but not the primary storage elements because they are still isolated from the power supply circuit.
  • the mobile element is activated but the primary storage elements are still isolated from the power supply circuit, which makes it possible to test the operation of the thermoelectric element.
  • the primary storage elements are reconnected to the power circuit.
  • the voluntary isolation control of the supply circuit is deactivated, that is to say the crown 150 is against the caseband, the primary storage elements are still isolated from the supply circuit, the primary and secondary storage elements are still unloaded and the moving element is still stopped.
  • the heat source of heat is applied and the secondary storage elements are charged but not the primary storage elements because they are still isolated from the power supply circuit.
  • the mobile element is activated but the primary storage elements are still isolated from the power supply circuit so it is verified that the thermoelectric element is functional. And finally, if the heat source is sufficient to maintain the movement of the movable element and recharge the primary storage elements, the primary storage elements are reconnected to the power circuit.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé de testabilité (500) pour tester le fonctionnement d'un élément thermoélectrique (110) d'une montre thermoélectrique (100) comprenant ledit élément thermoélectrique (110), un circuit d'alimentation alimenté par des éléments de stockage primaire (101) et des éléments de stockage secondaire (102) de sorte à mouvoir au moins un élément mobile (190) ou afficher une information sur un afficheur électrooptique.Ledit procédé de testabilité (500) comprend des étapes d'application d'une source de chaleur (540) audit élément thermoélectrique (110) de sorte à permettre la charge (550) ou recharge (550) en énergie électrique desdits éléments de stockage secondaire (102) afin de mouvoir au moins un élément mobile (190) ou afficher une information sur un afficheur électrooptique, et ainsi vérifier la fonctionnalité dudit élément thermoélectrique (110).The present invention relates to a testability method (500) for testing the operation of a thermoelectric element (110) of a thermoelectric watch (100) comprising said thermoelectric element (110), a power supply circuit powered by storage elements primary (101) and secondary storage elements (102) so as to move at least one movable element (190) or display information on an electro-optical display. Said testability method (500) comprises steps of applying a heat source (540) to said thermoelectric element (110) so as to allow charging (550) or recharging (550) with electrical energy of said secondary storage elements (102) to move at least one movable element (190) or display information on an electro-optical display, and thus verifying the functionality of said thermoelectric element (110).

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

Le domaine de la présente invention concerne le domaine des montres incluant au moins un générateur thermoélectrique, c'est-à-dire des montres avec un élément thermoélectrique transformant un flux thermique en courant électrique par effet Seebeck.The field of the present invention relates to the field of watches including at least one thermoelectric generator, that is to say watches with a thermoelectric element transforming a thermal flow into electric current by the Seebeck effect.

Arrière-plan technologiqueTechnological background

Ces dernières années ont vu arriver sur le marché des montres comprenant des éléments thermoélectriques, par exemple des éléments Peltier, qui permettent l'alimentation de la montre en énergie électrique grâce à la chaleur de l'utilisateur.Recent years have seen the arrival on the market of watches comprising thermoelectric elements, for example Peltier elements, which allow the watch to be supplied with electrical energy thanks to the heat of the user.

Toutefois, lorsque la montre paraît défectueuse, il est difficile de distinguer l'origine de la panne. En effet, selon la qualité des différents composants qui composent la montre, un diagnostic peut se révéler difficile puisque la panne peut provenir de trois éléments principaux qui sont l'élément thermoélectrique, le système électronique, et la batterie rechargeable.However, when the watch appears to be faulty, it is difficult to distinguish the origin of the fault. In fact, depending on the quality of the different components that make up the watch, a diagnosis can be difficult since the failure can come from three main elements which are the thermoelectric element, the electronic system, and the rechargeable battery.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

La présente invention se propose de résoudre tout ou partie des inconvénients susmentionnés par l'intermédiaire d'un procédé de testabilité pour tester le fonctionnement d'un élément thermoélectrique d'une montre thermoélectrique ; ladite montre thermoélectrique comprenant ledit élément thermoélectrique , un circuit d'alimentation alimenté par des éléments de stockage primaire et des éléments de stockage secondaire de sorte à mouvoir au moins un élément mobile ou à afficher une information sur un afficheur électrooptique; lesdits éléments de stockage primaire et secondaire étant configurés pour recevoir de l'énergie électrique dudit élément thermoélectrique ; ledit procédé de testabilité comprenant des étapes de :

  • Application d'une source de chaleur audit élément thermoélectrique ; ladite source de chaleur ayant une température plus élevée que la température de l'environnement ;
  • Charge ou recharge en énergie électrique desdits éléments de stockage secondaire ; et,
  • Alimentation de ladite montre thermoélectrique avec ladite énergie électrique desdits éléments de stockage secondaire de sorte à mouvoir au moins un élément mobile ou afficher une information sur un afficheur électrooptique.
Grâce à cette disposition, il est possible de tester si la panne ou le dysfonctionnement de la montre provient desdits éléments de stockage primaire ou dudit élément thermoélectrique.The present invention proposes to resolve all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks by means of a testability method for testing the operation of a thermoelectric element of a thermoelectric watch; said thermoelectric watch comprising said thermoelectric element, a power supply circuit supplied by primary storage elements and secondary storage elements so as to moving at least one mobile element or displaying information on an electro-optical display; said primary and secondary storage elements being configured to receive electrical energy from said thermoelectric element; said testability method comprising steps of:
  • Applying a heat source to said thermoelectric element; said heat source having a temperature higher than the temperature of the environment;
  • Charging or recharging with electrical energy of said secondary storage elements; and,
  • Supplying said thermoelectric watch with said electrical energy from said secondary storage elements so as to move at least one mobile element or display information on an electro-optical display.
Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to test whether the breakdown or malfunction of the watch comes from said primary storage elements or from said thermoelectric element.

