DE102020001696A1 - DIVE COMPUTER WITH COUPLED ANTENNA AND WATER CONTACT ARRANGEMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a water contact detection arrangement for detecting an underwater condition in a device and the use of such an arrangement in dive computers. The arrangement includes a device housing; a push button component attached to the housing, the component including a button portion and a hollow guide portion; wherein the button portion consists of a contact surface portion and a bolt portion, wherein the bolt portion is arranged to slide within the hollow guide portion when the button portion is engaged by a user, and wherein the guide portion is at least partially conductive and upon immersion of the device Can be exposed to water; a clip washer received by the guide member to lock onto a conductive portion of the guide member; wherein the clip washer is provided with a connector element extending a distance from the washer for electrical connection to a contact stud in the device.

Description

background

Technological area

The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, such as wireless or handheld radios, and methods of using them. In particular, the present invention relates to dive computers and water contact sensing assemblies therefor.

Description of the technology used

Antennas are commonly used in most modern radio equipment, e.g. In mobile computers, portable navigation devices, cell phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other personal communication devices (PCD). Typically these antennas comprise a planar radiating element with a ground plane which is arranged generally parallel to the planar radiating element. The planar radiation element and the ground plane are typically connected to one another via a short-circuit conductor in order to achieve the desired impedance matching for the antenna. The structure is configured to act as a resonator at the desired operating frequency. Typically, these internal antennas are located on a printed circuit board (PCB) of the radio device in a plastic housing that allows radio frequency waves to propagate to and from the antenna (s).

Recently, it has been desirable that these radio devices have a metal body or an outer metal surface. A metal housing or outer metal surface can be used for a number of reasons, e.g. B. to achieve aesthetic advantages, such as to achieve an attractive appearance of the underlying radio device. However, the use of a metal housing poses new challenges for the implementation of radio frequency antennas. Typical prior art antenna solutions are often not suitable for use with metal housings and / or external metal surfaces. This is due to the fact that the metal housing and / or the outer metal surface of the radio device act as an RF shield which affects antenna performance, especially when the antenna has to operate in multiple frequency bands.

In dive computers, at least part of the body is usually made of a non-conductive polymer material. In order to detect an underwater condition in such devices, water contact must be provided. These usually consist of a few openings in the body that allow water to enter conductive surfaces that are connected to a water detection circuit in the case. Current flowing through the water between such conductive surfaces is detected and an underwater condition of the device can be determined. The device can then be configured accordingly, e.g. B. be placed in a diving state. The dive computer can also receive information from other sensors, such as B. a pressure sensor, collect when it determines the correct course of action in an underwater situation.

However, creating openings or holes in the housing of a dive computer must be avoided as much as possible. Each hole must be carefully designed and sealed to prevent water from entering the system, even under conditions of high water pressure.

Accordingly, there is a strong need for a water sensing solution for use with, for example, a dive computing device that requires fewer or no additional openings or holes in the body.

Summary of the invention

The present disclosure fulfills the above needs by providing a water contact sensing arrangement that is configured to sense an underwater condition for use in a metal or plastic housing.

• - ein Vorrichtungsgehäuse;
• - eine am Gehäuse angebrachte Drucktastenkomponente, wobei die Komponente ein Tastenteil und ein hohles Führungsteil umfasst; wobei der Tastenteil aus einem Berührungsflächenabschnitt und einem Bolzenabschnitt besteht, wobei der Bolzenabschnitt so angeordnet ist, dass er innerhalb des hohlen Führungsteils gleitet, wenn der Tastenteil von einem Benutzer in Eingriff gebracht wird, und wobei das Führungsteil zumindest teilweise leitfähig ist und beim Eintauchen der Vorrichtung Wasser ausgesetzt werden kann;
• - eine Clip-Unterlegscheibe, die vom Führungsteil aufgenommen wird, um sich an einem leitfähigen Abschnitt des Führungsteils zu verriegeln;
• - wobei die Clip-Unterlegscheibe mit einem Verbinderelement versehen ist, das sich über einen Abstand von der Unterlegscheibe erstreckt, um eine elektrische Verbindung zu einem Kontaktbolzen in der Vorrichtung herzustellen.

In a first aspect, a water contact detection arrangement for detecting an underwater condition is provided in a device. The arrangement includes the following:

• - a device housing;
• a push button component attached to the housing, the component including a button portion and a hollow guide portion; wherein the key portion consists of a touch surface portion and a bolt portion, wherein the bolt portion is arranged to slide within the hollow guide part when the key part is engaged by a user, and wherein the guide part is at least partially conductive and when the device is immersed Can be exposed to water;
• a clip washer that is received by the guide member to lock onto a conductive portion of the guide member;
• - wherein the clip washer is provided with a connector element extending a distance from the washer for electrical connection to a contact stud in the device.

In some embodiments, the connector element is integrated with the clip washer and extends therefrom like a flexible tongue.

In some embodiments, the clip washer is locked to the guide part by means of sharp inside edges of the clip that cut into the material of the guide member when assembled. In other embodiments, the clip washer can be locked by means of inner edges of the clip lock with a spring force in a groove of the guide part material on the guide part.

In some embodiments, the connector element provides an electrical connection to a contact post of a water contact sensing circuit configured to sense an underwater condition of the device.

