EP1513220B1 - Patch antenna integrated in a wrist-watch - Google Patents

Patch antenna integrated in a wrist-watch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1513220B1
EP1513220B1 EP03019977.2A EP03019977A EP1513220B1 EP 1513220 B1 EP1513220 B1 EP 1513220B1 EP 03019977 A EP03019977 A EP 03019977A EP 1513220 B1 EP1513220 B1 EP 1513220B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wristband
conductive
wristwatch according
attachment means
metal
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03019977.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1513220A1 (en
Inventor
Arnaud Casagrande
Yves Oesch
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 EP03019977.2A priority Critical patent/EP1513220B1/en
Priority to US10/922,829 priority patent/US7151496B2/en
Priority to JP2004249937A priority patent/JP4852235B2/en
Publication of EP1513220A1 publication Critical patent/EP1513220A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1513220B1 publication Critical patent/EP1513220B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
    • G04G21/04—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces using radio waves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04R—RADIO-CONTROLLED TIME-PIECES
    • G04R60/00—Constructional details
    • G04R60/04—Antennas attached to or integrated in watch bracelets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/273—Adaptation for carrying or wearing by persons or animals

Definitions

  • the present invention relates, in general, the integration of an antenna in a wristwatch, and more particularly, the arrangement in the wristwatch of the ground plane and the radiating element, these two antenna elements.
  • the antenna may be used, in particular, to receive and / or transmit radio signals that are transmitted to a radio module integrated in the watch.
  • the watch 1 is formed of a housing 2 containing the radio receiver 3 and a bracelet 4.
  • the bottom of the housing comprises a first metal part 5 which forms the mass of the receiver 3.
  • the radiating element of the antenna is made by a first metal conductor 6 disposed inside the bracelet 4 and connected to the input of the radio receiver 3.
  • This first conductor 6 is in the form of a sinuous wire between the two side walls of the bracelet 4 whose length is unfolded is close to ⁇ / 4, ⁇ being the wavelength corresponding to the central frequency of the signal to be received.
  • the bracelet antenna may also include a second conductor 7 arranged in the bracelet and connected to the receiver's ground.
  • This conductor 7 may be in the form of a film.
  • Each of the two conductors 6 and 7 is respectively disposed in one of the two strands 8 and 9 of the bracelet 4.
  • This bracelet antenna behaves like a dipole antenna of electric length equal to ⁇ / 2.
  • the bottom 5 of the housing, or the second strand 9 of the bracelet ensures the grounding of the receiver 3.
  • the other strand 8 of the bracelet makes a capacitor sensing the field radial around the arm.
  • the dipole is made, at least in part, by the sinuous structure of the first conductor 6 allowing integration of the tuning inductor of the antenna in the strand itself. It is also possible to use a metal bezel 10, represented only on the Figure 1B , isolated from the bottom 5 of the housing to increase the average effective height of the bracelet antenna.
  • the electrical connection between the conductive elements 6 and 7 arranged in the strands 8 and 9 of the bracelet and the receiver 3 disposed in the housing 2 can be achieved by means of electrical contacts via bars, flexible connections by film or crimped , these elements not being represented on the Figures 1A and 1B .
  • the insulation between the mass of the receiver and the radiating element forming the dipole antenna is provided by the body of the housing 2 necessarily made of an insulating material.
  • such a dipole antenna integrated in the bracelet recommends the use at least for the radiating element of a sinuous conductor 6 of determined unfolded length depending on the desired wavelength corresponding to the central frequency of the signal to receive, which may have, depending on the desired reception frequency, problems of robustness of the antenna structure and therefore reliability of operation over time.
  • a wristwatch including an antenna for a radio receiver integrated in the watch are known from the documents JP2000059241 , FR2701616 , US6278873 and US5646634 .
  • a wristwatch according to the preamble of claim 1 is also known from the document JP2000 59241A .
  • a general object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution for ensuring a tight connection between the external and internal antenna elements to the middle part of the watch in a simple, inexpensive and reliable way without harming the overall aesthetic, while ensuring that this wristwatch assembly, as well as the antenna that is integrated, is robust.
  • the present invention thus relates to a wristwatch of the aforementioned type whose characteristics are set forth in claim 1.
  • an antenna solution of the patch antenna type is particularly suited to these constraints, such an antenna comprising a ground plane, a dielectric substrate and one or more radiating elements of reduced size compared to that of the ground plane.
  • the term "ground plane” means one or more conductive surface or volume elements connected to one another and serving as ground for the radio frequency module.
  • This dielectric element can be formed by a plastic gasket having a constant permittivity as a function of temperature.
  • the radiating element comprises two conductive surface elements each arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the mean plane defined by the middle and connected together so as to define a radiation cylinder.
  • the two conductive surface elements that can be made by means respectively of the metal bottom of the watch and a metal layer applied to a portion of the non-visible face of the dial so as to be isolated from the middle part, the uncovered portion of the dial being formed by a dielectric material.
  • the bracelet comprises first and second strands, in each of which a flexible conductive plate is overmolded and connected to the middle through the conductive fastening means.
  • One of the aims of the invention is to integrate an antenna into a wristwatch comprising a radio frequency module for receiving and / or transmitting radio signals.
  • a radio frequency module for receiving and / or transmitting radio signals.
  • it is preferably provided to use an antenna comprising the largest possible ground plane.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a wristwatch according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • the watch 21, as shown, comprises in particular a metal case 22, which can be made in one piece or separately with a bezel 23, the middle part 22 defining a mean plane Y of the watch.
  • the watch 21 is closed at the top by means of a window 24 supported by the middle part 22 and sealingly fastened, for example, by driving in a material, for example, made of Hytrel, joining.
