CH709800B1 - Portable object with closure device. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable object (1) comprising a housing (2) forming an enclosure in which an apparatus (6) requiring a flow of air for its operation is arranged, characterized in that said housing (2) comprises at least a first opening, said portable object (1) further comprising a closure device (12). Since the portable object (1) is gas and liquid tight when the closure device (12) is closed, the user can open the closure device (12) to allow air to enter the enclosure. The portable object (1) can be a watch, a mobile telephone device or a touch pad.

Description

Description: [0001] The present invention relates to a portable object comprising a housing forming an enclosure in which an apparatus requiring an air flow for its operation is arranged.

PRIOR ART [0002] Portable objects such as watches or mobile telephone devices or touch tablets are known which are considered waterproof in order to be used in the aquatic environment. For this, said portable object is provided with a multitude of seals or solutions to ensure almost perfect sealing for both gas and liquids. In watchmaking, seals are generally used to seal between two moving parts, for example winding crown and crown tube, or between two fixed parts, for example bottom and middle. These seals are generally not completely gas-tight, but the permeability to these remains very low. Mainly gases consisting of very small molecules or highly soluble in the joints have a noticeable permeability.

However, there are applications in which this high gas tightness is a disadvantage. Indeed, for altimeter type applications or the use of a zinc-air feed, it is necessary to allow an air flow between the enclosure of the portable object in which the altimeter device and / or the Zinc air supply are arranged and the outside of the portable object.

If such objects exist, it is necessary to maintain the seal of said apparatus. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The present invention therefore seeks to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a portable object comprising a semi-sealed device that is to say letting the gas pass but not the liquids.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a portable object comprising a housing forming an enclosure in which an apparatus requiring a flow of air for its operation is arranged, characterized in that said housing comprises at least a first opening, said portable object further comprising a closure device provided with a valve system to allow or not the air to enter the enclosure by closing or not said opening.

In a first advantageous embodiment, said apparatus requiring a flow of air for its operation is a zinc-air battery.

In a second advantageous embodiment, said apparatus requiring an air flow for its operation is an altimeter.

In a third advantageous embodiment, the valve system comprises a movably mounted valve and connected to an actuator, said actuator comprising an arm at the free end of which the valve is fixed.

In a fourth advantageous embodiment, the actuator moves the valve in a translational movement.

In a fifth advantageous embodiment, the actuator is controlled by an electronic system arranged in the portable object.

In another advantageous embodiment, the valve system comprises a beam (106, 306) mounted pivotably on a base (108, 308), the base being disposed in the housing (2) and, said valve being movably mounted at a first end of the beam.

In another advantageous embodiment, the valve system further comprises a second opening in which is arranged a pusher, said pusher being attached to a second end of the beam so that an action on the pusher in a direction causes the valve to move in an opposite direction.

In another advantageous embodiment, the valve comprises a circular base to which part extends a rod whose free end is fixed to said beam, said base coming into contact with said housing to close it.

In another advantageous embodiment, the first opening comprises a recess zone having a smaller diameter section, said base coming into contact with said recess zone to close said housing.

In another advantageous embodiment, the valve is in the form of a cylinder terminated by a cone, the first opening having a similar shape so that the valve can be inserted into said first opening.

In another advantageous embodiment, the closure device further comprises a semi-waterproof membrane comprising a porous support on which a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable film is attached, the thickness of said film making it possible to modify the time for the balance of gases between the inside and the outside of the portable object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0018] The objects, advantages and characteristics of the device according to the present invention will appear more clearly in the following detailed description of at least one embodiment of the invention given solely by way of nonlimiting example and illustrated. by the attached drawings in which:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a first embodiment of the portable object according to the invention;

Fig. 2 schematically shows a first embodiment of a first embodiment of the portable object according to the invention;

Figs. 3 and 4 show schematically a second embodiment of a first embodiment of the portable object according to the invention;

Fig. 5 schematically shows a first embodiment of a second embodiment of the portable object according to the invention;

Fig. 6 schematically shows a first embodiment of a second embodiment of the portable object according to the invention;

Figs. 7 and 8 show schematically a second embodiment of a second embodiment of the portable object according to the invention;

Fig. 9 schematically represents a variant of the first and second embodiments of the portable object according to the invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0019] A portable object 1 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to 8. This portable object 1 can be in the form of a timepiece or a mobile phone or a smartphone or a touch pad.

This portable object 1 comprises a housing 2 forming an enclosure wherein an apparatus 4 requiring an air flow for its operation is arranged.