Selon un mode de réalisation, ledit procédé de testabilité comprend une étape d'interruption du circuit d'alimentation préalable à l'étape d'application d'une source de chaleur.According to one embodiment, said testability method comprises a step of interrupting the power supply circuit prior to the step of applying a heat source.

Grâce à cette disposition, il est possible d'identifier une défaillance dudit élément thermoélectrique.Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to identify a failure of said thermoelectric element.

Selon un mode de réalisation, l'étape d'interruption du circuit d'alimentation est commandée par l'utilisateur et/ou par le niveau d'énergie des éléments de stockage primaire de préférence par le niveau bas d'énergie des éléments de stockage primaire.According to one embodiment, the step of interrupting the power supply circuit is controlled by the user and / or by the energy level of the primary storage elements, preferably by the low energy level of the storage elements. primary.

Grâce à cette disposition, il est possible d'interrompre le circuit d'alimentation volontairement ou « involontairement » lorsque le niveau d'énergie des éléments de stockage primaire de préférence par le niveau bas d'énergie des éléments de stockage primaire c'est-à-dire lorsque le niveau est trop faible pour alimenter la montre et/ou les éléments de stockage primaire.Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to interrupt the power supply circuit voluntarily or "involuntarily" when the energy level of the primary storage elements, preferably by the low energy level of the primary storage elements, is- i.e. when the level is too low to power the watch and / or the primary storage elements.

Selon un mode de réalisation, ledit procédé de testabilité comprend une étape de décharge en énergie électrique desdits éléments de stockage secondaire de sorte à arrêter le fonctionnement de ladite montre thermoélectrique préalablement à l'étape d'application d'une source de chaleur.According to one embodiment, said testability method comprises a step of discharging electrical energy from said secondary storage elements so as to stop the operation of said thermoelectric watch prior to the step of applying a heat source.

Grâce à cette disposition, il est aisé de tester que l'énergie électrique provient dudit élément thermoélectrique et non desdits éléments de stockage primaire.Thanks to this arrangement, it is easy to test that the electrical energy comes from said thermoelectric element and not from said primary storage elements.

Selon un mode de réalisation, ledit procédé de testabilité comprend une étape de reconnexion du circuit d'alimentation préalable à l'étape d'application d'une source de chaleur commandée par le niveau d'énergie des éléments de stockage secondaire de préférence par le niveau haut d'énergie des éléments de stockage secondaire.According to one embodiment, said testability method comprises a step of reconnecting the power supply circuit prior to the step of applying a heat source controlled by the energy level of the secondary storage elements, preferably by the high energy level of secondary storage elements.

Par « niveau haut », on entend que le niveau d'énergie des éléments de stockage secondaire est suffisant ou que lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire sont chargés.By “high level” is meant that the energy level of the secondary storage elements is sufficient or that said secondary storage elements are charged.

Inversement, par « niveau bas », on entend que le niveau d'énergie des éléments de stockage secondaire est insuffisant ou que lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire sont déchargés.Conversely, by “low level” is meant that the energy level of the secondary storage elements is insufficient or that said secondary storage elements are discharged.

Grâce à cette disposition, ledit élément thermoélectrique peut alimenter lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire.Thanks to this arrangement, said thermoelectric element can supply said secondary storage elements.

Selon un mode de réalisation, ladite source de chaleur appliquée audit élément thermoélectrique est de préférence une chaleur corporelle.According to one embodiment, said heat source applied to said thermoelectric element is preferably body heat.

Grâce à cette disposition, ledit élément thermoélectrique peut fournir de l'énergie électrique.Thanks to this arrangement, said thermoelectric element can supply electrical energy.

Selon un mode de réalisation, lors de l'étape d'alimentation, ladite montre thermoélectrique est alimentée par lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire, de préférence ledit au moins un élément mobile et/ou ledit au moins un affichage électrooptique est alimenté par lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire.According to one embodiment, during the supply step, said thermoelectric watch is powered by said secondary storage elements, preferably said at least one mobile element and / or said at least one electro-optical display is powered by said storage elements. secondary storage.

Grâce à cette disposition, ledit élément thermoélectrique alimente lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire qui alimentent à leur tour ladite montre thermoélectrique.Thanks to this arrangement, said thermoelectric element supplies said secondary storage elements which in turn supply said thermoelectric watch.

Selon un mode de réalisation, l'alimentation de ladite montre thermoélectrique par lesdits éléments de stockage primaire n'intervient qu'après une première phase de charge, de préférence de l'alimentation de ladite montre thermoélectrique par lesdits éléments de stockage primaire qui est commandée par le niveau haut d'énergie des éléments de stockage secondaire.According to one embodiment, the supply of said thermoelectric watch by said primary storage elements only occurs after a first charging phase, preferably of the supply of said thermoelectric watch by said primary storage elements which is controlled. by the high energy level of the secondary storage elements.

