EP0074006B1 - Electronic hinged watch and process for manufacturing a sealing for said watch - Google Patents

Electronic hinged watch and process for manufacturing a sealing for said watch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0074006B1
EP0074006B1 EP82107708A EP82107708A EP0074006B1 EP 0074006 B1 EP0074006 B1 EP 0074006B1 EP 82107708 A EP82107708 A EP 82107708A EP 82107708 A EP82107708 A EP 82107708A EP 0074006 B1 EP0074006 B1 EP 0074006B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
watch
case
cases
isthmus
seal
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
Application number
EP82107708A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0074006A1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Jeannet
Raymond Froidevaux
Claude-André Gygax
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Omega SA
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Omega SA
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Publication date
Application filed by Omega SA filed Critical Omega SA
Publication of EP0074006A1 publication Critical patent/EP0074006A1/en
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Publication of EP0074006B1 publication Critical patent/EP0074006B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G17/00—Structural details; Housings
    • G04G17/08—Housings
    • G04G17/083—Watches distributed over several housings
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits
    • G04B37/084—Complete encasings for wrist or pocket watches without means for hermetic sealing of winding stem or crown
    • G04B37/086—Complete encasings for wrist or pocket watches without means for hermetic sealing of winding stem or crown for shaped watches

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an articulated electronic watch comprising a first and a second case connected by an articulation each of said cases comprising a bottom, a middle part and a seal placed between the bottom and the middle part, the two seals being connected l to each other at the location of the joint by a connection integral with them to form a seal in one piece and to a method of manufacturing said seal.
  • An articulated watch is already known from DE-U-1 974 325 which describes a bracelet whose links may include a mechanical watch and counter. More recent embodiments show wristwatches comprising a main case and links which contain push buttons or even a battery.
  • GB-A-1 574730 describes an electronic watch provided with hollow links containing keys and a battery. These links are made of plastic and are molded in one piece with the middle part of the main case itself closed by a crystal and a back. A conductive film connects the keys and the battery to the circuits of the watch passing inside the articulations located between the middle part and the first link and between the links themselves, these articulations being formed by a thinning of the plastic material. this place. This construction, if it has the merit of ensuring a good seal between the housing and the links, is not able to present a satisfactory aesthetic appearance due to the apparent use of plastic.
  • US-A-3,971,207 describes a gasket comprising a first elastic seal ensuring the tightness of the watch case and a connection to the outside thereof made of an elastic and flexible conductive material.
  • the seal described in the cited patent is not made in one piece from the moment we want to insulate the conductors metal parts of the various components of the watch case (see Figures 8 and 9 of the cited document).
  • the proposed construction makes it impossible to use a printed circuit with multiple conductors which can be soldered directly to the internal components of the watch.
  • the connections which are moreover limited to two, are made by pressing contact pieces on the current leads which are elastic. This form of connection is undesirable, especially for the supply from the battery because it causes a significant voltage drop.
  • the advantageous construction which will be described here and illustrated in particular by FIGS. 2a and 2b is not described or even suggested in the cited patent.
  • the present invention proposes to remedy the drawbacks cited by describing in claims 1 and 5 respectively an articulated electronic watch with gasket and a method of manufacturing said gasket which ensures a sealed passage of conductors from a housing. to the other of an articulated watch.
  • the articulated watch object of the present invention is shown in exploded view in Figure 1. It essentially consists of three main parts.
  • Part A is an arrangement of three boxes arranged one after the other.
  • Case 1 contains one or more batteries to supply power to the watch.
  • the central box 2 contains a mechanism allowing the analog display of the time with the circuits necessary for this display such as quartz, frequency dividers, time reset circuits, stepping motor, etc.
