CH707955B1 - System for detecting the closure of a box of a portable object. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable object (1) such as a watch comprising a middle part (2) closed by a bottom (3), in which an electronic module is placed, the electronic module comprising a plate (4) on which a circuit printed circuit (6) is fixed, the printed circuit carrying at least one contact zone (8) connected to at least one input of at least one integrated circuit (7), the integrated circuit providing at least one signal to an electronic device of signal processing, said portable object further comprising a detecting member (9) passing from at least a first position indicating that the bottom (3) is attached to the middle (2) at a second position indicating that the bottom n ' is not fixed to the middle part.

Description

Description: The invention relates to a portable object comprising a housing closed by a bottom and in which an electronic assembly is placed, said electronic assembly comprising a plate on which a printed circuit carrying at least one contact zone connected to at least one input of at least one integrated circuit is fixed, said at least one integrated circuit providing at least one time information to display means, the portable object further comprising a detection member adapted to have at least a first position indicating that the bottom is attached to the middle and a second position indicating that the bottom is not attached to the middle part.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] There is known a timepiece structure, in particular a watch, comprising at least one middle part and a bottom for enclosing an electronic or electrical module. This module is arranged to provide time information and to display them via display means such as hands or LCD displays. This module itself comprises a plate, a compartment of which is arranged for receiving an accumulator of electrical energy, in particular a battery. The plate can be arranged so that the compartment in which the electric energy accumulator is placed occupies almost the entire surface of the plate. For example, it is conceivable that the compartment of the plate occupies the entire surface of the latter with the exception of a peripheral portion defining said compartment. This allows the portable object to operate using a larger electrical energy accumulator and therefore potentially more powerful or having a longer life.

This module also comprises a printed circuit board fixed to the plate and on which electronic components such as at least one integrated circuit such as a microcontroller or a memory are arranged. These integrated circuits are used to provide time information such as the time or date that will be displayed.

However, during a battery change, the user must first configure the watch to enter a sleep mode. This standby mode is characterized by the display means which are arranged so that the hands are positioned at noon and for the LCD displays to turn off. This mode also includes a backup of the various parameters while continuing internally to count the time. A capacity can act as a battery for a certain period of time. This configuration is little known and complex because it requires entering the configuration modes of the watch.

Therefore, the user who changes the battery does not bother to enter the standby mode. Removing the battery then causes a cut in the power supply and therefore a stop of the functions of the watch. The time information is thus lost which forces the user to adjust the watch once the battery has been changed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The aim of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing to supply a portable object, in particular a watch whose change of the battery is simple because it does not require any further manipulation and more sure.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a portable object having a middle closed by a bottom, wherein an electronic module is placed, the electronic module comprising a plate on which a printed circuit is fixed, the printed circuit carrying at least a contact zone connected to at least one input of at least one integrated circuit, the integrated circuit providing at least one signal to an electronic signal processing device, said portable object further comprising a sensing element passing from at least one a first position indicating that the bottom is fixed to the middle part at a second position indicating that the bottom is not fixed to the middle part, characterized in that the detection member is arranged so that the bottom is, in one first or second positions of the sensing member, electrically connected to said at least one contact area, so that the transition from the first position to the second position causes a change of logic level at the input of the integrated circuit so that the electronic module automatically switches to a standby mode of operation.

In a first advantageous embodiment, the detection member comprises a spring metal spring having a first end and a second end, said plate comprising an orifice through which said spring engages to be fixed by said first end. to the printed circuit so as to be electrically connected to said at least one contact area.

In a second advantageous embodiment, said at least one contact zone comprises an electrical track connected to said at least one input of at least one integrated circuit and a metallization on which the second end of the spring is fixed.

In a third advantageous embodiment, the detection member comprises a helical spring having a first end attached to the printed circuit, a second end and a rod placed in the space formed by the inner diameter of the spring, the rod. having a first end on which a flat head is arranged and a second end attached to the second end of the spring, the rod also being arranged to pass through the platen and the printed circuit so that the head of the rod can be connected to the contact area.

In a fourth advantageous embodiment, said at least one contact zone comprises an electric track forming an open loop so that the flat head of the rod can close this loop.

In a fifth advantageous embodiment, the spring is helical.

In another advantageous embodiment, in the standby operation mode, at least one parameter is saved and the electronic signal processing device is turned off.

In another advantageous embodiment, the electronic signal processing device comprises at least one digital display.

In another advantageous embodiment, the electronic signal processing device further comprises at least one needle and in that the integrated circuit moves said at least one needle to a rest position in standby operation mode. .

In another advantageous embodiment, the portable object is a watch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIGS. 1 and 2 show schematically a first embodiment of the invention; figs. 3 and 4 show schematically a second embodiment of the invention; fig. 5 schematically shows a detection member according to the second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0018] The invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and in particular to the field of watches comprising at least one electronic or electrical circuit powered by an accumulator such as a battery or the like.

