EP0899634B1 - Device for immersion in water and comprising a sound transducer - Google Patents

Device for immersion in water and comprising a sound transducer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0899634B1
EP0899634B1 EP19970114985 EP97114985A EP0899634B1 EP 0899634 B1 EP0899634 B1 EP 0899634B1 EP 19970114985 EP19970114985 EP 19970114985 EP 97114985 A EP97114985 A EP 97114985A EP 0899634 B1 EP0899634 B1 EP 0899634B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
membrane
case
exterior
transducer
intermediate chamber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19970114985
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0899634A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Mignot
Paul Dinnissen
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 EP19970114985 priority Critical patent/EP0899634B1/en
Priority to DE69723253T priority patent/DE69723253T2/en
Publication of EP0899634A1 publication Critical patent/EP0899634A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0899634B1 publication Critical patent/EP0899634B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/0075—Cases with means to enhance sound transmission
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits
    • G04B37/11—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits of the back cover of pocket or wrist watches

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus likely to be immersed in a liquid such as water, such as devices worn on the wrist such as than watches. More particularly, the invention relates to such apparatus in the case of which is mounted a sound transducer.
  • the object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for type indicated above fitted with a sound transducer so that we can work with a broad spectrum sound, in particular the sound spectrum corresponding to the speech, while ensuring a high degree of tightness.
  • the membrane when the switchgear is out of the liquid, the membrane is mounted so that you can vibrate freely under the action of the sound energy to be received and / or emitted.
  • the apparatus being submerged, the membrane can deform under the action of hydrostatic pressure, certainly without ability to transmit sound energy, but protected against any deterioration due to the support provided by the support organ.
  • the invention will be illustrated in its application to a timepiece such as a wristwatch. It is clear, however, that the invention can be applied to any other apparatus must include at least one sound transducer, the apparatus also being capable of being submerged in a liquid such as water to a depth predetermined. Furthermore, in the example described, the sound transducer is a microphone, however a sound reproduction transducer can also be advantageously used with the invention.
  • the apparatus or watch 1 is mounted on a plate 8, the latter resting on the bottom 9 of the housing 2.
  • the plate 8 has an opening 10, of circular shape, in which is mounted microphone 11.
  • This can be of any type suitable, an electret microphone being preferred for its small dimensions. As an indication, such microphone can have a diameter of about 6 mm and a height of about 2 mm.
  • the microphone itself dit is encased in a cup 12 whose bottom 12a is drilled with holes 13 and acts as a support member.
  • the microphone 12 either a simple cylindrical body resting on a plate with through holes.
  • the opening 10 made in the plate 8 is provided above an inlet cavity 14, of general shape circular and opening out through a right-angled channel 15 to outside.
  • a first mounting ring 16 which, with a second mounting ring 17, is intended for hold a circular membrane 18 pinched or fixed with a another way between the two rings.
  • This membrane 18 thus sealingly separates the inlet cavity 14 from a intermediate chamber 19 communicating through the holes 13 with the microphone 11, while transmitting the sound vibrations coming from outside to this one.
  • the mounting ring 16 defines the volume of the chamber intermediate 19.
  • the mounting ring 17 is further axially resting against a shoulder 20 surrounding the inlet cavity 14.
  • the membrane 18 can be directly glued or fixed with a other way to ring 16 and ring 17 can be omitted.
  • the first mounting ring 16 has a radial groove 21 formed in its thickness.
  • the bottom 9 has on its side a groove 22 which follows the groove 21 and which leads to a pressure balancing pad 23. This can be mounted against a radial shoulder 24 provided on the side internal of a hole 25 made in the plate 8 on the external side from which the groove 22 opens.
  • the chamber 19 is thus in communication with the chip 23.
  • This tablet 23 is impermeable to liquids such as water but it is permeable to gases such as air at provided that the gas pressure changes slowly. All sudden change in gas pressure is therefore blocked by this patch. This can be done by example in sintered Teflon® or ceramic.
  • the case 2 of watch 1 also includes a device 26 communication of its interior space with the exterior.
  • this is a passage 27 in the plate 8 and bottom 9 and closed by a pad 28 which, like the pad 23, is impermeable to liquids such as water, but permeable to gases whose pressure varies slowly. It can be made in the same material as tablet 23.
  • the device thus arranged for communication of the intermediate chamber 19 with the outside only for slow variations in static gas pressure surrounding, keeps the membrane 18 operational, even if the watch is brought by the carrier at different altitudes or is carried in climatic conditions inducing such variations slow.
  • the pads 23 and 28 constitute low-pass filters which do not allow passage that variations in the pressure of gases such as air, very low frequency, typically 1/10 Hz and less.
  • room 19 is first in communication with the inside of box 2 and cannot communicate with outside (always only for low static gas pressure) only through the communication device 26.
  • This arrangement is preferred here since the watch described may include other organs also requiring compensation slow pressure. It can be for example a sound reproduction transducer.
  • the placing device in communication 26 can then be used for both transducers at the same time, which minimizes places in the case where communication to the exterior exists for gases such as air.
  • the membrane 18 is made of a little material elastic and it is not stretched between the rings of mounting 16 and 17 in order to guarantee freedom of vibration as wide as possible.
  • Material particularly suitable for membrane 18 is the Mylar®, its thickness can be between 2 and 50 ⁇ m, a preferred value being 10 ⁇ m. Its diameter is one little higher than that of microphone 11. Note that a such a membrane can transmit vibrations in a frequency range from 200 Hz to 5 kHz.
  • the behavior of the membrane 18 is as follows.
  • the membrane 18 When the watch is worn out of the water, the membrane 18 has a flat configuration in which it is distant from the grid formed by the bottom 12a of the cup 12. It can thus transmit without disturbances sound vibrations coming from outside to room 19 and from there to microphone 11 at through the holes 13 made in the bottom 12a.
  • the membrane 18 will deform due to an abrupt variation of the differential pressure, to assume a curved shape towards the bottom 12a, the path of pressure compensation described above not reaching fairly quickly to balance the difference in pressures. From a certain hydrostatic pressure value, the deformation of the membrane will be such that it will apply against the bottom 12a of the cup 12, this last forming an effective support preventing any deterioration, and in particular an irreversible deformation, membrane 18.
  • the transducer is a speaker
  • the characteristics of the membrane including thickness, diameter and material of which it is incorporated, will be adapted accordingly.

