EP1538697B1 - Portable device with bracelet having electrical connecting means through the housing - Google Patents

Portable device with bracelet having electrical connecting means through the housing Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1538697B1
EP1538697B1 EP20030026428 EP03026428A EP1538697B1 EP 1538697 B1 EP1538697 B1 EP 1538697B1 EP 20030026428 EP20030026428 EP 20030026428 EP 03026428 A EP03026428 A EP 03026428A EP 1538697 B1 EP1538697 B1 EP 1538697B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
case
connector
conductive path
housing
bracelet
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
EP20030026428
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1538697A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Jacques Born
Raymond Froidevaux
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.)
Asulab AG
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Asulab AG
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 Asulab AG filed Critical Asulab AG
Priority to EP20030026428 priority Critical patent/EP1538697B1/en
Publication of EP1538697A1 publication Critical patent/EP1538697A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1538697B1 publication Critical patent/EP1538697B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G17/00—Structural details; Housings
    • G04G17/02—Component assemblies
    • G04G17/04—Mounting of electronic components
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04R—RADIO-CONTROLLED TIME-PIECES
    • G04R60/00—Constructional details
    • G04R60/04—Antennas attached to or integrated in watch bracelets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a portable bracelet object provided with electrical connection means through the housing.
  • the portable object comprises the features defined in independent claim 1.
  • the conductive track may be in the form of a conductive wire or a conductive blade. This conductive track can be an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals or electrically connect an electrical component contained in the bracelet and the electronic circuit in the housing.
  • the portable object is made in the form of a portable electronic instrument in the form of a wristwatch.
  • This wristwatch may comprise means for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals if the conductive track of the bracelet defines an antenna.
  • the electronic circuit for processing electrical signals makes it possible to manage the transmission or reception of information signals by the antenna.
  • the European patent No 0 631 341 describes an electronic instrument of the wristwatch type comprising an antenna housed in the bracelet and connected to an electronic circuit for processing the signals received by the antenna.
  • the electronic processing circuit is disposed within the instrument housing on a printed circuit board. Connecting pads are provided on a peripheral region of the printed circuit board to allow for the establishment of an electrical connection between the electronic signal processing circuit and the connection terminals of the antenna which passes through a side wall of the housing. .
  • it is intended to employ a spring blade type connector attached to the printed circuit board for each terminal of the antenna, on which an electrical conductor connected to one of the terminals of the antenna is supported. the antenna.
  • Each conductor connected to an antenna terminal must pass through the side wall in order to rest on the spring blade to establish the electrical contact.
  • An annular seal is provided around said conductor in the passageway through the sidewall.
  • a disadvantage of the electronic instrument presented in European Patent No 0 631 341 is that part of the antenna must pass through a side wall of the housing so that it can be directly connected to the printed circuit board. Therefore, the seal at the side wall of the housing, even with the annular seal, is not guaranteed in time and according to the handling of the bracelet.
  • the patent US6,239,759 discloses a solution to the problem of sealing the electrical connection of an antenna connector to a contact terminal of an electronic circuit inside the wristwatch. To do this, it is planned to electrical connection arranged in a wall of the housing for electrically connecting said antenna connector to the contact terminal of the electronic circuit.
  • These electrical connection means comprise an electrical socket fixedly mounted with an insulating sleeve through the side wall of the housing. The antenna connector is plugged into the electrical socket for the electrical connection.
  • it is not easy to automatically introduce the antenna connector into the electrical socket of the electrical connection means which is a drawback.
  • the antenna connector is not protected from environmental conditions.
  • the main purpose of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a portable bracelet with electrical connection means passing through a side wall of the housing in a sealed manner. sealing connecting means in the wall of the housing is provided during a bracelet change or environmental stress effects.
  • the invention relates to a portable object which comprises the features defined in the independent claim 1.
  • connection element such as a connector remains insulatively fixed and sealed in the wall of the housing.
  • the bracelet can be easily changed without impairing the tightness of the casing of the portable object, because the conductive track that it contains is not fixed integrally to the connector during the establishment of the electrical contact.
  • the connector is preferably of generally cylindrical shape in the form of a nail or a metal rod. It is fixed through a suitable opening in the housing wall with a semi-rigid insulating annular seal, which surrounds the connector. For fixing in the opening of the wall of the housing, the connector with the annular seal is preferably driven into the opening by compressing the annular seal to ensure good maintenance, good sealing and good insulation.
  • the opening in the wall of the housing which receives a portion of the connector with the seal, may comprise two generally cylindrical portions.
  • a first portion of the inner side of the housing is of smaller diameter than a second portion of the outer side of the housing.
  • the intermediate portion of the connector and the seal surrounding the intermediate portion of the connector are of cylindrical shape complementary to the two cylindrical portions of the opening so as to be driven by bearing on a stop in the opening between the first and second parts .
  • the metal connector comprises a blind hole open towards the outside of the housing with a conical flare at the mouth of the hole.
  • the blind hole is provided to receive one end of the metal conductive track of complementary shape to the blind hole. It may be provided to coat the interior of the blind hole with a viscous material to preserve the contact surfaces of the connector.
  • the end of the conductive track may be of any shape, but preferably in the form of a rod or wire or in the form of a blade.
  • the connector and the conductive track are made of metallic material, such as stainless steel.
  • An end of at least one flexible strand of the bracelet which is connected to the housing, comprises a rigid insulating insert through which the conductive track passes.
  • a surface of the insert and / or the end of the bracelet strand facing an outer surface of the housing wall comes into contact with the housing wall to prevent rotation of the strap strand at the connection of the end of the conductive track to the connector.
  • the insert comprises a housing traversed by the conductive track for receiving the outer portion of the connector forming a protuberance of complementary shape to the housing. This makes it possible to isolate the electrical connection between the end of the conducting track and the connector, of the constraints of the environment. This housing could be conductive to establish direct electrical contact with the connector when the latter is introduced into the housing.
  • the conductive track may define an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals.
  • the electronic circuit in the housing comprises means for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals.
  • This electronic circuit is mounted on a printed circuit board, which comprises a contact blade connected to the contact terminal of the electronic circuit. This blade flexes in contact with an inner part of the connector to ensure good electrical contact.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic views in diametral section of a first embodiment of the wristwatch 1 as a portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet 9 to the housing 3 of the watch.
  • This wristwatch 1 comprises first of all a housing, which has a side wall 3, such as a middle-bezel, and a bottom 2, and a window 16 conventionally fixed to the side wall 3 by means of a trim 19
  • the bottom 2 is fixed to the side wall 3 by snap-fastening, by screwing, by a bayonet system, or by other means so as to compress a lining 15 which ensures the sealing of the housing at this bottom 2.
  • the wristwatch 1 further comprises a clockwork movement, not shown, in the case of the watch 1 to cause needles, not shown, indicating the time, which are placed in front of a dial 17, and a crown or button not shown especially for setting the time.
  • This dial 17 is spaced from the glass 16 by a flange 18.
  • the dial 17 could be a liquid crystal display device for displaying in particular hourly information provided by a timekeeping circuit, not shown, powered by a battery or accumulator 14 placed in the bottom 2 of the housing.