  • the watch is closed from below by means of a metal base 25, isolated from the middle part 22 by means of a gasket 43, preferably made of malleable plastic, for example , in Hytrel.
  • An enlarged view of the dotted area is given to the figure 4 .
  • the printed circuit 26 supporting the radiofrequency module 27, the clock circuit 28 to which is fixed the watch movement (not shown) and the dial 29 may have openings 31 through which are visible display means 30 such as, for example, a LCD screen.
  • display means 30 such as, for example, a LCD screen.
  • Other display means, not shown here, can also be provided, in particular, needles driven by the watch movement can be placed between the glass 24 and the dial 29.
  • the reception and / or transmission of electrical signals by the radiofrequency module 27 is effected by means of an antenna, advantageously of the patch type, comprising on the one hand a ground plane, as wide as possible, and on the other hand. on the other hand one or more radiating elements, the ground plane and the radiating element or elements being insulated by means of a dielectric element having a substantially constant permittivity as a function of the temperature.
  • the watch comprises a bracelet 32 formed by first and second strands 33 and 34, represented here in a truncated manner, each of the strands being attached to the middle part 22 by means of conductive fasteners.
  • the attachment means are constituted, for each strand of the bracelet, by two metal horns integral with the middle part 22 between which is arranged a bar 36, also metallic.
  • a flexible conductive plate 37 Inside, at least one strand of the bracelet 32, there is provided to arrange a flexible conductive plate 37, whose end, middle side, makes an electrical contact with the fastening means, for example, by folding this end of the plate 37 around the metal bar 36.
  • the ground plane of the antenna comprises the conductive plate 37, the conductive fastening means 35 and 36 and the metal middle part 22.
  • the two strands 33 and 34 of the bracelet are each provided with a conductive plate 37 for the purpose of maximizing the area of the ground plane of the antenna.
  • the electrical contact between the ground plane and the radiofrequency module 27 is achieved via an annular conductive track printed on the periphery of the printed circuit 26 making contact with an annular shoulder of the middle provided for this purpose and whose detail is given to the figure 4 .
  • the radiating element of the antenna comprises at least one conductive surface element arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the mean plane (Y) defined by the middle part 22 and, according to this first embodiment of the invention, this surface element is constituted by the metal base 25, the latter being electrically connected to the radiofrequency module 27 by any suitable means, for example, by means of a screw or any other electrical contact element 42.
  • the radiating element differs from the first mode presented above, essentially at the level of the structure used to produce the radiating element of the antenna. Indeed, it has been demonstrated in the context of the present invention that the radiating element has better characteristics, in particular reception, with a cylindrical radiating structure. Thus, in order to obtain this radiating cylinder, the radiating element comprises two conductive surface elements, each being arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the mean plane defined by the middle part 22.
  • the two surface elements are constituted, on the one hand, by the metal base 25 and, on the other hand, by a metal layer 38 applied to a part of the non-visible face of the dial 29, so as not to contact the middle part 22, the uncoated portion of the dial being formed by a dielectric material insulating the middle of this metal layer 38.
  • An example of deposition of this metal layer 38 on the dial 29 is given to the figure 5 .
  • the electrical contact between the two surface elements forming the radiating cylinder can be achieved by any suitable electrical contact element 45, such as for example a screw, isolated from the ground plane.
  • FIG 4 shows, by way of example, an enlarged view of the dashed areas of Figures 2 and 3 , showing the connections between the radiofrequency module 27 and the antenna elements, and the insulation of these elements together, according to the first and second embodiments of the invention described above.
  • the metal middle part 22 is an element of the ground plane and the metal base 25 corresponds to the radiating element or only to a part of the latter.
  • the electrical connections of these antenna elements with the radiofrequency module 27 are as follows.
  • the middle part 22 has a shoulder 40 against which the printed circuit board 26 supporting the radiofrequency module 27 comes to rest.
  • a conductive track 41 is deposited at the level of the support zone, that is to say say, on the periphery of the printed circuit 26. Concerning the bottom 25, it can be provided to make the electrical contact, by means of a suitable contact element 42.
  • this element 43 not only isolates the ground plane of the radiating element, but also to seal the inside of the watch.
  • this dielectric element 43 is a malleable plastic seal having a substantially constant permittivity as a function of temperature.
  • the figure 5 shows a bottom view of the dial 29 of the watch 21 according to the second embodiment of the invention.
  • fixing means 46 for example screws
  • This element 45 is arranged on the metal layer 38 in order to make the electrical contact between this layer and the radiofrequency module.
  • the metal layer 38 may be of any shape, but it preferably covers the largest area available.
  • the insulation between the middle and the metal layer is formed by a peripheral zone 47 not covered by the metal layer 38, this zone 47 being preferably made of a dielectric material with a substantially constant permittivity as a function of temperature.
  • the conductive fastener means used for electrically contacting the conductive parts of the wristband with the middle part of the metal it is intended to use in each of the strands a flexible conductive plate 37 whose end , middle side, forms the metal bar 36, the two elements 36 and 37 being a single piece.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)
  • Support Of Aerials (AREA)

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUETECHNICAL AREA

La présente invention concerne, de manière générale, l'intégration d'une antenne dans une montre bracelet, et plus particulièrement, l'agencement dans la montre bracelet du plan de masse et de l'élément rayonnant, ces deux éléments formant antenne.The present invention relates, in general, the integration of an antenna in a wristwatch, and more particularly, the arrangement in the wristwatch of the ground plane and the radiating element, these two antenna elements.

