EP1538697A1 - Portable device with bracelet having electrical connecting means through the housing - Google Patents

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

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Publication number
EP1538697A1
EP1538697A1 EP03026428A EP03026428A EP1538697A1 EP 1538697 A1 EP1538697 A1 EP 1538697A1 EP 03026428 A EP03026428 A EP 03026428A EP 03026428 A EP03026428 A EP 03026428A EP 1538697 A1 EP1538697 A1 EP 1538697A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
connector
wall
conductive track
portable object
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
EP03026428A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1538697B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Jacques Born
Raymond Froidevaux
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Asulab AG
Original Assignee
Asulab AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Asulab AG filed Critical Asulab AG
Priority to EP20030026428 priority Critical patent/EP1538697B1/en
Publication of EP1538697A1 publication Critical patent/EP1538697A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1538697B1 publication Critical patent/EP1538697B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/273—Adaptation for carrying or wearing by persons or animals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G17/00—Structural details; Housings
    • G04G17/02—Component assemblies
    • G04G17/04—Mounting of electronic components
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04R—RADIO-CONTROLLED TIME-PIECES
    • G04R60/00—Constructional details
    • G04R60/04—Antennas attached to or integrated in watch bracelets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a portable object with a bracelet provided with means electrical connection through the housing.
  • the portable object essentially comprises the housing in which is disposed at least one electronic circuit, an attached bracelet to the housing, and the electrical connection means for electrically connecting at least a conductive track of the bracelet to at least one contact terminal of the circuit electronic.
  • the term "means of connection” any conductor or set of conductors to ensure electrical connection between at least one contact terminal of an electronic circuit and at less a conductive track disposed in the bracelet.
  • the conductive track can be in the form of a conductive wire or a conductive blade. This conductive track may be an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals or electrically connect an electrical component contained in the bracelet and the circuit electronic in the case.
  • the portable object is made in the form a portable electronic instrument in the form of a wristwatch.
  • This wristwatch may comprise receiving means and / or radiofrequency signals if the conductive track of the bracelet defines a antenna.
  • the electronic circuit for processing electrical signals manages the transmission or reception of information signals by the antenna.
  • European Patent No. 0 631 341 describes an electronic instrument of the type wristwatch having an antenna housed in the bracelet and connected to a electronic circuit for processing the signals received by the antenna.
  • the circuit electronic processing is arranged inside the housing of the instrument on a printed circuit board.
  • Connection pads are provided on a region peripheral of the printed circuit board to allow the establishment of a electrical connection between the electronic signal processing circuit and the connection terminals of the antenna which passes through a side wall of the housing.
  • it is intended to employ a spring blade-type connector attached to the printed circuit board for each terminal of the antenna, on which support an electrical conductor connected to one of the terminals of the antenna.
  • Each conductor connected to an antenna terminal must pass through the side wall in order to lean on the spring blade to establish the electrical contact.
  • An annular seal seal is provided around said conductor in the passageway through the wall lateral.
  • a disadvantage of the electronic instrument presented in the European patent No. 0 631 341 is that part of the antenna must pass through a side wall of the housing in order to be directly connected to the printed circuit board. Thereby, sealing at the side wall of the housing, even with the annular seal, is not guaranteed in time and according to the handling of the bracelet.
  • US Pat. No. 5,168,281 which describes a device for antenna connection for electronic equipment, such as a wristwatch.
  • An antenna end housed in a strand of the bracelet is fixed jointly to a electrical conductor.
  • This conductor passes through a side wall of the housing in order to come connect a contact blade of a circuit board carrying a circuit electronic.
  • An annular seal is provided around the driver in the passage to through the side wall to ensure a certain tightness of the housing.
  • the main purpose of the invention is thus to overcome the disadvantages of the art prior to supplying a portable bracelet object provided with connection means electrical through a side wall of the housing sealingly. sealing connection means in the wall of the housing is provided during a change bracelet or the effects of environmental constraints.
  • the invention relates to a portable object cited above which is characterized in that the electrical connection means comprise at least one electrical connection element insulatively and sealingly secured through a housing wall to form an integral part of the housing wall.
  • An advantage of the portable object according to the invention is that the element of connection, such as a connector remains insulated and sealed in the wall of the housing. As a result, the bracelet can be easily changed without sealing the housing of the portable object, because the conductive track that it contains is not firmly attached to the connector when the electrical contact is made.
  • the connector is preferably of generally cylindrical shape under the shape of a metal nail or rod. It is fixed through a suitable opening of the housing wall with a semi-rigid insulating annular seal, which surrounds the connector. For fixing in the opening of the wall of the housing, the connector with the annular seal are preferably driven into the opening by compressing the seal ring to ensure good support, good sealing and good insulation.
  • the opening in the wall of the housing which receives a portion of the connector with the seal, may comprise two parts of generally cylindrical shape.
  • a first inner side of the housing is of smaller diameter than a second side part outside the housing.
  • the intermediate part of the connector and the seal surrounding the intermediate part of the connector are cylindrical complementary to two cylindrical parts of the opening so as to be driven away on a stop in the opening between the first and second parts.
