Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
  • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
  • A44C5/14—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps characterised by the way of fastening to a wrist-watch or the like
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
  • A44C5/00—Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps
  • A44C5/0007—Bracelets specially adapted for other functions or with means for attaching other articles
• • 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
  • G04B47/00—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece
  • G04B47/06—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece with attached measuring instruments, e.g. pedometer, barometer, thermometer or compass
  • G04B47/066—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece with attached measuring instruments, e.g. pedometer, barometer, thermometer or compass with a pressure sensor
• • 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
  • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
  • G04G17/00—Structural details; Housings
  • G04G17/02—Component assemblies
  • G04G17/06—Electric connectors, e.g. conductive elastomers
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G04—HOROLOGY
  • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
  • G04G17/00—Structural details; Housings
  • G04G17/08—Housings
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G04—HOROLOGY
  • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
  • G04G19/00—Electric power supply circuits specially adapted for use in electronic time-pieces
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G04—HOROLOGY
  • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
  • G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
  • G04G21/08—Touch switches specially adapted for time-pieces

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a watch strap. More specifically, the invention relates to a watch strap in which are housed one or more electronic components arranged to perform at least one electronic function.
• a strong trend in the current market is related to connected watches carrying one or more electronic functions and capable of communicating for example with a smartphone-type mobile phone.
• the focus is more on the range of electronic functions that such watches offer to their users than on the aesthetic, horometric and sealing qualities of such watches.
• Connected watches currently available on the market are unsightly and relatively fragile objects whose daily use requires a lot of care on the part of their carriers.
• the pressure sensor can be housed in the wristband of the watch, in order not to have to modify the watch case inside which is housed a movement watchmaking that can be indifferently mechanical, electronic or electromechanical type.
• the watch case thus preserves intact its sealing properties, horometric and aesthetic, while offering its user, through the addition of the bracelet, additional electronic functions.
• At least one energy source for supplying electrical power to the various electronic components required for the execution of the electronic function (s) must be housed in the bracelet.
• the bracelets inside which are housed the various components necessary for the performance of electronic functions are typically made by means of plastic or elastomer.
• the present invention aims to remedy the problems mentioned above as well as others by providing a bracelet that will allow to associate with a watch case one or more electronic functions controlled by means of a button. button.
• the present invention relates to a wristlet for a watch case comprising a first arm in which is housed a first printed circuit portion and a second arm, the first printed circuit portion carrying at least one electronic component arranged to perform a function.
• corresponding electronic means as well as a source of electrical energy and a microcontroller for the supply and control of the electronic component arranged to perform a corresponding electronic function
• at least one push button for the introduction of a control signal into the microcontroller being arranged in the bracelet above a rigid surface having a bearing surface which, in response to pressure exerted on the push button, exerts a counter-reaction force sufficient to cause the pressure exerted on the push-button is not at least partially compensated by a corresponding deformation of the bracelet
• the first bra s being connected to the second arm via a median portion arranged to be located under the watch case
• a second printed circuit portion housed in the second arm and carrying at least one other electronic component being connected to the first printed circuit portion housed in the first arm via the middle portion
• the rigid surface is formed by the source of electrical energy.
• the wristlet for a watch case comprises a clasp with folding clasps, a first arm in which is housed a first printed circuit portion and a second arm, the first printed circuit portion carrying less an electronic component arranged to perform a corresponding electronic function, as well as a source of electrical energy and a microcontroller for the supply and control of the electronic component arranged to perform a corresponding electronic function, at least one push button for the introduction of a control signal into the microcontroller being arranged in the bracelet above the clasp with folding clasps which provides a bearing surface which, in response to pressure exerted on the push button, exerts a counter force -reaction sufficient so that the pressure exerted on the push-button is not at least partially compensated by a e corresponding deformation of the bracelet.
• the present invention provides a wristlet for a watch case in which electronic components are housed such as, in particular, a push-button arranged over a rigid surface which thus offers a bearing surface which opposes a resistant force in response to the depression of the push button by the user, which allows the user to be sure that he has pressed the pushbutton properly and that his instruction has been taken into account.