L'antenne peut être utilisée, en particulier, pour recevoir et / ou émettre des signaux radioélectriques qui sont transmis à un module radiofréquence intégré dans la montre.The antenna may be used, in particular, to receive and / or transmit radio signals that are transmitted to a radio module integrated in the watch.

ARRIÈRE-PLAN TECHNOLOGIQUETECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Il est connu de l'art antérieur, notamment du document EP 0 308 935 , une antenne bracelet pour récepteur radioélectrique intégré dans une montre. Comme cela est représenté schématiquement aux figures 1A et 1B, la montre 1 est formée d'un boîtier 2 contenant le récepteur radioélectrique 3 et d'un bracelet 4. Le fond du boîtier comporte une première partie métallique 5 qui forme la masse du récepteur 3. L'élément rayonnant de l'antenne est réalisé par un premier conducteur métallique 6 disposé à l'intérieur du bracelet 4 et relié à l'entrée du récepteur radioélectrique 3. Ce premier conducteur 6 a la forme d'un fil sinuant entre les deux parois latérales du bracelet 4 dont la longueur dépliée est voisine de λ/4, λ étant la longueur d'onde correspondant à la fréquence centrale du signal à recevoir. L'antenne bracelet peut comporter également un second conducteur 7 disposé dans le bracelet et relié à la masse du récepteur. Ce conducteur 7 peut avoir la forme d'un film. Chacun des deux conducteurs 6 et 7 est disposé respectivement dans un des deux brins 8 et 9 du bracelet 4.It is known from the prior art, in particular the document EP 0 308 935 , a bracelet antenna for a radio receiver built into a watch. As shown schematically in Figures 1A and 1B , the watch 1 is formed of a housing 2 containing the radio receiver 3 and a bracelet 4. The bottom of the housing comprises a first metal part 5 which forms the mass of the receiver 3. The radiating element of the antenna is made by a first metal conductor 6 disposed inside the bracelet 4 and connected to the input of the radio receiver 3. This first conductor 6 is in the form of a sinuous wire between the two side walls of the bracelet 4 whose length is unfolded is close to λ / 4, λ being the wavelength corresponding to the central frequency of the signal to be received. The bracelet antenna may also include a second conductor 7 arranged in the bracelet and connected to the receiver's ground. This conductor 7 may be in the form of a film. Each of the two conductors 6 and 7 is respectively disposed in one of the two strands 8 and 9 of the bracelet 4.

Cette antenne bracelet se comporte comme une antenne dipôle de longueur électrique égale à λ/2. Lorsque la montre 1 est fixée au poignet de l'utilisateur, le fond 5 du boîtier, ou le deuxième brin 9 du bracelet, assure la mise à la masse du récepteur 3. L'autre brin 8 du bracelet réalise un condensateur captant le champ radial autour du bras. Le dipôle est réalisé, au moins en partie, par la structure sinueuse du premier conducteur 6 permettant une intégration de la self d'accord de l'antenne dans le brin lui-même. Il est également possible d'utiliser une lunette métallique 10, représentée uniquement sur la figure 1B, isolée du fond 5 du boîtier pour augmenter la hauteur effective moyenne de l'antenne bracelet.This bracelet antenna behaves like a dipole antenna of electric length equal to λ / 2. When the watch 1 is attached to the wrist of the user, the bottom 5 of the housing, or the second strand 9 of the bracelet, ensures the grounding of the receiver 3. The other strand 8 of the bracelet makes a capacitor sensing the field radial around the arm. The dipole is made, at least in part, by the sinuous structure of the first conductor 6 allowing integration of the tuning inductor of the antenna in the strand itself. It is also possible to use a metal bezel 10, represented only on the Figure 1B , isolated from the bottom 5 of the housing to increase the average effective height of the bracelet antenna.

La connexion électrique entre les éléments conducteurs 6 et 7 disposés dans les brins 8 et 9 du bracelet et le récepteur 3 disposé dans le boîtier 2 peut être réalisée aux moyens de contacts électriques par l'intermédiaire de barrettes, de liaisons souples par film ou serti, ces éléments n'étant pas représentés sur les figures 1A et 1B. L'isolation entre la masse du récepteur et l'élément rayonnant formant l'antenne dipôle est assuré par le corps du boîtier 2 réalisé de ce fait nécessairement avec un matériau isolant.The electrical connection between the conductive elements 6 and 7 arranged in the strands 8 and 9 of the bracelet and the receiver 3 disposed in the housing 2 can be achieved by means of electrical contacts via bars, flexible connections by film or crimped , these elements not being represented on the Figures 1A and 1B . The insulation between the mass of the receiver and the radiating element forming the dipole antenna is provided by the body of the housing 2 necessarily made of an insulating material.