  • the wristwatch 1 comprises electrical connection means 4, 8 for electrically connecting including at least one conductive track 6 integrated in part in the bracelet 9 to at least one contact terminal 11a of the electronic circuit 11.
  • the electronic circuit 11 is arranged on a printed circuit board 10 which is placed between the battery or the accumulator 14, and the dial 17.
  • the electronic circuit is notably powered by the battery or accumulator for the performance of functions other than watch functions.
  • This electronic circuit 11 may comprise in particular means for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals in connection with an antenna defined by the conductive track 6 in the wristband 9, as well as means for processing the information transmitted or received. in said signals.
  • connection means consist essentially of an electrical connector 4 of cylindrical general shape such as a rod or a nail, which is driven into a suitable opening 12 of the wall 3 of the housing in cooperation with a semi-rigid insulating annular seal 5, which surrounds.
  • an electrical connector 4 of cylindrical general shape such as a rod or a nail, which is driven into a suitable opening 12 of the wall 3 of the housing in cooperation with a semi-rigid insulating annular seal 5, which surrounds.
  • the annular seal 5 inserted with the connector 4 in the opening 12 is preferably a Hytrel® seal, or possibly an Asutan® seal which is used for fixing the bottom of the case to the middle part.
  • a Hytrel® seal or possibly an Asutan® seal which is used for fixing the bottom of the case to the middle part.
  • the wall and the bottom of the housing can be made of any type of material, for example plastic or metal without influence on the metal connector.
  • the through opening 12 of the wall 3 of the housing consists of two coaxial parts of generally cylindrical shape.
  • a first portion 12b inner side of the housing is of smaller diameter than a second portion 12a outer side of the housing.
  • a stop is thus defined between the first and second parts 12a and 12b of the opening 12.
  • the electrical connector 4 also comprises two coaxial parts of cylindrical shape, such as an outer part 4a and an inner part 4b.
  • the annular seal placed on the connector has a shape complementary to the two parts 4a and 4b of the connector 4 and the opening 12. In this way, the connector 4 with the annular seal 5 can be driven into the opening 12 stopping in abutment against the stop between the first and second parts 12a and 12b of the opening 12.
  • the length of the gasket 5 may be of identical size to the length of the opening 12 of the wall 3 of the housing to ensure good insulation.
  • the electrical connector 4 comprises an outer portion 4a and an inner portion 4b each protruding from the wall 3 of the housing.
  • the outer portion 4a thus forms a protuberance from the outer surface 23 of the wall 3 of the housing.
  • the chamfered end of the inner part 4b of the connector 4 electrically contacts a spring blade 8 by exerting a contact force against this blade, which is fixed on the printed circuit board 10.
  • This leaf spring 8 of the electrical connection means is connected electrically to a contact terminal 11a of the electronic circuit 11 via a metal track schematically shown in FIG. figure 2 .
  • the electrical connector 4 may be made for example of stainless steel (316L) or a material similar to that used for piano strings.
  • This electrical connector in this first embodiment comprises a hole 4c blind which extends over most of its length.
  • This blind hole is open towards the outside of the housing with a tapered flare at its mouth to facilitate the introduction of a free end 6a of the conductive track 6 of the bracelet 9 which is of complementary shape to said blind hole 4c.
  • the conductive track 6 is preferably made of the same material as the electrical connector 4, that is to say in stainless steel (316L) or a material similar to that used for piano strings.
  • the free end 6a of this conductive track 6 can be inserted by force or slightly pinched in said hole 4c as explained below to establish an electrical contact. It can be provided also before mounting the end of the conductive track in the blind hole 4c to deposit in the hole a viscous protective material. This viscous material must be selected to prevent other materials from lodging there and to provide additional protection against corrosion of this connector 4 due to environmental constraints.
  • conductive track 6 in the form of wire or metal blade, is overmolded in a flexible material of at least one strand 9 of the bracelet to be integrated in said strand.
  • This flexible material may be for example an elastomer, such as polyurethane.
  • An insert 7 made of hard plastic is also overmolded in the flexible material at the end of the strand 9 to be attached to the case 3 of the watch 1.
  • the conductive track 6 passes completely through this first embodiment the insulating insert 7 to unclog in a housing 24 of the insert 7.
  • the insert is made of hard plastic, such as polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) which can be loaded with glass fibers, it can serve as a guide at the end. of the conductive track. In this way, the free end 6a of this conductive track 6 is positioned in an insertion direction in the blind hole 4c of the connector 4 corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the hole 4c.
  • PPS polyphenylene sulphide
  • a surface 25 of this insert 7 comes into direct contact with the outer surface 23 of the housing while allowing the free end 6a of the conductive track 6 to be introduced in the direction of insertion. in said blind hole 4c.
  • This surface 25 of the insert is for example complementary to the outer surface 23 of the wall 3 which prevents rotation of the bracelet strand at the connection of the free end 6a of the conductive track 6 in the blind hole 4c of connector 4.
  • the housing 24 of the insert 7 may be partly of complementary shape to the protuberance of the outer portion 4a of the connector 4. This allows this housing 24 to receive this protuberance in order to isolate environmental constraints, the electrical connection of the free end 6a of the conductive track 6 inserted into the blind hole 4c of the connector 4.
  • the attachment system to the case of the bracelet which may comprise one or two strands 9, may be constituted traditionally by two pairs of horns 20 of the side wall 3 of the housing, and by fixing pins passing through each passages 21 of the horns 20 and a passage 22 made partly in the insert 7.
  • the strand 9 of the bracelet can be attached to the housing between the horns 20.
  • the surface 25 of the insert is brought into contact with the outer surface 23 of the wall 3 and the free end 6a of the conductive track is thus introduced into the blind hole of the connector 4.
  • the end of the strand 9 is attached to the housing by means of the pin 26 and its protective tube 27, which are inserted into the passages 21 of the horns 20 and in the passage 22 of the insert 7. In this way, the end of the strand is held fixed to the housing without allowing rotation around it pin with the hard plastic insert 7 in direct contact with the wall 3 of the housing. This preserves the free end 6a of the conductive track 6 of any mechanical stress imposed by the wearer of the watch.
  • the wristwatch may comprise more than one electrical connector 4 for connecting two free ends of the same conductive track or two conductive tracks.
  • the conductive track (s) 6 may be part of the same strand 9 of a bracelet or of two bracelet strands.
  • the two connectors are fixed through the wall 3 of the housing in diametrically opposed positions.
  • FIGS 3A and 3B are schematic views in diametral section of an exemplary wristwatch 1 as a portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet 9 to the housing 3 of the watch. It should be noted that the elements of Figures 3A and 3B , which correspond to those of Figures 1A and 1B , bear identical reference signs. As a result of simplification, the description of these elements will not be repeated.
  • the essential difference from this example with respect to the first embodiment lies in the fact that the electrical connector 4 does not include a blind hole.
  • the electrical connection with the free end 6a of the conducting strip 6 in the form of spring blade is made thanks to the protuberance of the outer portion 4a of the connector.
  • This protuberance 4a is positioned outside the wall 3 of the housing. In this way, the protuberance 4a elastically compresses the free end 6a of the conductive track in the housing 24 of the insert 7, when the end of the strand 9 bracelet is attached between the horns 20 of the housing.
  • Figures 4A and 4B are diagrammatic views in diametral section of a second embodiment of the wristwatch 1 as a portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet 9 to the housing 3 of the watch. It should be noted that the elements of Figures 4A and 4B , which correspond to those of Figures 1A and 1B , bear identical reference signs. As a result of simplification, the description of these elements will not be repeated.
  • the essential difference of this second embodiment lies in the fact that the electrical connector 4 does not include a blind hole, but only a protrusion 4a outside the wall 3 of the housing.
  • the end of the conductive track 6 partially passes through the insert 7 to electrically connect a metal layer or socket 13 disposed in the housing 24 of the insert 7.
  • This metal sleeve electrically contacts the protuberance 4a of the complementary shape connector housing with the metal layer, when the end of the strap strand 9 is attached between the horns 20 of the housing.
  • the conductive track may be a wire or a metal blade whose end is of complementary shape to the blind hole of the connector.