  • the metal connector comprises an open blind hole towards the outside of the housing with a conical flare at the mouth of the hole.
  • the hole one-eyed is provided to receive one end of the metallic conductive track of complementary shape to the blind hole. It can be expected to coat the inside of the hole one-eyed with a viscous material to preserve the contact surfaces of the connector.
  • the end of the conductive track can be of any shape, but preferably in the form of rod or wire, or in the form of blade.
  • the connector and the conductive track are made of metallic material, such as stainless steel.
  • an end of at least one flexible strand of the bracelet which is connected to the housing, includes a rigid insulating insert through which the track passes conductive.
  • a surface of the insert and / or the end of the bracelet strand next to an outer surface of the wall of the housing comes into contact with the wall of the housing to prevent rotation of the bracelet strand at the connection of the end of the conductive track to the connector.
  • an outer portion of the metal connector which is fixed through the wall of the housing, defines a protuberance emerging from the wall of the housing.
  • the end of the conductive track in the form of a spring blade can come into contact with the protuberance by flexing when the surface of the insert is in direct contact with the outer surface of the housing wall.
  • the insert can understand a housing crossed by the conductive track to receive the part connector forming a protuberance of complementary shape to the housing. This isolates the electrical connection between the end of the track conductive and the connector, environmental constraints. This accommodation could be conductive to directly establish electrical contact with the connector when it is inserted into the housing.
  • the conductive track can define an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting radiofrequency signals.
  • the electronic circuit in the housing includes means for receiving and / or transmitting signals radio frequencies.
  • This electronic circuit is mounted on a printed circuit board, which comprises a contact blade connected to the contact terminal of the electronic circuit. This blade flexes in contact with an inner part of the connector to ensure a good electrical contact.
  • FIGS 1A and 1B show schematic views in diametral section of a first embodiment of the wristwatch 1 as a portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet 9 to the housing 3 of the watch.
  • This wristwatch 1 comprises firstly a housing, which has a side wall 3, such as a middle-bezel, and a bottom 2, and a mirror 16 conventionally attached to the side wall 3 at means of a lining 19 sealing the housing at the level of the ice 16.
  • the bottom 2 is fixed to the side wall 3 by snap-fastening, by screwing, by a system with bayonet, or by other means so as to compress a liner 15 which ensures the tightness of the housing at the bottom 2.
  • the wristwatch 1 still includes a watch movement, no shown in the housing of the watch 1 to drive needles, no represented, indicating the time, which are placed in front of a dial 17, and a crown or button not shown in particular for setting the time.
  • This dial 17 is spaced from the window 16 by a flange 18.
  • the dial 17 could to be a liquid crystal display device for displaying, in particular, hourly information provided by a time circuit, not shown, powered by a battery or accumulator 14 placed in the bottom 2 of the housing.
  • the wristwatch 1 comprises connection means electrical 4, 8 to electrically connect including at least one conductive track 6 partially integrated into the bracelet 9 to at least one contact terminal 11a of the circuit 11.
  • the electronic circuit 11 is disposed on a circuit board printed 10 which is placed between the battery or the accumulator 14, and the dial 17.
  • the circuit electronic system is powered by the battery or accumulator for the performance of functions other than watch functions.
  • This electronic circuit 11 can include means for transmitting and / or receiving signals radio frequencies in connection with an antenna defined by the conductive track 6 in the bracelet 9, and means for processing the information transmitted or received in said signals.
  • connection means consist essentially of a connector electric 4 of cylindrical general shape like a rod or a nail, which is hunted in a suitable opening 12 of the wall 3 of the housing in cooperation with a joint semi-rigid insulating ring 5, which surrounds it.
  • a connector electric 4 of cylindrical general shape like a rod or a nail
  • a joint semi-rigid insulating ring 5 which surrounds it.
  • the annular seal 5 inserted with the connector 4 in the opening 12 is preferably a Hytrel® seal, or possibly an Asutan® seal which is used for fixing the bottom of the case to the middle part.
  • the wall and the bottom of the housing can be made of any type of material, for example plastic or metal without influence on the metal connector.
  • the through opening 12 of the wall 3 of the housing consists of two coaxial parts of generally cylindrical shape.
  • a first part 12b side inside the housing is of diameter less than a second part 12a outside housing.
  • a stop is thus defined between the first and second parts 12a and 12b of the opening 12.
  • the electrical connector 4 also comprises two coaxial parts of cylindrical shape, such as an outer portion 4a and an inner portion 4b.
  • Gasket ring placed on the connector has a shape complementary to the two parts 4a and 4b of the connector 4 and the opening 12. In this way, the connector 4 with the seal ring 5 can be driven into the opening 12 stopping in support against the stop between the first and second portions 12a and 12b of the opening 12.
  • the length of the gasket 5 can be of identical size to the length of the opening 12 of the wall 3 of the housing to ensure good insulation.
  • the electrical connector 4 comprises an outer portion 4a, and a inner part 4b which each protrude from the wall 3 of the housing.
  • the part 4a thus forms a protuberance from the outer surface 23 of the wall 3 of the housing.
  • the chamfered end of the inner part 4b of the connector 4 contacts electrically a spring blade 8 exerting a contact force against this blade, which is fixed on the printed circuit board 10.
  • This blade spring 8 of electrical connection means is electrically connected to a contact terminal 11a of the electronic circuit 11 via a metal track shown schematically in Figure 2.
  • the electrical connector 4 can be made for example of stainless steel (316L) or in a material similar to that used for piano strings.
  • This electrical connector in this first embodiment includes a hole 4c blind which extends over most of its length. This one-eyed hole is open towards the outside of the housing with a conical flare at its mouth for facilitate the introduction of a free end 6a of the conductive track 6 of the bracelet 9 which is of complementary shape to said blind hole 4c.