Dans le cadre de la présente invention, il a été mis en évidence qu'une telle antenne dipôle intégrée dans le bracelet 4 d'une montre présente certains inconvénients. Tout d'abord, les connexions électriques entre les éléments conducteurs 6 et 7 disposés dans les brins 8 et 9 du bracelet et le récepteur 3 présentent des complications si l'on veut assurer l'étanchéité de l'intérieur du boîtier 2. Une solution qui consisterait à effectuer ces connexions respectivement via le fond 5 du boîtier et via la lunette 10, tous deux métalliques, nécessite néanmoins soit de traverser le boîtier 2 isolant, ce qui en rend la fabrication nettement plus complexe et coûteuse, soit de laisser apparent des conducteurs électriques, ce qui n'est pas souhaitable, en particulier au niveau esthétique. On notera encore qu'une telle antenne dipôle intégrée dans le bracelet préconise l'utilisation au moins pour l'élément rayonnant d'un conducteur 6 de forme sinueuse de longueur dépliée déterminée dépendant de la longueur d'onde souhaitée correspondant à la fréquence centrale du signal à recevoir, ce qui peut présenter, suivant la fréquence de réception souhaitée, des problèmes de robustesse de la structure d'antenne et donc de fiabilité de fonctionnement avec le temps.In the context of the present invention, it has been demonstrated that such a dipole antenna integrated into the wristband 4 of a watch has certain disadvantages. First, the electrical connections between the conductive elements 6 and 7 arranged in the strands 8 and 9 of the bracelet and the receiver 3 have complications if it is desired to seal the inside of the housing 2. A solution which would consist of making these connections respectively via the bottom 5 of the housing and via the bezel 10, both metal, nevertheless requires either to pass through the housing 2 insulating, making it much more complicated and expensive to manufacture, or to leave apparent electrical conductors, which is undesirable, especially at the aesthetic level. It will also be noted that such a dipole antenna integrated in the bracelet recommends the use at least for the radiating element of a sinuous conductor 6 of determined unfolded length depending on the desired wavelength corresponding to the central frequency of the signal to receive, which may have, depending on the desired reception frequency, problems of robustness of the antenna structure and therefore reliability of operation over time.

D'autres exemples de montre bracelet comprenant une antenne pour récepteur radioélectrique intégré dans la montre sont connues par les documents JP2000059241 , FR2701616 , US6278873 et US5646634 .Other examples of a wristwatch including an antenna for a radio receiver integrated in the watch are known from the documents JP2000059241 , FR2701616 , US6278873 and US5646634 .

Une montre-bracelet suivant le préambule de la revendication 1 est d'ailleurs connue du document JP2000 59241A .A wristwatch according to the preamble of claim 1 is also known from the document JP2000 59241A .

RÉSUMÉ DE L'INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Un but général de la présente invention est donc de proposer une solution permettant d'assurer une connexion étanche entre les éléments d'antenne externes et internes à la carrure de la montre de manière simple, peu coûteuse et fiable sans pour autant nuire à l'esthétique de l'ensemble, tout en assurant que cet ensemble montre bracelet, ainsi que l'antenne qui y est intégrée, soit robuste.A general object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution for ensuring a tight connection between the external and internal antenna elements to the middle part of the watch in a simple, inexpensive and reliable way without harming the overall aesthetic, while ensuring that this wristwatch assembly, as well as the antenna that is integrated, is robust.

La présente invention a ainsi pour objet une montre-bracelet du type susmentionné dont les caractéristiques sont énoncées dans la revendication 1.The present invention thus relates to a wristwatch of the aforementioned type whose characteristics are set forth in claim 1.

Des modes de réalisation avantageux de la présente invention font l'objet des revendications dépendantes.Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Toujours dans l'optique énoncée ci-avant, il est également avantageux de s'assurer que l'élément rayonnant soit intégré dans la montre elle-même. Ainsi, une solution d'antenne du type antenne patch est particulièrement adaptée à ces contraintes, une telle antenne comprenant un plan de masse, un substrat diélectrique et un ou plusieurs éléments rayonnants de taille réduite par rapport à celle du plan de masse. On entend ici par plan de masse, un ou plusieurs éléments surfaciques ou volumiques conducteurs connectés entre eux et servant de masse pour le module radiofréquence.Still in the optics stated above, it is also advantageous to ensure that the radiating element is integrated in the watch itself. Thus, an antenna solution of the patch antenna type is particularly suited to these constraints, such an antenna comprising a ground plane, a dielectric substrate and one or more radiating elements of reduced size compared to that of the ground plane. Here, the term "ground plane" means one or more conductive surface or volume elements connected to one another and serving as ground for the radio frequency module.

Il est ainsi proposé de réaliser l'élément rayonnant au moyen d'un fond métallique isolé de la carrure par l'intermédiaire d'un élément diélectrique. Cet élément diélectrique pouvant être formé par un joint plastique ayant une permittivité constante en fonction de la température.It is thus proposed to produce the radiating element by means of a metal bottom isolated from the middle part by means of a dielectric element. This dielectric element can be formed by a plastic gasket having a constant permittivity as a function of temperature.