Landscapes

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

Description

La présente invention est relative à un appareillage susceptible d'être immergé dans un liquide tel que l'eau, comme par exemple les appareillages portés au poignet tels que les montres. Plus particulièrement, l'invention concerne un tel appareillage dans le boítier duquel est monté un transducteur sonore.The present invention relates to an apparatus likely to be immersed in a liquid such as water, such as devices worn on the wrist such as than watches. More particularly, the invention relates to such apparatus in the case of which is mounted a sound transducer.

Pour pouvoir garantir l'étanchéité des montres portées au poignet à une profondeur d'immersion qui peut atteindre nominalement une trentaine de mètres, il est déjà connu de monter un transducteur acoustique dans le boítier de la montre sans qu'il soit prévu une voie de communication entre le transducteur et l'extérieur susceptible de conduire directement les ondes sonores (CH-A-375 664). Un tel montage présente l'avantage de garantir une très bonne étanchéité de la montre. Par contre, l'énergie acoustique devant parvenir au transducteur ou en provenir à travers la paroi pleine du boítier, cette solution n'est possible que si on se contente d'une qualité sonore médiocre. En effet, la bande de fréquences utilisable est alors limitée aux fréquences qui parviennent à traverser cette paroi. Pratiquement, on doit travailler avec les fréquences de résonance du transducteur, ces fréquences ne pouvant être transmises efficacement à travers une paroi du boítier que si elles correspondent à une fréquence de résonance de cette paroi. Ceci limite nécessairement la gamme de fréquences pouvant être transmise et n'est donc pas adapté à la reproduction et/ou la réception de sons complexes tels que la parole ou la musique. On notera également qu'une telle paroi amortit de façon gênante la transmission des sons émis ou reçus par le transducteur.To guarantee the water resistance of watches worn on the wrist at a depth of immersion that can nominally reach thirty meters it is already known to mount an acoustic transducer in the watch case without providing a way of communication between the transducer and the outside likely to conduct sound waves directly (CH-A-375 664). A such mounting has the advantage of guaranteeing very good waterproofness of the watch. On the other hand, the acoustic energy to or from the transducer the full wall of the case, this solution is not possible only if we are satisfied with a poor sound quality. In effect, the usable frequency band is then limited at the frequencies that manage to cross this wall. In practice, we have to work with the frequencies of resonance of the transducer, these frequencies cannot be effectively transmitted through a wall of the housing that if they correspond to a resonant frequency of this wall. This necessarily limits the range of frequencies that can be transmitted and is therefore not suitable reproducing and / or receiving complex sounds such as speech or music. We will also note that such a wall annoyingly dampens the transmission of sounds emitted or received by the transducer.