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Description

La présente invention concerne un objet portable à bracelet muni de moyens de connexion électrique à travers le boîtier. L'objet portable comprend les caractéristiques définies dans la revendication indépendante 1.The present invention relates to a portable bracelet object provided with electrical connection means through the housing. The portable object comprises the features defined in independent claim 1.

Dans la présente description, on entendra par "moyens de connexion électrique" tout conducteur ou ensemble de conducteurs permettant d'assurer une liaison électrique entre au moins une borne de contact d'un circuit électronique et au moins une piste conductrice disposée dans le bracelet. La piste conductrice peut être sous la forme d'un fil conducteur ou d'une lame conductrice. Cette piste conductrice peut être une antenne pour l'émission et la réception de signaux ou permettre de relier électriquement un composant électrique contenu dans le bracelet et le circuit électronique dans le boîtier.In the present description, the term "electrical connection means" any conductor or set of conductors for providing an electrical connection between at least one contact terminal of an electronic circuit and at least one conductive track disposed in the bracelet. The conductive track may be in the form of a conductive wire or a conductive blade. This conductive track can be an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals or electrically connect an electrical component contained in the bracelet and the electronic circuit in the housing.

Dans un mode de réalisation préféré, l'objet portable est réalisé sous la forme d'un instrument électronique portable se présentant sous la forme d'une montre-bracelet. Cette montre-bracelet peut comporter des moyens de réception et/ou d'émission de signaux radiofréquences si la piste conductrice du bracelet définit une antenne. Dans ce cas, le circuit électronique de traitement de signaux électriques permet de gérer l'émission ou la réception de signaux d'informations par l'antenne.In a preferred embodiment, the portable object is made in the form of a portable electronic instrument in the form of a wristwatch. This wristwatch may comprise means for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals if the conductive track of the bracelet defines an antenna. In this case, the electronic circuit for processing electrical signals makes it possible to manage the transmission or reception of information signals by the antenna.

De tels objets portables ont déjà été décrits dans l'art antérieur avec des moyens de connexion électrique entre un circuit électronique disposé dans le boîtier des objets et une antenne dans le bracelet.Such portable objects have already been described in the prior art with electrical connection means between an electronic circuit disposed in the housing of the objects and an antenna in the bracelet.

Le brevet européen No 0 631 341 décrit un instrument électronique du type montre-bracelet comportant une antenne logée dans le bracelet et connectée à un circuit électronique de traitement des signaux reçus par l'antenne. Le circuit électronique de traitement est disposé à l'intérieur du boîtier de l'instrument sur une plaque de circuit imprimé. Des plots de connexion sont ménagés sur une région périphérique de la plaque de circuit imprimé pour permettre l'établissement d'une connexion électrique entre le circuit électronique de traitement des signaux et les bornes de connexion de l'antenne qui traverse une paroi latérale du boîtier. Dans une forme de réalisation, il est prévu d'employer un connecteur du type lame ressort fixé à la plaque de circuit imprimé pour chaque borne de l'antenne, sur laquelle vient s'appuyer un conducteur électrique relié à l'une des bornes de l'antenne. Chaque conducteur relié à une borne d'antenne doit traverser la paroi latérale afin de s'appuyer sur la lame ressort pour établir le contact électrique. Un joint annulaire d'étanchéité est prévu autour dudit conducteur dans le passage à travers la paroi latérale.The European patent No 0 631 341 describes an electronic instrument of the wristwatch type comprising an antenna housed in the bracelet and connected to an electronic circuit for processing the signals received by the antenna. The electronic processing circuit is disposed within the instrument housing on a printed circuit board. Connecting pads are provided on a peripheral region of the printed circuit board to allow for the establishment of an electrical connection between the electronic signal processing circuit and the connection terminals of the antenna which passes through a side wall of the housing. . In one embodiment, it is intended to employ a spring blade type connector attached to the printed circuit board for each terminal of the antenna, on which an electrical conductor connected to one of the terminals of the antenna is supported. the antenna. Each conductor connected to an antenna terminal must pass through the side wall in order to rest on the spring blade to establish the electrical contact. An annular seal is provided around said conductor in the passageway through the sidewall.

Un inconvénient de l'instrument électronique présenté dans le brevet européen No 0 631 341 est qu'une partie de l'antenne doit traverser une paroi latérale du boîtier afin de pouvoir être directement connectée sur la plaque de circuit imprimé. De ce fait, l'étanchéité au niveau de la paroi latérale du boîtier, même avec le joint annulaire, n'est pas garantie dans le temps et en fonction des manipulations du bracelet.A disadvantage of the electronic instrument presented in European Patent No 0 631 341 is that part of the antenna must pass through a side wall of the housing so that it can be directly connected to the printed circuit board. Therefore, the seal at the side wall of the housing, even with the annular seal, is not guaranteed in time and according to the handling of the bracelet.

Un autre inconvénient de cet instrument électronique est que lors d'un changement de bracelet, chaque conducteur doit être sorti du boîtier. De ce fait, l'intérieur du boîtier peut être soumis à de la saleté, ce qui nécessite du personnel qualifié pour éviter que le mouvement d'horlogerie ou le circuit garde-temps ne se salisse quand le boîtier est ouvert. De plus lors du retrait des conducteurs, les surfaces métalliques de contact entre chaque lame et chaque conducteur peuvent s'oxyder.Another disadvantage of this electronic instrument is that during a bracelet change, each driver must be removed from the housing. As a result, the interior of the housing can be subjected to dirt, which requires qualified personnel to prevent the watch movement or the time-keeping circuit from getting dirty when the housing is opened. In addition, during removal of the conductors, the metal contact surfaces between each blade and each conductor can oxidize.

On peut citer également les brevets US 5,168,281 et US 5,742,256 qui décrivent un dispositif de connexion d'antenne pour un équipement électronique, tel qu'une montre-bracelet. Une extrémité d'antenne logée dans un brin du bracelet est fixée solidairement à un conducteur électrique. Ce conducteur traverse une paroi latérale du boîtier afin de venir connecter une lame de contact d'une plaque de circuit imprimé portant un circuit électronique. Un joint annulaire est prévu autour du conducteur dans le passage à travers la paroi latérale pour garantir une certaine étanchéité du boîtier.We can also mention patents US5,168,281 and US 5,742,256 which describe an antenna connection device for electronic equipment, such as a wristwatch. An antenna end housed in a strand of the bracelet is fixed integrally to an electrical conductor. This conductor passes through a side wall of the housing to connect a contact blade of a printed circuit board carrying an electronic circuit. An annular seal is provided around the conductor in the passageway through the sidewall to provide some sealing of the housing.

Comme pour le document précédent, un inconvénient de la solution proposée dans les brevets US 5,168,281 et US 5,742,256 est que le conducteur de l'antenne doit traverser une paroi latérale du boîtier afin de pouvoir être connecté contre la lame de contact sur la plaque de circuit imprimé. De ce fait, l'étanchéité au niveau de la paroi latérale du boîtier, même avec le joint annulaire, n'est pas garantie dans le temps et en fonction des manipulations du bracelet. De plus, lors d'un changement de bracelet, le conducteur avec le joint doit être sorti du boîtier ce qui rend difficile ce changement de bracelet et nécessite du personnel qualifié pour éviter de salir l'intérieur du boîtier. Par ailleurs, le joint annulaire autour du conducteur doit être également changé lors de multiples retraits d'un même bracelet.As for the previous document, a disadvantage of the solution proposed in the patents US5,168,281 and US 5,742,256 is that the antenna conductor must pass through a side wall of the housing so that it can be connected against the contact blade on the printed circuit board. Therefore, the seal at the side wall of the housing, even with the annular seal, is not guaranteed in time and according to the handling of the bracelet. In addition, during a bracelet change, the driver with the seal must be removed from the housing which makes it difficult to change the bracelet and requires qualified personnel to avoid dirtying the inside of the case. Moreover, the annular seal around the driver must also be changed in multiple withdrawals of the same bracelet.

Le brevet US 6,239,759 décrit une solution au problème d'étanchéité de la connexion électrique d'un connecteur d'antenne à une borne de contact d'un circuit électronique à l'intérieur de la montre-bracelet. Pour ce faire, il est prévu des moyens de connexion électrique disposés fixement dans une paroi du boîtier pour relier électriquement ledit connecteur d'antenne à la borne de contact du circuit électronique. Ces moyens de connexion électrique comprennent une prise électrique montée fixement avec un manchon isolant à travers la paroi latérale du boîtier. Le connecteur d'antenne vient s'enficher dans la prise électrique pour la connexion électrique. Cependant lors du montage du bracelet sur le boîtier de la montre, il n'est pas facile d'introduire de manière automatique le connecteur d'antenne dans la prise électrique des moyens de connexion électrique, ce qui constitue un inconvénient. De plus, le connecteur d'antenne n'est pas préservé des conditions environnementales.The patent US6,239,759 discloses a solution to the problem of sealing the electrical connection of an antenna connector to a contact terminal of an electronic circuit inside the wristwatch. To do this, it is planned to electrical connection arranged in a wall of the housing for electrically connecting said antenna connector to the contact terminal of the electronic circuit. These electrical connection means comprise an electrical socket fixedly mounted with an insulating sleeve through the side wall of the housing. The antenna connector is plugged into the electrical socket for the electrical connection. However, when mounting the bracelet on the watch case, it is not easy to automatically introduce the antenna connector into the electrical socket of the electrical connection means, which is a drawback. In addition, the antenna connector is not protected from environmental conditions.

