EP1179192A1 - Hinged electronic watch - Google Patents

Hinged electronic watch

Info

Publication number
EP1179192A1
EP1179192A1 EP00920326A EP00920326A EP1179192A1 EP 1179192 A1 EP1179192 A1 EP 1179192A1 EP 00920326 A EP00920326 A EP 00920326A EP 00920326 A EP00920326 A EP 00920326A EP 1179192 A1 EP1179192 A1 EP 1179192A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
boxes
articulated
watch according
bar
articulated watch
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP00920326A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1179192B1 (en
Inventor
Claude Ray
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.)
Timentel Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Timentel Pty Ltd
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 Timentel Pty Ltd filed Critical Timentel Pty Ltd
Publication of EP1179192A1 publication Critical patent/EP1179192A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1179192B1 publication Critical patent/EP1179192B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C17/00—Indicating the time optically by electric means
    • 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
    • G04B37/0008—Cases for pocket watches and wrist watches
    • G04B37/0058—Cases for pocket watches and wrist watches for shaped watches
    • 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
    • G04B37/0083—Cases for more than one clockwork
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/008—Mounting, assembling of components
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G17/00—Structural details; Housings
    • G04G17/08—Housings
    • G04G17/083—Watches distributed over several housings

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an articulated electronic watch, that is to say comprising two juxtaposed boxes which are assembled to each other in an articulated manner.
  • the present invention aims to allow the production of a watch comprising several clearly separated boxes, but having a particularly light appearance, allowing many variants, easily adaptable to the wearer's arm and making it possible to seal by simple means. .
  • an articulated watch of the type comprising:
  • This watch is characterized in that said connecting means are formed by two bars which are arranged on either side of the boxes, which include an internal channel for the passage of electrical conductors and whose ends are mounted free to rotate, but locked in translation, in four holes made in the middle of the boxes along two substantially parallel axes, at the rate of two coaxial holes per box.
  • the ends of the bars are provided with a seal placed inside a groove formed in their part which passes through the bore of the middle part, while the ends of the channels opening into the boxes are closed. tightly.
  • the channels can also be filled with an organic material in which the electrical conductors are embedded.
  • each bar has an end portion projecting inside the boxes which has a groove cooperating with a key in order to prevent axial displacement of the bar.
  • this terminal portion also includes means for limiting the rotational movement of the bar.
  • Each bar is advantageously formed of a hollow middle part and two end parts which consist of a cylindrical tube fixed to the middle part.
  • This comprises a bottom provided with two holes in which the tubes are fixed, walls substantially perpendicular to the bottom and a cap surrounding these walls.
  • FIG. 1 shows an overview of a watch according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows, in a section through the thickness of the watch of Figure 1, a connecting bar with the parts of boxes in which its ends are engaged; and - Figures 3 and 4 are enlarged partial views of Figure 2 respectively along lines III-III and IV-IV.
  • the electronic watch 10 represented in FIG. 1 comprises two identical boxes, one upper 12, the other lower 14, substantially in the shape of a semicircle, with a rounded portion 16 and a rectilinear portion 18. They each contain a movement analog quartz (not shown).
  • the rectilinear portions 18 of the two boxes are parallel to each other but not in contact, so that there remains between them a sufficiently large empty space 20, typically 1 to 2 mm, to clearly show that 'These are two completely separate and independent boxes.
  • the boxes 12 and 14 are joined by two lateral bars 22 which are perpendicular to their rectilinear portions 18 and are fixed symmetrically, in an articulated manner, around two parallel axes A, by each of their ends, in four holes provided on the rounded portions 16, at the rate of two coaxial holes per box.
  • the bars 22 serve, in addition, to pass between the two boxes of conductive son ensuring the electrical connection between their respective movements. They will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 4.
  • the boxes 12 and 14 each comprise, in a conventional manner, a pair of horns 24 respectively serving for the attachment of the two strands of a bracelet 26.
  • Each box 12 and 14 has a crystal, not visible in the drawing, coated internally in its part adjoining the rectilinear portion 18, of a mask 28 whose utility will appear later.
  • the upper box 12 is equipped with a half-dial 30 at the front of which are an hour hand 32 and a minute hand 34.