L'invention a pour but de fournir un appareillage du type indiqué ci-dessus muni d'un transducteur sonore monté de manière à pouvoir travailler avec un large spectre sonore, notamment le spectre sonore correspondant à la parole, tout en garantissant un haut degré d'étanchéité.The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for type indicated above fitted with a sound transducer so that we can work with a broad spectrum sound, in particular the sound spectrum corresponding to the speech, while ensuring a high degree of tightness.

L'invention a donc pour objet un appareillage portable étanche capable de subir une immersion jusqu'à une profondeur prédéterminée d'un liquide tel que l'eau, notamment montre étanche, comportant un boítier dans lequel est monté un transducteur sonore de manière à communiquer de façon étanche aux fluides avec l'extérieur du boítier par l'intermédiaire d'énergie sonore caractérisé en ce que

  • ledit transducteur sonore est monté dans ledit boítier en regard d'une membrane déformable le séparant de façon étanche d'une cavité d'entrée qui est ménagée dans ledit boítier et en communication directe avec l'extérieur, et en ce qu'entre la membrane et ledit transducteur sonore est ménagée une chambre intermédiaire admettant une déformation de ladite membrane sous l'action d'une pression statique extérieure et délimitée côté transducteur par un organe de soutien monté fixe dans le boítier et susceptible de limiter la déformation de la membrane en cas d'application de ladite pression statique extérieure.
The invention therefore relates to a waterproof portable device capable of undergoing immersion to a predetermined depth of a liquid such as water, in particular waterproof watch, comprising a housing in which is mounted a sound transducer so as to communicate in a fluid-tight manner with the outside of the housing by means of sound energy, characterized in that
  • said sound transducer is mounted in said housing opposite a deformable membrane sealingly separating it from an inlet cavity which is formed in said housing and in direct communication with the outside, and in that between the membrane and said sound transducer is provided an intermediate chamber admitting a deformation of said membrane under the action of an external static pressure and delimited on the transducer side by a support member mounted fixed in the housing and capable of limiting the deformation of the membrane in the event application of said external static pressure.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, lorsque l'appareillage se trouve hors du liquide, la membrane est montée de manière à pouvoir vibrer librement sous l'action de l'énergie sonore à recevoir et/ou à émettre. En revanche, l'appareillage étant immergé, la membrane peut se déformer sous l'action de la pression hydrostatique, certes sans pouvoir transmettre l'énergie sonore, mais protégée contre toute détérioration en raison du support assuré par l'organe de soutien.Thanks to these characteristics, when the switchgear is out of the liquid, the membrane is mounted so that you can vibrate freely under the action of the sound energy to be received and / or emitted. On the other hand, the apparatus being submerged, the membrane can deform under the action of hydrostatic pressure, certainly without ability to transmit sound energy, but protected against any deterioration due to the support provided by the support organ.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaítront au cours de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant au dessin annexé sur lequel :

  • la figure unique montre une vue en coupe partielle d'une pièce d'horlogerie conçue selon l'invention et munie à titre d'exemple d'un transducteur microphonique.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawing in which:
  • the single figure shows a partial sectional view of a timepiece designed according to the invention and provided, for example, with a microphone transducer.

Dans la description qui va suivre, l'invention sera illustrée dans son application à une pièce d'horlogerie telle qu'une montre bracelet. Il est clair cependant que l'invention peut s'appliquer à tout autre appareillage devant comprendre au moins un transducteur sonore, l'appareillage étant en outre susceptible d'être immergé dans un liquide tel que l'eau jusqu'à une profondeur prédéterminée. En outre, dans l'exemple décrit, le transducteur sonore est un microphone, cependant qu'un transducteur de reproduction sonore peut également être utilisé avantageusement avec l'invention.In the description which follows, the invention will be illustrated in its application to a timepiece such as a wristwatch. It is clear, however, that the invention can be applied to any other apparatus must include at least one sound transducer, the apparatus also being capable of being submerged in a liquid such as water to a depth predetermined. Furthermore, in the example described, the sound transducer is a microphone, however a sound reproduction transducer can also be advantageously used with the invention.

