EP1274150A1 - Wrist-watch with antenna - Google Patents

Wrist-watch with antenna Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1274150A1
EP1274150A1 EP01202593A EP01202593A EP1274150A1 EP 1274150 A1 EP1274150 A1 EP 1274150A1 EP 01202593 A EP01202593 A EP 01202593A EP 01202593 A EP01202593 A EP 01202593A EP 1274150 A1 EP1274150 A1 EP 1274150A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
antenna
electronic module
instrument according
instrument
housing
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01202593A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
David Barras
Jean-Philippe Rebeaud
François Klopfenstein
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.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Original Assignee
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches
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 Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG, Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches filed Critical Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Priority to EP01202593A priority Critical patent/EP1274150A1/en
Priority to CNB028134974A priority patent/CN1331272C/en
Priority to JP2003511340A priority patent/JP2004534239A/en
Priority to PCT/EP2002/006669 priority patent/WO2003005484A1/en
Priority to US10/571,198 priority patent/US20070041275A1/en
Priority to DE60230515T priority patent/DE60230515D1/en
Priority to EP02743215A priority patent/EP1407510B1/en
Priority to DE60202213T priority patent/DE60202213T2/en
Priority to JP2003511342A priority patent/JP4044898B2/en
Priority to PCT/EP2002/007494 priority patent/WO2003005486A1/en
Priority to EP02764633A priority patent/EP1407513B1/en
Priority to CNB028134869A priority patent/CN100373696C/en
Priority to US10/478,659 priority patent/US6914564B2/en
Publication of EP1274150A1 publication Critical patent/EP1274150A1/en
Priority to US10/754,084 priority patent/US20040145975A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
    • G04G21/04—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces using radio waves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04R—RADIO-CONTROLLED TIME-PIECES
    • G04R60/00—Constructional details
    • G04R60/06—Antennas attached to or integrated in clock or watch bodies
    • G04R60/08—Antennas attached to or integrated in clock or watch bodies inside bezels
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/273—Adaptation for carrying or wearing by persons or animals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q9/00—Electrically-short antennas having dimensions not more than twice the operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
    • H01Q9/04—Resonant antennas
    • H01Q9/0407—Substantially flat resonant element parallel to ground plane, e.g. patch antenna