Avantageusement, l'élément rayonnant comprend deux éléments surfaciques conducteurs agencés chacun dans un plan sensiblement parallèle au plan moyen défini par la carrure et connectés entre eux de manière à définir un cylindre de rayonnement. Les deux éléments surfaciques conducteurs pouvant être réalisés au moyen respectivement du fond métallique de la montre et d'une couche métallique appliquée sur une partie de la face non visible du cadran de manière à être isolé de la carrure, la partie non recouverte du cadran étant formé par un matériau diélectrique.Advantageously, the radiating element comprises two conductive surface elements each arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the mean plane defined by the middle and connected together so as to define a radiation cylinder. The two conductive surface elements that can be made by means respectively of the metal bottom of the watch and a metal layer applied to a portion of the non-visible face of the dial so as to be isolated from the middle part, the uncovered portion of the dial being formed by a dielectric material.

Avantageusement, le bracelet comprend des premier et deuxième brins, dans chacun desquels une plaque conductrice flexible est surmoulée et connectée à la carrure via les moyens d'attaches conducteurs.Advantageously, the bracelet comprises first and second strands, in each of which a flexible conductive plate is overmolded and connected to the middle through the conductive fastening means.

BRÈVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINSBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit de modes de réalisation de l'invention donnés uniquement à titre d'exemple non limitatif et illustrés par les dessins annexés où :

  • les figures 1A et 1B, déjà décrites, montrent une vue de dessus et une vue en coupe d'une antenne bracelet pour récepteur radioélectrique intégré dans une montre selon l'art antérieur ;
  • la figure 2 montre une vue schématique en coupe d'une montre bracelet selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 montre une vue schématique en coupe d'une montre bracelet selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 4 montre une vue agrandie des connexions entre le module radiofréquence et les éléments formant antenne, ainsi que l'isolation de ces éléments entre eux, selon les premier et deuxième modes de réalisations de l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 montre une vue de dessous du cadran de la montre selon le deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention given solely by way of nonlimiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings in which:
  • the Figures 1A and 1B , already described, show a top view and a sectional view of a radio receiver antenna antenna integrated in a watch according to the prior art;
  • the figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a wristwatch according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a wristwatch according to a second embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the connections between the radio frequency module and the antenna elements, as well as the insulation of these elements with each other, according to the first and second embodiments of the invention;
  • the figure 5 shows a view from below of the dial of the watch according to the second embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION DE MODES DE RÉALISATION PRÉFÉRÉSDESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Dans la suite de la présente description, la plupart des éléments n'ayant pas de rapport direct avec le cadre de la présente invention, comme par exemple, le mouvement horloger, les moteurs, les sources d'alimentation, les moyens d'affichage de l'heure, etc. n'ont pas été représentés sur les différentes figures dans un souci de simplification. Les éléments identiques communs aux différentes figures portent les mêmes références numériques.In the remainder of the present description, most elements not directly related to the scope of the present invention, such as, for example, the watch movement, the motors, the power sources, the display means of time, etc. have not been shown in the various figures for the sake of simplification. The identical elements common to the different figures bear the same numerical references.

Un des buts de l'invention est d'intégrer une antenne dans une montre bracelet comprenant un module radiofréquence pour recevoir et / ou émettre des signaux radioélectriques. Dans cette optique, il est prévu, de préférence, d'utiliser une antenne comprenant un plan de masse le plus étendu possible.One of the aims of the invention is to integrate an antenna into a wristwatch comprising a radio frequency module for receiving and / or transmitting radio signals. In this respect, it is preferably provided to use an antenna comprising the largest possible ground plane.

Dans un premier temps, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, on s'attachera à la figure 2 montrant une vue schématique en coupe d'une montre bracelet selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.At first, by way of non-limiting example, we will focus on the figure 2 showing a schematic sectional view of a wristwatch according to a first embodiment of the invention.

La montre 21, telle que représentée, comprend notamment une carrure métallique 22, pouvant être réalisée d'une pièce ou séparément avec une lunette 23, la carrure 22 définissant un plan moyen Y de la montre. La montre 21 est fermée par le haut au moyen d'une glace 24 supportée par la carrure 22 et fixée de manière étanche, par exemple, par chassage dans un matériau, par exemple, en Hytrel, faisant joint. Dans le cadre de ce premier mode de réalisation, la montre est fermée par le bas au moyen d'un fond métallique 25, isolé de la carrure 22 par l'intermédiaire d'un joint 43, de préférence, en plastique malléable, par exemple, en Hytrel. Une vue agrandie de la zone en pointillée est donnée à la figure 4.The watch 21, as shown, comprises in particular a metal case 22, which can be made in one piece or separately with a bezel 23, the middle part 22 defining a mean plane Y of the watch. The watch 21 is closed at the top by means of a window 24 supported by the middle part 22 and sealingly fastened, for example, by driving in a material, for example, made of Hytrel, joining. In the context of this first embodiment, the watch is closed from below by means of a metal base 25, isolated from the middle part 22 by means of a gasket 43, preferably made of malleable plastic, for example , in Hytrel. An enlarged view of the dotted area is given to the figure 4 .