Ceci étant, on voit représentée sur la figure unique, une vue en coupe d'une montre bracelet 1 dont on garantit l'étanchéité jusqu'à une profondeur d'eau prédéterminée, une profondeur de 30 m étant une valeur prévue souvent en pratique.That said, we see represented in the single figure, a sectional view of a wristwatch 1 which is guaranteed sealing up to a predetermined water depth, a depth of 30 m being a predicted value often in convenient.

On reconnaít de la montre 1 sur la figure unique le boítier 2, le verre 3, les aiguilles 4 et 5, le cadran 6 ainsi que certaines pièces du mécanisme de mise à l'heure 7. Tous ces éléments, ainsi que ceux non visibles sur le dessin, comme le circuit intégré, le quartz, le moteur miniature, le rouage etc. sont classiques et n'ont donc pas à être décrits ici. Bien que cela ne soit pas une application limitative de l'invention, l'appareillage selon l'invention muni du transducteur microphonique pourra avantageusement être une montre formant téléphone portable.We recognize from watch 1 in the single figure the case 2, glass 3, hands 4 and 5, dial 6 as well as some parts of the time setting mechanism 7. All these elements, as well as those not visible on the drawing, like integrated circuit, quartz, motor miniature, cog etc. are classic and therefore not to be described here. Although it is not a limiting application of the invention, the apparatus according to the invention provided with the microphone transducer could advantageously be a watch forming a telephone portable.

Dans le cas représenté, l'appareillage ou montre 1 selon l'invention, est monté sur une platine 8, celle-ci reposant sur le fond 9 du boítier 2. La platine 8 présente une ouverture 10, de forme circulaire, dans laquelle est montée un microphone 11. Celui-ci peut être de tout type approprié, un microphone à électret ayant la préférence pour ses faibles dimensions. A titre indicatif, un tel microphone peut avoir un diamètre d'environ 6 mm et une hauteur d'environ 2 mm.In the case shown, the apparatus or watch 1 according to the invention, is mounted on a plate 8, the latter resting on the bottom 9 of the housing 2. The plate 8 has an opening 10, of circular shape, in which is mounted microphone 11. This can be of any type suitable, an electret microphone being preferred for its small dimensions. As an indication, such microphone can have a diameter of about 6 mm and a height of about 2 mm.

Dans l'exemple représenté, le microphone proprement dit est enchâssé dans une coupelle 12 dont le fond 12a est percé de trous 13 et fait office d'organe de soutien. Cependant, il est également possible que le microphone 12 soit un simple corps cylindrique reposant sur une plaquette présentant des trous traversants.In the example shown, the microphone itself dit is encased in a cup 12 whose bottom 12a is drilled with holes 13 and acts as a support member. However, it is also possible that the microphone 12 either a simple cylindrical body resting on a plate with through holes.

L'ouverture 10 pratiquée dans la platine 8 est prévue au-dessus d'une cavité d'entrée 14, de forme générale circulaire et débouchant par un canal à angle droit 15 à l'extérieur.The opening 10 made in the plate 8 is provided above an inlet cavity 14, of general shape circular and opening out through a right-angled channel 15 to outside.

A la périphérie de la face externe du fond 12a de la coupelle 12 est collée une première bague de montage 16 qui, avec une seconde bague de montage 17, est destinée à tenir une membrane circulaire 18 pincée ou fixée d'une autre manière entre les deux bagues. Cette membrane 18 sépare ainsi de façon étanche la cavité d'entrée 14 d'une chambre intermédiaire 19 communiquant à travers les trous 13 avec le microphone 11, tout en transmettant les vibrations sonores venant de l'extérieur à celui-ci. La bague de montage 16 délimite le volume de la chambre intermédiaire 19. La bague de montage 17 est en outre axialement en appui contre un épaulement 20 entourant la cavité d'entrée 14. Selon une variante de réalisation, la membrane 18 peut être directement collée ou fixée d'une autre manière à la bague 16 et la bague 17 peut être omise.At the periphery of the external face of the bottom 12a of the cup 12 is bonded a first mounting ring 16 which, with a second mounting ring 17, is intended for hold a circular membrane 18 pinched or fixed with a another way between the two rings. This membrane 18 thus sealingly separates the inlet cavity 14 from a intermediate chamber 19 communicating through the holes 13 with the microphone 11, while transmitting the sound vibrations coming from outside to this one. The mounting ring 16 defines the volume of the chamber intermediate 19. The mounting ring 17 is further axially resting against a shoulder 20 surrounding the inlet cavity 14. According to an alternative embodiment, the membrane 18 can be directly glued or fixed with a other way to ring 16 and ring 17 can be omitted.