Dans le brevet US 4,629,329 , il est montré une manière de connecter électriquement un module électronique à un boîtier d'une montre-bracelet. Un élément de connexion électrique ayant une partie extérieure sous forme de protubérance, est fixé à travers une paroi isolante du boîtier de la montre. Cet élément de connexion est relié à une plaque à circuit imprimé de la montre. Le module électronique comprend une lame de contact susceptible de fléchir au contact de la protubérance de l'élément de connexion lors de la fixation du module à la montre. Ce type de connexion électrique n'est pas préservé des conditions environnementales, ce qui constitue un inconvénient.In the patent US 4,629,329 , it is shown a way of electrically connecting an electronic module to a case of a wristwatch. An electrical connection member having a protruding outer portion is attached through an insulating wall of the watch case. This connection element is connected to a printed circuit board of the watch. The electronic module comprises a contact blade capable of flexing in contact with the protuberance of the connection element during attachment of the module to the watch. This type of electrical connection is not preserved from environmental conditions, which is a disadvantage.

Pour la connexion électrique entre deux parties de branchement, il peut être prévu une tige métallique pincée dans une prise électrique sous forme de ressort comme décrit dans le brevet DE 25 53 559 . Cependant ce type de connexion électrique n'est également pas préservé des conditions environnementales, ce qui constitue un inconvénient.For the electrical connection between two connection parts, it can be provided a pinched metal rod in a socket in the form of a spring as described in the patent DE 25 53 559 . However, this type of electrical connection is also not preserved from environmental conditions, which is a drawback.

L'invention a donc pour but principal de pallier les inconvénients de l'art antérieur en fournissant un objet portable à bracelet muni de moyens de connexion électrique traversant une paroi latérale du boîtier de manière étanche. L'étanchéité des moyens de connexion dans la paroi du boîtier est assurée lors d'un changement de bracelet ou des effets des contraintes de l'environnement.The main purpose of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a portable bracelet with electrical connection means passing through a side wall of the housing in a sealed manner. sealing connecting means in the wall of the housing is provided during a bracelet change or environmental stress effects.

A cet effet l'invention concerne un objet portable qui comprend les caractéristiques définies dans la revendication indépendante 1.For this purpose the invention relates to a portable object which comprises the features defined in the independent claim 1.

Des formes d'exécution particulières de l'objet portable sont définies dans les revendications dépendantes 2 à 11.Particular embodiments of the portable object are defined in dependent claims 2 to 11.

Un avantage de l'objet portable selon l'invention est que l'élément de connexion, tel qu'un connecteur reste fixé de manière isolante et étanche dans la paroi du boîtier. De ce fait, le bracelet peut être aisément changé sans nuire à l'étanchéité du boîtier de l'objet portable, car la piste conductrice qu'il contient n'est pas fixée solidairement au connecteur lors de l'établissement du contact électrique.An advantage of the portable object according to the invention is that the connection element, such as a connector remains insulatively fixed and sealed in the wall of the housing. As a result, the bracelet can be easily changed without impairing the tightness of the casing of the portable object, because the conductive track that it contains is not fixed integrally to the connector during the establishment of the electrical contact.

Le connecteur est préférentiellement de forme générale cylindrique sous la forme d'un clou ou d'une tige métallique. Il est fixé à travers une ouverture adaptée de la paroi du boîtier avec un joint annulaire isolant semi-rigide, qui entoure le connecteur. Pour la fixation dans l'ouverture de la paroi du boîtier, le connecteur avec le joint annulaire sont de préférence chassés dans l'ouverture en comprimant le joint annulaire pour assurer un bon maintien, une bonne étanchéité et une bonne isolation.The connector is preferably of generally cylindrical shape in the form of a nail or a metal rod. It is fixed through a suitable opening in the housing wall with a semi-rigid insulating annular seal, which surrounds the connector. For fixing in the opening of the wall of the housing, the connector with the annular seal is preferably driven into the opening by compressing the annular seal to ensure good maintenance, good sealing and good insulation.

L'ouverture dans la paroi du boîtier, qui reçoit une partie du connecteur avec le joint, peut comprendre deux parties de forme généralement cylindrique. Une première partie côté intérieur du boîtier est de diamètre inférieur à une seconde partie côté extérieur du boîtier. Ainsi, la partie intermédiaire du connecteur et le joint entourant la partie intermédiaire du connecteur sont de forme cylindrique complémentaire aux deux parties cylindriques de l'ouverture de manière à être chassés en prenant appui sur une butée dans l'ouverture entre les première et seconde parties.The opening in the wall of the housing, which receives a portion of the connector with the seal, may comprise two generally cylindrical portions. A first portion of the inner side of the housing is of smaller diameter than a second portion of the outer side of the housing. Thus, the intermediate portion of the connector and the seal surrounding the intermediate portion of the connector are of cylindrical shape complementary to the two cylindrical portions of the opening so as to be driven by bearing on a stop in the opening between the first and second parts .

Avantageusement, le connecteur métallique comprend un trou borgne ouvert vers l'extérieur du boîtier avec un évasement conique à l'embouchure du trou. Le trou borgne est prévu pour recevoir une extrémité de la piste conductrice métallique de forme complémentaire au trou borgne. Il peut être prévu d'enduire l'intérieur du trou borgne avec un matériau visqueux pour préserver les surfaces de contact du connecteur. L'extrémité de la piste conductrice peut être de n'importe quelle forme, mais de préférence sous la forme de tige ou fil ou sous la forme de lame. De préférence, le connecteur et la piste conductrice sont réalisés en matériau métallique, tel qu'en acier inoxydable.Advantageously, the metal connector comprises a blind hole open towards the outside of the housing with a conical flare at the mouth of the hole. The blind hole is provided to receive one end of the metal conductive track of complementary shape to the blind hole. It may be provided to coat the interior of the blind hole with a viscous material to preserve the contact surfaces of the connector. The end of the conductive track may be of any shape, but preferably in the form of a rod or wire or in the form of a blade. Preferably, the connector and the conductive track are made of metallic material, such as stainless steel.

Une extrémité d'au moins un brin souple du bracelet, qui est reliée au boîtier, comprend un insert rigide isolant à travers lequel passe la piste conductrice. Une surface de l'insert et/ou de l'extrémité du brin de bracelet en regard d'une surface extérieure de la paroi du boîtier vient en contact de la paroi du boîtier pour empêcher une rotation du brin du bracelet au niveau de la connexion de l'extrémité de la piste conductrice au connecteur.An end of at least one flexible strand of the bracelet, which is connected to the housing, comprises a rigid insulating insert through which the conductive track passes. A surface of the insert and / or the end of the bracelet strand facing an outer surface of the housing wall comes into contact with the housing wall to prevent rotation of the strap strand at the connection of the end of the conductive track to the connector.

Une partie extérieure du connecteur métallique, qui est fixé à travers la paroi du boîtier, définit une protubérance émergeant de la paroi du boîtier. L'insert comprend un logement traversé par la piste conductrice pour recevoir la partie extérieure du connecteur formant une protubérance de forme complémentaire au logement. Ceci permet d'isoler la connexion électrique entre l'extrémité de la piste conductrice et le connecteur, des contraintes de l'environnement. Ce logement pourrait être conducteur pour établir directement le contact électrique avec le connecteur quand ce dernier est introduit dans le logement.An outer portion of the metal connector, which is secured through the housing wall, defines a protuberance emerging from the housing wall. The insert comprises a housing traversed by the conductive track for receiving the outer portion of the connector forming a protuberance of complementary shape to the housing. This makes it possible to isolate the electrical connection between the end of the conducting track and the connector, of the constraints of the environment. This housing could be conductive to establish direct electrical contact with the connector when the latter is introduced into the housing.

La piste conductrice peut définir une antenne pour la réception et/ou l'émission de signaux radiofréquences. Dans ce cas, le circuit électronique dans le boîtier comprend des moyens pour la réception et/ou l'émission des signaux radiofréquences. Ce circuit électronique est monté sur une plaque de circuit imprimé, qui comprend une lame de contact reliée à la borne de contact du circuit électronique. Cette lame fléchit au contact d'une partie intérieure du connecteur pour assurer un bon contact électrique.The conductive track may define an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals. In this case, the electronic circuit in the housing comprises means for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals. This electronic circuit is mounted on a printed circuit board, which comprises a contact blade connected to the contact terminal of the electronic circuit. This blade flexes in contact with an inner part of the connector to ensure good electrical contact.