A l'intérieur de la montre, sont représentés, le circuit imprimé 26 supportant le module radiofréquence 27, le circuit imprimé horloger 28 auquel est fixé le mouvement horloger (non représenté) et le cadran 29 pouvant présenter des ouvertures 31 au travers desquelles sont visibles des moyens d'affichage 30 comme, par exemple, un écran à cristaux liquides. D'autres moyens d'affichage, non représentés ici, peuvent être également prévus, en particulier, des aiguilles entraînées par le mouvement horloger peuvent être placées entre la glace 24 et le cadran 29.Inside the watch, are represented, the printed circuit 26 supporting the radiofrequency module 27, the clock circuit 28 to which is fixed the watch movement (not shown) and the dial 29 may have openings 31 through which are visible display means 30 such as, for example, a LCD screen. Other display means, not shown here, can also be provided, in particular, needles driven by the watch movement can be placed between the glass 24 and the dial 29.

La réception et/ou l'émission de signaux électriques par le module radiofréquence 27 s'effectue au moyen d'une antenne, avantageusement, de type patch, comprenant d'une part un plan de masse, le plus étendu possible, et d'autre part un ou plusieurs éléments rayonnants, le plan de masse et le ou les éléments rayonnants étant isolés au moyen d'un élément diélectrique ayant une permittivité sensiblement constante en fonction de la température.The reception and / or transmission of electrical signals by the radiofrequency module 27 is effected by means of an antenna, advantageously of the patch type, comprising on the one hand a ground plane, as wide as possible, and on the other hand. on the other hand one or more radiating elements, the ground plane and the radiating element or elements being insulated by means of a dielectric element having a substantially constant permittivity as a function of the temperature.

A cet effet, la montre comprend un bracelet 32 formé par des premier et deuxième brins 33 et 34, représentés ici de manière tronquée, chacun des brins étant attachés à la carrure 22 par l'intermédiaire de moyens d'attaches conducteurs. Les moyens d'attaches sont constitués, pour chaque brin du bracelet, par deux cornes 35 métalliques solidaires de la carrure 22 entre lesquelles est agencée une barrette 36, également métallique. A l'intérieur, d'au moins un brin du bracelet 32, il est prévu d'y agencer une plaque 37 conductrice flexible, dont l'extrémité, côté carrure, réalise un contact électrique avec les moyens d'attaches, par exemple, en repliant cette extrémité de la plaque 37 autour de la barrette métallique 36.For this purpose, the watch comprises a bracelet 32 formed by first and second strands 33 and 34, represented here in a truncated manner, each of the strands being attached to the middle part 22 by means of conductive fasteners. The attachment means are constituted, for each strand of the bracelet, by two metal horns integral with the middle part 22 between which is arranged a bar 36, also metallic. Inside, at least one strand of the bracelet 32, there is provided to arrange a flexible conductive plate 37, whose end, middle side, makes an electrical contact with the fastening means, for example, by folding this end of the plate 37 around the metal bar 36.

Ainsi, le plan de masse de l'antenne comprend la plaque conductrice 37, les moyens d'attaches conducteurs 35 et 36 et la carrure métallique 22. Avantageusement, on notera que les deux brins 33 et 34 du bracelet sont pourvus chacun d'une plaque conductrice 37 dans le but d'augmenter au maximum la superficie du plan de masse de l'antenne. Le contact électrique entre le plan de masse et le module radiofréquence 27 est réalisé via une piste conductrice annulaire imprimée sur la périphérie du circuit imprimé 26 faisant contact avec un épaulement annulaire de la carrure prévu à cet effet et dont le détail est donné à la figure 4.Thus, the ground plane of the antenna comprises the conductive plate 37, the conductive fastening means 35 and 36 and the metal middle part 22. Advantageously, it will be noted that the two strands 33 and 34 of the bracelet are each provided with a conductive plate 37 for the purpose of maximizing the area of the ground plane of the antenna. The electrical contact between the ground plane and the radiofrequency module 27 is achieved via an annular conductive track printed on the periphery of the printed circuit 26 making contact with an annular shoulder of the middle provided for this purpose and whose detail is given to the figure 4 .

L'élément rayonnant de l'antenne comprend au moins un élément surfacique conducteur agencé dans un plan sensiblement parallèle au plan moyen (Y) défini par la carrure 22 et, selon ce premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, cet élément surfacique est constitué par le fond métallique 25, ce dernier étant connecté électriquement au module radiofréquence 27 par tout moyen adéquat, par exemple, au moyen d'une vis ou tout autre élément de contact électrique 42.The radiating element of the antenna comprises at least one conductive surface element arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the mean plane (Y) defined by the middle part 22 and, according to this first embodiment of the invention, this surface element is constituted by the metal base 25, the latter being electrically connected to the radiofrequency module 27 by any suitable means, for example, by means of a screw or any other electrical contact element 42.

Dans un deuxième temps, également à titre d'exemple, on s'attachera à la figure 3 montrant une vue schématique en coupe d'une montre bracelet selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.In a second step, also as an example, we will focus on figure 3 showing a schematic sectional view of a wristwatch according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Ce deuxième mode de réalisation diffère du premier mode présenté ci-avant, essentiellement au niveau de la structure utilisée pour réaliser l'élément rayonnant de l'antenne. En effet, il a été mis en évidence dans le cadre de la présente invention que l'élément rayonnant présente de meilleures caractéristiques, notamment de réception, avec une structure rayonnante cylindrique. Ainsi, afin d'obtenir ce cylindre rayonnant, l'élément rayonnant comprend deux éléments surfaciques conducteurs, chacun étant agencé dans un plan sensiblement parallèle au plan moyen défini par la carrure 22.This second embodiment differs from the first mode presented above, essentially at the level of the structure used to produce the radiating element of the antenna. Indeed, it has been demonstrated in the context of the present invention that the radiating element has better characteristics, in particular reception, with a cylindrical radiating structure. Thus, in order to obtain this radiating cylinder, the radiating element comprises two conductive surface elements, each being arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the mean plane defined by the middle part 22.