Dans l'exemple illustré, la première bague de montage 16 présente une rainure radiale 21 ménagée dans son épaisseur. Le fond 9 présente de son côté une rainure 22 qui fait suite à la rainure 21 et qui débouche sur une pastille 23 d'équilibrage de pression. Celle-ci peut être montée contre une épaulement radial 24 prévu du côté interne d'un trou 25 pratiqué dans la platine 8 sur le côté externe duquel débouche la rainure 22. La chambre 19 est ainsi en communication avec la pastille 23.In the example shown, the first mounting ring 16 has a radial groove 21 formed in its thickness. The bottom 9 has on its side a groove 22 which follows the groove 21 and which leads to a pressure balancing pad 23. This can be mounted against a radial shoulder 24 provided on the side internal of a hole 25 made in the plate 8 on the external side from which the groove 22 opens. The chamber 19 is thus in communication with the chip 23.

Cette pastille 23 est étanche aux liquides tels que l'eau mais elle est perméable aux gaz tels que l'air à condition que la pression du gaz varie lentement. Toute variation brusque de la pression gazeuse est donc bloquée par cette pastille. Celle-ci peut être réalisée par exemple en Teflon® fritté ou en céramique.This tablet 23 is impermeable to liquids such as water but it is permeable to gases such as air at provided that the gas pressure changes slowly. all sudden change in gas pressure is therefore blocked by this patch. This can be done by example in sintered Teflon® or ceramic.

Dans l'exemple décrit, le boítier 2 de la montre 1 comporte également un dispositif 26 mettant en communication son espace intérieur avec l'extérieur. Pratiquement il s'agit d'un passage 27 ménagé dans la platine 8 et le fond 9 et obturé par une pastille 28 qui, comme la pastille 23, est étanche aux liquides tels que l'eau, mais perméable aux gaz dont la pression varie lentement. Elle peut être faite dans la même matière que la pastille 23.In the example described, the case 2 of watch 1 also includes a device 26 communication of its interior space with the exterior. In practice, this is a passage 27 in the plate 8 and bottom 9 and closed by a pad 28 which, like the pad 23, is impermeable to liquids such as water, but permeable to gases whose pressure varies slowly. It can be made in the same material as tablet 23.

Plusieurs variantes peuvent être envisagées pour mettre la chambre 19 en communication avec l'extérieur seulement pour des variations très faibles de la pression gazeuse. Ainsi :

  • la rainure 22 peut être omise, et le gaz diffuser par un chemin de fuite entre la surface frontale de la bague 16 et la surface du fond 12a;
  • il peut n'y avoir qu'une seule communication avec l'extérieur à travers une pastille telle que la pastille 28 montée comme représentée sur la figure, la rainure 22 communiquant avec l'intérieur de la montre;
  • la coupelle 12 peut être montée dans son logement du boítier 2 de manière à laisser un chemin de fuite le long de sa paroi extérieure pour faire diffuser les gaz à faible variation de pression vers l'extérieur le long de sa paroi extérieure.
Several variants can be envisaged to put the chamber 19 in communication with the outside only for very small variations in the gas pressure. So :
  • the groove 22 can be omitted, and the gas diffusing through a leak path between the front surface of the ring 16 and the bottom surface 12a;
  • there can be only one communication with the outside through a pad such as the pad 28 mounted as shown in the figure, the groove 22 communicating with the interior of the watch;
  • the cup 12 can be mounted in its housing of the housing 2 so as to leave a leak path along its outer wall to diffuse the gases with low pressure variation outward along its outer wall.