  • the housing 3 contains a liquid crystal display system and the circuits typically required for this display, such as the decoding circuits for example.
  • Part B constitutes the back of the watch.
  • the bottoms 4, and 6 are screwed into the middle parts of the housings 1, 2 and 3 respectively by means of screws 7.
  • the figure also shows that the bottoms 4, 5 and 6 are articulated to each other by means of the hinges 8.
  • this trim is made up of three seals 9, 10 and 11 which are pinched between the backs 4, 5 and 6 and the middle parts of cases 1, and 3 when the backs are screwed onto the middle parts for ensure complete sealing of the various compartments.
  • the seals are connected together at the location of the joint by a passage which is in the form of an isthmus 12.
  • FIG. 2a shows in a plan view the seal object of the invention.
  • the isthmus 12 connect the joints and serve as passages for the electrical conductors as can be seen in FIG. 2b, which is a section on a 2x scale according to A-A in FIG. 2a and where a tunnel 14 is shown.
  • Figure 2c is a section on B-B of Figure 2a and shows that the thickness of the seal 10 is the same as that of the isthmus 12, at least in the embodiment shown here.
  • this packing is made in one piece and can be molded in a single operation.
  • rubber or any suitable plastic material will be used.
  • To shape the opening 14, a drawer will be placed in the mold as is generally known in molding techniques. Once the drawer is removed, we will be in the presence of the desired tunnels.
  • the flexible printed circuit 13 in one piece is then introduced through the tunnels 14 of the isthmus 12 from the interior of the seal 10 through the isthmus 12, each end of the circuit then emerging in good place in the frames formed by the seals 9 and 11, as can be seen if we refer again to FIG. 1.
  • Another method of manufacturing the lining C could be used by directly overmolding the latter on a network of conductors 26 forming a grid and placed directly in the mold. If such a method is used, it will be understood that the conductors 26 will be trapped in the isthmus 12.
  • Figures 3a and 3b are longitudinal sections made in the articulated watch shown in Figure 1 of which only the housing 3 and a part of the housing 2 have been shown.
  • the seal 11 is sandwiched between the bottom 6 and the middle 15 of the housing 3.
  • the seal 10 is pinched between the bottom 5 and the middle 16 of the housing 2
  • the seals 10 and 11 are connected together by the isthmus 12 which the flexible printed circuit 13 crosses.
  • FIG. 3a shows the boxes 2 and 3 arranged in the extension of one another.
  • the isthmus 12 due to its flexibility, is mounted on the back of a donkey as shown.
  • FIG. 3b on the contrary, the housings 2 and 3 are inclined relative to each other, the angular travel being limited by the nozzles 17 and 18 practiced respectively in the bottoms 5 and 6.
  • the isthmus takes the rounded position shown in the figure.
  • the two figures show that the boxes are closed by the glass 19 and 20, that under the glass 20, at location 21, can be accommodated an analog display gauge and that under the glass 19, at location 22, a digital display module can be accommodated.
  • Currure 15 includes a device 25 which will be used to attach a bracelet (not shown).
  • the articulated watch described here is not limited to the combination which has been illustrated. We could imagine many others which would include other links which could include, for example, a sound diffuser, push buttons, a calculator, a temperature sensor, a compass, etc. The essential remains however that to carry out such a construction, a safe and reliable solution must be found to electrically link the various links to ensure a perfect seal.
  • a safe and reliable solution must be found to electrically link the various links to ensure a perfect seal.
  • Such a solution has just been described which uses a sealing gasket composed of air seals sealing connected together by isthmus, said lining ensuring both the sealing of the cases used in the composition of the watch at the same time as it allows a sealed passage of the electrical conductors from one case to another.

Abstract

A jointed electronic watch comprises a plurality of watch cases each capable of bearing a different type of display and an energy source. Between the back covers (4, 5, 6) and case bands of each case are sandwiched seals (9, 10, 11) which are coupled together by isthmuses (12) at the line of articulation of the back covers and which are formed as a single piece. Within the isthmuses are arranged electrical conductors adapted to couple together the various electronic components within the plurality of cases.