Selon un mode de réalisation, lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire sont chargés ou rechargés avant lesdits éléments de stockage primaire.According to one embodiment, said secondary storage elements are charged or recharged before said primary storage elements.

Grâce à l'une ou l'autre de ces dispositions, lesdits éléments de stockage primaire ne sont chargés ou rechargés qu'après un certain temps ou quantité de chaleur.By virtue of either of these arrangements, said primary storage elements are only charged or recharged after a certain time or amount of heat.

Selon un mode de réalisation, ledit procédé de testabilité comprend une étape de sélection dudit au moins un élément mobile à mouvoir parmi l'indicateur des secondes, des minutes, des heures, et/ou de la date.According to one embodiment, said testability method comprises a step of selecting said at least one movable element to be moved from among the seconds, minutes, hours and / or date indicator.

Selon un mode de réalisation, ledit procédé de testabilité comprend une étape de sélection dudit indicateur entre un élément mobile et/ou un afficheur électrooptique,According to one embodiment, said testability method comprises a step of selecting said indicator between a mobile element and / or an electro-optical display,

Grâce à cette disposition, il est possible de tester visuellement ledit élément thermoélectrique.Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to visually test said thermoelectric element.

La présente invention concerne une montre thermoélectrique comprenant un élément thermoélectrique, un circuit d'alimentation alimenté par des éléments de stockage primaire, des éléments de stockage secondaire de sorte à mouvoir au moins un élément mobile ou à afficher une information sur un afficheur électrooptique, des éléments de mémoire et une unité de traitement configuré pour mettre en œuvre le procédé de testabilité selon l'invention.The present invention relates to a thermoelectric watch comprising a thermoelectric element, a power supply circuit supplied by primary storage elements, secondary storage elements so as to move at least one mobile element or to display information on an electro-optical display, memory elements and a processing unit configured to implement the testability method according to the invention.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of the figures

L'invention sera décrite ci-après de manière plus détaillée à l'aide des dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemples nullement limitatifs, dans lesquels la figure 1 présente un procédé de testabilité 500 pour tester le fonctionnement d'un élément thermoélectrique 110 d'une montre thermoélectrique 100, la figure 2 illustre le procédé de testabilité 500 de manière séquentielle et la figure 3 expose un diagramme fonctionnel de ladite montre thermoélectrique 100 configurée pour mettre en œuvre ledit procédé de testabilité 500 selon l'invention.The invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which the figure 1 presents a testability method 500 for testing the operation of a thermoelectric element 110 of a thermoelectric watch 100, the figure 2 illustrates the testability method 500 sequentially and the figure 3 discloses a functional diagram of said thermoelectric watch 100 configured to implement said testability method 500 according to the invention.

Description détaillée de l'inventionDetailed description of the invention

La présente invention se propose de tester si un élément thermoélectrique 110 d'une montre thermoélectrique 100 est fonctionnel ou si la panne ou le dysfonctionnement a une autre origine comme par exemple un élément de stockage primaire 101, qui peut prendre typiquement la forme d'une batterie au lithium rechargeable à titre d'exemple.The present invention proposes to test whether a thermoelectric element 110 of a thermoelectric watch 100 is functional or whether the breakdown or malfunction has another origin such as for example a primary storage element 101, which can typically take the form of a rechargeable lithium battery as an example.

En effet, la présente invention concerne un procédé de testabilité 500 pour tester le fonctionnement dudit élément thermoélectrique 110 de ladite montre thermoélectrique 100.Indeed, the present invention relates to a testability method 500 for testing the operation of said thermoelectric element 110 of said thermoelectric watch 100.

Ladite montre thermoélectrique 100 comprend ledit élément thermoélectrique 110, un circuit d'alimentation alimenté par des éléments de stockage primaire 101, soit une batterie au lithium 101, de préférence une batterie au lithium rechargeable 101 par exemple, et des éléments de stockage secondaire 102, soit des condensateurs par exemple. Il est sûrement inutile de préciser que lesdits éléments de stockage primaire 101 et secondaire 102 sont, bien entendus configurés pour recevoir de l'énergie électrique dudit élément thermoélectrique 110.Said thermoelectric watch 100 comprises said thermoelectric element 110, a power supply circuit supplied by primary storage elements 101, namely a lithium battery 101, preferably a lithium battery. rechargeable lithium battery 101 for example, and secondary storage elements 102, ie capacitors for example. It is surely unnecessary to specify that said primary 101 and secondary 102 storage elements are, of course, configured to receive electrical energy from said thermoelectric element 110.