Le dispositif ainsi agencé de mise en communication de la chambre intermédiaire 19 avec l'extérieur uniquement pour de variations lentes de la pression statique des gaz environnants, permet de maintenir la membrane 18 opérationnelle, même si la montre est amenée par le porteur à des altitudes différentes ou est portée dans des conditions climatiques induisant de telles variations lentes.The device thus arranged for communication of the intermediate chamber 19 with the outside only for slow variations in static gas pressure surrounding, keeps the membrane 18 operational, even if the watch is brought by the carrier at different altitudes or is carried in climatic conditions inducing such variations slow.

On peut noter qu'en quelque sorte les pastilles 23 et 28 constituent des filtres passe-bas ne laissant passer que les variations de pression des gaz tels que l'air, de très basse fréquence, typiquement de 1/10 Hz et moins.It can be noted that in a way the pads 23 and 28 constitute low-pass filters which do not allow passage that variations in the pressure of gases such as air, very low frequency, typically 1/10 Hz and less.

Il est à noter que dans le présent exemple de réalisation, la chambre 19 est d'abord en communication avec l'intérieur du boítier 2 et ne peut communiquer avec l'extérieur (toujours uniquement pour de faibles variations de la pression statique des gaz) qu'à travers le dispositif de mise en communication 26. Cet agencement est ici préféré puisque la montre décrite peut comporter d'autres organes nécessitant également une compensation lente de pression. Il peut s'agir par exemple d'un transducteur de reproduction sonore. Le dispositif de mise en communication 26 peut alors servir pour les deux transducteurs à la fois, ce qui réduit au minimum les endroits dans le boítier où une communication vers l'extérieur existe pour les gaz tels que l'air.It should be noted that in the present example of realization, room 19 is first in communication with the inside of box 2 and cannot communicate with outside (always only for low static gas pressure) only through the communication device 26. This arrangement is preferred here since the watch described may include other organs also requiring compensation slow pressure. It can be for example a sound reproduction transducer. The placing device in communication 26 can then be used for both transducers at the same time, which minimizes places in the case where communication to the exterior exists for gases such as air.

La membrane 18 est réalisée en un matériau peu élastique et elle n'est pas tendue entre les bagues de montage 16 et 17 afin d'en garantir une liberté de vibration aussi étendue que possible. Une matière particulièrement appropriée pour la membrane 18 est le Mylar®, son épaisseur pouvant être comprise entre 2 et 50 µm, une valeur préférée étant 10 µm. Son diamètre est un peu supérieur à celui du microphone 11. On notera qu'une telle membrane peut transmettre des vibrations dans une gamme de fréquences allant de 200 Hz à 5 kHz.The membrane 18 is made of a little material elastic and it is not stretched between the rings of mounting 16 and 17 in order to guarantee freedom of vibration as wide as possible. Material particularly suitable for membrane 18 is the Mylar®, its thickness can be between 2 and 50 µm, a preferred value being 10 µm. Its diameter is one little higher than that of microphone 11. Note that a such a membrane can transmit vibrations in a frequency range from 200 Hz to 5 kHz.

Le comportement de la membrane 18 est le suivant.The behavior of the membrane 18 is as follows.

Lorsque la montre est portée hors de l'eau, la membrane 18 présente une configuration plate dans laquelle elle est distante de la grille formée par le fond 12a de la coupelle 12. Elle peut ainsi transmettre sans perturbations les vibrations sonores venant de l'extérieur vers la chambre 19 et de là vers le microphone 11 à travers les trous 13 pratiqués dans le fond 12a. When the watch is worn out of the water, the membrane 18 has a flat configuration in which it is distant from the grid formed by the bottom 12a of the cup 12. It can thus transmit without disturbances sound vibrations coming from outside to room 19 and from there to microphone 11 at through the holes 13 made in the bottom 12a.

En revanche, lorsque la montre vient à être immergée, la membrane 18 se déformera en raison d'une brusque variation de la pression différentielle, pour assumer une forme bombée en direction du fond 12a, le trajet de compensation de pression décrit ci-dessus ne parvenant pas assez rapidement à équilibrer la différence des pressions. A partir d'une certaine valeur de pression hydrostatique, la déformation de la membrane sera telle qu'elle va s'appliquer contre le fond 12a de la coupelle 12, ce dernier formant un soutien efficace empêchant toute détérioration, et notamment une déformation irréversible, de la membrane 18.However, when the watch comes to be submerged, the membrane 18 will deform due to an abrupt variation of the differential pressure, to assume a curved shape towards the bottom 12a, the path of pressure compensation described above not reaching fairly quickly to balance the difference in pressures. From a certain hydrostatic pressure value, the deformation of the membrane will be such that it will apply against the bottom 12a of the cup 12, this last forming an effective support preventing any deterioration, and in particular an irreversible deformation, membrane 18.