In a first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the apparatus 4 requiring air for its operation is an electric battery 6. This battery is for example of the zinc-air type, that is to say that it uses the oxygen of the air to oxidize the metal component and provide electricity. Such a zinc-air cell must be supplied with oxygen so as not to suffocate. On the other hand, the permeability to air, in particular to water vapor, must not be excessive, as it will dry or drown the battery and lose performance.

This battery is used to operate an electronic system 8 associated with display means 10. The electronic system 8 may further comprise control means and / or communications means.

Advantageously according to the invention, the portable object is further provided with a closure device 12 allowing the battery to be supplied with air while ensuring the portable object a liquid tightness.

In a first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the housing 2 of the portable object is arranged to include a first opening 102 and a second opening 104 located in the bottom of the housing. The first opening 102 and the second opening 104 are preferably circular. The closure device 12 is then in the form of a valve system 100. This valve system 100 comprises a beam 106 mounted to pivot on a base 108 via a pivot axis 106c. The base is disposed on the inner face 2a of the housing 2. The beam 106 has a first end 106a and a second end 106b.

The first end 106a is arranged to cooperate with a pusher 110, the pusher 110 to be inserted into the second opening 104, the first opening 102 being the opening allowing air to enter. This pusher 110 is a part whose section is identical to that of the second opening 104 so as to form a cylindrical piece. The cylindrical piece forming the pusher comprises an outer end 110a visible from the outside of the portable object and an inner end 110b. This inner end 110b of the pusher 110 is coupled to the beam 106 via a groove 110c so that the movement of the pusher causes the tilting of the beam.

It can be expected that the section of the pusher is not constant. Indeed, the second opening 104 may have a recess 104a of its diameter so that it decreases. This recess 104a of the diameter causes the appearance of a stop preventing the pusher 110 from sinking inside the housing 2.

At the second end of the beam, a valve 112 is arranged. This valve 112 is in the form of a circular base 114 to which part extends a rod 116 whose free end is fixed to the beam 106. The valve 112 is then used to close the first opening 102.

The first opening 102 may have a recess zone 102a having a smaller diameter section. This recess zone 102a is used to act with the valve 112 so as to open or close said opening 102.

Indeed, the valve 112 is integral with the beam 106 so that the tilting of the beam 106 relative to its pivot axis 106c causes a change in the position of the valve 112 relative to the recess zone 102a. Thus, when the pusher is pressed into the housing 2, the beam tilts on its pivot axis 106c. The valve 112 then moves in an opposite direction. In this specific case, the valve 112 moves away from the recess zone 102a allowing the air to enter the housing 2.

When the pusher 110 is pulled out of the housing 2, the beam 106 flips on its pivot axis 106c. The valve 112 then moves in an opposite direction, in this case, to approach the recess zone 102a. A contact is made between the recess zone 102a and the valve 112 to block the air and prevent it from entering the housing 2. The pusher 110 may be provided at its outer end 110a with a groove 110d to facilitate gripping of said pusher 110. It can be provided that when the pusher 110 is in the depressed position to allow the opening of the valve 112, said pusher 110 projects from the housing 2 to facilitate its gripping.

Cleverly, it can be expected that the valve system 100 can close automatically in case of contact with an aquatic environment. Indeed, when the valve 112 is in the open position, the air enters the interior of the housing. However, if the user suddenly plunges into an aquatic environment or forgets that the pusher is in the depressed position, the water can rush into the housing 2 and cause damage. As such, the beam 106 is made of a material having flexibility properties. This property makes it possible, when the portable object 1 is immersed in an aquatic environment, to have the pressure of the water which is exerted on the beam 106. This pressure causes a deformation of the beam 106 and therefore a displacement of the valve 112 that will be plated on the recess zone. The first opening 102 will then be closed and make the portable object 1 waterproof.

In another variant, it may be provided to install a seal 118 at the recess zone 102a. This seal 118 is inserted between the base 114 of the valve 112 and the recess zone 102a and provides a better seal to liquids.

In another variant, a stop 120 is arranged at the lower face 2a of the housing 2. This stop 120 is used to limit the travel of the valve 112.

In a second embodiment, the housing 2 of the portable object is arranged to include a first opening 202 allowing a large volume of air located in the bottom of the housing. The closure device 12 is then in the form of a valve system 200 controlled by an actuator. This valve system 200 comprises an actuator 204 connected by an arm 206 to a valve 208. The actuator is controlled by a microcontroller integrated in the electronic system 8, which can automatically control the actuator 204 or transmit a manual control from the user via control means. The actuator 204 then acts on the valve 208 by moving it in translation to close or open said first opening 202.