Par ailleurs, lesdits éléments de stockage primaire 101 et secondaire 102 sont configurés pour alimenter un système électronique permettant de mouvoir au moins un élément mobile 190, typiquement l'indicateur des secondes, des minutes, des heures, et/ou de la date ou encore pour afficher une information sur un affichage électrooptique, de préférence un afficheur OLED et/ou LCD. Il convient de noter que l'utilisateur peut sélectionner, lors d'une étape de sélection, lequel desdits au moins un élément indicateur, mobile 190 ou pas, doit se mouvoir afin de tester visuellement ledit élément thermoélectrique 110.Furthermore, said primary 101 and secondary 102 storage elements are configured to supply an electronic system making it possible to move at least one movable element 190, typically the seconds, minutes, hours, and / or date indicator, or else. to display information on an electro-optical display, preferably an OLED and / or LCD display. It should be noted that the user can select, during a selection step, which of said at least one indicator element, movable 190 or not, must move in order to visually test said thermoelectric element 110.

Ladite montre thermoélectrique 100, représenté sur le diagramme fonctionnel de la figure 3, comprend également des éléments de mémoire 180, typiquement mémoire RAM et/ou ROM, et une unité de traitement 190, comme par exemple un microcontrôleur, microprocesseur ou un circuit intégré configuré pour mettre en œuvre le procédé de testabilité 500 décrit ci-après.Said thermoelectric watch 100, shown in the functional diagram of the figure 3 , also comprises memory elements 180, typically RAM and / or ROM memory, and a processing unit 190, such as for example a microcontroller, microprocessor or an integrated circuit configured to implement the testability method 500 described below.

Ledit procédé de testabilité 500, sujet de la présente invention, commence normalement par une étape d'éloignement de la source de chaleur 505 puis d'interruption 510 du circuit d'alimentation desdits éléments de stockage primaire du circuit d'alimentation de sorte à arrêter l'élément mobile 190. L'interruption (510) du circuit d'alimentation peut être activée par l'utilisateur de manière volontaire en tirant la tige de la montre si les éléments de stockage primaire ne sont pas déchargés. Cette étape est facultative puisqu'il se peut que ladite montre thermoélectrique 100 se trouve dans cet état à la sortie d'usine ou après une certaine période si les éléments de stockage primaire sont déchargés, ce qui sera considéré comme une interruption involontaire puisque non voulue par l'utilisateur.Said testability method 500, subject of the present invention, normally begins with a step of removing the heat source 505 and then interrupting 510 the supply circuit of said primary storage elements of the supply circuit so as to stop the movable element 190. The interruption (510) of the power supply circuit can be activated by the user on a voluntary basis by pulling the stem of the watch if the primary storage elements are not discharged. This step is optional since it is possible that said thermoelectric watch 100 is in this state when it leaves the factory or after a certain period if the elements of primary storage are unloaded, which will be considered an unintentional interruption since it was not intended by the user.

S'ensuit une étape de décharge 520 en énergie électrique desdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 de sorte à arrêter le fonctionnement de ladite montre thermoélectrique 100 ce qui permettra à l'utilisateur de s'assurer que l'énergie électrique provient dudit élément thermoélectrique 110 et non desdits éléments de stockage primaire 101 et donc de tester ledit élément thermoélectrique 110.There follows a step of discharging 520 electrical energy from said secondary storage elements 102 so as to stop the operation of said thermoelectric watch 100 which will allow the user to ensure that the electrical energy comes from said thermoelectric element 110 and not of said primary storage elements 101 and therefore to test said thermoelectric element 110.

Une fois lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 déchargés, le circuit d'alimentation est reconnecté audit circuit d'alimentation et en particulier audits éléments de stockage secondaire 102.Once said secondary storage elements 102 have been discharged, the power supply circuit is reconnected to said power supply circuit and in particular to said secondary storage elements 102.

Ainsi, l'utilisateur peut être assuré que lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 ne peuvent fournir de l'énergie et donc mouvoir ledit au moins un élément indicateur, mobile 190 ou pas.Thus, the user can be assured that said secondary storage elements 102 cannot supply energy and therefore move said at least one indicator element, mobile 190 or not.

En effet, cette énergie ne proviendra que dudit élément thermoélectrique 110 auquel une source de chaleur est appliquée 540. Ladite source de chaleur 540 a une température plus élevée que la température de l'environnement, et de préférence une chaleur corporelle de sorte que ledit élément thermoélectrique 110 puisse fournir de l'énergie électrique audits éléments de stockage secondaire 102.Indeed, this energy will come only from said thermoelectric element 110 to which a heat source is applied 540. Said heat source 540 has a temperature higher than the temperature of the environment, and preferably body heat so that said element thermoelectric 110 can supply electrical energy to said secondary storage elements 102.

Cette énergie fournie permet de charger 550 ou de recharger 550, selon les conditions initiales dans lesquelles se trouve ladite montre thermoélectrique 100, lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102.This supplied energy makes it possible to charge 550 or to recharge 550, depending on the initial conditions in which said thermoelectric watch 100 is located, said secondary storage elements 102.

Une fois la charge suffisante, lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 alimentent 560 ladite montre thermoélectrique 100 avec ladite énergie électrique de sorte à mouvoir ledit au moins un élément mobile 190 ou afficher une information sur l'affichage électrooptique comme un afficheur OLED ou LCD pour afficher la date par exemple. Ainsi il est permis à l'utilisateur de tester si la panne ou le dysfonctionnement de la montre provient desdits éléments de stockage primaire 101 ou dudit élément thermoélectrique 110 grâce à ce visuel.Once the charge is sufficient, said secondary storage elements 102 supply 560 said thermoelectric watch 100 with said electrical energy so as to move said at least one mobile element 190 or display information on the electro-optical display such as an OLED or LCD display to display the date for example. Thus it is possible for the user to test whether the failure or malfunction of the watch comes from said primary storage elements 101 or from said thermoelectric element 110 thanks to this visual.