• electronic components are housed such as, in particular, a push-button arranged over a rigid surface which thus offers a bearing surface which opposes a resistant force in response to the depression of the push button by the user, which allows the user to be sure that he has pressed the pushbutton properly and that his instruction has been taken into account.
• the printed circuit boards are arranged in the two strands of the bracelet and that these printed circuit boards are also electrically connected to each other, it is possible to provide a push button in each of the strands of the bracelet and, by means of appropriate combinations of pressures on these push buttons, to considerably increase the number of functions that can be
• the rigid surface is formed by the source of electrical energy above which the pushbutton is arranged.
• the bracelet according to the invention is provided with a folding clasp which provides a rigid bearing surface above which is arranged the push button.
• the push button is located just opposite the watch case. It is sufficient for the user to turn his wrist 180 ° to find the push button. It's a simple gesture that can be done in all circumstances and especially in the dark. Thanks to the presence of the push button, the user will be able to introduce control signals into the microcontroller.
• the microcontroller can be programmed to be able to distinguish between a short pressure and a long pressure on the pushbutton, or between a single pressure and a double pressure.
• the source of rigid electrical energy is a button cell.
• the button cell is arranged in the connection zone of the bracelet to the watch case.
• the push button is formed of a flexible metal sheet shaped as a dome, the dome having a periphery bearing on a first contact formed on the first printed circuit portion and a peak which, when the user presses the pushbutton, deforms and bears on a second contact formed on the first printed circuit portion, which sends a signal to the microcontroller.
• rigid energy source is meant a source of energy which provides a bearing surface which, in response to pressure exerted on a push button, exerts a counter-reaction force sufficient for the pressure exerted by the user on the push button is not at least partially compensated by a corresponding deformation of the flexible bracelet.
• the bracelet If the bracelet is worn or if the power source it contains is exhausted, it can be easily exchanged for a new bracelet.
• the source of electrical energy can also be rechargeable or replaceable.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective and dissociated view of the bracelet according to the invention in which a first printed circuit sheet is connected to a second printed circuit sheet via a median part arranged to be under a box of shows, this middle portion comprising means for providing electrical continuity between the first printed circuit sheet and the second printed circuit sheet and being capped by a rigid insert which serves as a seat for the watch case;
• FIG. 2 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 in which the first printed circuit sheet and the second printed circuit sheet are overmolded by means of a first layer of plastic or elastomeric material;
• - Figure 3A is a vertical sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the bracelet of Figure 2;
• FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the region surrounded by a circle in FIG. 3A;
• - Figure 4 is a view of a sleeve in which is inserted the bracelet of Figure 2;
• FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the case in which the sheath of FIG. 4 comprises an upper band and a lower band between which is disposed the bracelet according to the invention and which are assembled to one another along their peripheral edges for example by sewing or by heat-sealing;
• FIG. 6 illustrates the case where the median part comprises only one arch to support the conductive tracks making it possible to electrically connect the first and second printed circuit portions to one another;
• FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail view of one of the guide elements of the insert within which is housed the pressure sensor with the interposition of a seal;
• FIG. 8 is an enlarged detail view of the other guide element, inside which is housed a guide for driving the light produced by a point light source to the outside;
• FIG. 9 is an enlarged detail view of the zone where one of the arms of the bracelet is connected to the watch case and where the button cell and the push button are arranged;
• FIG. 10 is a view from below of the button cell shown in FIG. 9;
• FIG. 11 is a perspective and dissociated view of the button cell, the push button and the portion of printed circuit on which the button cell and the push button are mounted, and
• FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the bracelet according to the invention equipped with a clasp with folding clasps above which is arranged the push button.
• the present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea which consists in associating with a watch case containing a watch movement preferentially but not limitatively mechanical a bracelet in the thickness of which are housed at least one source of electrical energy and a microcontroller for supplying and controlling at least one electronic component arranged to perform a corresponding electronic function. Thanks to the presence of an actuating element such as a push button, the user will be able to introduce control signals into the microcontroller.
• the present invention requires that the push button is arranged above a rigid surface which may for example be formed by the source of electrical energy or by a clasp with folding clasps which is provided with the bracelet.