Description

L'invention est relative à une montre électronique articulée comprenant un premier et un deuxième boîtiers reliés par une articulation chacun desdits boîtiers comportant un fond, une carrure et un joint d'étanchéité disposé entre le fond et la carrure, les deux joints étant reliés l'un à l'autre à l'endroit de l'articulation par une connexion faisant corps avec eux pour former une garniture d'étanchéité en une pièce et à un procédé de fabrication de ladite garniture.The invention relates to an articulated electronic watch comprising a first and a second case connected by an articulation each of said cases comprising a bottom, a middle part and a seal placed between the bottom and the middle part, the two seals being connected l to each other at the location of the joint by a connection integral with them to form a seal in one piece and to a method of manufacturing said seal.

Une montre articulée est déjà connue par DE-U-1 974 325 qui décrit un bracelet dont les maillons peuvent comporter une montre et un compteur mécaniques. Des réalisations plus récentes font état de montres-bracelets comprenant un boîtier principal et des maillons qui renferment des boutons-poussoirs ou encore une pile.An articulated watch is already known from DE-U-1 974 325 which describes a bracelet whose links may include a mechanical watch and counter. More recent embodiments show wristwatches comprising a main case and links which contain push buttons or even a battery.

Le brevet GB-A-1 574730 décrit une montre électronique munie de maillons creux contenant des touches et une pile. Ces maillons sont réalisés en plastique et sont moulés en une seule pièce avec la carrure du boîtier principal lui-même fermé par une glace et un fond. Une pellicule conductrice relie les touches et la pile aux circuits de la montre en passant à l'intérieur des articulations situées entre la carrure et le premier maillon et entre les maillons eux-mêmes, ces articulations étant formées par un amincissement de la matière plastique à cet endroit. Cette construction, si elle a le mérite d'assurer une bonne étanchéité entre le boîtier et les maillons, n'est pas à même de présenter un aspect esthétique satisfaisant de fait de l'utilisation apparente de matière plastique.GB-A-1 574730 describes an electronic watch provided with hollow links containing keys and a battery. These links are made of plastic and are molded in one piece with the middle part of the main case itself closed by a crystal and a back. A conductive film connects the keys and the battery to the circuits of the watch passing inside the articulations located between the middle part and the first link and between the links themselves, these articulations being formed by a thinning of the plastic material. this place. This construction, if it has the merit of ensuring a good seal between the housing and the links, is not able to present a satisfactory aesthetic appearance due to the apparent use of plastic.

L'arrangement décrit dans le brevet US―A―3,973,706 montre une pile qui est logée dans un maillon en matière plastique d'un bracelet métallique. La connexion entre la pile et les circuits de la montre est réalisée à l'aide de languettes élastiques dont les extrémités sont disposées dans une fiche de contact. Cette fiche de contact s'engage à travers la carrure-lunette avec des bornes de contact réalisant ainsi une connexion à fiches. Si la construction décrite vise avant tout un remplacement aisé de la pile, elle ne saurait être appliquée à la montre articulée objet de la présente invention car elle prendrait trop de place dès lors que plus de deux conducteurs sont nécessaires.The arrangement described in US patent ― A ― 3,973,706 shows a battery which is housed in a plastic link of a metal bracelet. The connection between the battery and the watch circuits is carried out using elastic tabs, the ends of which are arranged in a contact plug. This contact card engages through the middle-bezel with contact terminals thus achieving a plug connection. If the construction described aims above all an easy replacement of the battery, it cannot be applied to the articulated watch object of the present invention because it would take up too much space when more than two conductors are necessary.