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to an instrument portable electronics including in particular a receiving antenna and / or transmission of radio frequency signals.
  • the present invention relates more particularly a portable electronic instrument, preferably intended to be worn on a user's wrist, such as a wristwatch, including an antenna intended for the reception of navigation and positioning signals by satellites or GPS signals.
  • antennas for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals include antennas for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals.
  • One of these solutions consists, for example, in winding a dipole antenna inside a box consisting for example of a track printed on a flexible dielectric substrate.
  • this solution is however unsuitable to allow the realization of an instrument for receiving GPS signals.
  • This solution is also unsuitable if you want to make an instrument with a housing made of metallic material, this housing significantly disturbing the characteristics transmission and reception of the antenna.
  • the document EP 0 982 639 describes an electronic instrument intended to be worn on the wrist of a user, this instrument being equipped with a type antenna patch allowing in particular the reception of GPS signals.
  • Various variants of are presented in this document, the patch antenna being placed in each of these variants in the immediate vicinity of the display device.
  • a main object of the present invention is to provide an instrument portable electronics including an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals, the construction of which makes it possible in particular to use them of metallic materials for the realization of the external covering of the instrument.
  • Another object of the present invention is to propose such a solution which provides robust antenna support while facilitating the assembly of various components of the instrument.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a solution which is more elegant from an aesthetic point of view and is more comfortable to wear than solutions of the prior art, in particular the solution described in the application EP 0 982 639 mentioned above.
  • a particular object of the present invention is further to facilitate connection from the antenna to the electronic module of the portable instrument.
  • the present invention thus relates to a portable electronic instrument, such as a wristwatch, the characteristics of which are set out in the independent claim 1.
  • the housing containing the electronic module, the device display as well as the electrical power supply source advantageously a covering body comprising a bottom and side walls, as well as a fitting element fitted on the covering body and supporting the ice cream.
  • the spectacle element supports, on an external face of this element, the antenna for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals.
  • the antenna rests with great robustness on the housing and is as far away as possible from the electronic components located inside the instrument case.
  • the electrical connection of the antenna to the electronic module is however not made more complex. This solution allows in particular the production of an instrument having a case made of material metal, the antenna being disposed entirely outside of this housing.
  • the assembly of the instrument is further facilitated by the fact that the antenna may be previously arranged on the spectacle element, this element being disposed, last only, in the covering body.
  • Another advantage of the present invention in particular compared to the instrument described in application EP 0 982 639, resides in the fact that the case really plays the role of mechanical support and not only an aesthetic role.
  • the invention is inspired by proven watchmaking construction techniques ensuring great robustness to the whole.
  • the electronic instrument according to the invention has a compactness higher promoting comfort on the user's wrist.
  • the instrument comprises further an element forming a casing circle disposed between the element forming bezel and the back, the electronic module and the display device being arranged between the element forming a bezel and the element forming a casing circle.
  • a subset complete including the electronic module and the device display can easily be made beforehand and then last mounted on the bottom of the covering body.
  • the spectacle element and the element forming a socket circle are made integral with each other, for example by welding or gluing.
  • the antenna is an antenna allowing the reception of navigation and positioning signals by satellites.
  • This antenna is preferably a patch type antenna comprising an element radiant separated from a ground plane by a dielectric and electrically connected to the electronic module by an excitation conductor, the antenna ground plane resting on the outer face of the lens element and being connected electrically to the electronic module by a ground conductor.
  • the plan mass can advantageously be formed from a stamped metal plate comprising at least one foot folded out of the ground plane and directly connecting it to the electronic module, this foot forming the ground conductor of the antenna.
  • the assembly and the antenna connection although it is relatively far from the module electronic, is greatly facilitated.
  • the antenna layout is such that the various electronic components and electrical instrument are located substantially behind the ground plane of the antenna, this is an advantage in order to reduce interference with the antenna.
  • FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a portable electronic instrument according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 and advantageously being in the form of a wristwatch.
  • This wristwatch 1 is notably equipped with an antenna 20 electrically connected to an electronic module (6 in FIG. 2) disposed inside the wristwatch.
  • this antenna 20 is intended to allow the reception of radiofrequency signals emitted by one or more distant emission sources. More particularly, this antenna is intended to allow the reception of positioning and navigation signals by satellites, such as GPS signals ( G lobal P ositioning S ystem) coming from the American system NAVSTAR or other positioning signals by satellites coming from systems analogues such as the Russian GLONASS system or the future European satellite positioning system GALILEO.
  • GPS signals G lobal P ositioning S ystem
  • the present invention is applicable to any type of instrument portable electronics comprising an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals and is therefore not limited to the single application as GPS signal receiver.