In some embodiments, the device housing is located at the opening associated with the push button component that is grooved that flush water to a water contact surface of the guide member.

In some embodiments, the clip washer can be carried by the device housing at a point that prevents it from rotating about the guide member.

The invention also relates to the aspect of using the water contact detection arrangement according to the invention in a dive computer.

Other features of the present disclosure, its nature, and various advantages will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.

Figure list

• 1 ein schematisches Diagramm ist, das die Antennenvorrichtung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Offenbarung detailliert beschreibt;
• 2A eine perspektivische Ansicht der Unterseite einer Ausführungsform der gekoppelten Antennenvorrichtung einer Funkvorrichtung gemäß den Prinzipien der vorliegenden Offenbarung ist;
• 2B eine Perspektive der gekoppelten Antennenvorrichtung von 2A ist, die gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung konfiguriert ist;
• 2C eine Explosionsansicht der gekoppelten Antennenvorrichtung der 2A-2B ist, die verschiedene Komponenten der gekoppelten Antennenvorrichtung gemäß den Prinzipien der vorliegenden Offenbarung detailliert;
• 3 eine Ausführungsform einer gekoppelten Antennenvorrichtung zeigt;
• 4 und 4a Ausführungsformen einer gekoppelten Antennenvorrichtung zeigen,
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines tragbaren Tauchcomputers zeigt, der in mindestens einigen Ausführungsformen der Erfindung verwendet werden kann;
• 6 eine Drucktasterkonstruktion zeigt, die zumindest in einigen Ausführungsformen der Erfindung verwendet werden kann,
• 7 eine Clip-Unterlegscheibe zeigt, die in mindestens einigen Ausführungsformen der erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung verwendet werden kann, und
• 8 einige wesentliche Teile einer erfindungsgemäßen Wasserkontakt-Erfassungsanordnung zeigt.

The features, objects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

• 1 Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram detailing the antenna device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
• 2A Figure 4 is a perspective view of the bottom of one embodiment of the coupled antenna device of a radio device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
• 2 B a perspective of the coupled antenna device of FIG 2A configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 2C an exploded view of the coupled antenna device of FIG 2A-2B Fig. 4 detailing various components of the coupled antenna device according to the principles of the present disclosure;
• 3 Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a coupled antenna device;
• 4th and 4a Show embodiments of a coupled antenna device,
• 5 Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a portable dive computer that may be used in at least some embodiments of the invention;
• 6th shows a push button construction that can be used in at least some embodiments of the invention,
• 7th shows a clip washer that can be used in at least some embodiments of the inventive arrangement, and
• 8th shows some essential parts of a water contact detection arrangement according to the invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Reference is now made to the drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

As used herein, the terms “antenna” and “antenna array” refer, without limitation, to any system that includes a single element, multiple elements, or one or more arrays of elements that receive / transmit and / or one or more frequency bands of electromagnetic radiation spread. The radiation can be of numerous types, e.g. B. microwave, millimeter wave, high frequency, digitally modulated, analog, analog / digital encoded, digitally encoded millimeter wave energy or the like. The energy can be transferred from one location to another using one or more repeater links, and one or more locations can be mobile, stationary, or fixed to a location on earth such as a base station.

As used herein, the terms “plate” and “substrate” refer generally, and without limitation, to a substantially planar or curved surface or component on which other components can be disposed. For example, a substrate may comprise a single or multilayer circuit board (e.g., FR4), a semiconducting chip or wafer, or even a surface of a housing or other device component, and may be substantially rigid or, alternatively, at least somewhat flexible.

The terms "frequency range" and "frequency band" relate without restriction to a frequency range for the communication of signals. Such signals can be transmitted according to one or more standards or wireless air interfaces.

As used herein, the terms “portable device,” “mobile device,” “client device,” and “computing device” include, but are not limited to, personal computers (PCs) and minicomputers, whether desktop, laptop, or other types, set -Top boxes, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, personal communicators, tablets, portable navigational aids, J2ME-equipped devices, cell phones, smartphones, tablet computers, integrated communication or entertainment devices, portable navigational devices, or literally any other device that can process data.

In addition, the terms “radiator”, “radiation plane” and “radiating element” as used herein refer, without limitation, to an element that can function as part of a system that receives and / or transmits high frequency electromagnetic radiation; z. B. an antenna. Therefore, an exemplary radiator can receive electromagnetic radiation, transmit electromagnetic radiation, or both.

The terms “feed” and “HF feed” relate without restriction to energy conductors and coupling elements that transmit energy, transform impedance, improve performance characteristics and improve the impedance characteristics between incoming / outgoing HF energy signals to one or more connector elements, e.g. B. a spotlight can adjust.

As used herein, the terms “up”, “down”, “side”, “up”, “down”, “left”, “right” and the like merely refer to and mean a relative position or geometry of one component to another in no way an absolute frame of reference or a required orientation. For example, a “top” section of a component may actually be below a “bottom” section when the component is mounted on another device (e.g., the bottom of a circuit board).

