EP1498044B1 - Clasp for an antenna-including bracelet and bracelet including such a clasp - Google Patents

Abstract

The buckle has a detachable part (1) with a buckle unit (60) and another detachable part with two buckle units (70, 75). The detachable parts are electrically connected to two antenna units. A plate (62) is superposed with another plate (72) and the buckle unit (75) sandwiches the plate (62) against the plate (72) when the buckle unit (75) is locked on a fixation post, during locking of the two detachable parts. An independent claim is also included for a wrist watch strap for portable electronic equipment.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention generally relates to a clasp for electrically connecting first and second antenna elements respectively housed in first and second strands of a wristband of a portable electronic instrument, this clasp comprising first and second detachable parts. one of the other, electrically connected respectively to the first and second antenna elements, and can be mechanically locked to one another to establish electrical contact between the first and second antenna elements. The present invention also relates to a bracelet comprising such a clasp.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Clasps meeting the general definition given above are already known. The document EP 0 125 930 describes for example such a clasp to provide the electrical connection of two conductors housed in the strands of a bracelet including forming a loop antenna around the wrist of the user when the electronic instrument is worn.

The documents US 5,152,693 and US 5,179,733 describe another solution which has as similarity with the aforementioned solution the possibility of adjusting the position of one of the elements of the clasp on one of the strand of the bracelet. Yet another similar solution is given in the document US 5,303,421 .

Finally, we know of another solution where the clasp is of the buckle type (see in particular the document WO 86/03645 ), plug-in type with male and female parts (see the document WO 86/03645 ), or of the folding clasp type (see in particular the document EP 0 867 968 ).

The pin buckle solution is in practice not adequate because of the poor quality of the electrical contact, and the plug-in solution is mechanically complex. As to the other solutions mentioned above, it should be noted that these solutions provide for exposing parts of the antenna elements on the inner or outer face of the bracelet. This type of solution therefore has a disadvantage insofar as the exposed parts of the antenna elements can quickly oxidize and thus cause a degradation of the quality of the electrical contact. This oxidation is in particular accelerated by the presence of sweat when this bracelet is worn on the wrist. From an aesthetic point of view, this type of solution is also not very desirable.

Another disadvantage of these solutions lies in the relatively large thickness of the bracelet at the closure device, the two strands of bracelet being superimposed on it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A general object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution that makes it possible, on the one hand, to ensure an adequate electrical connection between the two antenna elements housed in the strands of the bracelet and that, on the other hand, makes it possible to reduce clutter at the clasp.

The present invention thus relates to a clasp of the aforementioned type whose characteristics are set forth in claim 1. The present invention also relates to a bracelet comprising such a clasp.

Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

It is thus proposed to make the first detachable part of the clasp, which is electrically connected to the first antenna element, so that it comprises a first clasp element comprising a first plate extending in the extension of the first strand of the bracelet , the second detachable part, which is electrically connected to the second antenna element, comprising, on the one hand, a second clasp element comprising a second plate extending in the extension of the second strand of the bracelet and a device for retained, and, secondly, a third clasp member rotatably mounted on the second clasp member and arranged to latch onto the retaining device of the second clasp member. Upon locking the first and second detachable portions, the first platen of the first clasp member is superimposed on the second platen of the second clasp member and the third clasp member is pivoted to sandwich the first platen against the second platen. once locked onto the restraint.

This solution offers the advantage of ensuring a very wide electrical contact surface between the two detachable parts of the clasp once locked. Indeed, the two trays thus formed ensure, by their relatively large surface, a good electrical cohesion between the two detachable parts of the clasp. On the other hand, the third clasp member exerts, when locked on the second clasp member, a pressing or compressing force holding the platen of the first clasp member in close contact with the platen of the second clasp member.