  • Wristwatch 1 has a general appearance similar to a wristwatch conventional and comprises, in addition to the antenna 20, a designated housing overall by the reference numeral 2, a bracelet (not shown) attached to the case 2, a window 3 under which is disposed a display device 5 enclosed in the housing 2 (such as a liquid crystal display), and control members 12 to 16, namely five push-buttons placed one (16) at 6 o'clock and the other four (12 15) on the periphery of the housing 2.
  • FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the wristwatch 1 illustrated in the figure 1 taken along the cutting line A-A 'parallel to the axis 6 am to 12 pm and passing through the center of the wristwatch.
  • Wrist watch 1 further includes, arranged inside the housing 2, an electronic module 6 including in particular a printed circuit 60, on which are mounted the various electronic and electrical components of the instrument, as well as a source supply 10 of electrical energy supplying in particular the electronic module 6 and the display device 5.
  • the power source 10 is consisting of a rechargeable battery placed in the bottom of the case 2.
  • This power source 10 could nevertheless consist of a conventional battery (in which case a battery door should preferably be provided at the bottom of the box to allow its exchange) or any other source likely to provide an adequate supply of electrical energy.
  • the display device 5 namely a liquid crystal display
  • the display device 5 is connected electrically to the electronic module 6 by a flexible connector 50.
  • a sheet light-emitting lamp designated by the reference numeral 56 is interposed between the display device 5 and the electronic module 6.
  • This electroluminescent sheet 56 is electrically connected to the electronic module 6 by a pair of connectors designated 57, only one of them being illustrated by way of explanation in FIG. 2.
  • Each of these connectors 57 comprises a lug and a contact spring.
  • the rechargeable battery is recharged by means of an inductive charging system well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the wristwatch 1 is equipped with a coil intended to be coupled to a coil external of an inductive charging device.
  • the arrangement of this charging coil inductive will be presented later with reference to Figures 3, 5, 5a and 5b.
  • the housing 2 comprises a covering body 4 having a bottom 4a and side walls 4b as well as a lens element 7 adjusted on the covering body 4a.
  • the bottom 4a and the side walls 4b are preferably made of a part, although it is possible to provide for two separate parts assembled to each other, and together form, in this example, a case-back of the wristwatch 1 on which the bracelet is typically attached (not shown).
  • the spectacle element 7 is adjusted to the covering body 4, or more exactly on the side walls 4b of the covering body 4, and supports the glass 3, the latter preferably being glued or welded to the element 7.
  • this lens element 7 is made of plastic material and the glass 3 is for example welded by a known ultrasonic process.
  • the spectacle element 7 is preferably tightly adjusted on the covering body, for example by means of an O-ring 30 placed between a shoulder formed on the periphery of the element 7 and a similar shoulder formed on the side walls 4b of the covering body 4.
  • the antenna 20 is mechanically supported by the element forming bezel 7 and rests on an outer face, designated 7a, of this element.
  • This antenna 20 can optionally be glued to this outer face 7a or held by other suitable fastening means.
  • the antenna 20 is advantageously arranged at 12 o'clock and in an inclined position relative to the plane, designated ⁇ , in which the display device 5 is located. In this way, the antenna is advantageously oriented substantially upwards in order to optimize the reception of GPS signals for natural wrist position when wearer reads information on the display device 5.
  • the element 7 supports also the control members 12 to 16 of the wristwatch.
  • the wristwatch 1 further comprises an element additional 8 forming casing circle disposed in the housing 2 between the element forming bezel 7 and the bottom 4a of the covering body 4.
  • the elements 7 and 8 form sort of the upper and lower parts of a container inside which are enclosed the display device 5 and the electronic module 6.
  • the source supply 10 is disposed between the element forming a casing circle 8 and the bottom 4a of the covering body 4. It will be readily understood that this accumulator could alternatively be enclosed between elements 7 and 8 with the display device 5 and the electronic module 6.
  • the elements 7 and 8 are made integral with one another (by example by gluing, welding, clipping or other similar fixing means) of so as to form a sub-assembly comprising in particular the antenna 20, the lens 3, the display device 5, the electronic module 6 and the control members 12 to 16 (see the power source 10 as already mentioned).
  • this subset can be mounted separately and tested before being mounted in the bottom 4a of the covering body.
  • this sub-assembly can easily be dismantled of the casing to be replaced if necessary.
  • the covering body 4 can for example be made in metallic material without compromising the function of the antenna.
  • Figures 3 and 4 illustrate other additional features of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view of the wristwatch 1 taken along the cutting line B-B 'shown in Figure 1 parallel to the 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. axis of the watch and passing through its center.
  • Figure 4 is quant to her a partial sectional view of the wristwatch 1 taken along the cutting line C-C 'of Figure 1 parallel to the axis 6 am to 12 pm of the watch in an eccentric position.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates in particular fixing means making it possible to make the aforementioned sub-assembly secured to the bottom 4a of the covering body 4.
  • these fixing means comprise four screws 40 (only one of they being shown in Figure 4) entering the element 8 through an orifice formed in the bottom 4a of the covering body in accordance with the illustration in the figure 5 which shows a back view of the wristwatch 1.
  • Each screw 40 cooperates with a clamping element 42 holding the element 8 in abutment against the bottom 4a.
  • the screws 40 are also each provided with an O-ring 45 disposed between the head of the screw and the bottom 4a of the covering body so as to also ensure a tightness of the whole at this level.
  • the covering body 4 is made of metallic material and the lens element 7 (as well as element 8) is made of plastic material.
  • An external covering element, designated by the reference numeral 11, of form essentially annular is further adjusted on element 7, here by clipping as illustrated in the section of figure 3, in order to cover this element 7.