As used herein, the term "wireless" means any wireless signal, data, communication or other interface, including without limitation Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G (e.g. 3GPP, 3GPP2 and UMTS), HSDPA / HSUPA, TDMA, CDMA (e.g. IS-95A, WCDMA etc.), FHSS, DSSS, GSM, PAN / 802.15, WiMAX (802.16), 802.20, narrowband / FDMA, OFDM, PCS / DCS, long-term evolution, LTE) or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), analog cellular radio, CDPD, satellite systems such as GPS and GLONASS and millimeter wave or microwave systems.

overview

In a salient aspect, the present disclosure provides improved antenna devices and methods of use and tuning. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution of the present disclosure is particularly suitable for small form factor metal-clad applications that use wireless satellite links (e.g., GPS) and employs an electromagnetic (e.g., capacitive, in one embodiment) injection method that includes a or comprises several separate feed elements which are not galvanically connected to a radiating element of the antenna. In addition, certain implementations of the antenna device offer the possibility of transmitting more than one operating band for the antenna.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments Detailed descriptions of the various embodiments and variants of the apparatus and methods of the disclosure are now provided. While the various devices and methods are discussed primarily in the context of portable radio devices such as wristwatches, the devices and methods discussed herein are not limited thereto. Indeed, many of the devices and methods described herein are useful in any number of devices, including both mobile and stationary devices, that can benefit from the coupled antenna devices and methods described herein.

While the embodiments of the coupled antenna device of 1 - 2C primarily discussed in the context of operation within the GPS radio spectrum, the present disclosure is not so limited. In fact, the antenna device is from 1 - 2C useful in any number of operating bands including, without limitation, the operating bands for: GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G (e.g. 3GPP, 3GPP2, and UMTS), HSDPA / HSUPA, TDMA, CDMA (e.g. IS-95A, WCDMA etc.), FESS, DSSS, GSM, PAN / 802.15, WiMAX (802.16), 802.20, narrowband / FDMA, OFDM, PCS / DCS, long-term development (LTE) or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), analog cellular radio and CDPD .

Exemplary antenna device

With reference to 1 FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a coupled antenna device 100 shown and described in detail. As in 1 shown comprises the coupled antenna device 100 three (3) main antenna elements including an outer element 102 next to a central radiator element 104 is arranged, and an inner feed element 106 . The radiator element 104 , the feed element 106 and the outer element 102 are not in galvanic connection with each other and are instead capacitively coupled, as explained below. The outer element 102 is further configured as the primary radiating element for the antenna device 100 to act. The width of the outer element and the spacing of the outer element from the central element are selected based on specific antenna design requirements, including (i) the frequency operating band of interest and (ii) the operating bandwidth, exemplary values of which can be readily implemented by those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure.

As in 1 As shown, the central radiator element of the coupled antenna device is arranged next to the outer element and through a gap distance 120 separated from the outer element. For example, a spacing of 0.2 to 1 mm is used in one implementation, but it should be noted that this value may vary depending on the implementation and operating frequency. In addition, the coupling strength can be adjusted by adjusting the gap distance and by adjusting the overlap area of the outer and central radiator elements as well as by the total area of both the outer and central radiator elements. The gap 120 enables tuning of the antenna resonance frequency, bandwidth and radiation efficiency, among other things. The middle radiator element further comprises two parts 104 (a) and 104 (b) . The first part 104a is the main coupling element and the second part 104b remains floating and is not otherwise connected to the antenna structure. The second part 104b can, for example, be left in the structure if, for some mechanical reason, the middle element is designed as a larger part and only a shorter section thereof is required as a coupling element. At one end of the central radiator element part 104 (a) is a short circuit point 110 to connect the middle radiator element 104 arranged with ground. The short circuit point 110 is located in the illustrated embodiment at a predefined distance 122 (typically 1 to 5 mm in the exemplary implementations, but may vary depending on the implementation and the operating frequency) from the inner feed element 106 . The placement of the short circuit point 110 partially determines the resonance frequency of the coupled antenna device 100 . part 104 (a) is with part 104 (b) connected, being part 104 (b) forms the complete central radiator (ring).

1 also shows an inner feed element 106 that consists of a grounding point 114 as well as a galvanically connected feed point 116 consists. The inner feed element 106 is at a distance 124 from the middle radiator element 104 arranged. It also determines the placement and positioning of the earthing point 114 in relation to the entry point 116 partly the resonance frequency of the coupled antenna device 100 . It should be noted that the grounding point of the feed element is mainly used to adjust the feed point impedance. In one implementation, the feed element forms an IFA (inverted F antenna) type structure of the type known in the art and the impedance setting of such an element is known to ordinary antenna designers and accordingly is not further described here. A typical distance between the feed point and the grounding point is on the order of 1 to 5 mm, but this can vary depending on the frequency and application.

In addition, it goes without saying that the grounding point can be eliminated if desired, for example by placing a shunt inductor on the lead. The placement of the entry point 116 and the grounding points 110 and 114 greatly affects the isolation gains for right-handed circular polarization (RHCP) and left-handed circular polarization (LHCP), as explained below. Other than that, GPS and most satellite navigation transmissions are RHCP; Satellites transmit the RHCP signal because it is found to be less affected by atmospheric signal distortion and loss than, for example, linearly polarized signals. Therefore, every receiving antenna should have the same polarization as the transmitting satellite. Significant signal loss occurs (on the order of tens of dB) when the antenna of the receiving device is predominantly LHCP polarized. In addition, the satellite signal changes polarization from RHCP to LHCP every time it is reflected from an object such as the surface of the earth or a building. Signals that are reflected once in the vicinity of the receiving unit have almost the same amplitude, but one low time delay and LHCP compared to directly received RHCP signals. These reflected signals are particularly detrimental to the sensitivity of the GPS receiver; therefore antennas are preferably used in which the LHCP gain is at least 5 dB to 10 dB below the RHCP gain.