Preferably, the first plate is provided with at least one fixing orifice passing through the thickness of the first plate and the retaining device comprises at least one fixing pin disposed substantially perpendicularly to the second plate and one end of which is arranged to lock on the third clasp member, the fixing hole and the fixing lug being arranged such that when the first and second trays are superimposed, the fixing lug passes through the fixing hole. This variant ensures a good mechanical strength of the clasp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 montre une vue en perspective d'un fermoir selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, les deux parties détachables du fermoir étant illustrées dans une situation où elles sont solidaires l'une de l'autre, le troisième élément du fermoir monté rotatif étant illustré en position non verrouillée ;
• les figures 1a et 1b sont respectivement une vue en plan, du côté de la face externe du bracelet, et une vue latérale du fermoir de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 2 montre une vue en perspective similaire à celle de la figure 1 où les deux parties détachables sont illustrées détachées l'une de l'autre ;
• la figure 3 montre une vue en perspective d'un mode de réalisation particulier d'un élément d'antenne pouvant avantageusement être incorporé dans chaque brin du bracelet ;
• la figure 4a est une vue en coupe du premier élément de fermoir prise au niveau de son attache avec le premier brin de bracelet et de sa liaison électrique avec l'élément d'antenne qui y est incorporé (ligne de coupe A-A dans la figure 1a) ;
• la figure 4b est une vue en coupe des second et troisième éléments de fermoir prise au niveau de leur attache avec le second brin de bracelet et de leur liaison électrique avec l'élément d'antenne qui y est incorporé (ligne de coupe B-B dans la figure 1a) ;
• les figures 5a et 5b sont respectivement des vues latérale et de dessus du second élément de fermoir ;
• les figures 6a et 6b sont respectivement des vues latérale et de dessus du premier élément de fermoir ; et
• les figures 7a et 7b sont respectivement des vues latérale et de dessus du troisième élément de fermoir.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given solely by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 shows a perspective view of a clasp according to one embodiment of the invention, the two detachable parts of the clasp being illustrated in a situation where they are secured to one another, the third element of the rotary mounted clasp being illustrated in unlocked position;
• the Figures 1a and 1b are respectively a plan view, on the side of the outer face of the bracelet, and a side view of the clasp of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 2 shows a perspective view similar to that of the figure 1 where the two detachable parts are illustrated detached from each other;
• the figure 3 shows a perspective view of a particular embodiment of an antenna element that can advantageously be incorporated into each strand of the bracelet;
• the figure 4a is a sectional view of the first clasp member taken at its fastener with the first wrist strand and its electrical connection with the antenna element incorporated therein (cutting line AA in the figure 1a );
• the figure 4b is a sectional view of the second and third clasp members taken at their attachment to the second wrist strand and their electrical connection with the antenna element incorporated therein (cutting line BB in the figure 1a );
• the Figures 5a and 5b are respectively side and top views of the second clasp element;
• the Figures 6a and 6b are respectively side and top views of the first clasp member; and
• the Figures 7a and 7b are respectively side and top views of the third clasp member.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the context of the nonlimiting example which will be given in the remainder of the present description, it will be noted already that the bracelet comprises two identical bracelet strands each comprising the same antenna element, these two strands being attached. to one another by the clasp so that the two antenna elements are electrically connected to each other so as to form a loop antenna around the wrist. This type of antenna configuration in a bracelet is well known and its operating principle will not be discussed here. Further information on this point can be found in the documents cited in the preamble.

Figs 1, 1a and 1b respectively show a perspective view, an external side-face plan view of the bracelet (by definition the "outer face" is defined as the face facing the outside of the wrist when the bracelet is worn, by opposition to the "inner face" which designates the face of the bracelet which is in contact with the wrist when the bracelet is worn) and a side view of the clasp according to one embodiment of the invention. The figure 2 shows a view similar to that of the figure 1 where the detachable parts are illustrated detached from each other.

This clasp comprises first and second detachable parts designated respectively by the numerical references 1 and 2. The first detachable part 1 is electrically connected to a first antenna element 10 (not shown in FIG. figure 1 ) housed in the first strand of the bracelet 10, while the second detachable portion 2 is electrically connected to a second antenna element 10 '(not shown in FIG. figure 1 ) housed in the second strand 50 'of the bracelet.

As illustrated in these figures, the first detachable part 1 consists essentially of a first clasp member 60 mounted on the end of the first strand 50 and the second detachable portion 2 consists essentially of a second clasp member 70 mounted on the end of the second strand 50 'and a third clasp member 75 rotatably mounted on the second clasp member 70 so as to be pivotable relative thereto. This third clasp element 75 actually forms the element for locking the clasp. In the figures, this third clasp element 75 is illustrated in the unlocked position.

The three clasp elements mentioned above are individually illustrated in the Figures 5a, 5b , 6a, 6b , 7a and 7b . Note that they can advantageously be made in the form of metal plates cut and folded according to the desired geometry.