  • the annular covering element 11 is preferably made of a material metallic similar to the material used for the production of the covering body 4 and has an opening 11a (shown in Figure 1) in which is housed the antenna 20.
  • a protective cover made of dielectric material 9 is also added on the lens element 7 in order to protect the antenna 20 from the environment outside.
  • the covering element ring 11 and the protective cover 9 could be made in one piece material not disturbing the operation of the antenna 20.
  • FIG. 3 also partially shows the arrangement of the coil inductive load, indicated by the numerical reference 80, allowing the recharging of the rechargeable accumulator 10.
  • This charging coil 80 is wound around a ferromagnetic core 81 formed of a superposition of thin sheets. As illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, this core 81 is placed in a housing 8a made in the element forming a casing circle 8, the latter having a portion 8b extending in an opening 4c made in the bottom 4a of the body dressing. More specifically, the ferromagnetic core 81 has a shape general "U" opening towards the bottom 4a in the opening 4c provided for this purpose.
  • the essential role of the ferromagnetic core 81 is to concentrate the flow and direct the latter out of the housing 2 so as to ensure coupling inductive suitable with an external coil of an inductive charging device (not represented).
  • an O-ring 82 is also disposed between a shoulder provided on element 8 and a similar shoulder provided on the bottom 4a of the covering body in order to ensure sealing of the assembly at the level of opening 4c.
  • the wristwatch 1 further comprises an infrared transmission element bidirectional, designated 85, directed towards the opening 4c made in the bottom 4a of the casing and enabling two-way communication with a external communication device advantageously connected to a terminal computer science.
  • This bidirectional infrared transmission element 85 comprises typically an infrared emitting diode for transmitting data from the watch as well as a phototransistor (or alternatively a photodiode) of infrared reception for receiving data from outside. This element thus forms a means of communication for exchanging data, such as positioning data, with a computer terminal.
  • the element of infrared transmission 85 is arranged on the underside of the electronic module 6 and is oriented so that the infrared beam can pass through the portion 8b of the element forming a casing circle 8 which extends in the opening 4c.
  • the material used for the production of element 8, or at least for the realization of the portion 8b must imperatively be transparent to infrared radiation.
  • the element of infrared transmission 85 could alternatively be arranged in a housing separate and / or in a position closer to the bottom 4a of the covering body.
  • the covering body 4 and the lens element 7 are respectively made of metallic and plastic materials, it will advantageous to metallize the interior walls of element 7, designated by the reference numeral 7b in FIGS. 2 to 4, and to electrically connect this metallization to the metal covering body 4. Such metallization would have advantage of further improving the shielding of the electronic components arranged at inside the wristwatch.
  • a conductive cord for example in metallic material, between the element 7 and the covering body 4.
  • FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 shows such a conductive cord, designated by the reference numeral 35, disposed at the junction between elements 7 and 8 on the covering body 4.
  • antenna 20 is a patch type antenna, that is to say a shaped antenna essentially parallelepipedic comprising a radiant element 21 separated from a plane of mass 23 of larger dimension by a dielectric 22, such as an element in ceramic.
  • the radiant element 21 is excited by an excitation conductor 25 isolated from the ground plane 23 and passing through the dielectric 22 to be connected to the module electronic 6, the element 7 being provided with an opening 7c allowing the passage of this excitation conductor 25.
  • the ground plane 23 is in turn connected electrically to the electronic module by a separate ground conductor 26 also passing through the opening 7c.
  • Patch type antennas are commonly used and have the advantage of simple construction and low cost of manufacturing.
  • the antenna 20 thus rests on the outer face 7a of the lens element 7 by its ground plane 23.
  • this type of antenna is generally placed directly on the surface of the module this presents the drawbacks already mentioned, namely greater interference with watch electronics requiring specific shielding as well as the impossibility of realizing the case in a material metallic.
  • the ground plane 23 of the antenna 20 will preferably be bonded to the outer face 7a of the lens element 7.
  • FIGS. 6a and 6b thus respectively show a view in section and a plan view of the patch 20 antenna used in the mode of preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the excitation conductor 25 is off-center relative to the center of symmetry of the radiant element 21, so that the antenna 20 has a circular type polarization.
  • the distance from the excitation conductor 25 earth conductor 26 additionally selected from conventional way to allow an adequate adaptation of the antenna to associated receiving circuit.
  • the ground plane 23 comprises two feet 26a and 26b extending out of the ground plane 23 and forming the conductor of mass 26.
  • Figures 7a and 7b show in more detail the structure of the plane of mass 23.
  • This ground plane 23 is advantageously produced from a plate of metal formed by a conventional stamping process. This plate is initially cut so that it has a central opening 23a in which projects an extension 23b having essentially the shape of a "U" opening in the central opening 23a and from which are finally formed the feet 26a, 26b.
  • the structure of the ground plan 23, at the end of the operation of cutting, is illustrated in broken lines in Figure 7b, the feet being designated at this stage by the reference numerals 26a * and 26b *.
  • the extension 23b is subsequently folded so that the feet 26a, 26b thus formed extend in outside of the ground plane 23 as illustrated.
  • the excitation conductor 25 is formed so as to present a similar profile as illustrated in the Figures 6a and 6b.
  • ground conductor 26 forms an integral part of the plane of mass 23, thus greatly simplifying the connection of antenna 20 to the module electronics 6, although this antenna 20 does not rest directly on the module electronic 6.
  • FIGS. 8a and 8b are plan views, respectively of the glass side and of the bottom side, of the electronic module 6 to which the antenna 20 is connected.