  • the conductive track 6 is preferably made of the same material as the electrical connector 4, that is to say in stainless steel (316L) or in a material similar to that used for piano strings.
  • the free end 6a of this conductive track 6 can be inserted by force or slightly pinched in said hole 4c as explained below to establish an electrical contact. It can be expected also before mounting the end of the conductive track in the blind hole 4c to deposit in the hole a viscous protective material. This viscous material must be chosen to prevent other materials from lodging and to give additional protection against corrosion of this connector 4 due to environmental constraints.
  • a flexible material of at least one strand 9 of the bracelet is overmolded in a flexible material of at least one strand 9 of the bracelet to be integrated in said strand.
  • This flexible material can be for example a elastomer, such as polyurethane.
  • a hard plastic insert 7 is also overmoulded in the flexible material to the end of the strand 9 to attach to the housing 3 of the watch 1.
  • the conductive track 6 completely traverses in this first embodiment the insulating insert 7 for open into a housing 24 of the insert 7.
  • the insert is made of plastic hard, such as polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) which can be loaded with glass fibers, it can serve as a guide at the end of the conductive track. In this way, the free end 6a of this conductive track 6 is positioned in one direction insertion into the blind hole 4c of the connector 4 corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the hole 4c.
  • PPS polyphenylene sulphide
  • a surface 25 of this insert 7 comes in direct contact with the outer surface 23 of the housing while allowing the end 6a free of the conductive track 6 to be introduced in the insertion direction in said blind hole 4c.
  • This surface 25 of the insert is for example complementary to the outer surface 23 of the wall 3 which prevents a rotation of the strand of the bracelet to level of the connection of the free end 6a of the conductive track 6 in the hole blind 4c of the connector 4.
  • housing 24 of the insert 7 may be partly of complementary shape to the protuberance of the part 4 of the connector 4. This allows this housing 24 to receive this protuberance in order to isolate environmental stresses, the electrical connection of the free end 6a of the conductive track 6 inserted into the blind hole 4c of the connector 4.
  • the attachment system to the case of the bracelet which may include one or two strands 9, can be traditionally constituted by two pairs of horns 20 of the wall side 3 of the housing, and by fixing pins passing through each of the passages 21 horns 20 and a passage 22 made partly in the insert 7.
  • All the essential elements constituting the wristwatch 1 are represented in a simplified manner in FIG. 2 in a three-dimensional view in a form exploded.
  • the printed circuit board 10 on which are mounted in particular the electronic circuit 11 described above and the contact blade 8, which is introduced into the housing 2 and 3.
  • a metal track 10a of the printed circuit board 10 electrically connects a contact terminal 11 a of the electronic circuit 11 to the contact blade 8.
  • the other terminals of contact of the electronic circuit are connected to other electrical components, not shown, and the battery or accumulator for its power supply.
  • This printed circuit board 10 can be mounted in the housing 2 and 3 after having driven the connector 4 with its annular seal 5 in the opening 12 of the wall 3 of the housing. In this way, the contact spring blade 8 flexes in contact with the part inside connector 4.
  • the strand 9 of the bracelet can be attached to the housing between the horns 20.
  • the surface 25 of the insert is brought into contact with the outer surface 23 of the wall 3 and the free end 6a of the conductive track is thus introduced into the blind hole of the connector 4.
  • the end of the strand 9 is attached to the housing with the aid of the metal pin 26 and its protective tube 27, which are inserted into the passages 21 of the horns 20 and in the passage 22 of the insert 7. In this way, the end of the strand is held fixed to the housing without allowing rotation around the pin with the hard plastic insert 7 in direct contact with the wall 3 of the housing. This preserves the free end 6a of the conductive track 6 from any constraint mechanical imposed by the wearer of the watch.
  • the wristwatch may comprise more than one connector 4 for the connection of two free ends of the same track conductive or two conductive tracks.
  • the conductive track or tracks 6 can be part of the same strand 9 of bracelet or two strands of bracelet.
  • the two connectors are fixed through the wall 3 of the housing in positions diametrically opposite.
  • Figures 3A and 3B show schematic views in diametral section a second embodiment of the wristwatch 1 as a portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet 9 to the housing 3 of the watch. It should be noted that elements of Figures 3A and 3B, corresponding to those of Figures 1A and 1B, identical reference signs. As a result of simplification, it will not be repeated the description of these elements.
  • the essential difference of this second form of execution lies in the fact that the electrical connector 4 does not include a blind hole.
  • the connection with the free end 6a of the conductive track 6 in the shape of a spring blade is made thanks to the protuberance of the outer portion 4a of the connector.
  • This protuberance 4a is positioned outside the wall 3 of the housing. In this way, the protuberance 4a elastically compresses the free end 6a of the track conductive in the housing 24 of the insert 7, when the end of the strand 9 of the bracelet is attached between the horns 20 of the housing.
  • Figures 4A and 4B show schematic views of diametrical cut of a third embodiment of the wristwatch 1 as a portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet 9 to the housing 3 of the watch. It is note that the elements of Figures 4A and 4B, which correspond to those figures 1A and 1B, bear identical reference signs. By simplification, he will not be repeated the description of these elements.
  • the essential difference of this third embodiment lies in the fact that the electrical connector 4 does not include a blind hole, but only a protuberance 4a outside the wall 3 of the housing.
  • the end of the track conductor 6 partially passes through the insert 7 to electrically connect a layer or metal sleeve 13 disposed in the housing 24 of the insert 7.
  • This socket metal electrically contacts the protuberance 4a of the form connector complementary to housing with the metal layer, when the end of the strand 9 bracelet is attached between the horns 20 of the housing.
  • the conductive track may be a wire or a metal blade whose end is shaped complementary to the blind hole of the connector.