Selon ce deuxième mode de réalisation, les deux éléments surfaciques sont constitués, d'une part, par le fond métallique 25 et, d'autre part, par une couche métallique 38 appliquée sur une partie de la face non visible du cadran 29, de manière à ne pas contacter la carrure 22, la partie non recouverte du cadran étant formé par un matériau diélectrique isolant la carrure de cette couche métallique 38. Un exemple de dépôt de cette couche métallique 38 sur le cadran 29 est donné à la figure 5.According to this second embodiment, the two surface elements are constituted, on the one hand, by the metal base 25 and, on the other hand, by a metal layer 38 applied to a part of the non-visible face of the dial 29, so as not to contact the middle part 22, the uncoated portion of the dial being formed by a dielectric material insulating the middle of this metal layer 38. An example of deposition of this metal layer 38 on the dial 29 is given to the figure 5 .

Le contact électrique entre les deux éléments surfaciques formant le cylindre rayonnant peut être réalisé par tout élément de contact électrique 45 adéquat, comme par exemple une vis, isolé du plan de masse.The electrical contact between the two surface elements forming the radiating cylinder can be achieved by any suitable electrical contact element 45, such as for example a screw, isolated from the ground plane.

La figure 4 montre, toujours à titre d'exemple, une vue agrandie des zones en pointillés des figures 2 et 3, montrant les connexions entre le module radiofréquence 27 et les éléments formant antenne, ainsi que l'isolation de ces éléments entre eux, selon les premier et deuxième modes de réalisations de l'invention décrits ci-avant.The figure 4 shows, by way of example, an enlarged view of the dashed areas of Figures 2 and 3 , showing the connections between the radiofrequency module 27 and the antenna elements, and the insulation of these elements together, according to the first and second embodiments of the invention described above.

Comme déjà mentionné, la carrure métallique 22 est un élément du plan de masse et le fond métallique 25 correspond à l'élément rayonnant ou seulement à une partie de ce dernier. Les connexions électriques de ces éléments d'antenne avec le module radiofréquence 27 se font de la manière suivante. La carrure 22 présente un épaulement 40 contre lequel vient s'appuyer le circuit imprimé 26 supportant le module radiofréquence 27. Pour assurer la liaison électrique, une piste conductrice 41 est déposée au niveau de la zone d'appui, c'est-à-dire, sur la périphérie du circuit imprimé 26. Concernant le fond 25, on pourra prévoir d'effectuer le contact électrique, au moyen d'un élément de contact 42 adéquat.As already mentioned, the metal middle part 22 is an element of the ground plane and the metal base 25 corresponds to the radiating element or only to a part of the latter. The electrical connections of these antenna elements with the radiofrequency module 27 are as follows. The middle part 22 has a shoulder 40 against which the printed circuit board 26 supporting the radiofrequency module 27 comes to rest. To ensure the electrical connection, a conductive track 41 is deposited at the level of the support zone, that is to say say, on the periphery of the printed circuit 26. Concerning the bottom 25, it can be provided to make the electrical contact, by means of a suitable contact element 42.

L'isolation entre la carrure et le fond est réalisée au moyen d'un élément diélectrique 43 étanche déformable. Ainsi, cet élément 43 permet non seulement d'isoler le plan de masse de l'élément rayonnant, mais également d'assurer l'étanchéité de l'intérieur de la montre. De préférence, cet élément diélectrique 43 est un joint en plastique malléable ayant une permittivité sensiblement constante en fonction de la température.The insulation between the middle part and the bottom is made by means of a deformable waterproof dielectric element 43. Thus, this element 43 not only isolates the ground plane of the radiating element, but also to seal the inside of the watch. Preferably, this dielectric element 43 is a malleable plastic seal having a substantially constant permittivity as a function of temperature.

La figure 5 montre une vue de dessous du cadran 29 de la montre 21 selon le deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention. On retrouve les ouvertures 31 permettant de voir au travers du cadran 29 des éléments d'affichage (non représentés ici), ainsi qu'une ouverture 48 servant à laisser passer un arbre supportant des moyens d'affichage analogique disposés entre le cadran et la glace. Afin de maintenir le cadran dans la montre, il est classiquement prévu des moyens de fixation 46, par exemple des vis, auxquels vient s'ajouter avantageusement l'élément de contact électrique 45. Cet élément 45 est agencé sur la couche métallique 38 afin de réaliser le contact électrique entre cette couche et le module radiofréquence. La couche métallique 38 peut avoir n'importe quelle forme, mais elle couvre de préférence la plus grande surface disponible. Enfin, l'isolation entre la carrure et la couche métallique est réalisée par une zone périphérique 47 non recouverte par la couche métallique 38, cette zone 47 étant réalisée de préférence dans un matériau diélectrique avec une permittivité sensiblement constante en fonction de la température.The figure 5 shows a bottom view of the dial 29 of the watch 21 according to the second embodiment of the invention. There are openings 31 for seeing through the dial 29 display elements (not shown here), and an opening 48 for passing a shaft supporting analog display means disposed between the dial and the ice . In order to maintain the dial in the watch, it is conventionally provided with fixing means 46, for example screws, to which the electric contact element 45 is advantageously added. This element 45 is arranged on the metal layer 38 in order to make the electrical contact between this layer and the radiofrequency module. The metal layer 38 may be of any shape, but it preferably covers the largest area available. Finally, the insulation between the middle and the metal layer is formed by a peripheral zone 47 not covered by the metal layer 38, this zone 47 being preferably made of a dielectric material with a substantially constant permittivity as a function of temperature.