De nombreuses autres solutions ont été proposées pour traverser le boîtier d'une montre avec des conducteurs électriques. Ainsi, dans le brevet FR-A-1 137 844 où la source de courant est loguée à l'intérieur du bracelet, il est illustré un moyen pour relier cette source au circuit électrique de la montre. On s'aperçoit cependant qu'aucun moyen n'a été mis en oeuvre pour assurer l'étanchéité de la montre à l'endroit du passage de ces conducteurs. On constate en particulier que les conducteurs sont pris en sandwich entre deux surfaces, ce qui n'amène pas à une étanchéité suffisante.Many other solutions have been proposed for crossing the case of a watch with electrical conductors. Thus, in patent FR-A-1,137,844 where the current source is housed inside the bracelet, there is illustrated a means for connecting this source to the electrical circuit of the watch. However, it can be seen that no means has been used to seal the watch at the point where these conductors pass. We note in particular that the conductors are sandwiched between two surfaces, which does not lead to sufficient sealing.

US-A-3,971,207 décrit une garniture d'étanchéité comportant un premier joint élastique assurant l'étanchéité de la boîte de la montre et une liaison vers l'extérieur de celle-ci réalisée en une matière conductrice élastique et flexible. Cependant, contrairement à ce qu'enseigne la présente invention et comme cela apparaîtra par la suite, la garniture d'étanchéité décrite dans le brevet cité n'est pas faite en une seule pièce dès l'instant où l'on veut isoler les conducteurs des parties métalliques des divers constituants de la boîte de montre (voir figures 8 et 9 du document cité). De plus, la construction proposée rend impossible l'utilisation d'un circuit imprimé à conducteurs multiples qui puissent être soudés directement sur les composants internes de la montre. Dans le brevet cité en effet, les connexions, par ailleurs limitées à deux, sont réalisées par appui de pièces de contacts sur les amenées de courant qui sont élastiques. Cette forme de connexions n'est pas souhaitable, surtout pour l'alimentation en provenance de la pile car elle provoque une chute de tension non négligeable. Ainsi, la construction avantageuse qui sera décrite ici et illustrée en particulier par les figures 2a et 2b n'est pas décrite ni même suggérée dans le brevet cité.US-A-3,971,207 describes a gasket comprising a first elastic seal ensuring the tightness of the watch case and a connection to the outside thereof made of an elastic and flexible conductive material. However, contrary to what the present invention teaches and as will appear later, the seal described in the cited patent is not made in one piece from the moment we want to insulate the conductors metal parts of the various components of the watch case (see Figures 8 and 9 of the cited document). In addition, the proposed construction makes it impossible to use a printed circuit with multiple conductors which can be soldered directly to the internal components of the watch. In the patent cited in fact, the connections, which are moreover limited to two, are made by pressing contact pieces on the current leads which are elastic. This form of connection is undesirable, especially for the supply from the battery because it causes a significant voltage drop. Thus, the advantageous construction which will be described here and illustrated in particular by FIGS. 2a and 2b is not described or even suggested in the cited patent.

La présente invention se propose de remédier aux inconvénients cités en décrivant dans les revendications 1 et 5 respectivement une montre électronique articulée avec garniture d'étanchéité et un procédé de fabrication de ladite garniture d'étanchéité qui assure un passage étanche de conducteurs d'un boîtier à l'autre d'une montre articulée.The present invention proposes to remedy the drawbacks cited by describing in claims 1 and 5 respectively an articulated electronic watch with gasket and a method of manufacturing said gasket which ensures a sealed passage of conductors from a housing. to the other of an articulated watch.

L'invention sera mieux comprise maintenant à la lumière de la description qui suit et pour l'intelligence de laquelle on se référera, à titre d'exemple, au dessin dans lequel:

  • La figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée de la montre articulée selon l'invention.
  • La figure 2a est une vue en plan de la garniture d'étanchéité montée dans la montre et les figures 2b et 2c sont des coupes selon les flèches A-A et B-B de la figure 2a respectivement.
  • La figure 3a est une vue en coupe de la montre quand deux de ces boîtiers sont disposés en prolongement l'un de l'autre.
  • La figure 3b est une vue en coupe de la montre quand deux de ces boîtiers son inclinés l'un par rapport à l'autre.
The invention will now be better understood in the light of the following description and for the understanding of which reference will be made, by way of example, to the drawing in which:
  • Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the articulated watch according to the invention.
  • Figure 2a is a plan view of the seal fitted in the watch and Figures 2b and 2c are sections along the arrows AA and BB of Figure 2a respectively.
  • Figure 3a is a sectional view of the watch when two of these cases are arranged in extension of one another.
  • Figure 3b is a sectional view of the watch when two of these housings are inclined relative to each other.