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Abstract

The watch has a base (2) and a lateral wall (3) with an electronic circuit (11), and a strap (9) coupled to the base and the wall. A connector (4) and a spring leaf (8) connect a conductor strip (6) to a contact terminal (11a). The connector is fixed in an insulating and air-tight manner across a side of the connector and the spring leaf. The connector is fixed across an opening through a semi-rigid annular joint.

Description

La présente invention concerne un objet portable à bracelet muni de moyens de connexion électrique à travers le boítier. L'objet portable comprend essentiellement le boítier dans lequel est disposé au moins un circuit électronique, un bracelet attaché au boítier, et les moyens de connexion électrique pour relier électriquement au moins une piste conductrice du bracelet à au moins une borne de contact du circuit électronique.The present invention relates to a portable object with a bracelet provided with means electrical connection through the housing. The portable object essentially comprises the housing in which is disposed at least one electronic circuit, an attached bracelet to the housing, and the electrical connection means for electrically connecting at least a conductive track of the bracelet to at least one contact terminal of the circuit electronic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

On peut citer également le brevet US 5,168,281 qui décrit un dispositif de connexion d'antenne pour un équipement électronique, tel qu'une montre-bracelet. Une extrémité d'antenne logée dans un brin du bracelet est fixée solidairement à un conducteur électrique. Ce conducteur traverse une paroi latérale du boítier afin de venir connecter une lame de contact d'une plaque de circuit imprimé portant un circuit électronique. Un joint annulaire est prévu autour du conducteur dans le passage à travers la paroi latérale pour garantir une certaine étanchéité du boítier.US Pat. No. 5,168,281, which describes a device for antenna connection for electronic equipment, such as a wristwatch. An antenna end housed in a strand of the bracelet is fixed jointly to a electrical conductor. This conductor passes through a side wall of the housing in order to come connect a contact blade of a circuit board carrying a circuit electronic. An annular seal is provided around the driver in the passage to through the side wall to ensure a certain tightness of the housing.

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

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

A cet effet l'invention concerne un objet portable cité ci-devant qui se caractérise en ce que les moyens de connexion électrique comprennent au moins un élément de connexion électrique fixé de manière isolante et étanche à travers une paroi du boítier afin de faire partie intégrante de la paroi du boítier.For this purpose the invention relates to a portable object cited above which is characterized in that the electrical connection means comprise at least one electrical connection element insulatively and sealingly secured through a housing wall to form an integral part of the housing wall.

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

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

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

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

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

Avantageusement, une partie extérieure du connecteur métallique, qui est fixé à travers la paroi du boítier, définit une protubérance émergeant de la paroi du boítier. De cette façon, l'extrémité de la piste conductrice sous forme d'une lame ressort peut venir en contact avec la protubérance en fléchissant quand la surface de l'insert est en contact direct avec la surface extérieure de la paroi du boítier. L'insert peut comprendre un logement traversé par la piste conductrice pour recevoir la partie extérieure du connecteur formant une protubérance de forme complémentaire au logement. Ceci permet d'isoler la connexion électrique entre l'extrémité de la piste conductrice et le connecteur, des contraintes de l'environnement. Ce logement pourrait être conducteur pour établir directement le contact électrique avec le connecteur quand ce dernier est introduit dans le logement.Advantageously, an outer portion of the metal connector, which is fixed through the wall of the housing, defines a protuberance emerging from the wall of the housing. In this way, the end of the conductive track in the form of a spring blade can come into contact with the protuberance by flexing when the surface of the insert is in direct contact with the outer surface of the housing wall. The insert can understand a housing crossed by the conductive track to receive the part connector forming a protuberance of complementary shape to the housing. This isolates the electrical connection between the end of the track conductive and the connector, environmental constraints. This accommodation could be conductive to directly establish electrical contact with the connector when it is inserted into the housing.

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

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

  • les figures 1A et 1B représentent des vues schématiques en coupe diamétrale partielle d'une première forme d'exécution de l'objet portable avant et après la liaison du bracelet au boítier de l'objet portable selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente un vue tridimensionnelle simplifiée en éclaté de la première forme d'exécution d'une partie de l'objet portable selon l'invention,
  • les figures 3A et 3B représentent des vues schématiques en coupe diamétrale partielle d'une seconde forme d'exécution de l'objet portable avant et après la liaison du bracelet au boítier de l'objet portable selon l'invention, et
  • les figures 4A et 4B représentent des vues schématiques en coupe diamétrale partielle d'une troisième forme d'exécution de l'objet portable avant et après la liaison du bracelet au boítier de l'objet portable selon l'invention.
The purposes, advantages and characteristics of the wearable bracelet object will appear better in the following description of several embodiments of the invention in connection with the drawings in which:
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B show diagrammatic views in partial diametrical section of a first embodiment of the portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet to the housing of the portable object according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 represents a simplified three-dimensional exploded view of the first embodiment of a part of the portable object according to the invention,
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B show diagrammatic views in partial diametrical section of a second embodiment of the portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet to the housing of the portable object according to the invention, and
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B show diagrammatic views in partial diametrical section of a third embodiment of the portable object before and after the binding of the bracelet to the housing of the portable object according to the invention.

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

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

La montre-bracelet 1 comprend encore un mouvement d'horlogerie, non représenté, dans le boítier de la montre 1 pour entraíner des aiguilles, non représentées, d'indication de l'heure, qui sont placées devant un cadran 17, et une couronne ou bouton non représenté notamment pour le réglage de l'heure. Ce cadran 17 est espacé de la glace 16 par un réhaut 18. Bien entendu, le cadran 17 pourrait être un dispositif d'affichage à cristaux liquides pour afficher notamment des informations horaires fournies par un circuit garde-temps, non représenté, alimenté par une pile ou un accumulateur 14 placé dans le fond 2 du boítier.The wristwatch 1 still includes a watch movement, no shown in the housing of the watch 1 to drive needles, no represented, indicating the time, which are placed in front of a dial 17, and a crown or button not shown in particular for setting the time. This dial 17 is spaced from the window 16 by a flange 18. Of course, the dial 17 could to be a liquid crystal display device for displaying, in particular, hourly information provided by a time circuit, not shown, powered by a battery or accumulator 14 placed in the bottom 2 of the housing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A partir de la description qui vient d'être faite de multiples variantes de réalisation de l'objet portable à bracelet peuvent être conçues par l'homme du métier sans sortir du cadre de l'invention définie par les revendications. La piste conductrice peut être un fil métallique ou une lame métallique dont l'extrémité est de forme complémentaire au trou borgne du connecteur.From the description that has just been made of multiple variants of realization of the portable bracelet object can be designed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. The conductive track may be a wire or a metal blade whose end is shaped complementary to the blind hole of the connector.

Claims (15)