In a first alternative visible in FIG. 3, the valve is in the form of a circular base 210, part of which extends a rod 212 whose free end is fixed to the arm 206 and thus connected to the actuator 204. The first opening 202 then presents a recess zone 202a having a smaller diameter section. This recess zone 202a is used to act with the valve 208 so as to open or close said opening 202.

Indeed, when it is decided by the user or the microcontroller that the battery requires air, a command is sent to the actuator. This command orders the actuator 204 to act on the valve 208 to allow free access to the air. The actuator 204 then operates to, via the arm 206, move the valve 208. In this case where the cell requires air, the valve 208 is moved to move away from the recess zone 202a.

When it is decided by the user or the microcontroller that the battery has enough air or that it must be isolated from the external environment, a command is sent to the actuator 204. This command orders the actuator 204 to act on the valve 208 to close the access to the air. The actuator 204 then starts operating, via the arm 206, to move the valve 208. In this case, the valve 208 is moved so as to come into contact with the recess zone 202a and block access to the air.

In a variant of this first alternative, it may be provided to install a seal 214 at the recess zone 202a. This seal 214 is inserted between the base 210 of the valve 208 and the recess zone 202a and provides a better seal to liquids.

In a second alternative visible in FIG. 4, the valve 208 is in the form of shells 216, that is to say in the form of a cylinder terminated by a cone. The first opening 202 also has a shell shape so that the valve 208 can be inserted into the opening 202. As the valve 208 and the opening 202 have a similar shape, the valve 208 comes to bear on the part tapered opening providing improved closure efficiency.

Thus closing the first opening 202 by the valve 208 is by friction. Indeed, when it is decided by the user or the microcontroller that the battery has enough air or that it must be isolated from the external environment, a command is sent to the actuator 204. the actuator 204 to act on the valve 208 to close the access to the air. The actuator then starts to operate, via the arm, move the valve. As the valve and the first opening have a similar shape, the valve fits into the opening. This engagement of the valve in the opening causes a closure of the latter.

For the first and the second alternative, it can be expected to remedy the problems of accidental opening of the housing 2 in an unsuitable environment. Indeed, a false manipulation can happen or the microcontroller can detect a lack of oxygen and attempt to open the housing 2. Thus, to work around this problem, the actuator 204 will be sized so that the force it exerts for opening the first opening 202 is insufficient when a significant pressure is exerted on said valve 208. Thus, if the microcontroller tries to open the valve 208, the pressure exerted by the water makes it impossible for the valve 208 to move by the actuator 204.

In a second embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus requiring air for its operation 4 is an altimeter 7. Such an altimeter 7 may be mechanical or electronic and comprises a deformable membrane 7a.

In the case of a mechanical altimeter, it comprises a transmission mechanism 7b. The membrane 7a is able to deform mechanically under the effect of the external pressure then acting on the transmission device 7b. The transmission mechanism 7b thus transfers said deformation movement of the membrane 7a, representative of the pressure, to display means 10 displaying the value of the altitude.

In the case of an electronic altimeter (not shown), it comprises a transmission circuit 7c. The membrane 7a is able to deform mechanically under the effect of the external pressure then acting on the transmission circuit 7c. The transmission circuit 7c is an interface for converting the deformation of the membrane into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is processed so that display means 10 can use this signal to display the altitude information.

Advantageously according to the invention, the portable object 1 is further provided with a closure device 12 allowing the air to infiltrate the enclosure of the portable object so as to interact with the membrane 7a of the altimeter without the water seeping in.

In a first embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the housing 2 of the portable object is arranged to include a first opening 302 and a second opening 304 allowing a large volume of air located in the bottom of the housing. The first opening 302 and the second opening 304 are preferably circular. The closure device 12 is then in the form of a valve system 300. This valve system 300 comprises a beam 306 pivotally mounted on a base 308 via a pivot axis 306c. The base is disposed on the inner face 2a of the housing 2. The beam 306 has a first end 306a and a second end 306b.

The first end 306a is arranged to cooperate with a pusher 310, the pusher 310 to be inserted into the second opening. This pusher 310 is a part whose section is identical to that of the second opening 304 so as to form a cylindrical piece. The cylindrical piece forming the pusher comprises an outer end 310a visible from the outside of the portable object and an inner end 310b. This inner end 310b of the pusher 310 is coupled with the beam 306 via a groove 310c so that the movement of the pusher causes the tilting of the beam.

It can be expected that the section of the pusher is not constant. Indeed, the second opening 304 may have a recess 304a of its diameter so that it decreases. This recess 304a of the diameter causes the appearance of a stop preventing the pusher 310 from sinking inside the housing 2.