The figure 3 is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a conductor that can be used to realize the antenna elements 10 and 10 '. This driver is partially reported in Figures 1a and 1b . A bracelet comprising such a conductor is proposed in the patent applications CH 01241/03 and CH 01242/03 entitled respectively "Bracelet, in particular of a watch, comprising an electrical conductor incorporated in its thickness" and "Adjustable bracelet in length, in particular a watch strap, comprising an electrical conductor incorporated in its thickness" both deposited in the name of The Swatch Group Management Services AG July 15, 2003.

It will be mentioned here simply that the conductor forming each antenna element consists of a self-supporting conductive plate consisting of a plate of an electrically conductive material (for example steel, copper, etc.) which is cut and folded at the proper form. This conductive plate has a substantially rectangular shape whose longitudinal axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet strand in which the conductive plate is intended to be incorporated. In this embodiment, a first end 10A of the conductive plate is folded over and is intended to allow the connection of the antenna element to the corresponding components housed in the housing of the portable electronic instrument. This housing is not illustrated in the figures. It suffices to know that this housing preferably has a configuration similar to that of a watch case, the end 10A of each antenna element 10, 10 'being thus located at each attachment of the bracelet strand to the box.

The manner in which the antenna elements are electrically connected in the housing of the electronic instrument is not critical to the object of the present invention. According to the configuration illustrated here by way of nonlimiting example, the folded end 10A of each antenna element 10, 10 'is provided with two orifices to ensure the electrical connection of the conductive plate by means of screws to tracks or corresponding contact flanges in the housing of the portable electronic instrument.

In the example shown, the other end designated 10B of the conductive plate is intended, as already mentioned, to be electrically connected to the other identical conductive plate housed in the other strand of the bracelet. In the Figures 1a, 1b and 3 it can thus be seen that each antenna element 10, 10 'comprises a plurality of lugs 20, here eleven in number, arranged longitudinally along the conductive plate. These lugs 20 are made by cutting the conductive plate and folding the cut portions out of the general plane of the conductive plate along a line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. The ears 20 are thus folded substantially at right angles to one (internal or external) of the bracelet's faces. In this case, these ears 20 are folded towards the inner face of the bracelet.

The plurality of lugs 20 allows several possibilities of rough adjustment of the length of the bracelet, the unused end portion of the bracelet being cut. In the context of the present invention, it could be envisaged that each antenna element 10, 10 'has only one ear, or that a single antenna element comprises a plurality of ears as illustrated in the figures and that the other antenna element has only one. Be that as it may, the provision of one or more ears on each antenna element is not critical for the purpose of the present invention.

Each lug 20 is intended to allow electrical connection to the corresponding antenna element 10, 10 '. Each of these lugs 20 thus defines a zone of electrical contact with the conductive plate 10. In the Figures 1a, 1b and 3 the eleven contact zones thus defined are delimited by the dashed lines and are indicated by the reference numeral 30.

Each lug 20 preferably comprises a through orifice 21 which is intended to allow the electrical connection of the antenna element via an electrically conductive axis arranged transversely in the bracelet strand between the inner and outer faces of the bracelet as we will see it below.

In the Figures 1a and 1b it can be seen that the inner and outer faces of the conductive plate forming the antenna element 10 (the same is true for the other antenna element 10 ') are completely covered by the material forming the strand of the bracelet 50 (this material being advantageously deposited by overmoulding around the conductive plate). Several electrical access points to the antenna element 10 are formed laterally on the bracelet strand 50 on the end-end connected to the clasp (here again the same applies to the second strand 50 '). As illustrated in the figures, it can thus be seen that a plurality of orifices 51, preferably through-holes, are formed transversely between the inner and outer faces of the wristband strand to allow access to each of the lugs 20 provided on the elements. 'antenna. The clasp is only connected to the terminal ear of each element antenna 10, 10 '.

On the inside of each bracelet strand 50, 51, as illustrated in FIG. figure 1b , there is provided a set of transverse grooves 55 coinciding with the limits of each electrical contact zone 30 with the antenna elements (these grooves 55 and the orifices 51 are not illustrated in FIGS. figures 1 and 2 for the sake of simplification). The grooves 55 act as markings to facilitate a cutting operation of the bracelet between each electrical contact zone 30. These markings can be made on one and / or the other of the inner and outer faces of the bracelet strand. In addition, instead of grooves, the markings could simply consist of adequate impressions on one or other of the faces of the wristband strand 50.

Referring again to figures 1 , 1a , 1b and 2 as well as Figures 4a and 4b , we will now describe the structure and the method of connection of the clasp to the strands of the bracelet.