  • the lower box 14 is equipped with a half-dial 36 front of which are an hour hand 38 and a minute hand 40.
  • the upper half-dial 30 has marks for displaying the time between 9 and 3 hours, while the lower half-dial 36 has marks for the 'time display between 3 and 9 hours. Together, they therefore constitute the normal dial of a watch.
  • Each of the analog movements placed in the boxes includes, for driving each hand, a motor and a gear train.
  • One of them contains the electronic circuit controlling the four motors in a coordinated manner, while the other contains the battery for the power supply of the assembly.
  • the upper box 12 displays the hours between 9 and 3 and the minutes between 45 and 15, while the lower box 14 displays the hours between 3 and 9 and the minutes between 15 and 45.
  • the watch of the Figure 1 displays 9 hours using the needle 32 of the upper case 12, and 20 minutes using the hand 40 of the lower case 14.
  • the minute hand 34 and the hour hand 38 are then hidden by masks 28.
  • the electronic circuit quickly brings it back, by a rotation slightly greater than 180 °, in a waiting position behind the mask 28. It is then the needle of the other box that takes over.
  • FIGS. 2 to 4 represent the manner in which the bars 22 ensure not only the articulated mechanical connection between the two boxes while preserving their tightness, but also their electrical connection by providing passages for a plurality of conductive wires 42 .
  • the boxes 12 and 14 each have a bottom 44 and a middle part 46 which is pierced, along the axis A, with a cylindrical channel receiving a socket 48. It is necessary note that this is not essential but that in its absence, the precision of the mechanism may be insufficient to seal the passage.
  • the bar 22 is formed of a middle part 22a perpendicular to the axes A and two end parts 22b respectively coaxial with these axes.
  • the middle part 22a comprises a bottom 50 whose ends have a clearance taking place on the sockets 48, walls 52 perpendicular to the bottom 50, and a cap 54 surrounding the walls 52 on which it is glued or welded.
  • a channel 56 is thus formed between the bottom 50 and the cap 54.
  • each end portion 22b consists of a cylindrical tube 58 driven in leaktight manner at its end in a hole made in the bottom 50.
  • the tube 58 is itself engaged in the socket 48 inside which it is adjusted so that it can rotate freely.
  • the tube 58 also comprises, in its median part which passes through the sleeve 48, a first groove receiving a seal 60 and, at its other end, located inside the box, a second groove for the engagement of a key 62 which allows the articulated fixing of the bar.
  • the tube 58 comprises, between the internal face of the sleeve 48 and the key 62, two diametrically opposed dishes 64 which cooperate with an elongated plate 66 provided with an oblong hole 68. This plate is held in place by a washer 70 interposed between it and the key 62.
  • a groove 72 formed in the internal face of the middle part, in which the plate 66 is engaged and whose width is significantly greater than that of said plate, which allows the pivoting of the bar over a certain amplitude.
  • the conductive wires 42 pass from one box to the other via the channel 56. They are distributed in the two bars 22, one being used, for example, for the supply conductors and the other for the control conductors.
  • the shape of the cap 54 can, for reasons of aesthetic effect, be quite complex, it is difficult to ensure a perfectly sealed connection of the system. Also, it is advantageous to close the holes of the tubes 58, for example by means of a point of adhesive 74 disposed at the end of these holes inside the box. Alternatively, the bar can be simply filled with an organic material in which the electrical conductors are embedded.
  • the electrical connection son 42 can be simply soldered on printed circuits 76 that comprise the two movements. It would also be possible to attach terminals to the ends of the wires, which are then screwed onto the printed circuits. In another variant, the electrical connection could also be achieved by means of a flexible printed circuit.
  • the watch includes a display by hands in the two boxes. It goes without saying that other variants could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention. It would thus be possible to place a needle display in one box and a digital display in the other, controlled by one and the same quartz, or even to have in one of the boxes an energy source provided with a generator. and in the other a classic electronic movement.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Disintegrating Or Milling (AREA)
  • Crystals, And After-Treatments Of Crystals (AREA)
  • Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)

Abstract

An articulated watch includes two juxtaposed cases, each containing an electronic movement, and a connector for mechanically joining the two cases in an articulated manner and allowing the two movements to be connected using electrical conductors. The connector is formed of two bars that are arranged on either side of the cases. The bars include an internal channel for the passage of the electrical conductors and have ends that are mounted so as to rotate freely but are locked in translation in four holes arranged in the middle parts of the cases along two substantially parallel axes.