En effet, ledit élément thermoélectrique 110 alimente lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 qui alimentent 560 à leur tour ladite montre thermoélectrique 100.Indeed, said thermoelectric element 110 supplies said secondary storage elements 102 which in turn supply said thermoelectric watch 100 560.

Ce n'est qu'au bout d'un certain moment, ou d'un certain niveau de charge desdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102, que lesdits éléments de stockage primaire 101 commence à être rechargés par l'alimentation 560 de ladite montre thermoélectrique 100. Cette recharge desdits éléments de stockage primaire 101 n'intervient qu'après une première phase de charge, en d'autres termes après un changement d'état déterminé par la charge suffisante desdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102.It is only after a certain time, or a certain level of charge of said secondary storage elements 102, that said primary storage elements 101 begin to be recharged by the power supply 560 of said thermoelectric watch 100 This recharging of said primary storage elements 101 only takes place after a first charging phase, in other words after a change of state determined by the sufficient charge of said secondary storage elements 102.

En effet, une fois la charge desdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 bien établie, lesdits éléments de stockage primaire 101 peuvent commencer soit à être rechargés soit à alimenter ladite montre thermoélectrique 100, mais l'alimentation 560 de ladite montre thermoélectrique 100 se fera dans un premier temps avec lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 et ensuite avec lesdits éléments de stockage primaire 101.Indeed, once the charge of said secondary storage elements 102 is well established, said primary storage elements 101 can start either to be recharged or to supply said thermoelectric watch 100, but the power supply 560 of said thermoelectric watch 100 will be done in a first step with said secondary storage elements 102 and then with said primary storage elements 101.

La figure 2 illustre de manière séquentielle le procédé de testabilité 500 que met en œuvre ladite unité de traitement 190.The figure 2 sequentially illustrates the testability method 500 implemented by said processing unit 190.

En effet, par exemple, jusqu'à l'instant T1, ledit circuit d'alimentation est interrompu 510, soit déconnecté, par l'utilisateur de manière volontaire, en ayant la couronne 150 en position tirée 507 par exemple, et ce n'est qu'à partir de T1 que la couronne 150 est repositionnée contre la carrure 508. S'ensuit l'application d'une source de chaleur 540 audit élément thermoélectrique 110 à T2.Indeed, for example, until time T 1 , said power supply circuit is interrupted 510, or disconnected, by the user on a voluntary basis, by having the crown 150 in the pulled out position 507 for example, and this n It is only from T 1 that the crown 150 is repositioned against the middle part 508. The application of a heat source 540 to said thermoelectric element 110 at T 2 follows .

Dès lors, lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 se chargent ou se rechargent en énergie et lorsque la charge ou recharge respectivement desdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 est suffisante, c'est-à-dire lorsque le niveau d'énergie des éléments de stockage secondaire 102 a atteint le niveau haut, par exemple à T3, ladite montre thermoélectrique 100, est alimentée 560 avec ladite énergie électrique desdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 de sorte à mouvoir ledit au moins un élément mobile 190 ou afficher une information sur un afficheur électrooptique. Par la même occasion, lesdits éléments de stockage primaire 101 commencent à se charger ou à se recharger.Therefore, said secondary storage elements 102 are charged or recharged with energy and when the charge or recharge respectively of said secondary storage elements 102 is sufficient, that is to say when the energy level of the secondary storage elements 102 has reached the high level, for example at T 3 , said thermoelectric watch 100 is powered 560 with said electrical energy from said secondary storage elements 102 so as to move said at least one movable element 190 or display information on an electro-optical display. At the same time, said primary storage elements 101 begin to charge or recharge.

Ladite montre thermoélectrique 100 sera par la suite alimentée principalement par lesdits éléments de stockage primaire 101 jusqu'à leur épuisement, si l'utilisateur ne porte plus ladite montre thermoélectrique 100 par exemple, soit par absence de source de chaleur.Said thermoelectric watch 100 will subsequently be supplied mainly by said primary storage elements 101 until they are exhausted, if the user no longer wears said thermoelectric watch 100 for example, or by the absence of a heat source.

En effet, si l'utilisateur venait à retirer ladite montre thermoélectrique 100 de son poignet à l'instant T4, pour tester le fonctionnement dudit élément thermoélectrique 110, il conviendrait d'interrompre ledit circuit d'alimentation 510, instant T5, en positionnant la couronne 150 en position tirée 507, ce qui entraînera l'arrêt dudit au moins un élément mobile 190 ou l'arrêt de l'affichage sur l'élément électrooptique.Indeed, if the user were to remove said thermoelectric watch 100 from his wrist at time T 4 , to test the operation of said thermoelectric element 110, said power supply circuit 510 should be interrupted, time T 5 , in positioning the crown 150 in the pulled-out position 507, which will cause said at least one movable element 190 to stop or the display on the electro-optical element to stop.