On notera que dans le cas où le transducteur est un haut-parleur, les caractéristiques de la membrane notamment l'épaisseur, le diamètre et le matériau dont elle est constituée, seront adaptés en conséquence.Note that in the case where the transducer is a speaker, the characteristics of the membrane including thickness, diameter and material of which it is incorporated, will be adapted accordingly.

Claims (12)

  1. Portable water resistant device capable of undergoing submersion to a predetermined depth in a liquid such as water, in particular a water resistant watch, including a case (2) in which is mounted an acoustic transducer (11) so as to communicate in a water tight manner with the exterior of the case (2) via acoustic energy, characterised in that
    said acoustic transducer (11) is mounted in said case (2) facing a membrane (18) which is able to be deformed, separating it in a water tight manner from an inlet cavity (14, 15) which is arranged in said case (2) and in direct communication with the exterior, and in that between the membrane (18) and said acoustic transducer (11) an intermediate chamber (19) is arranged, allowing deformation of said membrane by the action of external static pressure and delimited on the side of the transducer by a support element (12a) fixedly mounted in the case and capable of limiting the deformation of the membrane in the event of application of said external static pressure.
  2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that said support element is a plate (12a) pierced with holes (13) to allow the passage of the acoustic energy transmitted from said inlet chamber (14, 15) via said membrane (18) or transmitted in the opposite direction.
  3. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that said plate constitutes the bottom (12a) of a housing (12) in which said acoustic transducer (11) is arranged.
  4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said membrane (18) is held between two mounting rings (16, 17) fixed onto said support element (12a), the ring (16) situated on the side of said transducer (11) determining internally the volume of said intermediate chamber (19).
  5. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that said intermediate chamber (19) is placed in communication with the exterior through means (23) only allowing a flow of gas in the presence of slow variations in the differential pressure between said intermediate chamber (19) and the exterior.
  6. Device according to claim 5, characterised in that said means allowing a flow of gas are formed by at least one pressure balancing membrane (23).
  7. Device according to claim 5, characterised in that said means allowing a flow of gas are formed by an escape path connecting said intermediate chamber (19) to the exterior.
  8. Device according to claim 6, characterised in that said intermediate chamber (19) communicates with the interior of said case (2) through a first of said pressure balancing membranes (23) and in that the internal volume of said case (2) communicates with the exterior through a second of said pressure balancing membranes (28).
  9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that said membrane (18) is made of Mylar®.
  10. Device according to claim 9, characterised in that said membrane (18) has a thickness selected between 2 and 50 µm, and preferably a thickness of 10 µm
  11. Device according to any one of claims 6 and 8 to 10, characterised in that said pressure balancing membrane is made of sintered Teflon® or ceramics.
  12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said acoustic transducer is a microphone (11) or a loud-speaker.
EP19970114985 1997-08-29 1997-08-29 Device for immersion in water and comprising a sound transducer Expired - Lifetime EP0899634B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19970114985 EP0899634B1 (en) 1997-08-29 1997-08-29 Device for immersion in water and comprising a sound transducer
DE69723253T DE69723253T2 (en) 1997-08-29 1997-08-29 Device for use under water and with a sound transducer

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19970114985 EP0899634B1 (en) 1997-08-29 1997-08-29 Device for immersion in water and comprising a sound transducer

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0899634A1 EP0899634A1 (en) 1999-03-03
EP0899634B1 true EP0899634B1 (en) 2003-07-02

Family

ID=8227287

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19970114985 Expired - Lifetime EP0899634B1 (en) 1997-08-29 1997-08-29 Device for immersion in water and comprising a sound transducer

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0899634B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69723253T2 (en)