For example, in the exemplary illustration, the feeder and baseline placements are chosen so that the RCHP gain dominates and the LHCP gain is suppressed (to improve sensitivity to circularly polarized GPS signals). However, if the feed and ground line placements were reversed, the "handedness" of the antenna device would be 100 conversely, whereby a dominant LHCP gain would be generated while the RHCP gain would be suppressed. To this end, the present disclosure also provides, in certain implementations, the ability to use the antenna e.g. B. to switch spontaneously or to reconfigure, for example via a hardware or software switch or manually, in order to switch the above-mentioned "handedness" as required for the respective use or application. For example, it may be desirable to work in conjunction with an LHCP source or to receive the reflected signals noted above.

Accordingly, although not shown, the present disclosure contemplates: (i) portable or other devices having both RHCP-dominant and LHCP-dominant antennas that can operate substantially independently of one another; and (ii) variations in which the receiver can switch between the two depending on the polarization of the received signals.

The coupled antenna device 100 from 1 thus comprises a stacked configuration that has an outer element 102 , a central radiator element 104 disposed within the outer member, and an inner feed member 106 includes. It should be noted that a central radiator element is sufficient to excite the desired operating frequency. For multi-band operation, however, additional middle and feed elements can be added. For example, if a 2.4 GHz ISM band is required, the same outer radiator can be fed by a different set of center elements and feed elements. The inner feed element is further configured to be galvanically connected to a feed point 116 is coupled, and the central radiator element is configured to be capacitively coupled to the inner feed element. The outer element 102 is configured to act as the final antenna radiator and is further configured to be capacitively coupled to the central radiator element. In the present embodiment, the dimensions of the outer member 102 and the feed elements 104 and 106 selected to achieve a desired performance. In particular, when the elements (outside, middle, inside) are measured as separate from one another, none of them will be independently tuned to a value close to the desired operating frequency. However, when the three elements are coupled together they form a single radiator package that creates resonances at the desired operating frequency (or frequencies). A relatively large bandwidth of a single resonance is achieved due to the physical size of the antenna and the use of low dielectric media such as plastic. An outstanding advantage of this structure in the exemplary context of satellite navigation applications is that there is a typical interest in covering both GPS and GLONASS navigation systems with the same antenna, ie at least 1575-1610 MHz, which enables the exemplary implementation.

Those skilled in the art, in light of the present disclosure, will recognize that the above dimensions correspond to a particular embodiment of an antenna / device, and are configured based on a specific implementation, and therefore are merely illustrative of the broader principles of the present disclosure. The distances 120 , 122 and 124 are also selected to provide the desired impedance match for the coupled antenna device 100 to reach. For example, due to several items that can be adjusted, it is possible to tune the resulting antenna to a desired operating frequency even if the unit size (antenna size) varies widely. For example, the size of the upper (outer) element can be expanded to, for example, 100 x 60 mm, and by adjusting the couplings between the elements, the correct tuning and adaptation can advantageously be achieved.

Configurations of the portable radio device

With reference to 2A - 2C There is shown and described an exemplary embodiment of a portable radio device including a coupled antenna device configured in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In connection with the in 2A to 2C In the illustrated embodiment of the coupled antenna device, various implementations of the outer element can be used in order to further optimize the various operating characteristics of the antenna enable. In some embodiments, one or more components of the antenna device 100 from 1 formed using a metal-coated plastic body made by any suitable manufacturing process (such as an exemplary laser direct structuring ("LDS") manufacturing process or even a printing process such as the one below).

Recent advances in LDS antenna manufacturing processes have made it possible to build antennas directly on an otherwise non-conductive surface (e.g., thermoplastic material doped with a metal additive). The doped metal additive is then activated by means of a laser. LDS enables antennas to be built on more complex three-dimensional (3D) geometries. For example, in various typical smartphones, watches, and other mobile device applications, the underlying device housing and / or other antenna components on which the antenna may be placed are manufactured using an LDS polymer using standard injection molding techniques. A laser is then used to activate areas of the (thermoplastic) material, which are then plated. Typically, an electrolytic copper bath followed by successive layers of additive such as nickel or gold is then added to complete the structure of the antenna.

In addition, pad printing, conductive ink printing, FPC, sheet metal, PCB processes can be used in accordance with the disclosure. It will be understood that various features of the present disclosure are advantageously not tied to a particular manufacturing technology and therefore can be widely used with any number of the foregoing. While some technologies have inherent limitations in manufacturing, for example, 3-D shaped radiators and adjusting gaps between elements, the antenna structure of the present invention can be formed using any type of conductive materials and processes.

While the use of LDS is exemplary, however, other implementations can be used to make the coupled antenna device, for example via the use of a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), sheet metal, printed radiator, etc. as noted above. However, the various design considerations above may be chosen in accordance with, for example, maintaining a desired small form factor and / or other design requirements and attributes. For example, in one variant, the US9780438 described pressure-based methods and devices used for depositing the antenna radiator on the substrate. In such a variant, the antenna radiator contains a quarter-wave loop or a wire-like structure that is printed onto the substrate using the printing method discussed therein.