As already mentioned, the first clasp member 60 is mounted on the end of the first strand 50. As illustrated in the figures (see also Figures 6a and 6b ), this first clasp member 60 has a sleeve portion at least partially (here in full) surrounding the end of the wrist strand 50. This liner portion includes lateral walls 61 laterally disposed on either side of the end of the bracelet strand and provided with through holes 61a for the passage of a fixing pin designated by the numeral 80. The first clasp member 60 further comprises a plate 62 extending, once mounted, in the extension of the first bracelet strand 50. This plate is further provided with two fixing orifices 63 passing through the thickness of the plate 62, their axis thus being substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate 62.

As illustrated in figure 4a , the electrical connection between the first clasp member 60 and the first antenna element 10 is provided by an electrically conductive axis generally designated by the numeral 80. This axis 80 is preferably made in two parts 81, 82 to sandwich one of the ears 20 of the antenna element 10 (in this case, the last ear located at the end of the antenna element). It is advantageously a screw 81 and a counter-screw 82 can be made integral with one another. In the example of the figure 4a , the screw 81 is provided with a threaded end 81 arranged to pass through the orifice 21 formed on the ear 20 and to be introduced into a corresponding thread 82a made on the counter-screw 82. The ear 20 is thus taken sandwiched between a shoulder of the screw 81 at the base of the thread 81a and the end of the counter-screw 82 thereby ensuring the electrical contact with the conductive plate 10. The electrical contact with the first clasp member 60 is ensured by the support of the heads designated 81b and 82b of the screws 81 and counter-screws 82 against the side walls 61.

As an alternative to the use of a conductive axis 80 formed of two parts, one could imagine directly screw the screw 81 in the ear 20 and do not use a counter-screw 82, in which case the transverse orifice 51 may not be through. The two-part embodiment of the shaft 80 making it possible to sandwich the lug 20 nevertheless appears preferable for ensuring good electrical contact between the antenna element 10 and the clasp element 60.

A method of attachment and similar electrical connection is adopted to electrically connect the second clasp member 70 with the second antenna element 10 'incorporated in the other strand 50'. In the figures 1 , 1a , 1b and 2 it can be seen in this regard that the second clasp member 70 is mechanically and electrically connected to the second strand 50 'via an electrically conductive axis 90 also comprising a screw 91 and a counter-screw 92 which can be seen heads 91b and 92b. This electrically conductive axis 90 is however slightly modified relative to the axis 80 to allow the rotational mounting of the third clasp member 75 on the second clasp member 70. At the heads 91b and 92b, it can thus be seen that the 90 has cylindrical portions of a diameter greater than the diameter of the portion of this axis which is housed in the bracelet around which is mounted the third clasp element 75.

As illustrated in the figures (see also Figures 5a and 5b ), the second clasp member 70 comprises, in the image of the element 60, a sleeve portion at least partially surrounding (here in full) the end of the bracelet strand 50 '. This portion forming a liner again comprises lateral walls 71 disposed laterally on either side of the end of the bracelet strand 50 'and provided with through orifices 71a for the passage of the fixing pin 90. The second clasp member 70 further comprises a plate 72 extending, once mounted on its end, in the extension of the second bracelet strand 50 '. This plate is further provided with two fixing lugs 73 arranged substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate 72. These lugs 73 form a retaining device on which the third clasp element 75 is locked.

As illustrated, the third clasp element 75 (see also Figures 7a and 7b ) has essentially the shape of a hood provided with two side walls 76 arranged to come on either side of the second clasp member 70. Mounting holes 76a are formed in these side walls 76 to allow the rotational mounting of this third clasp element 75 on the second 70. material bulges designated 76b are provided inwardly on the sidewalls 76 so as to provide both mechanical and electrical contact between the third clasp member 75 and the first 60. An electrical contact between the second and third clasp members 70, 75 may also be improved by pre-constraining the walls 76 inwardly.

During a locking of the first and second detachable parts of the clasp, it will thus be understood that the first plate 62 of the first clasp member 60 is superimposed on the second plate 72 of the second clasp member 70 and the third clasp member 75 is pivoted to sandwich the first plate 62 against the second plate 72 when locked on the retainer 73. As already mentioned, this solution offers the advantage of ensuring a very wide electrical contact surface between the two detachable parts of the clasp once locked.