On comprendra que diverses modifications et / ou améliorations évidentes pour l'homme du métier peuvent être apportées aux différentes modes de réalisation de l'invention décrits dans la présente description sans sortir du cadre de l'invention défini par les revendications annexées.It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

En particulier, concernant les moyens d'attaches conducteurs utilisés pour contacter électriquement les parties conductrices du bracelet à la carrure métallique, selon une variante de réalisation, il est prévu d'utiliser dans chacun des brins, une plaque 37 conductrice flexible dont l'extrémité, côté carrure, forme la barrette métallique 36, les deux éléments 36 et 37 ne faisant qu'une seule pièce.In particular, with regard to the conductive fastener means used for electrically contacting the conductive parts of the wristband with the middle part of the metal, according to an alternative embodiment, it is intended to use in each of the strands a flexible conductive plate 37 whose end , middle side, forms the metal bar 36, the two elements 36 and 37 being a single piece.

On notera, qu'il est également possible de ne pourvoir qu'un seul brin du bracelet avec une plaque conductrice.Note that it is also possible to provide a single strand of the bracelet with a conductive plate.

Claims (8)

  1. Wristwatch (21) including a middle part (22, 44) defining a middle plane (Y), means (35, 36) for attaching the wristband (32) to the middle part, a radio-frequency module (27) arranged inside the middle part and connected, on the one hand, to a ground plane and, on the other hand, to a radiating element, insulated from each other and forming an antenna, the ground plane including the middle part which is conductive, the latter being connected from inside to the radiofrequency module, the radiating element including a first conductive surface element (25) arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the middle plane defined by the middle part, characterized in that the ground plane further includes at least one conductive surface portion (37) of the wristband connected to the wristband attachment means, and the attachment means (35, 36), the latter being conductive, and in that the first conductive surface element is realized by means of a metal back cover (25) insulated from the middle part by a dielectric element (43).
  2. Wristwatch according to claim 1, characterized in that the dielectric element is formed by a malleable plastic gasket having a substantially constant permittivity as a function of temperature.
  3. Wristwatch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the radiating element includes a second conductive surface element (38) also arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the middle plane defined by the middle part and connected by an electrical contact element (45) to said first surface element (25) so as to define a radiating cylinder.
  4. Wristwatch according to claim 3, including a dial (29) having a first face visible through a glass (24) and a second face which is not visible, opposite the first face, characterized in that the second conductive surface element is realized by means of a metal layer (38) applied onto a non-visible part of the dial face so as not to establish contact with the middle part, and in that the uncovered part (47) of the dial is formed by a dielectric material insulating the middle part from the second surface element.
  5. Wristwatch according to any of claims 1 to 4, the wristband (32) including first (33) and second (34) strands, characterized in that conductive surface portion is formed by a flexible conductive plate (37) overmoulded in one of the two wristband strands and connected to the middle part via the attachment means.
  6. Wristwatch according to claim 5, characterized in that the ground plane further includes a second flexible conductive plate (37) overmoulded in the other wristband strand and also connected to the middle part via the attachment means.
  7. Wristwatch according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the attachment means include, for each wristband strand, two metal horns (35) secured to the middle part between which is arranged a metal bar (36) and in that the conductive plate or plates are bent around the corresponding bar or bars.
  8. Wristwatch according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the attachment means include, for each wristband strand, two metal horns (35) secured to the middle part and in that the conductive plate or plates (37) have a rigid bar-shaped end (36) cooperating with the horns.
EP03019977.2A 2003-09-03 2003-09-03 Patch antenna integrated in a wrist-watch Expired - Lifetime EP1513220B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03019977.2A EP1513220B1 (en) 2003-09-03 2003-09-03 Patch antenna integrated in a wrist-watch
US10/922,829 US7151496B2 (en) 2003-09-03 2004-08-23 Patch antenna integrated in a wristwatch
JP2004249937A JP4852235B2 (en) 2003-09-03 2004-08-30 Watch built-in patch antenna

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03019977.2A EP1513220B1 (en) 2003-09-03 2003-09-03 Patch antenna integrated in a wrist-watch

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EP1513220B1 true EP1513220B1 (en) 2018-10-31

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US20050054321A1 (en) 2005-03-10
JP2005077414A (en) 2005-03-24
EP1513220A1 (en) 2005-03-09
JP4852235B2 (en) 2012-01-11
US7151496B2 (en) 2006-12-19

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