Description

MONTRE ELECTRONIQUE ARTICULEE ARTICULATED ELECTRONIC WATCH
La présente invention concerne une montre électronique articulée, c'est-à-dire comprenant deux boîtes juxtaposées qui sont assemblées l'une à l'autre de manière articulée.The present invention relates to an articulated electronic watch, that is to say comprising two juxtaposed boxes which are assembled to each other in an articulated manner.
Une montre de ce type est décrite dans le brevet CH 647 916. Les fonds des deux boîtes sont articulés l'un à l'autre au moyen de simples charnières. Entre le fond et la carrure de chaque boîte se trouve, pris en sandwich, un joint d'étanchéité relié au joint de la boîte adjacente, à l'endroit de l'articulation, par un isthme de même matière, le tout formant ainsi une garniture d'étanchéité en une pièce. Des conducteurs électriques sont disposés à l'intérieur des isthmes pour relier entre eux les composants électroniques des deux boîtes.A watch of this type is described in patent CH 647 916. The bottoms of the two boxes are hinged to each other by means of simple hinges. Between the back and the middle of each box is, sandwiched, a seal connected to the seal of the adjacent box, at the location of the joint, by an isthmus of the same material, the whole thus forming a one-piece packing. Electrical conductors are arranged inside the isthmus to connect the electronic components of the two boxes.
Une telle solution permet de réaliser une montre qui peut occuper une surface relativement grande sur le poignet du porteur, tout en épousant bien sa forme. Elle présente toutefois l'inconvénient de nécessiter des articulations occupant pratiquement toute la largeur du boîtier. Il en résulte une certaine lourdeur esthétique. De plus, l'effet procuré par la présence de deux mouvements dans deux boîtes séparées est peu mis en valeur.Such a solution makes it possible to produce a watch which can occupy a relatively large area on the wrist of the wearer, while marrying its shape well. However, it has the disadvantage of requiring joints occupying almost the entire width of the housing. This results in a certain aesthetic heaviness. In addition, the effect provided by the presence of two movements in two separate boxes is little emphasized.
La présente invention a pour but de permettre la réalisation d'une montre comportant plusieurs boîtes nettement séparées, mais présentant un aspect particulièrement léger, permettant de nombreuses variantes, facilement adaptable au bras du porteur et permettant d'assurer l'étanchéité par des moyens simples.The present invention aims to allow the production of a watch comprising several clearly separated boxes, but having a particularly light appearance, allowing many variants, easily adaptable to the wearer's arm and making it possible to seal by simple means. .
De façon plus précise, l'invention concerne une montre articulée du type comportant:More specifically, the invention relates to an articulated watch of the type comprising:
- deux boîtes juxtaposées, renfermant chacune un mouvement électronique et comprenant un fond, une carrure et une glace, et- two juxtaposed boxes, each containing an electronic movement and comprising a base, a middle part and a crystal, and
- des moyens de liaison pour assembler mécaniquement les deux boîtes de manière articulée et permettre de relier les deux mouvements à l'aide de conducteurs électriques. Cette montre est caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens de liaison sont formés de deux barrettes qui sont disposées de part et d'autre des boîtes, qui comprennent un canal interne pour le passage des conducteurs électriques et dont les extrémités sont montées libres en rotation, mais verrouillées en translation, dans quatre perçages ménagés dans les carrures des boîtes selon deux axes sensiblement parallèles, à raison de deux perçages coaxiaux par boîte.- connecting means for mechanically assembling the two boxes in an articulated manner and making it possible to connect the two movements using electrical conductors. This watch is characterized in that said connecting means are formed by two bars which are arranged on either side of the boxes, which include an internal channel for the passage of electrical conductors and whose ends are mounted free to rotate, but locked in translation, in four holes made in the middle of the boxes along two substantially parallel axes, at the rate of two coaxial holes per box.
De façon avantageuse, les extrémités des barrettes sont munies d'un joint d'étanchéité disposé à l'intérieur d'une gorge ménagée dans leur partie qui traverse le perçage de la carrure, tandis que les extrémités des canaux débouchant dans les boîtes sont obturées de manière étanche. Les canaux peuvent aussi être remplis d'un matériau organique dans lequel sont noyés les conducteurs électriques.Advantageously, the ends of the bars are provided with a seal placed inside a groove formed in their part which passes through the bore of the middle part, while the ends of the channels opening into the boxes are closed. tightly. The channels can also be filled with an organic material in which the electrical conductors are embedded.
Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, les extrémités de chaque barrette présentent une portion terminale débordant à l'intérieur des boîtes qui comporte une gorge coopérant avec une clavette afin d'empêcher un déplacement axial de la barrette. De plus, cette portion terminale comporte également des moyens pour limiter le mouvement de rotation de la barrette.According to a preferred embodiment, the ends of each bar have an end portion projecting inside the boxes which has a groove cooperating with a key in order to prevent axial displacement of the bar. In addition, this terminal portion also includes means for limiting the rotational movement of the bar.