  • the circuit printed 60 of the electronic module carries, on each of its faces, the components electric and electronic ensuring the various functions of the instrument.
  • the printed circuit 60 carries in particular ice-side an integrated watchmaker-type circuit 61 ensuring watchmaking functions conventional watch, as well as other components such as a resonator quartz and its division chain (not shown).
  • a plurality of connection terminals 55 intended to be connected to the device display 5 are further arranged on the printed circuit 60 of the ice side.
  • this face of the electronic module 6 is also arranged the pair already mentioned of connectors 57 of the light-emitting sheet 56.
  • the face of the ice side of the printed circuit 60 further comprises two flanges designated 90 and 91 intended to cooperate with the pushbuttons 12 to 15 arranged on the periphery of the wristwatch.
  • Each flange 90 and 91 has a pair of elastic blades 90a, 90b and 91a, 91b capable of coming into contact, under the action of each push button 12 to 15, with contact pads 92 to 95 arranged on the printed circuit 60 and connected to terminals of the clock integrated circuit 61.
  • the face of the glass side of the printed circuit further comprises a first blade contact 97 of a contact 96 associated with the push button 16 placed at 6 o'clock.
  • This first contact blade 97 cooperates with a second contact blade 98 placed on the opposite side of the printed circuit 60 as illustrated in Figure 8b.
  • This contact 96 is also illustrated in section in FIG. 2.
  • the printed circuit 60 carries in particular on the bottom side a circuit 62 for receiving the radiofrequency signals or RF circuit, a microprocessor 63 responsible for extracting data from positioning and navigation contained in radio frequency signals from satellites as well as an EEPROM memory or FLASH 64 memory allowing in particular the memorization of certain parameters necessary for the acquisition of satellites (such as the pseudo-random codes of the various satellites).
  • a microprocessor 63 responsible for extracting data from positioning and navigation contained in radio frequency signals from satellites as well as an EEPROM memory or FLASH 64 memory allowing in particular the memorization of certain parameters necessary for the acquisition of satellites (such as the pseudo-random codes of the various satellites).
  • FIGS. 8a and 8b show on the other hand an excitation point, designated 65, to which the excitation conductor 25 of the antenna 20 is connected, as well as a point of ground 66 to which the ground plane 23 of the antenna 20 is linked. More particularly, the earth point 66 comprising two contact openings 66a and 66b making it possible to receive the two feet 26a and 26b of the ground plane of the antenna 20.
  • protection means to protect the antenna 20 and the circuits associated with this antenna (part RF electronics, input amplifier circuit, etc.) against discharge electrostatic.
  • These protection means advantageously comprise, produced on the electronic module 6 on the bottom side as illustrated in FIG. 8b, a printed coil designated 70 forming a resonant circuit electrically connected by its ends 70a and 70b between the excitation 25 and ground 26 conductors of the antenna.
  • the first end 70a of the printed coil 70 is thus connected to the point excitation 65 of the antenna and the other end 70b is electrically connected (this connection not visible in Figure 8b) at ground point 66.
  • FIG. 9a thus shows the electronic module 6 on the window side as well as the device display 5 connected to the electronic module 6 via the connector flexible 50 connected to the connection terminals 55 arranged on the printed circuit 60 of the ice side.
  • this flexible connector 50 allows the display device 5 to be arranged, after folding, on the upper face of the electronic module 6 once these are fitted in wristwatch 1.
  • the shielding of the components on the ice side is produced by means of a first metal plate stamped 100 secured (for example by welding) to the printed circuit 60 and covering substantially the entire surface of this printed circuit 60.
  • This first plate metallic 100 further includes a flange 100a folded towards the surface of the circuit printed 60 and allowing to form a slit-like opening as narrow as possible through which the flexible connector 50 of the display device passes 5.
  • the purpose of this narrow slit is to improve the shielding effect and produce a maximum capacitive coupling against ground of the signals leaving the module electronics 6 to display device 5, which greatly reduces the transmission of electromagnetic disturbances from electronic module 6 to the outside of the shield.
  • Portions 100b and 100c of the first metal plate 100 are by elsewhere folded in the direction of the glass to serve in particular as a support and stop for positioning for display device 5 when it is folded over the module electronic 6. It will be noted that the pair of connectors 57 of the sheet light emitting (not shown in this figure) passes through the metal plate 100 by an opening in the vicinity of one of the portions 100b.
  • the shielding of the components on the bottom side namely in particular the RF circuit 62, the microprocessor 63 and the FLASH memory 64, is produced by means of three other stamped metal plates designated 102, 104 and 106.
  • Figure 9b shows part of the shield on the bottom side.
  • RF circuit 62 is thus covered by a second stamped metal plate 102 secured to the printed circuit 60.
  • a third plate stamped metal or frame 104 also integral with printed circuit 60, covers the microprocessor 63 responsible for extracting data from positioning and navigation as well as FLASH 64 memory.
  • This third stamped metal plate 104 and the second 102 serve to support a fourth stamped metal plate 106, illustrated in FIG. 9d, covering substantially the entire surface of the printed circuit 60 on the bottom side and allowing adequately shield all electronic components.
  • This fourth metal plate 106 rests on the second and third plates 102 and 104, ends 106a of this fourth plate 106 being folded over the periphery of plates 102 and 104.
  • This fourth metal plate 106 is so arranged that it can be easily removed if necessary in order to access the electronic components located below as well as tests (not shown) arranged on this face of the printed circuit 60.
  • the present invention is not limited a wristwatch or a portable instrument comprising a type antenna patch.
  • This patch antenna nevertheless constitutes an example of an antenna perfectly suitable for the reception of positioning signals by satellites and whose construction is very simple and inexpensive.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Support Of Aerials (AREA)
  • Waveguide Aerials (AREA)
  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)