The invention relates to a structure 1 of timepiece 100, including a watch, comprising at least a middle 2 and a bottom 3 for enclosing an assembly or module 10 electronic or electrical visible in FIG. 1. This middle 2 closed by a bottom 3 allows for a watch case. This case is also closed by an ice cream. This module 10 is arranged to provide signals to an electronic signal processing device. The signals may be time information transmitted to display means such as digital LCD hands or displays. This module 10 itself comprises a plate 4, a compartment 41 is arranged for receiving an electric energy accumulator 5, including a battery. The plate 4 can be arranged so that the compartment 41 in which the electric energy accumulator is placed occupies almost the entire surface of the plate 4. For example, it is conceivable that the compartment 41 of the plate 4 occupies the entire surface of the latter with the exception of a peripheral portion defining said compartment 41. This allows the portable object to operate with a larger electric energy accumulator and therefore potentially more powerful or having a longer life.

This module 10 further comprises a printed circuit board 6 fixed to the plate 4 and on which at least one integrated circuit 7 and at least one electrical contact zone 8 are arranged. For example, the integrated circuit 7 is a microcontroller or a memory. The electronic module 10 can of course include a microcontroller and a memory.

According to the invention, the module 10 further comprises a detection member 9 closing the bottom 3. Preferably, this detection member 9 is an elastic detection member. This detection member is arranged to pass from at least a first position indicating that the bottom 3 is fixed to the middle part 2 at a second position indicating that the bottom 3 is not fixed to the middle part 2.

In a first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the detection member 9 is able to detect the presence of a bottom made of metal. In this case, the detection member 9 comprises a metal spring 91 fixed to the plate 4 as a contact piece. This spring 91 includes a first end 91a and a second end 91b. For this, the plate 4 is provided in the peripheral zone with a through hole 42. In this through hole 42, the detection member is placed. This spring 91 is fixed by its first end 91a to the printed circuit 6, in general on the face of the printed circuit 6 in contact with the plate 4. This printed circuit 6 is arranged so that the end of the spring forming the detection member is connected to the contact zone 8. For example, a contact zone 8 may be formed by an electrical track 81 on the printed circuit board 6 and a metallization 82 allowing the spring 91 fixed on the face of the printed circuit board 6 in contact with the plate 4 to be electrically connected with the electrical track 81.

As the bottom 3 is not attached to the middle part 2 as shown in FIG. 1, the second end 91b of the spring 91 is free, that is to say that it is not in contact with any element.

When the bottom 3 is fixed to the middle part 2 as shown in FIG. 2, the second end 91b of the spring 91 comes into contact with said bottom 3 and the spring 91 tends to contract. Therefore, the bottom 3 becomes electrically connected with the contact area 8 via the metal spring 91. A rising edge and a logic high level are detected by the integrated circuit 7 meaning that the bottom 3 is fixed.

When the bottom 3 is disengaged from the middle part 2, the stress exerted on the spring is no longer there and the second end 91b of the spring 91 is no longer in contact with said bottom 3. Therefore, the integrated circuit 7 detects a falling edge and a low logical level signifying that the bottom 3 is removed.

This detection of the falling edge and the low logical level signifying that the bottom 3 is removed is interpreted by the integrated circuit 7 as being a preliminary step to a battery change 5. This battery change implies that the electronic module 10 will be more supplied with electrical energy during a period of time. The electronic module 10 will then automatically go into a standby mode or "SLEEP". This standby mode is characterized by the electronic signal processing device that goes to sleep. The display means which are arranged so that the hands are positioned at noon and the LCD display (s) go out. This mode also includes a backup of the various parameters that can be settings or time settings while continuing internally to count the time. A capacity can act as a battery for a certain period of time.

This feature advantageously allows automation of the transition to standby mode which is fully automatic and transparent to the user who does not need to deal with it.

When the bottom 3 is again attached to the middle part 2, the bottom 3 is electrically connected to the contact area 8 via the metal spring 91. A rising edge and a logic high level are detected by the integrated circuit 7 him meaning that the bottom 3 is fixed. The integrated circuit 7 then switches from standby mode to normal mode in which the time, the time is displayed via the hands and / or LCD displays.

In a second embodiment in FIGS. 3 and 4, the detection member 9 is able to detect the presence of a bottom made of any material, in particular plastic. In this case, the detection member 9 comprises a spring 91 which may be metallic or not fixed to the plate 4. This spring 91 comprises a first end 91a and a second end 91b. For this, the plate 4 is provided in the peripheral zone with a through hole 42. In this through hole 42, the detection member 9 is placed. This detection member 9 is fixed by its first end 91a to the printed circuit 6, in general on the face of the printed circuit 6 in contact with the plate 4. This spring acts as a return piece.