La montre articulée objet de la présente invention est présentée en vue éclatée sur la figure 1. Elle se compose essentiellement de trois parties principales.The articulated watch object of the present invention is shown in exploded view in Figure 1. It essentially consists of three main parts.

La partie A est un arrangement de trois boîtiers disposés les uns à la suite des autres. Le boîtier 1 contient une ou plusieurs piles pour assurer l'alimentation de la montre. Le boîtier central 2 contient un mécanisme permettant l'affichage analogique de l'heure avec les circuits nécessaires à cet affichage tel que quartz, diviseurs de fréquence, circuits de remise à l'heure, moteur pas à pas, etc. Le boîtier 3 contient un système d'affichage à cristaux liquides et les circuits typiquement nécessaires à cet affichage, comme les circuits de décodage par exemple.Part A is an arrangement of three boxes arranged one after the other. Case 1 contains one or more batteries to supply power to the watch. The central box 2 contains a mechanism allowing the analog display of the time with the circuits necessary for this display such as quartz, frequency dividers, time reset circuits, stepping motor, etc. The housing 3 contains a liquid crystal display system and the circuits typically required for this display, such as the decoding circuits for example.

La partie B constitue le fond de la montre. Les fonds 4, et 6 viennent se visser dans les carrures des boîtiers 1, 2 et 3 respectivement au moyen de vis 7. La figure montre également que les fonds 4, 5 et 6 sont articulés l'un à l'autre au moyen des charnières 8.Part B constitutes the back of the watch. The bottoms 4, and 6 are screwed into the middle parts of the housings 1, 2 and 3 respectively by means of screws 7. The figure also shows that the bottoms 4, 5 and 6 are articulated to each other by means of the hinges 8.

On trouve disposée entre les carrures des boîtiers 1, 2 et 3 et les fonds 4, 5 et 6 une garniture d'étanchéité C objet de la présente invention qui a pour but d'empêcher la pénétration d'eau ou de pousière à l'intérieur de la montre de même que d'assurer le passage étanche des conducteurs électriques qui relient les boîtiers les uns aux autres. Comme on le voit sur la figure 1, cette garniture se compose de trois joints 9,10 et 11 qui viennent pincés entre les fonds 4, 5 et 6 et les carrures de boîtiers 1, et 3 lorsque les fonds sont vissés sur les carrures pour assurer la totale étanchéité des divers compartiments. Les joints d'étanchéité sont reliés ensemble à l'endroit de l'articulation par un passage qui se présente sous la forme d'un isthme 12. Ces passages font corps avec les joints et sont réalisés en une seule pièce avec eux pour aboutir à une garniture d'étanchéité C qui est fabriquée en une seule opération. A l'intérieur de l'isthme 12 passent les conducteurs électriques 26 qui font partie intégrante d'un circuit imprimé souple 13, lui-même également fait en une pièce unique.There is disposed between the shoulders of the housings 1, 2 and 3 and the bottoms 4, 5 and 6 a seal C object of the present invention which aims to prevent the penetration of water or dust to the inside the watch as well as ensuring the watertight passage of the electrical conductors which connect the boxes to each other. As can be seen in FIG. 1, this trim is made up of three seals 9, 10 and 11 which are pinched between the backs 4, 5 and 6 and the middle parts of cases 1, and 3 when the backs are screwed onto the middle parts for ensure complete sealing of the various compartments. The seals are connected together at the location of the joint by a passage which is in the form of an isthmus 12. These passages are integral with the seals and are made in one piece with them to result in a gasket C which is produced in a single operation. Inside the isthmus 12 pass the electrical conductors 26 which are an integral part of a flexible printed circuit 13, itself also made in a single piece.