In the 2A - 5C The illustrated portable device (ie a wrist watch, an asset tracker, a sports computer, a dive computer, etc. with GPS functionality) is in a housing 200 which is configured to have a generally circular shape. It should be understood, however, that while this illustrated device has a generally circular form factor, the present disclosure can be practiced with devices having other desirable form factors including, without limitation, square, rectangular, other polygonal, oval, irregular, etc. form factors . Additionally, the housing is configured to receive a display cover (not shown) that is at least partially made of a transparent material such as a transparent polymer, glass, or other suitable transparent material. The housing is also configured to have a coupled antenna device similar to that in FIG 1 shown. In the exemplary embodiments, the housing is made of an injection molded polymer such as polyethylene or ABS-PC. In one variant, the plastic material also has a metallized conductive layer (e.g. a copper alloy) on its surface. The metallized conductor layers generally form a coupled antenna device, as in FIG 1 shown.

Referring to Figures 2A-2C, there is one embodiment of a coupled antenna device 200 for use in a portable radio device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 2A shows the underside of the coupled antenna device 200 showing the various connections made to a printed circuit board (219, 2 B and 2C ). In particular shows 2A the short circuit point 210 for the middle ring radiator element 204 as well as the short circuit point 216 and the galvanic feed point 214 for the inner feed track element 206 . Both the inner feed track element and the center ring radiator element are within the front cover 203 of the illustrated embodiment for the coupled antenna device for use with a portable radio device. The front cover 203 (please refer 2A and 2C ) is according to a first embodiment of the disclosure using a Polymer material with direct laser structuring ("LDS") produced, which is then doped and with an outer ring radiation element 202 (see 2B-2C) is plated. The use of LDS technology is exemplary in that it enables complex (e.g. curved) metal structures to be formed directly on the underlying polymer material. The outer ring radiating element 402 can alternatively comprise an embossed metal ring, which is formed, for example, from stainless steel, aluminum or another corrosion-resistant material (in the case of environmental stress without an additional protective coating). The selected material should ideally have sufficient RF conductivity. Plated metals can also be used, such as nickel-gold plating, etc., or other known RF materials used on the front cover 203 are arranged.

In addition, in an exemplary embodiment there is a central ring radiator element 204 on the inside of the doped front cover 203 also arranged using LDS technology. The middle ring radiator element 204 consists of two (2) parts 204 (a) and 204 (b) . In an exemplary implementation, the element 204 (a) used to provide a convenient place for the connection of the ground contact (short circuit point) 210 to provide. The short circuit point 210 is at one end of the first part 204 (a) of the middle ring radiator arranged. The coupled antenna device 200 also includes an LDS polymer feed frame 218 , on which then an inner feed element 206 is built. The inner feed element comprises a galvanic feed point 216 as well as a short circuit point 214 , both of which are configured to be at the points 216 ' or. 214 ' with a circuit board 219 are coupled (see 2C ). The inner feed frame element is next to the central radiator ring element part 204 arranged so that the coaxial feed point is at a distance 222 from the short-circuit point 210 of the middle radiator element. The short circuit points 210 of the central radiating element and 214 of the inner feed element are configured to be at the points 210 ' or. 214 ' with the circuit board 219 are connected. A back cover 220 is positioned on the underside of the circuit board and forms the closed structure of the coupled antenna device.

While the aforementioned embodiments generally include a single coupled antenna device that is disposed in a host device housing, it is also noted that in some embodiments, additional antenna elements in addition to, for example, the exemplary coupled antenna device 100 from 1 can be arranged in the host device. These other antenna elements can be designed to receive other types of radio signals, such as e.g. B. Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), 802.11 (Wi-Fi), Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB), AM / FM radio, International, Scientific, Medical (ISM) band (e.g. ISM-868 , ISM-915 etc.), ZigBee® etc. to expand the functionality of the handheld device while still maintaining a spatially compact form factor.

The coupled antenna device 200 may, as shown, comprise two antenna arrays comprising a central radiating element and an inner feed element (not shown), both of which have a common outer ring element 202 exhibit. The two antenna assemblies can work in the same frequency band or alternatively in different frequency bands. For example, the antenna assembly “a” can be configured to operate in a Wi-Fi frequency band around 2.4 GHz, while the antenna assembly can be configured to operate in the GNSS frequency range in order to provide GPS functionality. The selection of the operating frequency is exemplary and can be changed for different applications according to the principles of the present disclosure.