Abstract

Portable electronic instrument of the watch and bracelet type having in a casing (2) a metallic housing (4) with base and lateral walls and sealed window opening for a glass (3). The antenna (20) rests on the exterior face (7a) of metallized plastic glass support (7). A circular fitting ring (8) is fitted between the support and the base. An electronic module (6) and a display unit (5) are enclosed between the support and the fitting, both of which form a removable sub- assembly. The support is electrically connected to the metallic housing. A protective cover (9) made from a dielectric material fits over the support and covers the antenna. The fitting is fixed in the base (4a) by fixings. The instrument includes:- (a) a housing enclosing an electronic module and display unit; (b) a glass fitted on the housing; (c) an electrical energy supply source (10) located in the housing feeding the module and display, and; (d) a radio frequency receiving and/or transmission antenna electrically connected to the module.

Description

La présente invention concerne de manière générale un instrument électronique portable comportant notamment une antenne de réception et/ou d'émission de signaux radiofréquences. La présente invention concernent plus particulièrement un instrument électronique portable, préférablement destiné à être porté au poignet d'un utilisateur, telle une montre-bracelet, comprenant une antenne destinée à la réception des signaux de navigation et de positionnement par satellites ou signaux GPS.The present invention relates generally to an instrument portable electronics including in particular a receiving antenna and / or transmission of radio frequency signals. The present invention relates more particularly a portable electronic instrument, preferably intended to be worn on a user's wrist, such as a wristwatch, including an antenna intended for the reception of navigation and positioning signals by satellites or GPS signals.

Il a déjà été proposé divers instruments électroniques portables comprenant des antennes de réception et/ou d'émission de signaux radiofréquences. L'une de ces solutions consiste par exemple à enrouler à l'intérieur d'un boítier une antenne-dipôle constituée par exemple d'une piste imprimée sur un substrat diélectrique flexible. Du fait de l'agencement spécifique de l'antenne, cette solution est toutefois inadaptée pour permettre la réalisation d'un instrument de réception de signaux GPS. Cette solution est également inadaptée s'il l'on désire réaliser un instrument possédant un boítier en matériau métallique, ce boítier perturbant notablement les caractéristiques d'émission et de réception de l'antenne.Various portable electronic instruments have already been proposed, including antennas for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals. One of these solutions consists, for example, in winding a dipole antenna inside a box consisting for example of a track printed on a flexible dielectric substrate. Of due to the specific arrangement of the antenna, this solution is however unsuitable to allow the realization of an instrument for receiving GPS signals. This solution is also unsuitable if you want to make an instrument with a housing made of metallic material, this housing significantly disturbing the characteristics transmission and reception of the antenna.