La figure 2a montre dans une vue en plan la garniture d'étanchéité objet de l'invention. On y retrouve les joints 9, 10 et 11 servant à rendre étanches les boîtes de montre. Les isthmes 12 relient les joints et servent de passages aux conducteurs électriques comme on peut le voir dans la figure 2b, qui est une coupe à l'échelle 2x selon A-A de la figure 2a et où un tunnel 14 est représenté. La figure 2c quant à elle est une coupe selon B-B de la figure 2a et montre que l'épaisseur du joint 10 est la même que celle des isthmes 12, tout au moins dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté ici. On l'a déjà dit, cette garniture est faite d'une seule pièce et peut être moulée en une seule opération. Afin de réaliser à la fois la fonction d'étanchéité et la fonction de flexibilité, on utilisera du caoutchouc ou toute matière plastique convenable. Pour façonner l'ouverture 14, on disposera dans le moule un tiroir comme cela est généralement connu das les techniques de moulage. Une fois le tiroir enlevé, on sera en présence des tunnels désirés.Figure 2a shows in a plan view the seal object of the invention. There are seals 9, 10 and 11 used to seal the watch cases. The isthmus 12 connect the joints and serve as passages for the electrical conductors as can be seen in FIG. 2b, which is a section on a 2x scale according to A-A in FIG. 2a and where a tunnel 14 is shown. Figure 2c is a section on B-B of Figure 2a and shows that the thickness of the seal 10 is the same as that of the isthmus 12, at least in the embodiment shown here. As already said, this packing is made in one piece and can be molded in a single operation. In order to achieve both the sealing function and the flexibility function, rubber or any suitable plastic material will be used. To shape the opening 14, a drawer will be placed in the mold as is generally known in molding techniques. Once the drawer is removed, we will be in the presence of the desired tunnels.

Le circuit imprimé souple 13 d'un seul tenant est alors introduit par les tunnels 14 des isthmes 12 depuis l'intérieur du joint 10 à travers les isthmes 12, chacune des extrémités du circuit émergeant ensuite en bonne place dans les cadres formés par les joints 9 et 11, comme on peut le voir si on se reporte à nouveau à la figure 1.The flexible printed circuit 13 in one piece is then introduced through the tunnels 14 of the isthmus 12 from the interior of the seal 10 through the isthmus 12, each end of the circuit then emerging in good place in the frames formed by the seals 9 and 11, as can be seen if we refer again to FIG. 1.

On pourrait utiliser une autre méthode de fabrication de la garniture C en surmoulant directement celle-ci sur un réseau de conducteurs 26 formant grille et disposé directement dans le moule. Si une telle méthode est utilisée, on comprendra que les conducteurs 26 se trouveront emprisonnés dans l'isthme 12.Another method of manufacturing the lining C could be used by directly overmolding the latter on a network of conductors 26 forming a grid and placed directly in the mold. If such a method is used, it will be understood that the conductors 26 will be trapped in the isthmus 12.

Les figures 3a et 3b sont des coupes longitudinales pratiquées dans la montre articulée montrée en figure 1 dont seuls le boîtier 3 et un partie du boîtier 2 ont été représentés. On voit comment le joint d'étanchéité 11 est pris en sandwich entre le fond 6 et la carrure 15 du boîtier 3. De même, on voit comment le joint d'étachéité 10 est pincé entre le fond 5 et la carrure 16 du boîtier 2. Les joints 10 et 11 sont reliés ensemble par l'isthme 12 que traverse le circuit imprimé souple 13.Figures 3a and 3b are longitudinal sections made in the articulated watch shown in Figure 1 of which only the housing 3 and a part of the housing 2 have been shown. We see how the seal 11 is sandwiched between the bottom 6 and the middle 15 of the housing 3. Similarly, we see how the seal 10 is pinched between the bottom 5 and the middle 16 of the housing 2 The seals 10 and 11 are connected together by the isthmus 12 which the flexible printed circuit 13 crosses.