In addition, the Axial Ratio (AR) of the antenna device of the present disclosure can be affected when adjusting the antenna feed impedance in conjunction with the stress on the user body tissue (see previous discussion of impedance matching based on ground and feed trace positions). The axial ratio (AR) is an important parameter in defining the performance of circularly polarized antennas; an optimal axial ratio is one (1), which corresponds to a state in which the amplitude of a rotating signal is the same in all phases. A fully linearly polarized antenna would have an infinite axial ratio, which means that its signal amplitude is reduced to zero when the phase is rotated 90 degrees. When an optimal circularly polarized signal is received with a fully linearly polarized antenna, there will be a signal loss of 3 dB due to polarization mismatch. In other words, 50% of the incoming signal is lost. In practice, it is very difficult to achieve optimal circular polarization (AR = 1) due to asymmetries in mechanical constructions etc. Commonly used ceramic GPS patch antennas typically have an axial ratio of 1 to 3 dB when used in actual implementations. This is considered an "industry standard" and shows a sufficient level of performance.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that the device 200 may further comprise a display device, e.g. B. a liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diodes (LED) or organic LED (OLED), TFT (thin film transistor) etc .; this is used to display the desired information to the user. In addition, the host device may further include a touch screen input and display device (e.g., capacitive or resistive) or of the type known in the electronic arts, thereby providing the user with touch input capability as well as conventional display functionality.

3 shows an additional embodiment of a coupled antenna device with a transient voltage suppressor (TVS). 3 is similar to the one described above 1 . In certain situations it is desirable that the outer radiator element 132 is a section of the antenna. The outer radiator element 132 may have some or all of the properties as the outer element discussed above 102 exhibit. As the outer radiator element 132 however a section of the antenna is there can be in the antenna configuration of 1 cannot be easily grounded. Hence a TVS diode 130 electrically with the outer radiator element 132 connected. An example of this is in 3 shown. The TVS 130 therefore connects the outer radiator element 132 with ground if in the outer radiator element 132 there is a sufficiently large potential or voltage. As such, the TVS diode protects the electronics within a device from damage, such as from an electrical spark outside the device.

In the example of 3 are the first part 104 (a) of the central radiator element and the inner feed element 106 grounded. In addition, they are within the protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) provided by the external radiator element 132 which is connected to the TVS diode. In practice, without TVS grounding, a sufficiently large potential will find its way through the outermost conductive section of a device and damage the internal electronics. A particular problem with smartwatches and mobile devices is that large potentials enter display drivers through display lines and connections and damage them.

4th shows an embodiment of a coupled antenna device according to the invention with a transient voltage suppression circuit 134 . 4th is similar to the ones described above 1 and 3 . In certain situations it is desirable that the outer radiator element 132 is a section of the antenna. The outer radiator element 132 may have some or all of the properties as the outer element discussed above 102 exhibit. As the outer radiator element 132 however a section of the antenna is there can be in the antenna configuration of 1 cannot be easily grounded. Hence an LC circuit 134 electrically with the outer radiator element 132 connected. An example of this is in 4th shown. The LC circuit 134 is closed, ie it connects the outer radiator element 132 at low frequencies and direct current to ground. The value of the impedance of the LC circuit is thus chosen so that electrostatic discharges can flow through it. The LC circuit 134 protects the electronics within a device from damage, for example by an electrical spark outside the device.

At its resonance frequency, the LC circuit forms 134 a stop band and acts like an open circuit. The values of the L and C components are chosen so that the circuit resonates at the working frequency of the antenna.

In the example of 4th are the first part 104 (a) of the central radiator element and the inner feed element 106 grounded. In addition, protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) is provided by the external radiator element 132 provided that with the LC circuit 134 connected is. Without such a high-resistance grounding, a sufficiently large potential will in practice find its way through the outermost conductive section of a device and damage the internal electronics. A particular problem with smartwatches and mobile devices is that large potentials enter display drivers through display lines and connections and damage them.

According to certain examples, a fixed or variable capacitor C or one or more switchable capacitors C1 , C2 (please refer 4A) in parallel to coil L can be added to the LC circuit 134 to make it tunable. By setting a variable capacitor C and / or by switching the capacitors on and off C1 and C2 with suitably selected capacitances, the LC circuit can 134 or 134a be tuned to different frequencies received by the antenna, such as the frequencies of GPS, Glonass and Galileo navigation systems. Other wireless systems can also be connected to the device according to the invention, such as Bluetooth or WiFi, where frequencies can be received and the LC circuit 134 or 134a can be tuned so that it also resonates at such frequencies, thereby providing optimization of antenna performance in a variety of systems. Surprisingly, the LC circuits offer 134 or 134a an ESD protection a very small negative impact on antenna performance.

A bezel, for example for an electronic device that can be worn on the wrist, can have an inner and an outer surface. All or a portion of the outer surface of the bezel can be an external radiator element. In addition, one or more additional radiator elements can be arranged, housed and / or carried by the inner surface of the bezel. According to certain examples, one or more of the additional radiator elements are electrically isolated from the inner surface of the bezel, but are mechanically connected to it.

As described above, a coupled antenna device may include a bezel that includes an external radiator element. The outer radiator element forms part of the antenna structure. The outer radiator element can for example be a section and / or a sector of the bezel. The outer radiator element can have a closed loop structure and can even be the entire bezel. In examples where the bezel is made of metal, the outer radiator element can be an integral portion of the bezel. The outer radiator element can also be a separate section of the bezel that is combined with one or more other sections to form a bezel.