Ainsi, l'énergie stockée dans lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 ne sera rapidement plus suffisante pour alimenter ledit au moins un élément mobile 190 ou l'affichage sur l'élément électrooptique, c'est-à-dire que le niveau d'énergie des éléments de stockage secondaire (102) est bas, et lesdits éléments de stockage primaire 101 seront maintenus chargés, avec une légère décharge inhérente aux batteries au lithium par exemple, car ledit circuit d'alimentation a été interrompu 510.Thus, the energy stored in said secondary storage elements 102 will quickly no longer be sufficient to power said at least one movable element 190 or the display on the electro-optical element, that is to say the energy level secondary storage elements (102) is low, and said primary storage elements 101 will be kept charged, with a slight discharge inherent in lithium batteries for example, because said power supply circuit has been interrupted 510.

À un certain moment, une source de chaleur 540 est appliquée temporairement audit élément thermoélectrique 110, ladite montre thermoélectrique 100 puise son énergie de fonctionnement dans lesdits éléments de stockage primaire 101 jusqu'à épuisement de l'énergie électrique desdits éléments de stockage primaire 101.At some point, a heat source 540 is temporarily applied to said thermoelectric element 110, said thermoelectric watch 100 draws its operating energy from said primary storage elements 101 until the electrical energy of said primary storage elements 101 is exhausted.

Lorsque à l'instant T6, la couronne 150 est positionnée contre la carrure 508 mais que lesdits éléments de stockage primaire 101 sont déchargés, ledit circuit d'alimentation est déconnecté 510, et l'utilisateur devra appliquer une source de chaleur 540 , instant T7, audit élément thermoélectrique 110 pour permettre la charge 550 ou recharge 550 en énergie électrique desdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 et donc alimenter 560 ledit au moins un élément mobile 190 ou afficher une information sur l'élément électrooptique et reconnecter 530 ledit circuit d'alimentation. Cette énergie électrique qui alimente 560 ledit au moins un élément mobile 190 ou l'afficheur électrooptique, est puisée dans lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 et non dans lesdits éléments de stockage primaire 101.When at time T 6 , the crown 150 is positioned against the middle part 508 but that said primary storage elements 101 are discharged, said power supply circuit is disconnected 510, and the user will have to apply a heat source 540, instant T 7 , to said thermoelectric element 110 to allow charging 550 or recharging 550 with electrical energy from said secondary storage elements 102 and therefore supplying 560 said at least one mobile element 190 or displaying information on the electro-optical element and reconnecting 530 said circuit d 'food. This electrical energy which supplies 560 said at least one movable element 190 or the electro-optical display, is drawn from said secondary storage elements 102 and not from said primary storage elements 101.

De nouveau, lorsque la charge ou recharge desdits éléments de stockage secondaire 102 est suffisante, par exemple à T8, pour alimenter 560 ladite montre thermoélectrique 100, lesdits éléments de stockage primaire 101 commencent à se charger ou à se recharger.Again, when the charge or recharge of said secondary storage elements 102 is sufficient, for example at T 8 , to power 560 said thermoelectric watch 100, said primary storage elements 101 begin to charge or to recharge.

En d'autres termes, le procédé de testabilité 500 peut être mis en œuvre dans trois cas différents.In other words, the testability method 500 can be implemented in three different cases.

Dans le premier cas, il convient de commander l'interruption 510 du circuit d'alimentation des éléments de stockage primaire de manière volontaire en tirant la couronne 150. Dès lors, les éléments de stockage primaire sont isolés du circuit d'alimentation, les éléments de stockage secondaire se déchargent et l'élément mobile s'arrête.In the first case, it is advisable to order the interruption 510 of the supply circuit of the primary storage elements voluntarily by pulling the ring 150. Therefore, the primary storage elements are isolated from the supply circuit, the elements secondary storage discharges and the moving element stops.

Ensuite, la couronne 150 est repoussée contre la carrure, ce qui permet de reconnecter le circuit d'alimentation 530, toutefois, les éléments de stockage primaire sont encore isolés du circuit d'alimentation, les éléments de stockage secondaire sont encore déchargés et l'élément mobile est encore arrêté.Then, the crown 150 is pushed back against the middle part, which makes it possible to reconnect the power supply circuit 530, however, the primary storage elements are still isolated from the power supply circuit, the secondary storage elements are still discharged and the moving element is still stopped.

Une source de chaleur est appliquée, ce qui a pour effet de recharger les éléments de stockage secondaire mais non les éléments de stockage primaire, et donc les éléments de stockage primaire sont encore isolés du circuit d'alimentation, l'élément mobile s'active et cela permet de vérifier que l'élément thermoélectrique est fonctionnel. Si la source de chaleur est suffisante pour maintenir le mouvement de l'élément mobile et recharger les éléments de stockage primaire, les éléments de stockage primaire sont reconnectés au circuit d'alimentation.A heat source is applied which has the effect of recharging the secondary storage elements but not the storage elements primary, and therefore the primary storage elements are still isolated from the supply circuit, the mobile element is activated and this makes it possible to verify that the thermoelectric element is functional. If the heat source is sufficient to maintain the movement of the movable element and recharge the primary storage elements, the primary storage elements are reconnected to the power circuit.