• the rigid surface provides the pushbutton with a bearing surface that opposes a resistant force in response to the depression of the pushbutton by the user, which allows this user to be sure that he has pressed the push-button properly and his instruction has been taken into account. It is understood that if the push button was not disposed above a rigid surface but simply embedded in the thickness of the bracelet conventionally made of a flexible material such as plastic or elastomer, the bracelet would deform under the effect of the pressure exerted on the push button, this which would at least partially compensate for the force exerted by the user on the push-button and prevent the user from being sure that the pushbutton has been properly actuated and that the control signal has been sent to the microcontroller.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view and dissociated state of the bracelet according to the invention.
• this bracelet comprises a first arm 2 in which is housed a first printed circuit portion 4 and a second arm 6 connected to the first arm 2 by a median portion 8 arranged to be under a watch case 10.
• the watch strap according to the invention comprises only one printed circuit portion housed in one or the other of the two arms of the bracelet.
• printed circuit portions are housed in one and the other of the two arms of the bracelet and are interconnected by the middle portion. . It will be understood from the following that this preferred embodiment of the invention makes it possible to have more printed circuit surface for mounting a larger number of electronic components and electrical energy sources, which allows to offer the user more electronic functions and greater autonomy.
• the second arm 6 comprises a second printed circuit portion 12 connected to the first printed circuit portion 4 by electrical connection means which provide electrical continuity between the first printed circuit portion 4 and the second printed circuit portion 12 .
• the second printed circuit portion 12 could be electrically separated from the first printed circuit portion 4. In this case, however, it would be necessary to provide electrical connection means between the first printed circuit portion 4 and the second printed circuit portion 12 such as son, which would not necessarily be very convenient or very solid. Therefore, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, a third printed circuit portion 14 housed in the middle part 8 is made in one piece with the first and second printed circuit portions 4 and 12 housed in the first and second arms 2 and 6 of the bracelet 1. This third printed circuit portion 14 comprises one or more electrically conductive tracks for ensuring the electrical continuity between the first and second printed circuit portions 4 and 12.
• the median portion 8 of approximately annular shape, is formed of two arches 8a and 8b which define an outer diameter substantially corresponding to the outside diameter of the watch case 10 which is delimited by a middle part 16 and a bottom 18.
• the watch case 10 is intended to be disposed above the middle portion 8 with the interposition of an insert 20 between the watch case 10 and the middle portion 8.
• This insert 20 comprises a rigid ring 22 whose geometry is similar to that of the median portion 8 and which is fixed on this median portion 8 by any suitable means such as gluing.
• This rigid ring 22 gives the medial portion 8 rigidity and mechanical strength and serves as a seat for the watch case 10. It is understood that, because of its ring shape, the middle portion 8 leaves the bottom 18 of the box visible. shows 10. However, in the case where it would not be desired to leave the bottom 18 of the watch case 10 visible, the median portion 8 could have the shape of a disc obscuring the bottom 18.
• FIG. 3A is a sectional view along a plane extending along the longitudinal axis of the bracelet 1.
• the box of watch 10 contains a watch movement 24 which causes a set of hands 26a hours and minutes 26b. These needles hours 26a and minutes 26b move over a dial 28 and are covered by ice 30.
• the watch movement 24 housed in the watch case 10 can be of any type. It can be a purely mechanical movement, or a purely electronic movement, or even an electromechanical movement. The mechanical or electronic nature of the watch movement 24 is in fact of no importance for the purposes of the present invention since the watch case 10 is completely independent of the bracelet 1 according to the invention and the addition of such a bracelet 1 does not require any modification of the various components housed in the watch case 10.
• the present invention is of interest especially in the case where the watch movement 24 is a mechanical movement.
• the addition to a watch case 10 enclosing such a purely mechanical watch movement 24 of a bracelet 1 according to the invention makes it possible to offer the user new electronic functions without in any way altering the aesthetic appearance, the qualities mechanical and sealing of the watch case 10.
• the bracelet 1 comprises a first arm 2 in which is housed a first printed circuit portion 4 and a second arm 6 in which is housed a second printed circuit portion 12.
• first and second printed circuit portions 4, 12 are made in one piece with the middle portion 8 which comprises for this purpose a third printed circuit portion 14 on which are structured or electrically conductive tracks to ensure continuity between such two printed circuit portions 4 and 12.