Là figure 3a montre les boîtiers 2 et 3 disposés dans le prolongement l'un de l'autre. A ce moment, l'isthme 12 de par sa flexibilité se met en dos d'âne comme représenté. Dans la figure 3b au contraire, les boîtiers 2 et 3 sont inclinés l'un par rapport à l'autre, la course angulaire étant limitée par les becs 17 et 18 pratiqués respectivement dans les fonds 5 et 6. Dans ce cas, l'isthme prend la position arrondie représentée dans la figure. Les deux figures montrent que les boîtiers sont fermés par les glaces 19 et 20, que sous la glace 20, à l'emplacement 21, peut être logé un calibre d'affichage analogique et que sous la glace 19, à l'emplacement 22, peut être logé un module d'affichage digital. Les conducteurs 26 situés dans un plan se trouvant au niveau de la garniture d'étanchéité sont connectés aux divers composants électroniques par l'intermédiaire d'étoiles de connexion que l'on peut voir à la figure 1 sous référence 23. Enfin, un soufflet 24 cache les articulations et les isthmes qui leur sont superposés. La currure 15 comporte un dispositif 25 qui servira à attacher un bracelet (non représçnté).There Figure 3a shows the boxes 2 and 3 arranged in the extension of one another. At this time, the isthmus 12, due to its flexibility, is mounted on the back of a donkey as shown. In FIG. 3b, on the contrary, the housings 2 and 3 are inclined relative to each other, the angular travel being limited by the nozzles 17 and 18 practiced respectively in the bottoms 5 and 6. In this case, the isthmus takes the rounded position shown in the figure. The two figures show that the boxes are closed by the glass 19 and 20, that under the glass 20, at location 21, can be accommodated an analog display gauge and that under the glass 19, at location 22, a digital display module can be accommodated. The conductors 26 located in a plane located at the level of the seal are connected to the various electronic components by means of connection stars which can be seen in FIG. 1 under reference 23. Finally, a bellows 24 hides the joints and the isthmus which are superimposed on them. Currure 15 includes a device 25 which will be used to attach a bracelet (not shown).

On comprendra que le fait de juxtaposer plusieurs boîtiers de montre faisant office en même temps de maillons d'un bracelet permet de proposer une montre élégante, très plate puisque les divers éléments qui la composent peuvent être répartis judicieusement dans l'espace mis à disposition. Dans l'exemple donné, les éléments encombrants que sont les piles ont été rejetés dans un maillon à part, ce qui a permis d'utiliser l'escape laissé libre dans le boîtier central pour loger des éléments électroniques. De même, c'est dans un-maillon latéral qui présente l'affichage numérique qu'il a été possible de loger les circuits de commande de cet affichage, ce qui a permis de réduire au minimum le nombre de conducteurs qui doivent traverser l'isthme. On notera aussi que la disposition proposée permet de changer les piles sans avoir à ouvrir un des boîtiers contenant les affichages, ce qui est un avantage.It will be understood that the fact of juxtaposing several watch cases acting at the same time as links of a bracelet makes it possible to propose an elegant watch, very flat since the various elements which compose it can be judiciously distributed in the space made available. In the example given, the bulky elements that are the batteries were rejected in a separate link, which made it possible to use the escape left free in the central box to house electronic elements. Likewise, it was in a side link which presents the digital display that it was possible to accommodate the control circuits of this display, which made it possible to minimize the number of conductors that must cross the isthmus. It will also be noted that the proposed arrangement makes it possible to change the batteries without having to open one of the boxes containing the displays, which is an advantage.