Chaque barrette est avantageusement formée d'une partie médiane creuse et de deux parties terminales qui sont constituées d'un tube cylindrique fixé à la partie médiane. Celle-ci comporte un fond muni de deux perçages dans lesquels sont fixés les tubes, des parois sensiblement perpendiculaires au fond et un capuchon entourant ces parois.Each bar is advantageously formed of a hollow middle part and two end parts which consist of a cylindrical tube fixed to the middle part. This comprises a bottom provided with two holes in which the tubes are fixed, walls substantially perpendicular to the bottom and a cap surrounding these walls.
D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention ressortiront de la description qui va suivre, faite en regard du dessin annexé, dans lequel:Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawing, in which:
- la figure 1 représente une vue d'ensemble d'une montre selon l'invention;- Figure 1 shows an overview of a watch according to the invention;
- la figure 2 représente, selon une coupe dans l'épaisseur de la montre de la figure 1 , une barrette de liaison avec les parties de boîtes dans lesquelles ses extrémités sont engagées; et - les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues partielles agrandies de la figure 2 respectivement selon les lignes lll-lll et IV-IV.- Figure 2 shows, in a section through the thickness of the watch of Figure 1, a connecting bar with the parts of boxes in which its ends are engaged; and - Figures 3 and 4 are enlarged partial views of Figure 2 respectively along lines III-III and IV-IV.
La montre électronique 10 représentée à la figure 1 comporte deux boîtes identiques, l'une supérieure 12, l'autre inférieure 14, sensiblement en forme de demi-cercle, avec une portion arrondie 16 et une portion rectiligne 18. Elles renferment chacune un mouvement analogique à quartz (non représenté).The electronic watch 10 represented in FIG. 1 comprises two identical boxes, one upper 12, the other lower 14, substantially in the shape of a semicircle, with a rounded portion 16 and a rectilinear portion 18. They each contain a movement analog quartz (not shown).
Les portions rectilignes 18 des deux boîtes sont parallèles l'une à l'autre mais non en contact, de manière à ce qu'il subsiste entre elles un espace vide 20 suffisamment important, typiquement d'1 à 2 mm, pour bien montrer qu'il s'agit de deux boîtes complètement séparées et indépendantes.The rectilinear portions 18 of the two boxes are parallel to each other but not in contact, so that there remains between them a sufficiently large empty space 20, typically 1 to 2 mm, to clearly show that 'These are two completely separate and independent boxes.
Les boîtes 12 et 14 sont réunies par deux barrettes latérales 22 qui sont perpendiculaires à leurs portions rectilignes 18 et sont fixées symétriquement, de manière articulée, autour de deux axes parallèles A, par chacune de leurs extrémités, dans quatre perçages ménagés sur les portions arrondies 16, à raison de deux perçages coaxiaux par boîte. Dans une telle montre, il est très souhaitable, en effet, que la liaison entre les deux boîtes soit articulée de manière à ce qu'elle épouse au mieux la forme du poignet. Les barrettes 22 servent, en plus, à faire passer entre les deux boîtes des fils conducteurs assurant la liaison électrique entre leurs mouvements respectifs. Elles seront décrites de manière détaillée en référence aux figures 2 à 4.The boxes 12 and 14 are joined by two lateral bars 22 which are perpendicular to their rectilinear portions 18 and are fixed symmetrically, in an articulated manner, around two parallel axes A, by each of their ends, in four holes provided on the rounded portions 16, at the rate of two coaxial holes per box. In such a watch, it is very desirable, in fact, for the connection between the two boxes to be articulated so that it best matches the shape of the wrist. The bars 22 serve, in addition, to pass between the two boxes of conductive son ensuring the electrical connection between their respective movements. They will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 4.
Les boîtes 12 et 14 comportent chacune, de manière classique, une paire de cornes 24 servant respectivement à la fixation des deux brins d'un bracelet 26. Chaque boîte 12 et 14 possède une glace, non visible au dessin, revêtue intérieurement, dans sa partie jouxtant la portion rectiligne 18, d'un masque 28 dont l'utilité apparaîtra plus loin.The boxes 12 and 14 each comprise, in a conventional manner, a pair of horns 24 respectively serving for the attachment of the two strands of a bracelet 26. Each box 12 and 14 has a crystal, not visible in the drawing, coated internally in its part adjoining the rectilinear portion 18, of a mask 28 whose utility will appear later.
La boîte supérieure 12 est équipée d'un demi-cadran 30 à l'avant duquel se trouvent une aiguille d'heures 32 et une aiguille de minutes 34. De la même manière, la boîte inférieure 14 est équipée d'un demi-cadran 36 à l'avant duquel se trouvent une aiguille d'heures 38 et une aiguille de minutes 40. Le demi-cadran supérieur 30 comporte des marques pour l'affichage du temps entre 9 et 3 heures, tandis que le demi-cadran inférieur 36 comporte des marques pour l'affichage du temps entre 3 et 9 heures. Ensemble, ils constituent donc le cadran normal d'une montre.The upper box 12 is equipped with a half-dial 30 at the front of which are an hour hand 32 and a minute hand 34. Likewise, the lower box 14 is equipped with a half-dial 36 front of which are an hour hand 38 and a minute hand 40. The upper half-dial 30 has marks for displaying the time between 9 and 3 hours, while the lower half-dial 36 has marks for the 'time display between 3 and 9 hours. Together, they therefore constitute the normal dial of a watch.
Chacun des mouvements analogiques placés dans les boîtes comporte, pour l'entraînement de chaque aiguille, un moteur et un rouage. L'un d'eux contient le circuit électronique pilotant les quatre moteurs de manière coordonnée, tandis que l'autre renferme la pile pour l'alimentation électrique de l'ensemble. La boîte supérieure 12 affiche les heures comprises entre 9 et 3 et les minutes comprises entre 45 et 15, alors que la boîte inférieure 14 affiche les heures comprises entre 3 et 9 et les minutes comprises entre 15 et 45. Ainsi, la montre de la figure 1 affiche 9 heures au moyen de l'aiguille 32 de la boîte supérieure 12, et 20 minutes au moyen de l'aiguille 40 de la boîte inférieure 14. L'aiguille de minutes 34 et l'aiguille d'heures 38 sont alors cachées par les masques 28.Each of the analog movements placed in the boxes includes, for driving each hand, a motor and a gear train. One of them contains the electronic circuit controlling the four motors in a coordinated manner, while the other contains the battery for the power supply of the assembly. The upper box 12 displays the hours between 9 and 3 and the minutes between 45 and 15, while the lower box 14 displays the hours between 3 and 9 and the minutes between 15 and 45. Thus, the watch of the Figure 1 displays 9 hours using the needle 32 of the upper case 12, and 20 minutes using the hand 40 of the lower case 14. The minute hand 34 and the hour hand 38 are then hidden by masks 28.
Lorsqu'une aiguille arrive en bout de course, le circuit électronique la ramène rapidement en arrière, par une rotation légèrement supérieure à 180°, dans une position d'attente derrière le masque 28. C'est alors l'aiguille de l'autre boîte qui prend le relais.When a needle reaches the end of its travel, the electronic circuit quickly brings it back, by a rotation slightly greater than 180 °, in a waiting position behind the mask 28. It is then the needle of the other box that takes over.
Une description détaillée des moyens mis en oeuvre pour réaliser les fonctions ci-dessus est fournie dans la demande de brevet française intitulée "MONTRE A AFFICHAGE SECTORIEL" déposée par la demanderesse le même jour que la présente demande. On se référera maintenant aux figures 2 à 4 qui représentent la manière dont les barrettes 22 assurent non seulement la liaison mécanique articulée entre les deux boîtes tout en préservant leur étanchéité, mais aussi leur liaison électrique en offrant des passages pour une pluralité de fils conducteurs 42.A detailed description of the means used to perform the above functions is provided in the French patent application entitled "MONTRE A AFFICHAGE SECTORIEL" filed by the applicant on the same day as the present application. Reference will now be made to FIGS. 2 to 4 which represent the manner in which the bars 22 ensure not only the articulated mechanical connection between the two boxes while preserving their tightness, but also their electrical connection by providing passages for a plurality of conductive wires 42 .
Les boîtes 12 et 14 comportent chacune un fond 44 et une carrure 46 qui est percée, selon l'axe A, d'un canal cylindrique recevant une douille 48. Il faut noter que celle-ci n'est pas indispensable mais qu'en son absence, la précision du mécanisme risque d'être insuffisante pour assurer l'étanchéité du passage.The boxes 12 and 14 each have a bottom 44 and a middle part 46 which is pierced, along the axis A, with a cylindrical channel receiving a socket 48. It is necessary note that this is not essential but that in its absence, the precision of the mechanism may be insufficient to seal the passage.
La barrette 22 est formée d'une partie médiane 22a perpendiculaire aux axes A et de deux parties terminales 22b respectivement coaxiales à ces axes. La partie médiane 22a comprend un fond 50 dont les extrémités présentent un dégagement prenant place sur les douilles 48, des parois 52 perpendiculaires au fond 50, et un capuchon 54 entourant les parois 52 sur lesquelles il est collé ou soudé. Un canal 56 est ainsi formé entre le fond 50 et le capuchon 54.The bar 22 is formed of a middle part 22a perpendicular to the axes A and two end parts 22b respectively coaxial with these axes. The middle part 22a comprises a bottom 50 whose ends have a clearance taking place on the sockets 48, walls 52 perpendicular to the bottom 50, and a cap 54 surrounding the walls 52 on which it is glued or welded. A channel 56 is thus formed between the bottom 50 and the cap 54.
Comme le montre plus en détail la figure 3, chaque partie terminale 22b est constituée d'un tube cylindrique 58 chassé de manière étanche par son extrémité dans un perçage pratiqué dans le fond 50. Le tube 58 est lui-même engagé dans la douille 48 à l'intérieur de laquelle il est ajusté de manière à pouvoir tourner librement. Le tube 58 comporte, par ailleurs, dans sa partie médiane qui traverse la douille 48, une première gorge recevant un joint d'étanchéité 60 et, à son autre extrémité, située à l'intérieur de la boîte, une deuxième gorge pour l'enclenchement d'une clavette 62 qui permet la fixation articulée de la barrette. Ainsi qu'on peut le voir plus particulièrement sur la figure 4, le tube 58 comporte, entre la face interne de la douille 48 et la clavette 62, deux plats diamétralement opposés 64 qui coopèrent avec une plaquette allongée 66 munie d'un trou oblong 68. Cette plaquette est maintenue en place par une rondelle 70 intercalée entre elle et la clavette 62. Afin de réaliser une articulation à amplitude limitée, il est prévu une gorge 72 pratiquée dans la face interne de la carrure, dans laquelle la plaquette 66 est engagée et dont la largeur est sensiblement plus grande que celle de ladite plaquette, ce qui permet le pivotement de la barrette sur une certaine amplitude.As shown in more detail in FIG. 3, each end portion 22b consists of a cylindrical tube 58 driven in leaktight manner at its end in a hole made in the bottom 50. The tube 58 is itself engaged in the socket 48 inside which it is adjusted so that it can rotate freely. The tube 58 also comprises, in its median part which passes through the sleeve 48, a first groove receiving a seal 60 and, at its other end, located inside the box, a second groove for the engagement of a key 62 which allows the articulated fixing of the bar. As can be seen more particularly in FIG. 4, the tube 58 comprises, between the internal face of the sleeve 48 and the key 62, two diametrically opposed dishes 64 which cooperate with an elongated plate 66 provided with an oblong hole 68. This plate is held in place by a washer 70 interposed between it and the key 62. In order to produce an articulation of limited amplitude, there is provided a groove 72 formed in the internal face of the middle part, in which the plate 66 is engaged and whose width is significantly greater than that of said plate, which allows the pivoting of the bar over a certain amplitude.
Comme le montre la figure 2, les fils conducteurs 42 passent d'une boîte à l'autre en empruntant le canal 56. Ils sont répartis dans les deux barrettes 22, l'une servant, par exemple, aux conducteurs d'alimentation et l'autre aux conducteurs de commande.As shown in FIG. 2, the conductive wires 42 pass from one box to the other via the channel 56. They are distributed in the two bars 22, one being used, for example, for the supply conductors and the other for the control conductors.
La forme du capuchon 54 pouvant, pour des raisons d'effet esthétique, être assez complexe, il est difficile d'assurer une liaison parfaitement étanche du système. Aussi, est-il avantageux d'obturer les trous des tubes 58, par exemple au moyen d'un point de colle 74 disposé à l'extrémité de ces trous intérieure à la boîte. En variante, la barrette peut être simplement remplie d'un matériau organique dans lequel sont noyés les conducteurs électriques.The shape of the cap 54 can, for reasons of aesthetic effect, be quite complex, it is difficult to ensure a perfectly sealed connection of the system. Also, it is advantageous to close the holes of the tubes 58, for example by means of a point of adhesive 74 disposed at the end of these holes inside the box. Alternatively, the bar can be simply filled with an organic material in which the electrical conductors are embedded.
La structure des barrettes qui viennent d'être décrites permet d'assurer une bonne sécurité au niveau de l'étanchéité, tout en offrant une grande diversité esthétique. Il suffit, en effet, de fabriquer des capuchons 54 différents les uns des autres par leur forme ou par le matériau choisi, pour changer considérablement l'aspect général de la montre. On peut ainsi réaliser des pièces bicolores en utilisant des capuchons en or, dont le coût reste modeste et qui confèrent à la montre une grande élégance.The structure of the bars which have just been described makes it possible to ensure good security in terms of sealing, while offering great aesthetic diversity. It suffices, in fact, to manufacture caps 54 which are different from one another by their shape or by the material chosen, to considerably change the general appearance of the watch. We can thus produce two-tone pieces using gold caps, the cost of which remains modest and which gives the watch great elegance.
Comme on peut le voir sur les figures 2 et 4, les fils de liaison électrique 42 peuvent être tout simplement soudés sur des circuits imprimés 76 que comportent les deux mouvements. Il serait également possible de fixer des cosses aux extrémités des fils, celles-ci étant ensuite vissées sur les circuits imprimés. Dans une autre variante, la liaison électrique pourrait être aussi réalisée au moyen d'un circuit imprimé souple.As can be seen in Figures 2 and 4, the electrical connection son 42 can be simply soldered on printed circuits 76 that comprise the two movements. It would also be possible to attach terminals to the ends of the wires, which are then screwed onto the printed circuits. In another variant, the electrical connection could also be achieved by means of a flexible printed circuit.
Dans l'exemple décrit, la montre comporte un affichage par aiguilles dans les deux boîtes. Il va de soi que d'autres variantes pourraient être envisagées sans pour autant sortir du cadre de la présente invention. Il serait ainsi possible de placer un affichage à aiguilles dans une boîte et un affichage numérique dans l'autre, commandés par un seul et même quartz, ou encore de disposer dans l'une des boîtes une source d'énergie munie d'une génératrice et dans l'autre un mouvement électronique classique. In the example described, the watch includes a display by hands in the two boxes. It goes without saying that other variants could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention. It would thus be possible to place a needle display in one box and a digital display in the other, controlled by one and the same quartz, or even to have in one of the boxes an energy source provided with a generator. and in the other a classic electronic movement.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Montre articulée comportant:1. Articulated watch comprising:
- deux boîtes juxtaposées (12, 14), renfermant chacune un mouvement électronique et comprenant un fond, une carrure et une glace, et - des moyens de liaison pour assembler mécaniquement les deux boîtes de manière articulée et permettre de relier les deux mouvements à l'aide de conducteurs électriques (42), caractérisée en ce que lesdits moyens sont formés de deux barrettes de liaison (22) qui sont disposées de part et d'autre des boîtes, qui comprennent un canal interne (56) pour le passage des conducteurs électriques et dont les extrémités sont montées libres en rotation, mais verrouillées en translation, dans quatre perçages ménagés dans les carrures des boîtes selon deux axes (A) sensiblement parallèles, à raison de deux perçages coaxiaux par boîte. - two juxtaposed boxes (12, 14), each containing an electronic movement and comprising a base, a middle part and a crystal, and - connecting means for mechanically assembling the two boxes in an articulated manner and making it possible to connect the two movements to the using electric conductors (42), characterized in that said means are formed by two connecting bars (22) which are arranged on either side of the boxes, which comprise an internal channel (56) for the passage of the conductors electrical and whose ends are mounted free in rotation, but locked in translation, in four holes made in the middle of the boxes along two axes (A) substantially parallel, at the rate of two coaxial holes per box.
2. Montre articulée selon la revendication 1 , caractérisée en ce que les extrémités des barrettes sont munies d'un joint d'étanchéité (60) disposé à l'intérieur d'une gorge ménagée dans leur partie qui traverse le perçage de la carrure.2. Articulated watch according to claim 1, characterized in that the ends of the bars are provided with a seal (60) disposed inside a groove formed in their part which passes through the bore of the middle.
3. Montre articulée selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que les extrémités des canaux débouchant dans les boîtes sont obturées de manière étanche.3. Articulated watch according to claim 2, characterized in that the ends of the channels opening into the boxes are sealed.
4. Montre articulée selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que les canaux sont remplis d'un matériau organique dans lequel sont noyés lesdits conducteurs électriques. 4. Articulated watch according to claim 2, characterized in that the channels are filled with an organic material in which said electrical conductors are embedded.
5. Montre articulée selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisée en ce que les extrémités de chaque barrette présentent une portion terminale débordant à l'intérieur des boîtes et en ce que ladite portion comporte une gorge coopérant avec une clavette (62) afin d'empêcher un déplacement axial de la barrette. 5. Articulated watch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ends of each bar have an end portion projecting inside the boxes and in that said portion comprises a groove cooperating with a key (62) to prevent axial displacement of the bar.
6. Montre articulée selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que ladite portion terminale comporte également des moyens pour limiter le mouvement de rotation de la barrette.6. Articulated watch according to claim 5, characterized in that said end portion also comprises means for limiting the rotational movement of the bar.
7. Montre articulée selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisée en ce que chaque barrette est formée d'une partie médiane creuse (22a) et de deux parties terminales (22b) qui forment lesdites extrémités et sont constituées d'un tube cylindrique (58) fixé à ladite partie médiane.7. Articulated watch according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each bar is formed of a hollow middle part (22a) and two end parts (22b) which form said ends and consist of a tube cylindrical (58) fixed to said middle part.
8. Montre articulée selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que ladite partie médiane comporte un fond (50) muni de deux perçages dans lesquels sont fixés lesdits tubes, des parois (52) sensiblement perpendiculaires audit fond et un capuchon (54) fixé sur - et entourant - lesdites parois. 8. Articulated watch according to claim 7, characterized in that said middle part comprises a bottom (50) provided with two holes in which said tubes are fixed, walls (52) substantially perpendicular to said bottom and a cap (54) fixed on - and surrounding - said walls.
EP00920326A 1999-05-17 2000-05-11 Hinged electronic watch Expired - Lifetime EP1179192B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9906317 1999-05-17
FR9906317A FR2793898B1 (en) 1999-05-17 1999-05-17 ARTICULATED ELECTRONIC WATCH
PCT/CH2000/000262 WO2000070413A1 (en) 1999-05-17 2000-05-11 Hinged electronic watch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1179192A1 true EP1179192A1 (en) 2002-02-13
EP1179192B1 EP1179192B1 (en) 2005-04-20

Family

ID=9545737

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00920326A Expired - Lifetime EP1179192B1 (en) 1999-05-17 2000-05-11 Hinged electronic watch

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US (1) US6883961B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1179192B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4108276B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE293804T1 (en)
AU (1) AU770679B2 (en)
DE (1) DE60019581T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2240086T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2793898B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000070413A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002050997A (en) * 2000-07-31 2002-02-15 Seiko Instruments Inc Portable information equipment wearable around arm
US7408846B2 (en) * 2005-03-11 2008-08-05 Fredi Brodmann Ornamental article
EP2431824B1 (en) 2010-09-21 2017-05-03 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Multiple sectoral display
US10466741B2 (en) * 2014-02-25 2019-11-05 Medibotics Dual-display smart watch with proximal and distal (analog and electronic) displays
US11429151B2 (en) 2014-02-25 2022-08-30 Medibotics Llc Wearable devices for the wrist and/or arm with multiple and multi-configuration displays
US20160161918A1 (en) * 2014-12-04 2016-06-09 William C. Kneebusch Mechanical and smart watch combination

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH647916GA3 (en) 1981-08-25 1985-02-28
CH659571A5 (en) * 1984-11-05 1987-02-13 Metalem Sa Non-extendable bracelet
DE8530739U1 (en) * 1985-10-30 1986-04-10 Mies, Joachim, 5000 Köln Measuring device, especially clock
DE69423951T2 (en) * 1993-07-05 2000-10-19 Seiko Epson Corp ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH BRACELET

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0070413A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2793898B1 (en) 2001-08-10
JP2002544529A (en) 2002-12-24
ES2240086T3 (en) 2005-10-16
US6883961B1 (en) 2005-04-26
DE60019581T2 (en) 2006-03-09
FR2793898A1 (en) 2000-11-24
EP1179192B1 (en) 2005-04-20
DE60019581D1 (en) 2005-05-25
ATE293804T1 (en) 2005-05-15
AU770679B2 (en) 2004-02-26
WO2000070413A1 (en) 2000-11-23
JP4108276B2 (en) 2008-06-25
AU4097400A (en) 2000-12-05

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