Dans un deuxième cas, l'interruption 510 du circuit d'alimentation des éléments de stockage primaire est également de manière volontaire et donc les éléments de stockage primaire sont isolés du circuit d'alimentation, les éléments de stockage secondaire se déchargent et l'élément mobile s'arrête.In a second case, the interruption 510 of the supply circuit of the primary storage elements is also voluntary and therefore the primary storage elements are isolated from the supply circuit, the secondary storage elements are discharged and the element mobile stops.

Le circuit d'alimentation est reconnecté, les éléments de stockage secondaire se chargent mais non les éléments de stockage primaire car encore isolés du circuit d'alimentation. L'élément mobile s'active mais les éléments de stockage primaire sont encore isolés du circuit d'alimentation ce qui permet de tester le fonctionnement de l'élément thermoélectrique.The power supply circuit is reconnected, the secondary storage elements are charged but not the primary storage elements because they are still isolated from the power supply circuit. The mobile element is activated but the primary storage elements are still isolated from the power supply circuit, which makes it possible to test the operation of the thermoelectric element.

Si la source de chaleur est suffisante pour maintenir le mouvement de l'élément mobile et recharger les éléments de stockage primaire, les éléments de stockage primaire sont reconnectés au circuit d'alimentation.If the heat source is sufficient to maintain the movement of the movable element and recharge the primary storage elements, the primary storage elements are reconnected to the power circuit.

Enfin, dans le troisième cas, le circuit d'alimentation est interrompu, de façon involontaire car les éléments de stockage primaires et secondaires sont déchargés, l'élément mobile est arrêté.Finally, in the third case, the supply circuit is interrupted, unintentionally because the primary and secondary storage elements are discharged, the mobile element is stopped.

La commande volontaire d'isolation du circuit d'alimentation est désactivée, c'est-à-dire la couronne 150 est contre la carrure, les éléments de stockage primaire sont encore isolés du circuit d'alimentation, les éléments de stockage primaires et secondaire sont encore déchargés et l'élément mobile est encore arrêté.The voluntary isolation control of the supply circuit is deactivated, that is to say the crown 150 is against the caseband, the primary storage elements are still isolated from the supply circuit, the primary and secondary storage elements are still unloaded and the moving element is still stopped.

La source de chaleur de chaleur est appliquée et les éléments de stockage secondaire se chargent mais non les éléments de stockage primaire car encore isolés du circuit d'alimentation.The heat source of heat is applied and the secondary storage elements are charged but not the primary storage elements because they are still isolated from the power supply circuit.

L'élément mobile s'active mais les éléments de stockage primaire sont encore isolés du circuit d'alimentation donc il est bien vérifié que l'élément thermoélectrique est fonctionnel. Et enfin, si la source de chaleur est suffisante pour maintenir le mouvement de l'élément mobile et recharger les éléments de stockage primaire, les éléments de stockage primaire sont reconnectés au circuit d'alimentation.The mobile element is activated but the primary storage elements are still isolated from the power supply circuit so it is verified that the thermoelectric element is functional. And finally, if the heat source is sufficient to maintain the movement of the movable element and recharge the primary storage elements, the primary storage elements are reconnected to the power circuit.

Claims (13)

Procédé de testabilité (500) pour tester le fonctionnement d'un élément thermoélectrique (110) d'une montre thermoélectrique (100) ; ladite montre thermoélectrique (100) comprenant ledit élément thermoélectrique (110), un circuit d'alimentation alimenté par des éléments de stockage primaire (101) et des éléments de stockage secondaire (102) de sorte à mouvoir au moins un élément mobile (190) ou à afficher une information sur un afficheur électrooptique; lesdits éléments de stockage primaire (101) et secondaire (102) étant configurés pour recevoir de l'énergie électrique dudit élément thermoélectrique (110) ; ledit procédé de testabilité (500) comprenant des étapes de : - Application d'une source de chaleur (540) audit élément thermoélectrique (110) ; ladite source de chaleur (540) ayant une température plus élevée que la température de l'environnement ; - Charge (550) ou recharge (550) en énergie électrique desdits éléments de stockage secondaire (102) ; et, - Alimentation (560) de ladite montre thermoélectrique (100) avec ladite énergie électrique desdits éléments de stockage secondaire (102) de sorte à mouvoir au moins un élément mobile (190) ou afficher une information sur un afficheur électrooptique. Testability method (500) for testing the operation of a thermoelectric element (110) of a thermoelectric watch (100); said thermoelectric watch (100) comprising said thermoelectric element (110), a power supply circuit supplied by primary storage elements (101) and secondary storage elements (102) so as to move at least one movable element (190) or to display information on an electro-optical display; said primary (101) and secondary (102) storage elements being configured to receive electrical energy from said thermoelectric element (110); said testability method (500) comprising steps of: - Application of a heat source (540) to said thermoelectric element (110); said heat source (540) having a temperature higher than the temperature of the environment; - Charging (550) or recharging (550) with electrical energy of said secondary storage elements (102); and, - Supply (560) of said thermoelectric watch (100) with said electrical energy of said secondary storage elements (102) so as to move at least one mobile element (190) or display information on an electro-optical display. Procédé de testabilité (500) selon la revendication 1, lequel comprenant une étape d'interruption (510) du circuit d'alimentation préalable à l'étape d'application d'une source de chaleur (540).A testability method (500) according to claim 1, which comprises a step of interrupting (510) the power supply circuit prior to the step of applying a heat source (540). Procédé de testabilité (500) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'étape d'interruption (510) du circuit d'alimentation est commandée par l'utilisateur et/ou par le niveau d'énergie des éléments de stockage primaire (101) de préférence par le niveau bas d'énergie des éléments de stockage primaire (101).A testability method (500) according to claim 2, wherein the step of interrupting (510) the power supply circuit is controlled by the user and / or by the energy level of the primary storage elements (101) preferably by the low energy level of the primary storage elements (101). Procédé de testabilité (500) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, lequel comprenant une étape de décharge (520) en énergie électrique desdits éléments de stockage secondaire (102) de sorte à arrêter le fonctionnement de ladite montre thermoélectrique (100) préalable à l'étape d'application d'une source de chaleur (540).A testability method (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of discharging (520) electrical energy from said secondary storage elements (102) so as to stop the operation of said thermoelectric watch (100) prior to the step of applying a heat source (540). Procédé de testabilité (500) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, lequel comprenant une étape de reconnexion (530) du circuit d'alimentation préalable à l'étape d'application d'une source de chaleur (540) commandée par le niveau d'énergie des éléments de stockage secondaire (102) de préférence par le niveau haut d'énergie des éléments de stockage secondaire (102).A testability method (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a step of reconnecting (530) the power supply circuit prior to the step of applying a heat source (540) controlled by the level. energy of the secondary storage elements (102) preferably by the high energy level of the secondary storage elements (102). Procédé de testabilité (500) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite source de chaleur appliquée (540) audit élément thermoélectrique (110) est de préférence une chaleur corporelle.A testability method (500) according to claim 1, wherein said source of heat applied (540) to said thermoelectric element (110) is preferably body heat. Procédé de testabilité (500) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lors de l'étape d'alimentation (560), ladite montre thermoélectrique (100) est alimentée par lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire (102), de préférence ledit au moins un élément mobile (190) est alimenté par lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire (102).A testability method (500) according to claim 1, wherein in the powering step (560), said thermoelectric watch (100) is powered by said secondary storage elements (102), preferably said at least one element. mobile (190) is powered by said secondary storage elements (102). Procédé de testabilité (500) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lors de l'étape d'alimentation (560), ladite montre thermoélectrique (100) est alimentée par lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire (102), de préférence ledit au moins un afficheur électrooptique est alimenté par lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire (102).A testability method (500) according to claim 1, wherein in the powering step (560), said thermoelectric watch (100) is powered by said secondary storage elements (102), preferably said at least one display. electro-optic is powered by said secondary storage elements (102). Procédé de testabilité (500) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'alimentation (560) de ladite montre thermoélectrique (100) par lesdits éléments de stockage primaire (101) n'intervient qu'après une première phase de charge, de préférence l'alimentation (560) de ladite montre thermoélectrique (100) par lesdits éléments de stockage primaire (101) est commandée par le niveau haut d'énergie des éléments de stockage secondaire (102).Testability method (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply (560) of said thermoelectric watch (100) by said primary storage elements (101) only occurs after a first charging phase , preferably the supply (560) of said thermoelectric watch (100) by said primary storage elements (101) is controlled by the high energy level of the secondary storage elements (102). Procédé de testabilité (500) selon la revendication 6, lequel comprenant une étape de sélection dudit au moins un élément mobile (190) à mouvoir parmi l'indicateur des secondes, des minutes, des heures, et/ou de la date.Testability method (500) according to claim 6, which comprises a step of selecting said at least one movable element (190) to be moved from among the seconds, minutes, hours, and / or date indicator. Procédé de testabilité (500) selon la revendication 6, lequel comprenant une étape de sélection dudit au moins un élément indicateur entre un élément mobile (190) à mouvoir et/ou un afficheur électrooptique pour afficher une information.Testability method (500) according to claim 6, which comprises a step of selecting said at least one indicator element between a movable element (190) to be moved and / or an electro-optical display to display information. Procédé de testabilité (500) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdits éléments de stockage secondaire (102) sont chargés ou rechargés avant lesdits éléments de stockage primaire (101).A testability method (500) according to claim 1, wherein said secondary storage elements (102) are charged or recharged before said primary storage elements (101). Montre thermoélectrique (100) comprenant un élément thermoélectrique (110), un circuit d'alimentation alimenté par des éléments de stockage primaire (101), des éléments de stockage secondaire (102) de sorte à mouvoir au moins un élément mobile (190) ou à afficher une information sur un afficheur électrooptique, des éléments de mémoire (180) et une unité de traitement (190) configuré pour mettre en œuvre le procédé de testabilité (500) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12.Thermoelectric watch (100) comprising a thermoelectric element (110), a power supply circuit supplied by primary storage elements (101), secondary storage elements (102) so as to move at least one movable element (190) or displaying information on an electro-optical display, memory elements (180) and a processing unit (190) configured to implement the testability method (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
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US17/130,825 US12007723B2 (en) 2019-12-31 2020-12-22 Test method of a thermoelectric element
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