Wristwatch with illumination system for multiple digital and analog styles

US5691962A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Timex Corporation · US

Inventors

• Herbert Schwartz · Wurmberg, DE
• Friedrich Mose · Pforzheim, DE
• Michel Plancon · Watertown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 24, 1995
• Grant date: Nov 25, 1997
• Expiry date: Nov 24, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G04B19/30
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An improved illuminated watch movement with analog and digital features comprising a frame containing an analog stepping motor and gear train connected to operate timepiece hands located substantially in the center of the movement. The frame has a recess on the dial side of the frame with a liquid crystal display disposed in the recess and having an indicia pattern. The liquid crystal display has a large available surface which covers the lower half of the movement up to the hour wheel, so that a variety of indicia patterns may be displayed. An electroluminescent lamp is disposed beneath said liquid crystal display. An electroluminescent dial is disposed on the dial side of the frame and has a window opening framing the indicia pattern. A circuit with actuators is connected to actuate the electroluminescent lamp and/or the electroluminescent dial. The movement further includes a printed circuit board disposed on the opposite side of the frame from the dial and having contact pads. Yieldable electrical connectors such as spring metal or conductive elastomeric members extend across the frame between the contact pads and the electroluminescent dial and lamp. The movement is adapted to…