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TW503629B (en) 2000-03-02 2002-09-21 Asulab Sa Device for implanting a microphone and a pressure compensating member in a telephone watch
EP1130944B1 (en) * 2000-03-02 2004-01-02 Asulab S.A. Wrist-watch telepohne with a microphone and an element for pressure compensation
JP2006513425A (en) * 2003-01-08 2006-04-20 アスラブ エス．エー． Telephone watch with improved acoustic function
DE60336684D1 (en) 2003-01-08 2011-05-19 Asulab Sa PORTABLE STRAIGHT EQUIPMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACOUSTIC CONVERTER
DE102006058736B3 (en) * 2006-12-13 2008-01-31 Mci Gmbh & Co. Kg Waterproof loudspeaker has housing and sound-delivering diaphragm, where sound-delivering diaphragm is bending-resistant diaphragm connected with exciter
DE102008023854A1 (en) * 2008-05-16 2009-08-20 Continental Automotive Gmbh Device for sound generation, comprises sound source and housing for sound source, where housing has sound outlet, which is covered with flexible element, and flexible element is not permeable for fluid media
JP2017047403A (en) * 2015-09-04 2017-03-09 日東電工株式会社 Washing method of portable electronic equipment, and detecting method and manufacturing method of film functioning as water-proof ventilation film and/or water-proof sound-transmitting film
US11614716B2 (en) 2019-09-23 2023-03-28 Apple Inc. Pressure-sensing system for a wearable electronic device
US11860585B2 (en) 2020-06-17 2024-01-02 Apple Inc. Wearable electronic device with a compressible air-permeable seal

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH375664A (en) * 1960-10-07 1963-11-15 Montres Vulcain Et Studio S A Waterproof wristwatch
JPS5520464A (en) * 1978-08-01 1980-02-13 Seiko Instr & Electronics Ltd Portable watch with acoustic device
JPS58206998A (en) * 1982-05-27 1983-12-02 Seiko Instr & Electronics Ltd Electronic wrist watch provided with pressure sensor
US4872148A (en) * 1984-03-08 1989-10-03 Polaroid Corporation Ultrasonic transducer for use in a corrosive/abrasive environment

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69723253D1 (en) 2003-08-07
EP0899634A1 (en) 1999-03-03
DE69723253T2 (en) 2004-04-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CH691334A5 (en) Equipment likely to be immersed and having a sound transducer.
EP0067790B1 (en) Mixed electroacoustic transducer
EP1584001B1 (en) Portable tight device with an electro-acoustic transducer
US6188773B1 (en) Waterproof type microphone
EP0899634B1 (en) Device for immersion in water and comprising a sound transducer
EP0002161A2 (en) Piezo-electric transducing device and process for its manufacture
CH691335A5 (en) Device might be dumped and having a sound transducer.
FR2473242A1 (en) ACTIVE DOME ELECTROACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER
EP3009895B1 (en) Musical or chiming watch provided with a sound-projecting arrangement
EP2461220A1 (en) Acoustic membrane for a musical box or an alarm watch
EP2367079A1 (en) Glass-bezel assembly for a timepiece and assembly method
EP0899635B1 (en) Device for immersion in water and comprising a sound transducer
CH714635A1 (en) Timepiece with bell.
FR2466903A1 (en) ADJUSTABLE PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCER FOR WATCH
EP1063632B1 (en) Water resistant device for immersion in water and comprising a sound transducer
FR2747004A1 (en) ELECTROSTATIC CONVERTER
CH710166B1 (en) Arrangement with acoustic radiation membranes for a musical watch or bell.
JP4828708B2 (en) Device for incorporating a microphone and a pressure compensation member in a telephone watch
FR2519502A1 (en) MO
CA2306678A1 (en) Hydrophone for reception of acoustic or seismic waves
FR2656720A1 (en) ACOUSTIC WAVE REFLECTOR THAT CAN OPERATE UNDER STRONG IMMERSION.
WO2021078968A1 (en) Timepiece comprising a vibration-amplifying device
EP1130944A1 (en) Implant device of a microphone and of an element for pressure compensation in a wrist-watch telepohne
CH710227A2 (en) Musical watch or ring fitted with acoustic radiation arrangement.
WO2015193368A2 (en) Semi-sealed closing device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19990903

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: CH DE FR GB IT LI

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: ASULAB S.A.

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20030702

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69723253

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20030807

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ICB INGENIEURS CONSEILS EN BREVETS SA

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20031103

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20040405

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20110728

Year of fee payment: 15

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20120829

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120829

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 19

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20160726

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20160721

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20160720

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 69723253

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL