EP1498044A1 - Clasp for an antenna-including bracelet and bracelet including such a clasp - Google Patents

Abstract

The buckle has a detachable part (1) with a buckle unit (60) and another detachable part with two buckle units (70, 75). The detachable parts are electrically connected to two antenna units. A plate (62) is superposed with another plate (72) and the buckle unit (75) sandwiches the plate (62) against the plate (72) when the buckle unit (75) is locked on a fixation post, during locking of the two detachable parts. An independent claim is also included for a wrist watch strap for portable electronic equipment.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention generally relates to a clasp for electrically connecting first and second antenna elements housed respectively in first and second strands of a bracelet of an instrument portable electronics, this clasp comprising first and second parts detachable one from the other, electrically connected respectively to the first and second antenna elements, and that can be locked mechanically one on the other to establish an electrical contact between the first and second elements antenna. The present invention also relates to a bracelet comprising such a clasp.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Clasps meeting the general definition given above are already known. EP 0 125 930 for example describes such a clasp to ensure the electrical connection of two conductors housed in the strands of a bracelet for including forming a loop antenna around the wrist of the user when the electronic instrument is worn.

Documents US 5,152,693 and US 5,179,733 describe another solution which similar to the above solution the possibility of adjusting the position of one of the elements of the clasp on one of the strand of the bracelet. One more another similar solution is given in US 5,303,421.

Finally there is known other solution where the clasp is of the buckle type (see in particular WO 86/03645), of the plug-in type with male parts and female (see also WO 86/03645), or the type with folding clasp (cf. especially EP 0 867 968).

The pin buckle solution is in practice not adequate because of the poor quality of the electrical contact, and the plug-in solution is complex from a mechanical point of view. As regards the other solutions mentioned above, it is note that these solutions provide for exposing parts of the antenna elements on the inside or outside of the bracelet. This type of solution therefore presents a disadvantage in that the exposed parts of the antenna elements can quickly oxidize and thus cause a degradation of the quality of the contact electric. This oxidation is particularly accelerated by the presence of sweat when this bracelet is worn on the wrist. From an aesthetic point of view, this type of solution is not very desirable.

Another disadvantage of these solutions lies in the relative thickness important of the bracelet at the closure device, the two strands of bracelet superimposed on it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A general object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution on the one hand to ensure an adequate electrical connection between the two antenna elements housed in the strands of the bracelet and which allows, on the other hand, reduce clutter at the clasp.

The subject of the present invention is thus a clasp of the aforementioned type of which the features are set forth in claim 1. The present invention also for object a bracelet comprising such a clasp.

Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

It is thus proposed to make the first detachable part of the clasp, which is electrically connected to the first antenna element, so that it has a first clasp element comprising a first plate extending into the extension of the first strand of the bracelet, the second detachable part, which is connected electrically to the second antenna element, comprising, on the one hand, a second clasp element comprising a second plate extending in the extension the second strand of the bracelet as well as a retainer, and, on the other hand, a third clasp member rotatably mounted on the second clasp member and arranged to latch onto the retaining device of the second element of clasp. When locking the first and second detachable parts, the first plateau of the first clasp element is superimposed on the second plateau of the second clasp member and the third clasp member is pivoted to take sandwich the first tray against the second tray once locked on the restraint.

This solution offers the advantage of ensuring a very high electrical contact surface extended between the two detachable parts of the clasp once locked. Indeed, two trays thus arranged ensure, by their relatively large surface, a good electrical cohesion between the two detachable parts of the clasp. On the other hand, the third clasp element exerts, when locked on the second element of clasp, a pressing force or compression now the plateau of the first clasp member in close contact with the platen of the second clasp member.

Preferably, the first plate is provided with at least one fixing orifice through the thickness of the first plate and the retaining device comprises at least one fixing pin disposed substantially perpendicular to the second plateau and whose end is arranged to come to lock on the third clasp member, the fixing hole and the fixing pin being arranged so when the first and second plates are superimposed, the fixing pin through the fixing hole. This variant ensures a good performance mechanical clasp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 montre une vue en perspective d'un fermoir selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, les deux parties détachables du fermoir étant illustrées dans une situation où elles sont solidaires l'une de l'autre, le troisième élément du fermoir monté rotatif étant illustré en position non verrouillée ;
• les figures 1a et 1b sont respectivement une vue en plan, du côté de la face externe du bracelet, et une vue latérale du fermoir de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 2 montre une vue en perspective similaire à celle de la figure 1 où les deux parties détachables sont illustrées détachées l'une de l'autre ;
• la figure 3 montre une vue en perspective d'un mode de réalisation particulier d'un élément d'antenne pouvant avantageusement être incorporé dans chaque brin du bracelet ;
• la figure 4a est une vue en coupe du premier élément de fermoir prise au niveau de son attache avec le premier brin de bracelet et de sa liaison électrique avec l'élément d'antenne qui y est incorporé (ligne de coupe A-A dans la figure 1a) ;
• la figure 4b est une vue en coupe des second et troisième éléments de fermoir prise au niveau de leur attache avec le second brin de bracelet et de leur liaison électrique avec l'élément d'antenne qui y est incorporé (ligne de coupe B-B dans la figure 1a) ;
• les figures 5a et 5b sont respectivement des vues latérale et de dessus du second élément de fermoir ;
• les figures 6a et 6b sont respectivement des vues latérale et de dessus du premier élément de fermoir ; et
• les figures 7a et 7b sont respectivement des vues latérale et de dessus du troisième élément de fermoir.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given solely by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a clasp according to one embodiment of the invention, the two detachable parts of the clasp being illustrated in a situation where they are secured to one another, the third element of the clasp; rotatably mounted being shown in the unlocked position;
• Figures 1a and 1b are respectively a plan view, on the side of the outer face of the bracelet, and a side view of the clasp of Figure 1;
• Figure 2 shows a perspective view similar to that of Figure 1 where the two detachable parts are illustrated detached from each other;
• FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a particular embodiment of an antenna element that can advantageously be incorporated into each strand of the bracelet;
• FIG. 4a is a sectional view of the first clasp element taken at its attachment with the first wristband strand and its electrical connection with the antenna element incorporated therein (cutting line AA in FIG. 1a );
• FIG. 4b is a sectional view of the second and third clasp elements taken at their attachment with the second bracelet strand and of their electrical connection with the antenna element incorporated therein (section line BB in FIG. Figure 1a);
• Figures 5a and 5b are respectively side and top views of the second clasp member;
• Figures 6a and 6b are respectively side and top views of the first clasp member; and
• Figures 7a and 7b are respectively side and top views of the third clasp member.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the context of the non-limiting example that will be given in the following description, it will be noted already that the bracelet has two strands of identical bracelet each having the same antenna element, these two strands being attached to each other by the clasp so that the two antenna elements are electrically connected to one another so as to form a loop antenna around the wrist. This type of antenna configuration in a bracelet is good known and its operating principle will not be discussed here. Further details information on this point can be found in the documents referred to in preamble.

Figs 1, 1a and 1b respectively show a perspective view, a plan view on the outer side of the bracelet (by definition the "outer face" is defined as the face facing the outside of the wrist when the wristband is worn, by opposition to the "inner face" which designates the face of the bracelet that is in contact with the wrist when the bracelet is worn) and a side view of the clasp according to a embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 shows a view similar to that of FIG. the detachable parts are illustrated detached from each other.

This clasp comprises first and second detachable parts designated respectively by the numerals 1 and 2. The first detachable part 1 is electrically connected to a first antenna element 10 (not shown in FIG. Figure 1) housed in the first strand of the bracelet 10, while the second part detachable 2 is electrically connected to a second antenna element 10 '(not shown in Figure 1) housed in the second strand 50 'of the bracelet.

As illustrated in these figures, the first detachable part 1 consists of essentially a first clasp member 60 mounted on the end of the first strand 50 and the second detachable part 2 consists essentially of a second clasp member 70 mounted on the end of second strand 50 'and a third clasp member 75 rotatably mounted on the second clasp member 70 of so that it can be rotated in relation to the latter. This third element of clasp 75 strictly speaking the element for locking the clasp. In the figures, this third clasp element 75 is illustrated in the non locked.

The three clasp elements mentioned above are individually illustrated in Figures 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b. Note that they can advantageously be made in the form of metal plates cut and folded according to the desired geometry.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a conductor that can be used to realize the antenna elements 10 and 10 '. This driver is partially reported in Figures 1a and 1b. A bracelet including such a conductor is proposed in the patent applications CH 01241/03 and CH 01242/03 respectively entitled "Bracelet, in particular of shows, comprising an electrical conductor incorporated in its thickness "and "Adjustable bracelet in length, including a watch strap, comprising a electrical conductor incorporated in its thickness "both deposited in the name from The Swatch Group Management Services AG on July 15, 2003.

We will simply mention here that the driver forming each element antenna consists of a self-supporting conductive plate consisting of a plate of an electrically conductive material (for example steel, copper, etc.) which is cut and folded to the proper shape. This conductive plate has a substantially rectangular shape whose longitudinal axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet strand in which this conductive plate is intended to be incorporated. In this embodiment, a first end 10A of the conductive plate is folded and is intended to allow the connection of the antenna element corresponding components housed in the housing of the portable electronic instrument. This housing is not illustrated in the figures. It is enough just to know that this box preferably has a configuration analogous to that of a watch case, the end 10A of each antenna element 10, 10 'is thus located at each attachment of the bracelet strand to the box.

The way in which the antenna elements are electrically connected in the case of the electronic instrument is not decisive for the purpose of the present invention. According to the configuration illustrated here as a non-limiting example, the folded end 10A of each antenna element 10, 10 'is provided with two orifices to ensure the electrical connection of the conductive plate by by means of screws to corresponding tracks or contact flanges in the housing of the portable electronic instrument.

In the illustrated example, the other end designated 10B of the plate conductor is intended, as already mentioned, to be electrically connected to the other identical conductive plate housed in the other strand of the bracelet. In the FIGS. 1a, 1b and 3, it can thus be seen that each antenna element 10, 10 'comprises a plurality of ears 20, here eleven in number, arranged longitudinally along of the conductive plate. These ears 20 are made by cutting the plate conductive and folding cut parts out of the general plane of the plate conductive along a line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bracelet. The ears 20 are thus folded substantially at right angles to one (internal or external) of the bracelet's faces. In this case, these ears are folded towards the inside of the bracelet.

The plurality of lugs 20 allows several possibilities of rough adjustment of the length of the bracelet, the unused end portion of the bracelet being cut. In the context of the present invention, it could be envisaged that each antenna element 10, 10 'has only one ear, or only one element antenna has a plurality of ears as shown in the figures and that the other antenna element has only one. Whatever the case may be, the fact of one or more ears on each antenna element is not critical for the subject of the present invention.

Each ear 20 is intended to allow an electrical connection to the element corresponding antenna 10, 10 '. Each of these ears 20 thus defines a zone of electrical contact with the conductive plate 10. In Figures 1a, 1b and 3, the eleven contact zones thus defined are delimited by the dashed lines and are indicated by the reference numeral 30.

Each lug 20 preferably has a through hole 21 which is intended to allow the electrical connection of the antenna element via an electrically conductive axis arranged transversely in the strand of the bracelet between the inner and outer faces of the bracelet as will be seen below.

In Figures 1a and 1b, it can be seen that the inner and outer faces of the conductive plate forming the antenna element 10 (it is the same for the other antenna element 10 ') are completely covered by the material forming the strand of bracelet 50 (this material being advantageously deposited by overmolding around the conductive plate). Several electrical access points to the antenna element 10 are arranged laterally on the bracelet strand 50 on the side of the end connected to the clasp (here again the same applies to the second strand 50 '). As illustrated in the figures, it can thus be seen that a plurality of orifices 51, preferably through, are formed transversely between the inner and outer faces of the bracelet strand to allow access to each of the ears 20 formed on the elements antenna. The clasp is only connected to the terminal ear of each element antenna 10, 10 '.

On the inside of each bracelet strand 50, 51, as illustrated in FIG. 1b, there is provided a set of transverse grooves 55 coinciding with the limits of each electrical contact zone 30 with the antenna elements (these grooves 55 and the orifices 51 are not illustrated in FIGS. simplification concern). The grooves 55 act as markings allowing facilitate a cutting operation of the bracelet between each contact zone 30. These markings can be made on one and / or the other of the faces internal and external strand bracelet. Moreover, in place of grooves, the markings could simply consist of adequate impressions on one either of the faces of the bracelet strand 50.

Referring again to FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b and 2, as well as FIGS. 4b, we will now describe the structure and method of connection of the clasp to the strands of the bracelet.

As already mentioned, the first clasp member 60 is mounted on the end of the first strand 50. As illustrated in the figures (see also FIGS. 6b), this first clasp member 60 has a surrounding sleeve portion at least in part (here in full) the end of the bracelet strand 50. This part forming a jacket comprises lateral walls 61 arranged laterally on the side and else of the end of the bracelet strand and provided with through orifices 61a for the passage of a fixing pin designated by the numeral 80. The first clasp member 60 further comprises a plate 62 extending, once mounted, in the extension of the first strand of bracelet 50. This tray is further provided with two fixing orifices 63 passing through the thickness of the plate 62, their axis being thus substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate 62.

As shown in Figure 4a, the electrical connection between the first clasp member 60 and the first antenna element 10 is provided by an axis electrically conductive designated overall by the reference numeral 80. This axis 80 is preferably made in two parts 81, 82 to sandwich one of the ears 20 of the antenna element 10 (in this case, the last ear located at the end of the antenna element). It is advantageously a screw 81 and a counter-screw 82 can be made integral with one another. In the example of 4a, the screw 81 is provided with a threaded end 81 arranged to cross the orifice 21 formed on the ear 20 and to be introduced into a tapping corresponding 82a practiced on the counter-screw 82. The ear 20 is thus taken into sandwich between a shoulder of the screw 81 at the base of the thread 81a and the end of counter-screw 82 thereby ensuring the electrical contact with the conductive plate 10. The electrical contact with the first clasp member 60 is provided by the support designated heads 81b and 82b of the screws 81 and counter-screws 82 against the side walls 61.

As an alternative to the use of a conductive axis 80 formed of two parts, one could imagine screwing the screw 81 directly into the ear 20 and not use a counter-screw 82, in which case the transverse orifice 51 might not be crossing. The realization in two part of the axis 80 making it possible to take sandwich ear 20 nevertheless appears preferable to ensure good contact between the antenna element 10 and the clasp element 60.

A similar mode of attachment and electrical connection is adopted to connect electrically the second clasp member 70 with the second antenna element 10 ' incorporated in the other strand 50 '. In Figures 1, 1a, 1b and 2, we can see in this respect that the second clasp member 70 is mechanically and electrically connected to the second strand 50 'via an electrically conductive axis 90 comprising also a screw 91 and a counter screw 92 which can be seen heads 91b and 92b. This electrically conductive axis 90 is however slightly modified with respect to the axis 80 to allow the rotational mounting of the third clasp member 75 on the second clasp member 70. At the heads 91b and 92b, it can thus be seen that the axis 90 has cylindrical portions of a diameter greater than the diameter of the part of this axis which is housed in the bracelet around which is mounted the third clasp element 75.

As illustrated in the figures (see also Figures 5a and 5b), the second element clasp 70 has, like the element 60, a folder part at least partially surrounding (here in full) the end of the strap strand 50 '. This part forming a liner again includes side walls 71 arranged laterally on either side of the end of the 50 'bracelet strand and provided through orifices 71a for the passage of the fixing pin 90. The second element clasp 70 further comprises a plate 72 extending, once mounted on its end, in the extension of the second strand of bracelet 50 '. This tray is in further provided with two fixing lugs 73 arranged substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the plate 72. These tenons 73 form a retaining device on which comes lock the third clasp element 75.

As illustrated, the third clasp element 75 (see also FIGS. 7a and 7b) essentially has the shape of a hood with two side walls 76 arranged to come on both sides of the second clasp member 70. orifices 76a are provided in these sidewalls 76 to allow the rotational mounting of the third clasp element 75 on the second 70. swellings of material designated by reference numeral 76b are provided in inwardly on the sidewalls 76 so as to provide contact at a time mechanical and electrical connection between the third clasp element 75 and the first 60. electrical contact between the second and third clasp members 70, 75 can also be improved by pre-binding the walls 76 inwardly.

When locking the first and second detachable parts of the clasp, it will therefore be understood that the first plate 62 of the first clasp element 60 is superimposed on the second plate 72 of the second clasp member 70 and that the third clasp member 75 is pivoted to sandwich the first plate 62 against the second plate 72 when locked on the retainer 73. already mentioned, this solution offers the advantage of ensuring a contact surface very extended electric between the two detachable parts of the clasp once Locked.

In the figures, it can be seen that the third clasp element 75 comprises an additional element designated by the reference numeral 78, which is held between two mounting apertures 77 formed in the sidewalls 76 third element clasp 75. This element 78 has two openings 79 intended to receive the two fixing lugs 73. Housed between this element 78 and the third clasp member 75 is a releasable mechanism conventional for retaining the end 73a of the attachment studs 73 once the third clasp element pivoted on these tenons. This mechanism is not illustrated in detail because well known. We will simply mention that the retention of the third clasp member 75 on the studs 73 can be interrupted by actuating this mechanism via two pushbuttons that can be operated manually and whose ends 78a can be seen to open on both sides of the third clasp element 75 through openings 77.

With a view to further improving the electrical cohesion between the two parties detachable 1 and 2 of the clasp, it is conceivable to further provide an element elastic interposed for example between the first 60 and third 75 elements of clasp for pressing the first and second trays 62, 72 against each other. Such elastic element could also be interposed between the two plates 62 and 72 to flatten this time the plate 62 against the third clasp element 75.

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

Claims (7)

Clasp for electrically connecting first (10) and second (10 ') antenna elements respectively housed in first (50) and second (50') strands of a bracelet of a portable electronic instrument, said clasp comprising first (1) and second (2) detachable parts of each other, electrically connected respectively to said first (10) and second (10 ') antenna elements, and which can be mechanically locked to one another for making electrical contact between said first (10) and second (10 ') antenna elements,
characterized in that said first detachable portion (1) electrically connected to said first antenna element (10) comprises a first clasp member (60) comprising a first plate (62) extending in line with said first strand (50). ) of the bracelet,
and in that said second detachable portion electrically connected (2) to said second antenna element (10 ') comprises: a second clasp member (70) comprising a second platen (72) extending in the extension of said second strand (50 ') of the bracelet and a retainer (73); and a third clasp member (75) rotatably mounted on said second clasp member (70) and arranged to lock onto said retainer (73) of the second clasp member (70), said clasp members (60, 70, 75) being arranged such that, upon locking of said first and second detachable portions (1, 2), said first platen (62) is superimposed on said second platen (72) and said third clasp member (75) sandwiches said first platen (62) against said second platen (72) when locked on said retainer (73). Clasp according to claim 1, characterized in that said first plate (62) is provided with at least one fixing orifice (63) passing through the thickness of said first plate (62) and in that said retaining device comprises at least an attachment pin (73) disposed substantially perpendicularly to said second plate (72) and having one end (73a) arranged to latch onto said third clasp element (75),
said at least one attachment hole (63) and said at least one attachment pin (73) being arranged such that, when said first and second trays are superimposed, said at least one attachment pin (73) passes through said at least one a fixing hole (63). Clasp according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said first (60) and second (70) clasp members is mounted on one end of the corresponding bracelet strand (50, 50 ') and has a folder portion at least partially surrounding the end of the bracelet strand, said jacket portion comprising side walls (61, 71) disposed laterally on either side of the end of the bracelet strand and provided with through orifices for the strap strand, passing a fixing pin (80, 90). Clasp according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first (60) and second (70) clasp members are respectively electrically connected to said first (10) and second (10 ') antenna elements each by means of intermediate of an electrically conductive axis (80, 90) made in two parts (81, 82, 91, 92) is sandwiching a contact zone (30) formed on the antenna element (10, 10). '). Clasp according to claim 4, characterized in that each electrically conductive axis (80, 90) comprises a screw (81, 91) and a counter-screw (82, 92) cooperating with said screw (81, 91) for sandwiching said contact area (30). Portable electronic instrument bracelet including first (50) and second (50 ') strands, one end of which is intended to be fixed to a housing said portable electronic instrument and whose other end is attached to a clasp according to any one of the preceding claims, said first and second strands (50, 50 ') respectively comprising first (10) and second (10') antenna elements housed between the outer and inner faces of the bracelet and capable of being electrically connected together via said clasp. Bracelet according to claim 7, comprising a clasp according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said first and second antenna elements (10, 10 ') each comprise a conductive plate of elongate shape arranged longitudinally in the bracelet strand ( 50, 50 '),
and in that said contact zone (30) with each antenna element (10, 10 ') comprises an ear (20) cut in the conductive plate and folded along a longitudinal line towards one of said outer faces and internal bracelet, each electrically conductive axis (80, 90) being arranged to sandwich this ear (20).

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