Objet portable (1 ) comprenant un boítier (2, 3) dans lequel est disposé au moins un circuit électronique (11), un bracelet (9) relié au boítier, et des moyens de connexion électrique (4, 8) pour relier électriquement au moins une piste conductrice (6) du bracelet à au moins une borne de contact (11a) du circuit électronique (11), caractérisé en ce que les moyens de connexion électrique comprennent au moins un élément de connexion électrique (4) fixé de manière isolante et étanche à travers une paroi (3) du boítier afin de faire partie intégrante de la paroi du boítier.Portable object (1) comprising a housing (2, 3) in which is disposed at least one electronic circuit (11), a bracelet (9) connected to the housing, and electrical connection means (4, 8) for electrically connecting to the at least one conductive track (6) of the bracelet to at least one contact terminal (11a) of the electronic circuit (11), characterized in that the electrical connection means comprise at least one electrical connection element (4) insulatively fixed and sealed through a wall (3) of the housing to form an integral part of the wall of the housing. Objet portable selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de connexion électrique, qui est un connecteur (4) de forme générale cylindrique, est fixé à travers une ouverture (12) adaptée de la paroi du boítier avec un joint annulaire isolant semi-rigide (5), qui entoure le connecteur.Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical connection element, which is a connector (4) of generally cylindrical shape, is fixed through an opening (12) adapted to the wall of the housing with an insulating annular seal semi-rigid (5), which surrounds the connector. Objet portable selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le connecteur avec le joint annulaire sont chassés dans l'ouverture de la paroi du boítier.Portable object according to claim 2, characterized in that the connector with the annular seal are driven into the opening of the wall of the housing. Objet portable selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que l'ouverture de la paroi du boítier recevant une partie du connecteur et du joint comprend deux parties (12a, 12b) de forme généralement cylindrique, une première partie (12b) côté intérieur du boítier étant de diamètre inférieur à une seconde partie (12a) côté extérieur du boítier, et en ce que la partie intermédiaire (4a, 4b) du connecteur et le joint entourant la partie intermédiaire du connecteur sont de forme cylindrique complémentaire aux deux parties cylindriques de l'ouverture de manière à être chassés en prenant appui sur une butée dans l'ouverture entre les première et seconde parties.Portable object according to claim 3, characterized in that the opening of the wall of the housing receiving a portion of the connector and the seal comprises two parts (12a, 12b) of generally cylindrical shape, a first portion (12b) on the inside of the housing being of diameter less than a second portion (12a) outside the housing, and in that the intermediate portion (4a, 4b) of the connector and the seal surrounding the intermediate portion of the connector are of cylindrical shape complementary to the two cylindrical portions of the opening so as to be driven away by pressing a stop in the opening between the first and second parts. Objet portable selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de connexion électrique, tel qu'un connecteur, comprend un trou borgne (4c) ouvert vers l'extérieur du boítier afin de recevoir une extrémité (6a) de la piste conductrice métallique de forme complémentaire au trou borgne, la sortie du trou borgne comprenant un évasement conique pour faciliter l'introduction de l'extrémité de la piste conductrice.Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical connection element, such as a connector, comprises a blind hole (4c) open towards the outside of the housing to receive an end (6a) of the conductive track metallic form complementary to the blind hole, the outlet of the blind hole comprising a tapered flare to facilitate the introduction of the end of the conductive track. Objet portable selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité de la piste conductrice est sous forme de tige ou de lame pour être logée dans le trou borgne du connecteur de forme complémentaire, et en ce que la piste conductrice et le connecteur sont réalisés en matériau métallique, tel qu'en acier inoxydable.Portable object according to claim 5, characterized in that the end of the conductive track is in the form of a rod or blade to be housed in the blind hole of the complementary shaped connector, and in that the conductive track and the connector are made of metal material, such as stainless steel. Objet portable selon l'une des revendications 5 et 6, caractérisé en ce qu'un matériau visqueux de protection est disposé dans le trou borgne du connecteur. Portable object according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that a protective viscous material is arranged in the blind hole of the connector. Objet portable selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'une extrémité d'au moins un brin souple du bracelet, qui est reliée au boítier, comprend un insert rigide isolant (7) à travers lequel passe la piste conductrice (6), une surface (25) de l'insert et/ou de l'extrémité du brin de bracelet en regard d'une surface extérieure (23) de la paroi du boítier étant destinée à venir en contact de la paroi du boítier pour empêcher une rotation du brin (9) du bracelet au niveau de la connexion de l'extrémité de la piste conductrice à l'élément de connexion.Portable