At the second end of the beam, a valve 312 is arranged. This valve 312 is in the form of a circular base 314 from which extends a rod 316 whose free end is fixed to the beam 306. The valve 312 is then used to close the first opening 302.

The first opening 302 may have a recess zone 302a having a smaller diameter section. This recess zone 302a is used to act with the valve 312 so as to open or close said opening 302.

Indeed, the valve 312 is secured to the beam 306 so that the tilting of the beam 306 relative to its pivot axis 306c causes a change in the position of the valve 312 relative to the recess zone 302a. Thus, when the pusher is pressed into the housing 2, the beam tilts on its pivot axis 306c. The valve 312 then moves in an opposite direction. In this specific case, the valve 312 moves away from the recess zone 302a letting air enter the housing 2.

When the pusher 310 is pulled out of the housing 2, the beam 306 tilts on its pivot axis 306c. The valve 312 then moves in an opposite direction, in this case, to approach the recess zone 302a. A contact is made between the recess zone 302a and the valve 312 to block the air and prevent it from entering the housing 2. The pusher 310 may be provided at its outer end 310a, a groove 31 Od for facilitate the gripping of said pusher 310. It may be provided that when the pusher 310 is in the depressed position to allow the opening of the valve 312, said pusher 310 protrudes from the housing 2 to facilitate its gripping.

Cleverly, it can be provided that the valve system 12 can close automatically in case of contact with an aquatic environment. Indeed, when the valve 312 is in the open position, the air returns inside the housing.

However, if the user suddenly plunges into an aquatic environment or forgets that the pusher is in the depressed position, the water can rush into the housing 2 and cause damage. As such, the beam 306 is made of a material having flexibility properties. This property makes it possible, when the portable object 1 is immersed in an aquatic environment, to have the pressure of the water which is exerted on the beam 306. This pressure causes deformation of the beam 306 and therefore a displacement of the valve 312 that will be tackled on the recess zone. The first opening 302 will then be closed and make the portable object 1 waterproof.

In another variant, it may be provided to install a seal 318 at the recess zone 302a. This seal 318 is inserted between the base 314 of the valve 312 and the recess zone 302a and provides a better seal to liquids.

In another variant, a stop 320 is arranged at the lower face 2a of the housing 2. This stop 320 is used to limit the travel of the valve 312.

In a second embodiment, the housing 2 of the portable object is arranged to include a first opening 402 allowing a large volume of air located in the bottom of the housing. The closure device 12 is then in the form of a valve system 400 controlled by an actuator. This valve system 400 includes an actuator 404 connected by an arm 406 to a valve 408. The actuator is controlled by a microcontroller integrated in the electronic system 8, which can automatically control the actuator 404 or transmit a manual control from the user via control means. The actuator 404 then acts on the valve 408 by moving it in translation to close or open said first opening 402.

In a first alternative visible in FIG. 7, the valve is in the form of a circular base 410 from which extends a rod 412 whose free end is fixed to the arm 406 and thus connected to the actuator 404. The first opening 402 then presents a recess zone 402a having a smaller diameter section. This recess zone 402a is used to act with the valve 408 so as to open or close said opening 402.

Indeed, when it is decided by the user or the microcontroller that the battery requires air, a command is sent to the actuator. This command orders the actuator 404 to act on the valve 408 to allow free access to the air. The actuator 404 then starts to operate, via the arm 406, to move the valve 408. In the case where the enclosure must be supplied with air for an altitude measurement, the valve 408 is moved in order to move away. of the recess zone 402a.

When it is decided by the user or the microcontroller that the battery has enough air or that it must be isolated from the outside environment, a command is sent to the actuator 404. This command orders the actuator 404 acting on the valve 408 to close the access to the air. The actuator 404 then starts operating, via the arm 406, to move the valve 408. In this case, the valve 408 is moved in order to come into contact with the recess zone 402a and block access to the air.

In a variant of this first alternative, it may be provided to install a seal 414 at the recess zone 402a. This seal 414 is inserted between the base 410 of the valve 408 and the recess zone 402a and provides a better seal to liquids.

In a second alternative visible in FIG. 8, the valve 408 is in the form of shells 416, that is to say in the form of a cylinder terminated by a cone. The first opening 402 also has a shell shape so that the valve 408 can be inserted in the opening 402. As the valve 408 and the opening 402 have a similar shape, the valve 408 bears on the part tapered opening providing improved closure efficiency.

Thus the closure of the first opening 402 by the valve 408 is by friction. Indeed, when it is decided by the user or the microcontroller that the altimeter must be isolated from the outside environment, a command is sent to the actuator 404. This command orders the actuator 404 to act on the valve 408 to close the access to the air. The actuator then starts to operate, via the arm, move the valve. As the valve and the first opening have a similar shape, the valve fits into the opening. This engagement of the valve in the opening causes a closure of the latter.

For the first and the second alternative, it can be expected to remedy the problems of accidental opening of the housing 2 in an unsuitable environment. Indeed, a wrong manipulation can happen or the microcontroller can detect a lack of oxygen and try to open the housing 2. Thus, to work around this problem, the actuator 404 will be sized so that the force it exerts for opening the first opening 402 is insufficient when a significant pressure is exerted on said valve 408. Thus, if the microcontroller tries to open the valve 408, the pressure exerted by the water makes it impossible for the valve 408 to be displaced by the actuator 404.

In a variant of the first and second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the housing of the portable object is arranged to include a high density membrane 500. This high density membrane is placed between the outside of the portable object and the flap systems 100, 200. For this, the opening in which a shoulder 202b is arranged. This shoulder 202b has a greater diameter than that of the opening 102.

The high-density membrane 500 also called "membrane supported" or "composite membrane" is composed of a film 504 made of a polymer material which retains 100% water but which is permeable to gases, as all plastics.

Thus, in order to use this film 504, it is then mandatory to deposit it on a support 502 which is also a much thicker membrane. This support membrane is porous so that air can pass, the only role of the support membrane 502 is mechanical since its sole purpose is to support the film 504 polymer. For example, a gore-tex® support membrane may be used.

In order to adjust the air flow through the high density membrane 500, the thickness of the film 504 is the parameter on which it is necessary to act. The more the film 504 will be thin and the higher the flow will be important but the film 504 will be more fragile and vice versa.

Typically, to have a time constant for the balance of the gases between the inside and the outside of the portable object of the order of one minute, the thickness of the film 18a must be the same. order of 10 micrometers.

This high density membrane is protected from the outside environment by a cover 506. This cover 506 can be screwed or clipped to the middle and use an O-ring seal 308 for sealing. Cover 506 includes orifices 507 allowing air to enter the housing.

This variant has the first advantage of having the closure valve always dry.

In addition, the fact of combining a flap system with a high density membrane avoids the risk of flooding during an unexpected opening. Indeed, as it is expected to have two sealing systems so that if the flap system is down or the user forgets to close it, the high density membrane is still there. This variant also allows the microcontroller to have control over the flow of air inside the watch.

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

Claims (12)

claims Portable object (1) comprising a housing (2) forming an enclosure in which an apparatus (6) requiring a flow of air for its operation is arranged, characterized in that said housing comprises at least a first opening (102, 202, 302, 402), said portable object further comprising a closing device (12) provided with a valve system (100, 200, 300, 400) to allow or not the air to enter the enclosure closing or not said opening. 2. Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that said apparatus requiring air for its operation is a zinc-air battery. 3. Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that said apparatus requiring air for its operation is an altimeter. 4. Portable object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve system (200, 400) comprising a valve (208, 408) movably mounted and connected to an actuator (204, 404), said actuator comprising a arm (206, 406) at the free end of which the valve is fixed. 5. Portable object according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuator moves the valve in a translational movement. 6. Portable object according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuator is controlled by an electronic system (8) arranged in the portable object. 7. Portable object according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the valve system (100, 300) comprises a beam (106, 306) pivotally mounted on a base (108, 308), the base being disposed in the housing (2) and said valve being movably mounted at a first end (106b, 306b) of the beam. 8. Portable object according to claim 7, characterized in that the valve system (100, 300) further comprising a second opening (104, 304) in which is arranged a pusher (110, 310), said pusher being attached to a second end (106a, 306a) of the beam so that an action on the pusher in one direction causes the valve to move in an opposite direction. 9. Portable object according to claim 7, characterized in that the valve (112, 208, 312, 408) comprises a circular base (114, 210, 314, 410) from which extends a rod (116, 212 , 316, 412) whose free end is fixed to said beam, said base coming into contact with said housing to close it. 10. Portable object according to claim 9, characterized in that the first opening (102, 202, 302, 402) comprises a recess zone (102a, 202a, 302a, 402a) having a smaller diameter section, said base entering in contact with said recess zone to close said housing. 11. Portable object according to claim 4, characterized in that the valve (208,408) is in the form of a cylinder terminated by a cone (216, 416), the first opening having a corresponding shape so that the valve can s insert into said first opening. 12. Portable object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure device (12) further comprises a semi-waterproof membrane (500) comprising a porous support (502) on which a film (504) permeable to gas and liquid impermeable is fixed, the thickness of said film to change the time for the balance of gas between the inside and the outside of the portable object.