• first printed circuit portion 4 As visible in the examination of FIG. 3, electronic components such as a microcontroller 34, an accelerometer 36 and a magnetic sensor 38 are mounted on the surface of the first printed circuit portion 4.
• This first circuit portion printed 4 also carries a rigid electric power source 40 and an integrated circuit 42 able to communicate with another device using for example a Bluetooth, Wifi or NFC type interface.
• another source of rigid electrical energy 40 is mounted on the surface of the second printed circuit portion 12.
• One of the poles of the rigid electrical power source 40 is connected to the first printed circuit portion 4 by means of a flange 44 which also serves to mechanically hold the electrical power source 40.
• a connection pad 46 structured on the first printed circuit portion 4 allows to connect the other pole of the rigid electrical power source 40 to this first printed circuit portion 4.
• the box of watch 10 comprises two diametrically opposite pairs of horns 48 and the insert 20 comprises two guide elements 50 arranged to fit between the respective pairs of horns 48 when the watch case 10 is placed on the insert 20. These two elements of guide 50 are each pierced with a hole 52 for the passage of a bar 54 for attaching the bracelet 1 to the watch case 10.
• a housing 56 formed in the volume of one of the guide elements 50 makes it possible to receive a pressure sensor 58.
• This housing 56 opens on the one hand on the middle part 8 to allow the fixing of the pressure sensor 58 on the third printed circuit portion 14 and its connection with the microcontroller 34, and secondly in the hole 52 of the passage of the bar 54 for connection pressure sensor 58 with water.
• the hole 52 for the passage of the bar 54 locally has an increase in diameter 60 which does not affect the good guidance of the bar 54 but which makes it possible to materialize a path for bringing the water into contact with the sensor Pressure 58.
• a simple seal 62 is used to seal the housing 56 and effectively isolate the electronic components housed in the bracelet 1 water.
• the pressure sensor 58 is disposed in a rigid housing 56, there is no risk that the pressure measurement system will deteriorate due to deformations experienced by the bracelet 1 when is worn on the wrist of his user.
• the pressure sensor 58 is for example that marketed by the company Measurement Specialties Inc. under the reference MS5837-30BA. It is a piezoresistive-type pressure sensor whose pressure-sensitive element is formed by Wheatstone bridge-mounted strain gauges to maximize the sensor output signal and minimize its sensitivity to measurement errors. .
• an actuating element such as a push-button 64 is arranged in the bracelet 1 above at least one of the rigid electrical energy sources 40 which are, by way of preferred example but non-limiting, battery buttons.
• the electrical power source 40 due to its rigidity, provides the pushbutton 64 with a bearing surface that opposes a force in response to the pressure exerted by the user on the push-button 64.
• the push-button 64 does not penetrate into the flexible material, for example plastic or elastomer, in which wristband 1 is made and the pressure exerted by the user is entirely transmitted to the push-button 64. The user is thus assured that his order has been taken into account.
• the push-button 64 is used to introduce a control signal into the microcontroller 34, for example to control the start of the pressure sensor 58 or else to control the transfer of the data recorded by the pressure sensor 58 to another Apparatus via the integrated circuit 42.
• the microcontroller 34 is programmed so that it is able to distinguish for example between a short pressure and a long pressure, or between a single pressure and a double pressure. If the bracelet 1 according to the invention is equipped with two push buttons 64, one can also consider that the microcontroller 34 can be controlled by combinations of pressures exerted alternately on one and the other of the two push buttons 64.
• the push-button 64 is formed of a flexible metal sheet shaped as a dome 66, the dome 66 having four equidistant arms 68 resting on a first contact 70 formed on the first circuit portion printed 4 and a top 72 which, when the user presses the pushbutton 64, deforms and bears on a second contact 74 also provided on the first printed circuit portion 4, which sends a signal to the microcontroller 34.
• the push-button 64 is held on the first printed circuit portion 4 by means of an adhesive sheet 75. As can be seen in particular in FIGS.
• the button-cell is , as a preferred but non-limiting example, arranged in the zone of connection of the bracelet 1 to the watch case 10.
• the assembly formed by the button cell and the push-button 64 is arranged in a zone Moreover high rigidity, which ensures even easier actuation of the push button 64 and protects it from deformations related to bending and twisting movements allowing the bracelet 1 to adapt to the shape and movements of the wrist of the user .