object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an end of at least one flexible strand of the bracelet, which is connected to the housing, comprises a rigid insulating insert (7) through which the conductive track (6 ), a surface (25) of the insert and / or the end of the bracelet strand facing an outer surface (23) of the wall of the housing being intended to come into contact with the wall of the housing to prevent a rotation of the strand (9) of the bracelet at the connection of the end of the conductive track to the connection element. Objet portable selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la piste conductrice définit une antenne de réception et/ou émission de signaux radiofréquences, et en ce que le circuit électronique dans le boítier comprend des moyens pour la réception et/ou l'émission des signaux radiofréquences.Portable object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductive track defines an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals, and in that the electronic circuit in the housing comprises means for receiving and / or transmitting transmission of radio frequency signals. Objet portable selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend deux connecteurs métalliques (4) fixés de manière isolante et étanche à travers la paroi (3) du boítier, lesdits connecteurs étant disposés en opposition diamétralement dans la paroi du boítier pour contacter chacun une des deux extrémités de la piste conductrice du bracelet.Portable object according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises two metal connectors (4) insulatively fixed and sealed through the wall (3) of the housing, said connectors being arranged diametrically opposite in the wall of the housing to contact each one of the two ends of the conductive track of the bracelet. Objet portable selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que la piste conductrice traverse l'insert afin que l'extrémité de la piste soit disposée dans une direction d'insertion dans le trou borgne correspondant à son axe longitudinal quand la surface de l'insert vient en contact de la surface extérieure de la paroi du boítier.Portable object according to claim 8, characterized in that the conductive track passes through the insert so that the end of the track is arranged in an insertion direction in the blind hole corresponding to its longitudinal axis when the surface of the insert comes into contact with the outer surface of the wall of the housing. Objet portable selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce qu'une partie extérieure (4a) du connecteur métallique, qui est fixé à travers la paroi du boítier, définit une protubérance afin que l'extrémité de la piste conductrice (6) sous forme d'une lame ressort fléchisse en contact avec la protubérance quand la surface de l'insert est en contact direct avec la surface extérieure de la paroi du boítier.Portable object according to claim 7, characterized in that an outer part (4a) of the metal connector, which is fixed through the housing wall, defines a protrusion so that the end of the conductive track (6) in the form of a spring blade flexes in contact with the protrusion when the surface of the insert is in direct contact with the outer surface of the wall of the housing. Objet portable selon l'une des revendications 8 et 12, caractérisé en ce que l'insert (7) comprend un logement (24) traversé par la piste conductrice pour recevoir au moins une partie extérieure du connecteur formant une protubérance de forme complémentaire au logement afin d'isoler des contraintes de l'environnement la connexion électrique entre l'extrémité de la piste conductrice et le connecteur.Portable object according to one of claims 8 and 12, characterized in that the insert (7) comprises a housing (24) traversed by the conductive track to receive at least one outer portion of the connector forming a protuberance of complementary shape to the housing in order to isolate environmental constraints the electrical connection between the end of the conductive track and the connector. Objet portable selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que l'insert (7) comprend un logement (24) ayant une couche ou douille métallique (13) reliée à une extrémité de la piste conductrice pour recevoir une partie extérieure du connecteur formant une protubérance de forme complémentaire au logement conducteur quand la surface de l'insert est en contact direct avec la surface extérieure de la paroi du boítier. Portable object according to claim 8, characterized in that the insert (7) comprises a housing (24) having a metal layer or socket (13) connected to one end of the conductive track for receiving an outer portion of the connector forming a protuberance of complementary shape to the conductive housing when the surface of the insert is in direct contact with the outer surface of the wall of the housing. Objet portable selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le circuit électronique est monté sur une plaque de circuit imprimé (10), qui comprend une lame de contact (8) reliée à la borne de contact du circuit électronique, cette lame fléchissant au contact d'une partie intérieure du connecteur.Portable object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic circuit is mounted on a printed circuit board (10), which comprises a contact blade (8) connected to the contact terminal of the electronic circuit, this blade flexing in contact with an inner part of the connector.
EP20030026428 2003-11-19 2003-11-19 Portable device with bracelet having electrical connecting means through the housing Expired - Lifetime EP1538697B1 (en)