Les buts, avantages et caractéristiques de l'objet portable à bracelet apparaîtront mieux dans la description suivante de plusieurs formes d'exécution de l'invention en liaison avec les dessins dans lesquels :

  • les figures 1A et 1B représentent des vues schématiques en coupe diamétrale partielle d'une première forme d'exécution de l'objet portable avant et après la liaison du bracelet au boîtier de l'objet portable selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente un vue tridimensionnelle simplifiée en éclaté de la première forme d'exécution d'une partie de l'objet portable selon l'invention,
  • les figures 3A et 3B représentent des vues schématiques en coupe diamétrale partielle d'un objet portable avant et après la liaison du bracelet au boîtier de l'objet portable selon un exemple utile à la compréhension de l'invention, et
  • les figures 4A et 4B représentent des vues schématiques en coupe diamétrale partielle d'une seconde forme d'exécution de l'objet portable avant et après la liaison du bracelet au boîtier de l'objet portable selon l'invention.
The objects, advantages and characteristics of the wearable bracelet object will appear better in the following description of several embodiments of the invention in connection with the drawings in which:
  • the Figures 1A and 1B represent schematic views in partial diametrical section of a first embodiment of the portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet to the housing of the portable object according to the invention,
  • the figure 2 represents a simplified three-dimensional exploded view of the first embodiment of a portion of the portable object according to the invention,
  • the Figures 3A and 3B represent schematic views in partial diametral section of a portable object before and after binding of the bracelet to the case of the portable object according to an example useful for understanding the invention, and
  • the Figures 4A and 4B represent schematic views in partial diametrical section of a second embodiment of the portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet to the housing of the portable object according to the invention.

Dans la description suivante, tous les éléments de l'objet portable qui sont bien connus d'un homme du métier dans ce domaine technique, ne seront pas expliqués en détail. Les formes d'exécution décrites concernent spécifiquement un objet portable à titre d'exemple non limitatif sous forme d'une montre-bracelet qui présente des fonctionnalités de réception ou d'émission d'ondes radiofréquences. Il est à noter que tous les mêmes éléments de la montre-bracelet décrits ci-après dans les figures 1 à 4 portent des signes de référence identiques. De ce fait par simplification, il ne sera pas répété la description de chaque élément pour toutes les figures.In the following description, all elements of the portable object that are well known to those skilled in this technical field, will not be explained in detail. The execution forms described relate specifically to an object portable as a non-limiting example in the form of a wristwatch which has reception or emission characteristics of radiofrequency waves. It should be noted that all the same elements of the wristwatch described below in the Figures 1 to 4 bear identical reference signs. Therefore for simplification, it will not be repeated the description of each element for all figures.

Les figures 1A et 1 B représentent des vues schématiques en coupe diamétrale d'une première forme d'exécution de la montre-bracelet 1 en tant qu'objet portable avant et après la liaison du bracelet 9 au boîtier 3 de la montre. Cette montre-bracelet 1 comprend tout d'abord un boîtier, qui a une paroi latérale 3, telle qu'une carrure-lunette, et un fond 2, et une glace 16 fixée classiquement sur la paroi latérale 3 au moyen d'une garniture 19 assurant l'étanchéité du boîtier au niveau de la glace 16. Le fond 2 est fixé à la paroi latérale 3 par encliquetage, par vissage, par un système à baïonnette, ou par un autre moyen de façon à comprimer une garniture 15 qui assure l'étanchéité du boîtier au niveau de ce fond 2.The Figures 1A and 1B are schematic views in diametral section of a first embodiment of the wristwatch 1 as a portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet 9 to the housing 3 of the watch. This wristwatch 1 comprises first of all a housing, which has a side wall 3, such as a middle-bezel, and a bottom 2, and a window 16 conventionally fixed to the side wall 3 by means of a trim 19 The bottom 2 is fixed to the side wall 3 by snap-fastening, by screwing, by a bayonet system, or by other means so as to compress a lining 15 which ensures the sealing of the housing at this bottom 2.

La montre-bracelet 1 comprend encore un mouvement d'horlogerie, non représenté, dans le boîtier de la montre 1 pour entraîner des aiguilles, non représentées, d'indication de l'heure, qui sont placées devant un cadran 17, et une couronne ou bouton non représenté notamment pour le réglage de l'heure. Ce cadran 17 est espacé de la glace 16 par un réhaut 18. Bien entendu, le cadran 17 pourrait être un dispositif d'affichage à cristaux liquides pour afficher notamment des informations horaires fournies par un circuit garde-temps, non représenté, alimenté par une pile ou un accumulateur 14 placé dans le fond 2 du boîtier.The wristwatch 1 further comprises a clockwork movement, not shown, in the case of the watch 1 to cause needles, not shown, indicating the time, which are placed in front of a dial 17, and a crown or button not shown especially for setting the time. This dial 17 is spaced from the glass 16 by a flange 18. Of course, the dial 17 could be a liquid crystal display device for displaying in particular hourly information provided by a timekeeping circuit, not shown, powered by a battery or accumulator 14 placed in the bottom 2 of the housing.

Selon l'invention, la montre-bracelet 1 comprend des moyens de connexion électrique 4, 8 pour relier électriquement notamment au moins une piste conductrice 6 intégrée en partie dans le bracelet 9 à au moins une borne de contact 11a du circuit électronique 11. Le circuit électronique 11 est disposé sur une plaque de circuit imprimé 10 qui est placée entre la pile ou l'accumulateur 14, et le cadran 17. Le circuit électronique est notamment alimenté par la pile ou l'accumulateur pour l'exécution de fonctions autres que des fonctions horlogères. Ce circuit électronique 11 peut comprendre notamment des moyens pour l'émission et/ou la réception de signaux radiofréquences en connexion avec une antenne définie par la piste conductrice 6 dans le bracelet 9, ainsi que des moyens de traitement de l'information émise ou reçue dans lesdits signaux.According to the invention, the wristwatch 1 comprises electrical connection means 4, 8 for electrically connecting including at least one conductive track 6 integrated in part in the bracelet 9 to at least one contact terminal 11a of the electronic circuit 11. The electronic circuit 11 is arranged on a printed circuit board 10 which is placed between the battery or the accumulator 14, and the dial 17. The electronic circuit is notably powered by the battery or accumulator for the performance of functions other than watch functions. This electronic circuit 11 may comprise in particular means for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals in connection with an antenna defined by the conductive track 6 in the wristband 9, as well as means for processing the information transmitted or received. in said signals.

Les moyens de connexion sont constitués essentiellement par un connecteur électrique 4 de forme générale cylindrique comme une tige ou un clou, qui est chassé dans une ouverture adaptée 12 de la paroi 3 du boîtier en coopération avec un joint annulaire isolant semi-rigide 5, qui l'entoure. Pour assurer un bon maintien de l'ensemble constitué par le connecteur avec son joint isolant annulaire dans l'ouverture de la paroi 3 du boîtier, il est bien entendu nécessaire que le joint soit dimensionné pour être comprimé lors de son introduction dans ladite ouverture 12. Grâce à cet assemblage dans l'ouverture 12 à travers la paroi 3 du boîtier, le connecteur électrique 4 est ainsi fixé de manière isolante et étanche afin de faire partie intégrante de la paroi 3 du boîtier.The connection means consist essentially of an electrical connector 4 of cylindrical general shape such as a rod or a nail, which is driven into a suitable opening 12 of the wall 3 of the housing in cooperation with a semi-rigid insulating annular seal 5, which surrounds. To ensure a good maintenance of the assembly constituted by the connector with its annular insulating seal in the opening of the wall 3 of the housing, it is of course necessary that the seal is sized to be compressed when it is introduced into said opening 12. the opening 12 through the wall 3 of the housing, the electrical connector 4 is thus fixed in an insulating manner and sealed to form an integral part of the wall 3 of the housing.

Le joint annulaire 5 inséré avec le connecteur 4 dans l'ouverture 12 est de préférence un joint Hytrel® , ou éventuellement un joint Asutan® qui est utilisé pour la fixation du fond du boîtier à la carrure. Avec un tel joint isolant, la paroi et le fond du boîtier peuvent être réalisés en tout type de matériau, par exemple en plastique ou en métal sans influence sur le connecteur métallique.The annular seal 5 inserted with the connector 4 in the opening 12 is preferably a Hytrel® seal, or possibly an Asutan® seal which is used for fixing the bottom of the case to the middle part. With such an insulating gasket, the wall and the bottom of the housing can be made of any type of material, for example plastic or metal without influence on the metal connector.

L'ouverture traversante 12 de la paroi 3 du boîtier est constituée de deux parties coaxiales de forme généralement cylindrique. Une première partie 12b côté intérieur du boîtier est de diamètre inférieur à une seconde partie 12a côté extérieur du boîtier. Une butée est ainsi définie entre les première et seconde parties 12a et 12b de l'ouverture 12.The through opening 12 of the wall 3 of the housing consists of two coaxial parts of generally cylindrical shape. A first portion 12b inner side of the housing is of smaller diameter than a second portion 12a outer side of the housing. A stop is thus defined between the first and second parts 12a and 12b of the opening 12.

Le connecteur électrique 4 comprend également deux parties coaxiales de forme cylindrique, telles qu'une partie extérieure 4a et une partie intérieure 4b. Le joint annulaire placé sur le connecteur a une forme complémentaire aux deux parties 4a et 4b du connecteur 4 et de l'ouverture 12. De cette façon, le connecteur 4 avec le joint annulaire 5 peuvent être chassés dans l'ouverture 12 en s'arrêtant en appui contre la butée entre les première et seconde parties 12a et 12b de l'ouverture 12.The electrical connector 4 also comprises two coaxial parts of cylindrical shape, such as an outer part 4a and an inner part 4b. The annular seal placed on the connector has a shape complementary to the two parts 4a and 4b of the connector 4 and the opening 12. In this way, the connector 4 with the annular seal 5 can be driven into the opening 12 stopping in abutment against the stop between the first and second parts 12a and 12b of the opening 12.

Il est à noter que la longueur du joint 5 peut être de dimension identique à la longueur de l'ouverture 12 de la paroi 3 du boîtier pour assurer une bonne isolation. Par contre, le connecteur électrique 4 comprend une partie extérieure 4a, ainsi qu'une partie intérieure 4b qui dépassent chacune de la paroi 3 du boîtier. La partie extérieure 4a forme ainsi une protubérance depuis la surface extérieure 23 de la paroi 3 du boîtier.It should be noted that the length of the gasket 5 may be of identical size to the length of the opening 12 of the wall 3 of the housing to ensure good insulation. By cons, the electrical connector 4 comprises an outer portion 4a and an inner portion 4b each protruding from the wall 3 of the housing. The outer portion 4a thus forms a protuberance from the outer surface 23 of the wall 3 of the housing.

L'extrémité chanfreinée de la partie intérieure 4b du connecteur 4 contacte électriquement une lame ressort 8 en exerçant une force de contact contre cette lame, qui est fixée sur la plaque de circuit imprimé 10. Cette lame ressort 8 des moyens de connexion électrique est reliée électriquement à une borne de contact 11a du circuit électronique 11 par l'intermédiaire d'une piste métallique montrée schématiquement à la figure 2.The chamfered end of the inner part 4b of the connector 4 electrically contacts a spring blade 8 by exerting a contact force against this blade, which is fixed on the printed circuit board 10. This leaf spring 8 of the electrical connection means is connected electrically to a contact terminal 11a of the electronic circuit 11 via a metal track schematically shown in FIG. figure 2 .

Le connecteur électrique 4 peut être réalisé par exemple en acier inoxydable (316L) ou dans un matériau similaire à celui utilisé pour des cordes de piano. Ce connecteur électrique dans cette première forme d'exécution comprend un trou borgne 4c qui s'étend sur une majeure partie de sa longueur. Ce trou borgne est ouvert vers l'extérieur du boîtier avec un évasement conique à son embouchure pour faciliter l'introduction d'une extrémité libre 6a de la piste conductrice 6 du bracelet 9 qui est de forme complémentaire audit trou borgne 4c.The electrical connector 4 may be made for example of stainless steel (316L) or a material similar to that used for piano strings. This electrical connector in this first embodiment comprises a hole 4c blind which extends over most of its length. This blind hole is open towards the outside of the housing with a tapered flare at its mouth to facilitate the introduction of a free end 6a of the conductive track 6 of the bracelet 9 which is of complementary shape to said blind hole 4c.

La piste conductrice 6 est réalisée de préférence avec un même matériau que le connecteur électrique 4, c'est-à-dire en acier inox (316L) ou en un matériau similaire à celui utilisé pour des cordes de piano. Ainsi, l'extrémité libre 6a de cette piste conductrice 6 peut être insérée à force ou légèrement pincée dans ledit trou 4c comme expliqué ci-dessous pour établir un contact électrique. Il peut être prévu également avant le montage de l'extrémité de la piste conductrice dans le trou borgne 4c de déposer dans le trou un matériau visqueux de protection. Ce matériau visqueux doit être choisi afin d'empêcher d'autres matériaux de s'y loger et de donner une protection supplémentaire contre toute corrosion de ce connecteur 4 due aux contraintes de l'environnement.The conductive track 6 is preferably made of the same material as the electrical connector 4, that is to say in stainless steel (316L) or a material similar to that used for piano strings. Thus, the free end 6a of this conductive track 6 can be inserted by force or slightly pinched in said hole 4c as explained below to establish an electrical contact. It can be provided also before mounting the end of the conductive track in the blind hole 4c to deposit in the hole a viscous protective material. This viscous material must be selected to prevent other materials from lodging there and to provide additional protection against corrosion of this connector 4 due to environmental constraints.

La majeure partie de la piste conductrice 6, sous forme de fil ou de lame métallique, est surmoulée dans un matériau souple d'au moins un brin 9 du bracelet afin d'être intégrée dans ledit brin. Ce matériau souple peut être par exemple un élastomère, tel que du polyuréthane.Most of the conductive track 6, in the form of wire or metal blade, is overmolded in a flexible material of at least one strand 9 of the bracelet to be integrated in said strand. This flexible material may be for example an elastomer, such as polyurethane.

Un insert 7 en plastique dur est également surmoulé dans le matériau souple à l'extrémité du brin 9 à attacher au boîtier 3 de la montre 1. La piste conductrice 6 traverse complètement dans cette première forme d'exécution l'insert isolant 7 pour déboucher dans un logement 24 de l'insert 7. Comme l'insert est réalisé en plastique dur, tel qu'en sulfure de poly-phénylène (PPS) qui peut être chargé en fibres de verre, il peut servir de guide à l'extrémité de la piste conductrice. De cette manière, l'extrémité libre 6a de cette piste conductrice 6 est positionnée dans une direction d'insertion dans le trou borgne 4c du connecteur 4 correspondant à l'axe longitudinal du trou 4c.An insert 7 made of hard plastic is also overmolded in the flexible material at the end of the strand 9 to be attached to the case 3 of the watch 1. The conductive track 6 passes completely through this first embodiment the insulating insert 7 to unclog in a housing 24 of the insert 7. As the insert is made of hard plastic, such as polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) which can be loaded with glass fibers, it can serve as a guide at the end. of the conductive track. In this way, the free end 6a of this conductive track 6 is positioned in an insertion direction in the blind hole 4c of the connector 4 corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the hole 4c.

Quand le bracelet est attaché au boîtier, une surface 25 de cet insert 7 vient en contact direct de la surface extérieure 23 du boîtier tout en permettant à l'extrémité libre 6a de la piste conductrice 6 d'être introduite dans la direction d'insertion dans ledit trou borgne 4c. Cette surface 25 de l'insert est par exemple complémentaire à la surface extérieure 23 de la paroi 3 ce qui empêche une rotation du brin du bracelet au niveau de la connexion de l'extrémité libre 6a de la piste conductrice 6 dans le trou borgne 4c du connecteur 4. Ainsi, cette extrémité libre 6a est préservée de toute contrainte mécanique imposée par le porteur de la montre. De plus, le logement 24 de l'insert 7 peut être en partie de forme complémentaire à la protubérance de la partie extérieure 4a du connecteur 4. Ceci permet à ce logement 24 de recevoir cette protubérance afin d'isoler des contraintes de l'environnement, la connexion électrique de l'extrémité libre 6a de la piste conductrice 6 insérée dans le trou borgne 4c du connecteur 4.When the bracelet is attached to the housing, a surface 25 of this insert 7 comes into direct contact with the outer surface 23 of the housing while allowing the free end 6a of the conductive track 6 to be introduced in the direction of insertion. in said blind hole 4c. This surface 25 of the insert is for example complementary to the outer surface 23 of the wall 3 which prevents rotation of the bracelet strand at the connection of the free end 6a of the conductive track 6 in the blind hole 4c of connector 4. Thus, this free end 6a is preserved from any mechanical stress imposed by the wearer of the watch. In addition, the housing 24 of the insert 7 may be partly of complementary shape to the protuberance of the outer portion 4a of the connector 4. This allows this housing 24 to receive this protuberance in order to isolate environmental constraints, the electrical connection of the free end 6a of the conductive track 6 inserted into the blind hole 4c of the connector 4.

Le système d'attache au boîtier du bracelet, qui peut comprendre un ou deux brins 9, peut être constitué traditionnellement par deux paires de cornes 20 de la paroi latérale 3 du boîtier, et par des goupilles de fixation traversant chacune des passages 21 des cornes 20 et un passage 22 pratiqué en partie dans l'insert 7.The attachment system to the case of the bracelet, which may comprise one or two strands 9, may be constituted traditionally by two pairs of horns 20 of the side wall 3 of the housing, and by fixing pins passing through each passages 21 of the horns 20 and a passage 22 made partly in the insert 7.

Tous les éléments essentiels constituant la montre-bracelet 1 sont représentés de manière simplifiée à la figure 2 dans une vue tridimensionnelle sous une forme éclatée. On remarque sur cette figure 2 tout d'abord la plaque de circuit imprimé 10, sur laquelle sont montés notamment le circuit électronique 11 décrit ci-dessus et la lame de contact 8, qui est introduit dans le boîtier 2 et 3. Une piste métallique 10a de la plaque de circuit imprimé 10 relie électriquement une borne de contact 11 a du circuit électronique 11 à la lame de contact 8. Bien entendu les autres bornes de contact du circuit électronique sont connectées à d'autres composants électriques, non représentés, ainsi qu'à la pile ou l'accumulateur pour son alimentation électrique. Cette plaque de circuit imprimé 10 peut être montée dans le boîtier 2 et 3 après avoir chassé le connecteur 4 avec son joint annulaire 5 dans l'ouverture 12 de la paroi 3 du boîtier. De cette façon, la lame ressort de contact 8 fléchit au contact de la partie intérieure du connecteur 4.All the essential elements constituting the wristwatch 1 are represented in a simplified way in the figure 2 in a three-dimensional view in an exploded form. We notice on this figure 2 firstly the printed circuit board 10, on which are mounted in particular the electronic circuit 11 described above and the contact blade 8, which is introduced into the housing 2 and 3. A metal track 10a of the circuit board printed 10 electrically connects a contact terminal 11a of the electronic circuit 11 to the contact blade 8. Of course the other contact terminals of the electronic circuit are connected to other electrical components, not shown, and to the battery or the accumulator for its power supply. This printed circuit board 10 can be mounted in the housing 2 and 3 after driving the connector 4 with its annular seal 5 into the opening 12 of the wall 3 of the housing. In this way, the contact spring blade 8 flexes in contact with the inner part of the connector 4.

Une fois que le connecteur avec le joint sont fixés à travers l'ouverture 12 de la paroi 3 du boîtier, le brin 9 du bracelet peut être attaché au boîtier entre les cornes 20. Pour ce faire, la surface 25 de l'insert est amenée en contact de la surface extérieure 23 de la paroi 3 et l'extrémité libre 6a de la piste conductrice est ainsi introduite dans le trou borgne du connecteur 4. L'extrémité du brin 9 est attaché au boîtier à l'aide de la goupille métallique 26 et de son tube de protection 27, qui sont insérés dans les passages 21 des cornes 20 et dans le passage 22 de l'insert 7. De cette façon, l'extrémité du brin est maintenue fixe au boîtier sans permettre une rotation autour de la goupille grâce à l'insert en plastique dur 7 en contact direct avec la paroi 3 du boîtier. Ceci préserve l'extrémité libre 6a de la piste conductrice 6 de toute contrainte mécanique imposée par le porteur de la montre.Once the connector with the seal is attached through the opening 12 of the wall 3 of the housing, the strand 9 of the bracelet can be attached to the housing between the horns 20. To do this, the surface 25 of the insert is brought into contact with the outer surface 23 of the wall 3 and the free end 6a of the conductive track is thus introduced into the blind hole of the connector 4. The end of the strand 9 is attached to the housing by means of the pin 26 and its protective tube 27, which are inserted into the passages 21 of the horns 20 and in the passage 22 of the insert 7. In this way, the end of the strand is held fixed to the housing without allowing rotation around it pin with the hard plastic insert 7 in direct contact with the wall 3 of the housing. This preserves the free end 6a of the conductive track 6 of any mechanical stress imposed by the wearer of the watch.

Bien entendu, la montre-bracelet peut comprendre plus d'un connecteur électrique 4 pour la connexion de deux extrémités libres d'une même piste conductrice ou de deux pistes conductrices. La ou les pistes conductrices 6 peuvent faire partie d'un même brin 9 de bracelet ou de deux brins de bracelet. Dans ce cas, les deux connecteurs sont fixés à travers la paroi 3 du boîtier dans des positions diamétralement opposée.Of course, the wristwatch may comprise more than one electrical connector 4 for connecting two free ends of the same conductive track or two conductive tracks. The conductive track (s) 6 may be part of the same strand 9 of a bracelet or of two bracelet strands. In this case, the two connectors are fixed through the wall 3 of the housing in diametrically opposed positions.

Les figures 3A et 3B représentent des vues schématiques en coupe diamétrale d'un exemple de montre-bracelet 1 en tant qu'objet portable avant et après la liaison du bracelet 9 au boîtier 3 de la montre. Il est à noter que les éléments des figures 3A et 3B, qui correspondent à ceux des figures 1A et 1 B, portent des signes de référence identiques. De ce fait par simplification, il ne sera pas répété la description de ces éléments.The Figures 3A and 3B are schematic views in diametral section of an exemplary wristwatch 1 as a portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet 9 to the housing 3 of the watch. It should be noted that the elements of Figures 3A and 3B , which correspond to those of Figures 1A and 1B , bear identical reference signs. As a result of simplification, the description of these elements will not be repeated.

La différence essentielle de cet exemple par rapport à la première forme d'exécution réside dans le fait que le connecteur électrique 4 ne comprend pas de trou borgne. La connexion électrique avec l'extrémité libre 6a de la piste conductrice 6 en forme de lame ressort est fait grâce à la protubérance de la partie extérieure 4a du connecteur. Cette protubérance 4a est positionnée à l'extérieur de la paroi 3 du boîtier. De cette façon, la protubérance 4a vient comprimer élastiquement l'extrémité libre 6a de la piste conductrice dans le logement 24 de l'insert 7, quand l'extrémité du brin 9 de bracelet est attaché entre les cornes 20 du boîtier.The essential difference from this example with respect to the first embodiment lies in the fact that the electrical connector 4 does not include a blind hole. The electrical connection with the free end 6a of the conducting strip 6 in the form of spring blade is made thanks to the protuberance of the outer portion 4a of the connector. This protuberance 4a is positioned outside the wall 3 of the housing. In this way, the protuberance 4a elastically compresses the free end 6a of the conductive track in the housing 24 of the insert 7, when the end of the strand 9 bracelet is attached between the horns 20 of the housing.

Finalement, les figures 4A et 4B représentent des vues schématiques en coupe diamétrale d'une seconde forme d'exécution de la montre-bracelet 1 en tant qu'objet portable avant et après la liaison du bracelet 9 au boîtier 3 de la montre. Il est à noter que les éléments des figures 4A et 4B, qui correspondent à ceux des figures 1A et 1B, portent des signes de référence identiques. De ce fait par simplification, il ne sera pas répété la description de ces éléments.Finally, Figures 4A and 4B are diagrammatic views in diametral section of a second embodiment of the wristwatch 1 as a portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet 9 to the housing 3 of the watch. It should be noted that the elements of Figures 4A and 4B , which correspond to those of Figures 1A and 1B , bear identical reference signs. As a result of simplification, the description of these elements will not be repeated.

La différence essentielle de cette seconde forme d'exécution réside dans le fait que le connecteur électrique 4 ne comprend pas de trou borgne, mais uniquement une protubérance 4a extérieure à la paroi 3 du boîtier. L'extrémité de la piste conductrice 6 traverse en partie l'insert 7 pour connecter électriquement une couche ou douille métallique 13 disposée dans le logement 24 de l'insert 7. Cette douille métallique contacte électriquement la protubérance 4a du connecteur de forme complémentaire au logement avec la couche métallique, quand l'extrémité du brin 9 de bracelet est attachée entre les cornes 20 du boîtier.The essential difference of this second embodiment lies in the fact that the electrical connector 4 does not include a blind hole, but only a protrusion 4a outside the wall 3 of the housing. The end of the conductive track 6 partially passes through the insert 7 to electrically connect a metal layer or socket 13 disposed in the housing 24 of the insert 7. This metal sleeve electrically contacts the protuberance 4a of the complementary shape connector housing with the metal layer, when the end of the strap strand 9 is attached between the horns 20 of the housing.

Grâce au connecteur électrique fixé à travers la paroi du boîtier pour faire partie intégrante de ladite paroi, un éventuel remplacement du bracelet est facile à réaliser sans nuire à l'étanchéité du boîtier fermé.Thanks to the electrical connector fixed through the wall of the housing to be an integral part of said wall, a possible replacement of the bracelet is easy to achieve without impairing the tightness of the closed housing.

La piste conductrice peut être un fil métallique ou une lame métallique dont l'extrémité est de forme complémentaire au trou borgne du connecteur.The conductive track may be a wire or a metal blade whose end is of complementary shape to the blind hole of the connector.

Claims (11)

  1. Portable object (1) including
    ○ a case (2, 3) in which there is arranged at least one electronic circuit (11) including at least one contact terminal (11 a),
    ○ a bracelet or wristband including at least one flexible strand (9) connected to the case,
    ○ at least one conductive path (6) integrated in said at least one flexible strand (9), and
    ○ an electrical connection means (4, 8) for electrically connecting said at least one conductive path (6) of the bracelet to said at least one contact terminal (11 a) of the electronic circuit (11),
    said electrical connection means including at least one electrical connection element (4) fixed in an insulated and sealed manner through a lateral wall (3) of the case to form an integral part of the lateral wall of the case, characterized in that:
    the connection element (4) includes an external portion (4a) and an internal portion (4b) which each project from the lateral wall (3) of the case, the external portion (4a) thus forms a protuberance from the external surface (23) of the lateral wall (3) of the case;
    in that one end of said at least one flexible bracelet strand includes a rigid insulating insert (7) through which the conductive path (6) passes,
    in that one surface (25) of the insert (7) and/or of the end of the bracelet strand facing an external surface (23) of the lateral wall of the case being intended to come into contact with the lateral wall of the case to prevent any rotation of the bracelet strand (9) at the connection of the end of the conductive path to the connection element, and
    in that the insert (7) includes a housing (24) traversed by the conductive path (6) or having a metallic layer or sleeve (13) connected to one end of the conductive path, the housing (24) being of complementary shape to the protuberance of the external portion (4a) of the connection element (4), for receiving said protuberance in order to insulate the electrical connection between the end of the conductive path (6) and the connection element (4) from environmental stresses.
  2. Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical connection element, which is a connector (4) of generally cylindrical shape, is fixed through a suitable aperture (12) in the wall of the case with an annular, semi-rigid, insulating gasket (5), which surrounds the connector.
  3. Portable object according to claim 2, characterized in that the connector and the annular gasket are driven into the aperture in the wall of the case.
  4. Portable object according to claim 3, characterized in that the aperture in the wall of the case receiving one portion of the connector and of the gasket includes two parts (12a, 12b) of generally cylindrical shape, a first part (12b) on the inner side of the case having a smaller diameter than a second part (12a) on the external side of the case, and in that the intermediate connector portion (4a, 4b) and the gasket surrounding the intermediate connector portion are of complementary cylindrical shape to the two cylindrical parts of the aperture to be driven into the aperture supported on a stop member between the first and second parts.
  5. Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical connection element, such as a connector, includes a blind hole (4c) open towards the exterior of the case for receiving one end (6a) of the metallic conductive path of complementary shape to the blind hole, the outlet of the blind hole having a conical flared portion for facilitating the insertion of the end of the conductive path.
  6. Portable object according to claim 5, characterized in that the end of the conductive path is in the form of a pin or strip to be housed inside the complimentarily-shaped blind hole of the connector, and in that the conductive path and the connector can be made of metallic material, such as stainless steel.
  7. Portable object according to any of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that a viscous protective material is arranged inside the blind hole of the connector.
  8. Portable object according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductive path defines an antenna for receiving and/or transmitting radio frequency signals, and in that the electronic circuit inside the case includes a means of receiving and/or transmitting radio frequency signals.
  9. Portable object according to claim 8, characterized in that the object includes two metallic connectors (4) fixed in an insulating and sealed manner through the wall (3) of the case, said connectors being arranged diametrically opposite each other in the wall of the case to each contact one of the two ends of the conductive path of the bracelet.
  10. Portable object according to claim 6, characterized in that the conductive path traverses the insert so that the end of the path is arranged in a direction of insertion into the blind hole corresponding to the longitudinal axis thereof when the surface of the insert comes into contact with the external surface of the wall of the case.
  11. Portable object according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic circuit is mounted on a printed circuit board (10), which includes a contact strip (8) connected to the contact terminal of the electronic circuit, said strip bending upon contact with an inner portion of the connector.
EP20030026428 2003-11-19 2003-11-19 Portable device with bracelet having electrical connecting means through the housing Expired - Lifetime EP1538697B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20030026428 EP1538697B1 (en) 2003-11-19 2003-11-19 Portable device with bracelet having electrical connecting means through the housing

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20030026428 EP1538697B1 (en) 2003-11-19 2003-11-19 Portable device with bracelet having electrical connecting means through the housing

Publications (2)

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EP1538697A1 EP1538697A1 (en) 2005-06-08
EP1538697B1 true EP1538697B1 (en) 2014-04-23

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106252877A (en) * 2016-07-29 2016-12-21 惠州Tcl移动通信有限公司 A kind of antenna attachment structure and there is the electronic equipment of this antenna attachment structure
WO2018129730A1 (en) * 2017-01-16 2018-07-19 深圳市大疆创新科技有限公司 Watch and watchband thereof
CN111722524A (en) * 2019-03-20 2020-09-29 雷纳塔股份公司 Wristwatch with battery integrated in fastener

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2553559A1 (en) * 1975-11-28 1977-06-02 Karl Fischer Spring loaded clamp connector for strips - has hook:shaped clamping spring with S:shaped clamping arm and held in insulating block
JPS60228983A (en) * 1984-04-26 1985-11-14 Citizen Watch Co Ltd Wristwatch with function
US5742256A (en) * 1993-05-07 1998-04-21 Seiko Epson Corporation Wristband having embedded electrically conductive members for a wrist-mountable type electronic device
SE511277C2 (en) * 1998-01-05 1999-09-06 Ericsson Telefon Ab L M Antenna connection

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106252877A (en) * 2016-07-29 2016-12-21 惠州Tcl移动通信有限公司 A kind of antenna attachment structure and there is the electronic equipment of this antenna attachment structure
CN106252877B (en) * 2016-07-29 2019-03-19 惠州Tcl移动通信有限公司 A kind of antenna attachment structure and the electronic equipment with the antenna attachment structure
WO2018129730A1 (en) * 2017-01-16 2018-07-19 深圳市大疆创新科技有限公司 Watch and watchband thereof
CN111722524A (en) * 2019-03-20 2020-09-29 雷纳塔股份公司 Wristwatch with battery integrated in fastener
CN111722524B (en) * 2019-03-20 2022-01-14 雷纳塔股份公司 Wristwatch with battery integrated in fastener
US11460815B2 (en) 2019-03-20 2022-10-04 Renata Ag Wristwatch with battery integrated in the clasp

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