• the set of electronic components is mounted on the printed circuit portions 4, 12 and 14 and the insert 20 has been suitably disposed on the middle portion 8, overmolding all with a first layer 76 of a plastic or elastomeric material to form the first and second arms 2 and 6 (see Figure 2).
• This first overmolding layer 76 is intended to protect the electronic components mounted on the first and second printed circuit portions 4, 12 external aggression and to give the resulting arms 2 and 6 their shape and mechanical strength.
• the bars 54 are engaged through the horns 48 and the guide members 50 at the time of the overmoulding operation to prevent the holes 52 from being obstructed by the overmoulding material.
• the bracelet 1 which results from the overmoulding operation and which comprises the two arms 2, 6 interconnected by the medial portion 8 capped by the insert 20 and in the thickness of which are housed the electronic components necessary for the production of the desired electronic function or functions is finally slid into a sheath 78.
• this sheath 78 comprises a first strand 80 and a second strand 82 interconnected by a connecting portion 84 which is adapted in accordance with FIG. shape and dimension to receive the middle portion 8 of the bracelet 1 capped by the insert 20.
• This sleeve 78 is for example obtained by molding or injection of an elastomeric material ensuring that the first and second strands 80 and 82 are hollow and each provided with an opening 86 in order to be able to slide the two arms 2 and 6.
• the sleeve 78 comprises an upper band 88 and a lower band 90 between which is arranged the bracelet 1 according to the invention and which are assembled to one another along their peripheral edges 92 for example by sewing or by heat-sealing.
• the middle portion 8 may comprise only one arch 94 to support the conductive tracks making it possible to electrically connect the first and second printed circuit portions 4 and 12 to each other.
• a notch 96 formed in that of the guide elements 50 which does not receive the pressure sensor can receive a transparent light guide 98 under which a point light source 100 such as a light-emitting diode fixed on the second printed circuit portion 12 and supplied with current by the electric power source 40.
• This point light source 100 may indicate in a color code the operating state of the pressure sensor 58.
• each of the first and second arms 2 and 6 is attached by one of its free ends to the watch case 2 and the bracelet 1 is closed by attaching together the first and second arm 2 and 6 by their other free end.
• the bracelet 1 is equipped with a clasp with a folding clasp 102 comprising two blades 104 and 106 connected to one another pivotally and movable between a first deployed position in which the clasp 102 is open, and a second position corresponding to the closed position of the clasp 102 in which the blades 104, 106 are folded over one another.
• a push button 64 is arranged in the material of the bracelet 1 just above the region of the bracelet 1 where the two blades 104, 106 of the clasp 102 fold when closing the clasp 102.
• the two blades 104, 106 folded on top of each other provides a rigid surface having a bearing surface which, in response to pressure exerted on the push button, exerts a counter-reaction force sufficient to cause the pressure exerted on the push-button is not at least partially compensated by a corresponding deformation of the bracelet.
• the source of electrical energy is rigid.
• a source of electrical energy is only necessary in the case where a push button is arranged in the bracelet above such a source of electrical energy.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Power Engineering (AREA)
• Electric Clocks (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=54979413

Family Applications (2)

Family Applications Before (1)

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• 2015
  • 2015-12-15 EP EP15200087.3A patent/EP3182222A1/de not_active Withdrawn
• 2016
  • 2016-11-30 WO PCT/EP2016/079174 patent/WO2017102319A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2016-11-30 SG SG11201804269VA patent/SG11201804269VA/en unknown
  • 2016-11-30 US US15/780,377 patent/US11006704B2/en active Active
  • 2016-11-30 EP EP16802084.0A patent/EP3362858B1/de active Active
  • 2016-11-30 KR KR1020187016923A patent/KR102107326B1/ko active IP Right Grant
  • 2016-11-30 CN CN201680073579.1A patent/CN108475041B/zh active Active
  • 2016-11-30 JP JP2018530565A patent/JP6766148B2/ja active Active
  • 2016-12-08 TW TW105140687A patent/TWI713646B/zh active
• 2019
  • 2019-01-31 HK HK19101739.3A patent/HK1259371A1/zh unknown

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