La montre articulée décrite ici n'est pas limitée à la combinaison qui a été illustrée. On pourrait en imaginer beaucoup d'autres qui comprendraient d'autres maillons pouvant comporter, par exemple, un diffuseur sonore, des boutons-poussoirs, une calculatrice, un senseur de température, une boussole, etc. L'essentiel reste cepen dant que pour mener à bien une telle construction, une solution sûre et fiable doit être trouvée pour lier électriquement les divers maillons afin d'assurer une étanchéité parfaite. Une telle solution vient d'être décrite qui fait appel à une garniture d'étanchétité composée de joints d'étanchéité reliés ensemble par des isthmes, ladite garniture assurant à la fois l'étanchéité des boîtiers entrant dans la composition de la montre en même temps qu'elle permet un passage étanche des conducteurs électriques d'un boîtier à l'autre.The articulated watch described here is not limited to the combination which has been illustrated. We could imagine many others which would include other links which could include, for example, a sound diffuser, push buttons, a calculator, a temperature sensor, a compass, etc. The essential remains however that to carry out such a construction, a safe and reliable solution must be found to electrically link the various links to ensure a perfect seal. Such a solution has just been described which uses a sealing gasket composed of air seals sealing connected together by isthmus, said lining ensuring both the sealing of the cases used in the composition of the watch at the same time as it allows a sealed passage of the electrical conductors from one case to another.

Claims (5)

1. Articulated electronic watch comprising a first (2) and a second (3) watch-case coupled by an articulation (8), each of said cases comprising a back cover (5, 6), a case-band (16, 15) and a seal (10, 11) located between the back cover and the case-band, the two seals being coupled together at the place of articulation by a connexion integral therewith so as to form a waterproof seal in one piece, characterized in that the connexion is an isthmus (12) formed of the same material as the seals thereby to assure a sealed passage for electric bindings between the two watch-cases'(2, 3).
2. Articulated. electronic watch as set forth in claim 1, characterized by the fact that a tunnel (14) is arranged within the isthmus (12) adapted to accommodate a flexible printed circuit (13) bearing said conductors.
3. Articulated electronic watch as set forth in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the conductors (26) are held within the isthmus by overmold- ing of material constituting the seal.
4. Articulated electronic watch as set forth in claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a third watch-case (1) connected to the first case (2) by a further articulation (8) in such a manner that the first case (central case) is located between the second and the third cases, the third case also comprising a back cover (4), a case-band and a seal (9) located therebetween, the seals of the first and third cases being connected at the place of the further articulation (8) by a further isthmus (12) integrated with the seals of the first and third cases so as to form said waterproof seal constituted by said material, conductors being located within said further isthmus, and by the fact that the central case (2) comprises analog display means, one of the two other cases (first lateral case) (3) comprising digital display means and the other of the two other cases (second lateral case) (1) comprising the energy source.
5. A method of manufacture of the waterproof seal of the articulated electronic watch as defined in claim 1, characterized by the fact that one molds in a single operation the seals (10, 11) and the isthmus (12) joining them so as to form the waterproof seal as a single piece.
EP82107708A 1981-08-25 1982-08-23 Electronic hinged watch and process for manufacturing a sealing for said watch Expired EP0074006B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH5463/81 1981-08-25
CH546381A CH647916GA3 (en) 1981-08-25 1981-08-25

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EP0074006A1 EP0074006A1 (en) 1983-03-16
EP0074006B1 true EP0074006B1 (en) 1986-02-26

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US (1) US4412751A (en)
EP (1) EP0074006B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS5842987A (en)
CH (1) CH647916GA3 (en)
DE (1) DE3269392D1 (en)
HK (1) HK21491A (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4412751A (en) 1983-11-01
EP0074006A1 (en) 1983-03-16
HK21491A (en) 1991-03-28
JPS5842987A (en) 1983-03-12
CH647916GA3 (en) 1985-02-28
JPS6145189B2 (en) 1986-10-07
DE3269392D1 (en) 1986-04-03

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