In the figures, it can be seen that the third clasp element 75 further comprises an additional element designated by the numeral 78, which is held between two mounting apertures 77 formed in the side walls 76 of the third clasp element 75. This element 78 comprises two openings 79 intended to receive the two fixing lugs 73. Housed between this element 78 and the third clasp element 75 is a conventional unlockable mechanism intended to retain the end 73a of the fixing lugs 73 once the third clasp element pivoted on these tenons. This mechanism is not illustrated in detail because it is well known. It will be mentioned simply that the retention of the third clasp element 75 on the studs 73 can be interrupted by actuating this mechanism by means of two pushers that can be manually operated and whose ends 78a can be seen to open on either side of the third clasp element 75 through openings 77.

In order to further improve the electrical cohesion between the two detachable parts 1 and 2 of the clasp, it is conceivable to further provide an elastic element interposed for example between the first 60 and third 75 clasp elements to press the first and second trays 62, 72 against each other. Such an elastic element could also be interposed between the two plates 62 and 72 to flatten this time the plate 62 against the third clasp element 75.

It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the embodiment described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims (7)

1. Clasp for electrically connecting first (10) and second (10') antenna elements respectively housed in first (50) and second (50') strands of a wristband of a portable electronic instrument, this clasp including first (1) and second (2) parts able to be detached from each other, arranged to be respectively electrically connected to said first (10) and second (10') antenna elements, and able to be mechanically locked onto each other in order to establish an electric contact between said first (10) and second (10') antenna elements,
   characterised in that said first detachable part (1) arranged to be electrically connected to said first antenna part (10) includes a first clasp element (60) including a first plate (62) arranged to extend into an extension of said first wristband strand (50),
   and in that said second detachable part arranged to be electrically connected (2) to said second antenna element (10'), includes:

   a second clasp element (70) including a second plate (72) arranged to extend into an extension of said second wristband strand (50') and a holding device (73); and

   a third clasp element (75) rotatably mounted on said second clasp element (70) and arranged to lock onto said holding device (73) of said second clasp element (70),

   said clasp elements (60, 70, 75) being arranged such that, when said first and second detachable parts (1, 2) are locked, said first plate (62) is superposed on said second plate (72) and that said third clasp element (75) sandwiches said first plate (62) against said second plate (72) when it is locked onto said holding device (73).
2. Clasp according to claim 1, characterised in that said first plate (62) is provided with at least one fixing orifice (63) passing through the thickness of said first plate (62) and in that said holding device includes at least one fixing stud (73) arranged substantially perpendicularly to said second plate (72) and one end of which (73a) is arranged to lock onto said third clasp element (75),
   said at least one fixing orifice (63) and said at least one fixing stud (73) being arranged such that, when said first and second plates are superposed said at least one fixing stud (73) passes through said at least one fixing orifice (63).
3. Clasp according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that each of said first (60) and second (70) clasp elements is arranged to be mounted on one end of the corresponding wristband strand (50, 50') and includes a part forming a sleeve arranged to surround at least partly the end of the wristband strand, this sleeve part including side walls (61, 71) intended to be arranged laterally on either side of the end of the wristband strand and provided with through orifices for the passage of a fixing pin (80, 90).
4. Clasp according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first (60) and second (70) clasp elements are each respectively arranged to be electrically connected to said first (10) and second (10') antenna elements via an electrically conductive pin (80, 90) made in two parts (81, 82, 91, 92) and sandwiching a contact zone (30) arranged on the antenna element (10, 10').
5. Clasp according to claim 4, characterised in that each electrically conductive pin (80, 90) includes a screw (81, 91) and a counter-screw (82, 92) cooperating with said screw (81, 91) to sandwich said contact zone (30).
6. Wristband for portable electronic instrument including first (50) and second (50') strands one end of which is intended to be secured to a case of said portable electronic instrument and the other end of which is secured to a clasp in accordance with any of the preceding claims, said first and second strands (50, 50') respectively including first (10) and second (10') antenna elements housed between external and internal faces of the wristband and capable of being electrically connected to each other via said clasp.
7. Wristband according to claim 6, including a clasp according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that said first and second antenna elements (10, 10') each include a conductive plate of elongated shape arranged longitudinally in the wristband strand (50, 50'),
   and in that said contact zone (30) with each antenna element (10, 10') includes a lug (20) cut out of the conductive plate and bent over along a longitudinal line in the direction of one of said external and internal faces of the wristband, each electrically conductive pin (60, 90) being arranged to sandwich said lug (20).

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