Numerous types of electronic devices can include a coupled antenna device described herein. One example is a wrist-worn electronic device with an outer housing that contains one or more sections. At least one of the sections of the case can be a bezel. According to certain examples, the outer housing of the device includes a bezel according to any of the bezels discussed above and a body. The body and / or the bezel can contain multiple electrical components. An outer section of the bezel can contain a metallic section that is or functions as an external radiator element. The outer radiator element can generally not be earthed. The outer radiator element can, however, be electrically coupled, for example by a pogo pen, to a TVS device which is accommodated in the outer housing in order to protect at least a part of the plurality of internal electrical components from the high potentials to which the outer radiator element can thereby be exposed .

In addition, according to certain examples, an electronic device may include at least one screw. The main purpose of the screw is to mechanically connect the bezel to the housing of the outer housing and / or to one or more other sections of the device. The screw can be electrically conductive, e.g. B. metallic, and therefore be in electrical contact with a portion of the bezel and / or the outer radiator element. The screw can thus form an additional conductive section of the outer radiator element. In certain embodiments, the screw can electrically ground at least a portion of the bezel. In addition, instead of a screw, other connecting means besides a screw can be used, but these have similar electromechanical properties.

With reference to 5 Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a dive computer 50 which can be used in connection with at least some embodiments of the invention. The portable dive computer has a housing that mainly consists of a conductive bezel 51 and a body 52 consists. The bezel contains a radiator element, such as an ungrounded external radiator element 202 , this in 2A - 2C is shown. A radio unit 54 is functionally connected to the dive computer circuit (not shown) contained in the housing and has a conductive coupling 58 with the radiator element to enable wireless communication between the dive computer and external devices. A suitable core circuit for the radio unit can be, for example, a Bluetooth processor (BLE SoC) nRF51422 from Nordic Semiconductor®. The radio unit 54 can also use a balun transformer such as NRF02D3 from ST Microelectronics® between the bluetooth processor and the inductor 56 include, for example, to convert between balanced and unbalanced signals and / or to convert impedances between the processor and the inductance circuits. The inductance 56 can be a coil such as LQG15HS22NJ02D from Murata®, with which the antenna is grounded for direct currents and a current path 59 for water contact is established.

Also included is a water contact detection circuit 55 arranged to detect when the portable dive computer enters an underwater state. An exemplary push button 53 that runs through the body 52 extends can be operated from the outside of the body. The push button contains a conductive water contact surface that enables the push button to send a water contact signal to the water contact sensing circuit 55 to be transmitted, which is detected as a voltage drop across the resistor R. The push button 53 can be a push button or a navigation button that is part of the user interface of the dive computer and its use in this property has no effect on the water contact detection or vice versa.

Instead of a push button, the water contact can be arranged in a navigation button or by any surface or structure in the housing that is in contact with water when the dive computer is submerged.

As an alternative to detecting a voltage drop across the resistor R, a current can be detected in the water contact detection circuit using a power supply. This can make the resistor R unnecessary and the detection can be made by a semiconductor circuit. Other embodiments may include various waveforms such as direct current, pulsed direct current, or alternating current (AC).

The underwater condition detection circuit in 5 includes the conductive coupling 58 between the radiator element in the bezel 51 and the radio unit 54 and a low pass filter that includes at least the inductor 56 includes the one at one end with the conductive coupling 58 and at the other end with the ground potential 57 the dive computer is connected.

Thus, the underwater condition detection circuit detects 58 , 56 and 57 when water has a conductive path 59 between the water contact surface of the push button and the bezel 51 and the radiator element further as a direct current short circuit through the inductance 56 to ground, whereby in the detection loop of resistor R a voltage indication of an underwater condition for the water contact detection circuit 55 provided.

It is important that the radio unit 54 this short circuit of your radiator element due to the low-pass filter 56 not recorded. The radio unit normally operates, for example, in the 2.4 GHz range for Bluetooth applications and in the 1.5 GHz range for GPS applications. A DC short circuit passes through the filter 56 , but no GHz range signals.

According to some embodiments, the water contact detection circuit 55 be arranged to automatically switch to a diving mode of operation of the dive computer when an underwater condition is detected. In some embodiments, the contact detection circuit 55 be arranged to deactivate the radio unit when an underwater condition is detected, e.g. to reduce power consumption.

With reference to 6th there is shown a push button component useful in at least some embodiments of the invention. The push button component is connected to the device housing at an opening in the housing and has a button part 60 on, the one touch surface portion 64a having a circular or otherwise suitably shaped shape which is engageable by touching or squeezing with a user's finger. The button part 60 also includes a shaft section 64b , the one with the interface portion 64a is connected and preferably as shown in the shaft section 64b is integrated and perpendicular to this. The wave section 64b slides in the fixed guide section 63 inward and outward as shown by arrow B when the button part 60 is engaged by a user.

The fixed guide section 63 acts as a socket for the button part 60 . The wave section 64b of the push button is inside the guide part by greased O-rings 69a held. A feather 69b with a washer 69c provides the necessary restoring force and the resistance against the contact surface 64a .

At the other end of the guide section 63 there is another socket surface 69d for the interface portion 64a of the button part.

The outward movement of the push button 64a , 64b is through a stopper 67 limited, which is at an end portion of the guide part 63 is applied.