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EP20030026428 EP1538697B1 (en) 2003-11-19 2003-11-19 Portable device with bracelet having electrical connecting means through the housing

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EP20030026428 EP1538697B1 (en) 2003-11-19 2003-11-19 Portable device with bracelet having electrical connecting means through the housing

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Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106252877B (en) * 2016-07-29 2019-03-19 惠州Tcl移动通信有限公司 A kind of antenna attachment structure and the electronic equipment with the antenna attachment structure
CN107077102A (en) * 2017-01-16 2017-08-18 深圳市大疆创新科技有限公司 Wrist-watch and its watchband
EP3712719B1 (en) 2019-03-20 2021-11-10 Renata AG A wristwatch with battery integrated in the clasp

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2553559A1 (en) * 1975-11-28 1977-06-02 Karl Fischer Spring loaded clamp connector for strips - has hook:shaped clamping spring with S:shaped clamping arm and held in insulating block
US4629329A (en) * 1984-04-26 1986-12-16 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Electronic wristwatch
US5742256A (en) * 1993-05-07 1998-04-21 Seiko Epson Corporation Wristband having embedded electrically conductive members for a wrist-mountable type electronic device
US6239759B1 (en) * 1998-01-05 2001-05-29 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Antenna connector

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2553559A1 (en) * 1975-11-28 1977-06-02 Karl Fischer Spring loaded clamp connector for strips - has hook:shaped clamping spring with S:shaped clamping arm and held in insulating block
US4629329A (en) * 1984-04-26 1986-12-16 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Electronic wristwatch
US5742256A (en) * 1993-05-07 1998-04-21 Seiko Epson Corporation Wristband having embedded electrically conductive members for a wrist-mountable type electronic device
US6239759B1 (en) * 1998-01-05 2001-05-29 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Antenna connector

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