Indeed, the detection member 9 visible in FIG. 5 further comprises a contact element 92. This element comprises a rod 93 having two rod ends 93a, 93b. At a first rod end 93a, a flat head 94 is arranged so that the second rod end 93b of the rod 93 is free. This rod 93 is placed in the space formed by the inner diameter of the helical spring 91. The free end of the rod 93 is attached to the second end 91b of the spring 91. The rod 93 is also arranged to be placed in the through hole 42 so that the head 94 of the rod 93 is connected to the contact zone. 8. For this, the printed circuit 6 also comprises a hole through which the rod 93 passes. This contact zone 8 is then formed by an electrical track 83 on the printed circuit board 6 which is cut in half by the hole. For example, this electrical track 83 forms a loop that the head 94 of the rod 93 can close or open.

When the bottom 3 is attached to the middle part 2 as shown in FIG. 4, the second end 91b of the spring 91 comes into contact with said bottom 3 and the spring 91 is then contracted. Therefore, the rod 93 attached to the spring 91 follows this contraction of the spring 91. Thus, the flat head of the rod 93 is not in contact with the contact zone 8. The electrical track 83 forming a loop is thus open. A falling edge and a logic low level or "0" are then detected. In the case of this second embodiment, such a logic level is interpreted as meaning that the background 3 is fixed.

When the bottom 3 is removed from the middle part 2 as shown in FIG. 3, the second end 91b of the spring 91 becomes free, that is to say that it is not in contact with any element. Therefore the spring 91 is no longer stressed and relaxes. As a result, the flat head 94 of the rod 93 comes into contact with the contact zone 8. The electric loop track 83 then closes. A rising edge and a logic high level or "1" are detected. In the case of this second embodiment, such a logic level is interpreted as meaning that the background 3 is no longer fixed.

This detection of the logic high level meaning that the bottom 3 is removed is interpreted by the integrated circuit 7 as being a preliminary step to a battery change 5. This change of battery 5 implies that the electronic module 10 will no longer be powered. in electrical energy during a period of time. The integrated circuit 7 will then automatically go into a standby mode or "SLEEP".

It will be understood that when the bottom 3 is again attached to the middle part, the flat head of the rod moves so that the loop formed by the electrical track opens. The integrated circuit 7 interprets a change of operating mode and then returns to normal mode.

The spring 91 can be attached to the printed circuit board 6 using glue or welding or brazing or any other possible methods.

Claims (10)

It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements and / or combinations obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. claims 1. Portable object (1) comprising a middle part (2) closed by a bottom (3), in which an electronic module (10) is placed, the electronic module comprising a plate (4) on which a printed circuit (6) is fixed, the printed circuit carrying at least one contact area (8) connected to at least one input of at least one integrated circuit (7), the integrated circuit providing at least one signal to an electronic signal processing device, said portable object further comprising a sensing member (9) passing from at least a first position indicating that the bottom (3) is attached to the middle part (2) at a second position indicating that the bottom is not attached to the middle part, characterized in that the sensing element (9) is arranged so that the bottom is, in one of the first or second positions of the sensing element (9), electrically connected to said at least one zone of contact (8), so that the passage of the first position in the second position causes a change of a logic level at the input of the integrated circuit so that the electronic module automatically switches to a standby mode of operation. 2. Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensing element (9) comprises a metal spring (91) having a first end (91a) and a second end (91b), said plate comprising an orifice (42). ) by which said spring (91) engages to be fixed by said first end to the printed circuit (6) so as to be electrically connected to said at least one contact area (8). 3. Portable object according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least one contact zone (8) comprises an electrical track (81) connected to said at least one input of at least one integrated circuit and a metallization (82) on which the first end (91a) of the spring (91) is fixed. Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensing element (9) comprises a helical spring (91) having a first end (91a) attached to the printed circuit (6), a second end (91b) and a shank (93) in the space formed by the inner diameter of the spring (91), the shank having a first shank end on which a flat head (94) is arranged and a second shank end (93b) attached to the second end (91b) of the spring (91), the rod (93) also being arranged to pass through the platen and the printed circuit so that the head of the rod can be connected to the contact zone (8). Portable object according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least one contact zone (8) comprises an electric track (83) forming an open loop so that the flat head of the rod can close this loop. 6. Portable object according to claim 2, characterized in that the spring is helical. Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the standby operation mode, at least one adjustment parameter or a time parameter is saved and the electronic signal processing device of the electronic module (10) is switched off. . 8. Portable object according to claim 7, characterized in that the electronic signal processing device comprises at least one digital display. 9. Portable object according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the electronic signal processing device further comprises at least one needle and in that the integrated circuit moves said at least one needle to a rest position. standby mode of operation. 10. Portable object according to one of the preceding claim, characterized in that it is a watch.