Preferably the fixed guide part comprises 63 a conductive water contact surface A into which water enters in an underwater state, which then passes through a conductive element 65 and a detector circuit 66 can be detected as described above. Obviously, water contact can be made from any conductive surface in the pushbutton component. However, since the button 64a , 64b can be made of non-conductive material, which allows more freedom of design and the aesthetics of the device can be improved, and since a more reliable connection to a sensor circuit can be made from a solid structure, the water contact surface A is on the guide part 63 a preferred solution. In some embodiments, grooves 61a and 62a (dashed line) on the body part 61 or on the lower part 62 of the device. The purpose of the grooves is to draw water into the water contact surface A of the guide part 63 to flush, and the build-up of pressure and / or air bubbles between the pushbutton 60 and to prevent the housing of the device that would impair water contact with the guide member. The wave section 64b and the button section 64a may be coated, for example to prevent leakage currents from causing false electrical water contact indications.

Water gets through a seal, such as an O-ring 68 that is between the guide part 63 , a part of the body 61 or a lower part 62 the device is prevented from entering the interior of the device.

In 6th is also a clip washer according to the invention 65 shown on the guide part 63 is pressed or snapped into place, and a connector element extending from the clip washer 65 extends and an electrical connecting bolt 66 provides. The clip washer is described below with reference to FIG 7th and 8th described in detail.

In 7th there is shown a clip washer that can be used in some embodiments of the inventive arrangement. The clip washer 70 preferably consists of an integral piece of sheet metal with the general appearance of a circlip fastener, which consists of a semi-flexible metal clip ring 71 with an open end that is on the guide portion 63 in 6th can be pressed or locked.

The clip washer comes with a flexible connector element 73 provided that extends a distance from the washer to provide an electrical connection such as the contact stud 74 to provide for a circuit in the device. Such a circuit may be a water contact detection circuit as in FIG 5 shown. The element 73 can in the clip 70 be integrated and consist of the same sheet metal, or it can be a tongue, a spring, a wire or some other suitable connector element.

In some embodiments, the inner edges 72 of the clip ring 71 be sharp and cut into a conductive surface of the guide portion, thereby locking themselves in place when pressed onto the guide portion. In some other embodiments, the inner edges 72 of the clip ring 71 be rounded and snap into a circumferential groove on the conductive surface of the guide portion, thereby locking themselves when pressed on a portion.

As the flexible connector element 73 on the contact pin 74 a force 77 from a mating stud on a circuit board or the like, in some embodiments it is preferable to ensure that the clip washer 70 does not start to rotate around the guide section. This can be prevented by at one point 75a , 75b , 75c support is provided to the clip washer by the device housing or structure. In 7th is such a support structure 76 at the point 75a shown that prevents a downward force 77 the washer 70 turns.

8th shows some essential parts of an arrangement according to the invention. A clip washer 81 , as in 7th is shown by pressing and / or latching onto a guide section 82 mounted on an assembly, similar to the guide section 63 from 6th . The guide section carries a button part 80 consisting of a touch surface section 83 and a shaft section 84 exists in the guide section as shown by broken lines. The wave section 84 slides in and out in the guide section as indicated by the arrow 85 shown when the button part 80 is engaged by a user.

It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments of the invention are not limited to the particular structures, method steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

Reference in this specification to “a particular embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or feature described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in a particular embodiment” or “in one embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein, a plurality of objects, structural elements, compositional elements and / or materials can be represented in a common list for the sake of simplicity. However, these lists should be construed as if each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Therefore, no individual member of such a list should be construed as the de facto equivalent of another member of the same list solely on the basis of its representation in a common group, unless otherwise stated. In addition, various embodiments and examples of the present invention can be used herein along with Alternatives for the various components thereof are mentioned. It is to be understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be understood as de facto equivalents of one another, but rather as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

In addition, the features, structures or properties described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or in other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

While the above examples illustrate the principles of the present invention in one or more specific applications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications in form, use, and details of implementation can be made without deviating from the inventive skill and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention can be made. Accordingly, it is not intended to limit the invention except as by the claims set forth below.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• US 9780438 [0040]

Claims (8)

A water contact sensing arrangement for sensing an underwater condition in a device, the arrangement comprising: - a device housing; a pushbutton component mounted on the housing, the component comprising a pushbutton part and a hollow guide part; wherein the button portion consists of a contact surface portion and a bolt portion, wherein the bolt portion is arranged to slide within the hollow guide portion when the button portion is engaged by a user, and wherein the guide portion is at least partially conductive and upon immersion of the device Exposure to water; a clip washer that is received by the guide member to lock onto a conductive portion of the guide member; - wherein the clip washer is provided with a connector element which extends a distance from the washer to make an electrical connection to a contact stud in the device. Water contact detection arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the connector element is integrated with and extends from the clip washer like a flexible tongue. Water contact detection arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the clip washer is locked to the guide member by means of sharp inside edges of the clip which cut into the guide member material when assembled. Water contact detection arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the clip washer is locked during assembly by means of inner edges of the clip lock with a spring force in a groove of the guide part material on the guide part. Water contact detection arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th wherein the connector element provides an electrical connection to a contact post of a water contact detection circuit configured to detect an underwater condition of the device. Water contact detection arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 wherein the device housing is provided with grooves at the opening connected to the push button component, which flush water to a water contact surface of the guide part. Water contact detection arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th wherein the clip washer is supported by the device housing at a point that prevents the clip washer from rotating about the guide member. Use of a water contact detection arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 7th in a dive computer.

Images