On connaít également d'autres solutions consistant à placer une antenne sous ou sur le cadran d'une montre. Au même titre que la solution précédente, cette solution est généralement inadaptée à la réalisation d'un instrument possédant un boítier en matériau métallique.We also know other solutions of placing an antenna under or on the dial of a watch. Like the previous solution, this solution is generally unsuitable for the realization of an instrument having a housing made of metallic material.

Le document EP 0 982 639 décrit un instrument électronique destiné à être porté au poignet d'un utilisateur, cet instrument étant équipé d'une antenne de type patch permettant notamment la réception de signaux GPS. Diverses variantes de réalisation sont présentées dans ce document, l'antenne patch étant placée dans chacune de ces variantes au voisinage direct du dispositif d'affichage. Bien que cette solution soit relativement compacte, celle-ci présente néanmoins de multiples désavantages.The document EP 0 982 639 describes an electronic instrument intended to be worn on the wrist of a user, this instrument being equipped with a type antenna patch allowing in particular the reception of GPS signals. Various variants of are presented in this document, the patch antenna being placed in each of these variants in the immediate vicinity of the display device. Although this solution is relatively compact, it nevertheless presents multiple disadvantages.

L'un de ces désavantages réside dans la proximité de l'antenne et des composants électroniques de l'instrument, cette proximité nécessitant l'élaboration d'un blindage relativement compliqué afin de réduire voire éviter les perturbations mutuelles entre l'antenne et les composants électroniques de l'instrument, notamment le dispositif d'affichage et le module électronique de l'instrument. Ce blindage complique passablement les opérations d'assemblage des divers éléments et composants de cet instrument électronique.One of these disadvantages lies in the proximity of the antenna and the electronic components of the instrument, this proximity necessitating the development relatively complicated shielding to reduce or even avoid disturbances between the antenna and the electronic components of the instrument, in particular the display device and the electronic module of the instrument. This shielding considerably complicates the assembly operations of the various elements and components of this electronic instrument.

Un autre désavantage de cette solution, analogue aux désavantages déjà énoncés au sujet des solutions précédentes, réside dans le fait que l'habillage externe de l'instrument est nécessairement réalisé dans un matériau ne perturbant pas le fonctionnement de l'antenne, notamment un matériau non métallique. L'esthétique de l'instrument est par ailleurs tributaire du choix limité de matériaux pouvant être utilisés pour réaliser l'habillage de l'instrument.Another disadvantage of this solution, analogous to the disadvantages already stated about the previous solutions, is that the outer skin of the instrument is necessarily made of a material which does not disturb the operation of the antenna, in particular a non-metallic material. The aesthetics of the instrument is also dependent on the limited choice of materials that can be used to dress the instrument.

Encore un autre désavantage de cette solution réside dans l'apparence esthétique générale de l'instrument électronique. Par ailleurs, bien que relativement compact, les diverses dispositions de l'antenne envisagées conduisent à un instrument présentant des parties proéminentes qui s'avèrent dérangeantes et inconfortables lorsque cet instrument est porté au poignet d'un utilisateur.Yet another disadvantage of this solution is the appearance general aesthetics of the electronic instrument. In addition, although relatively compact, the various antenna arrangements envisaged lead to a instrument with prominent parts which are disturbing and uncomfortable when this instrument is worn on a user's wrist.

Un but principal de la présente invention est de proposer un instrument électronique portable comprenant une antenne de réception et/ou d'émission de signaux radiofréquences et dont la construction rend notamment possible l'utilisation de matériaux métalliques pour la réalisation de l'habillage externe de l'instrument.A main object of the present invention is to provide an instrument portable electronics including an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals, the construction of which makes it possible in particular to use them of metallic materials for the realization of the external covering of the instrument.

Un autre but de la présente invention est de proposer une telle solution qui assure un support robuste de l'antenne tout en facilitant l'assemblage des divers composants de l'instrument.Another object of the present invention is to propose such a solution which provides robust antenna support while facilitating the assembly of various components of the instrument.

Encore un autre but de la présente invention est de proposer une solution qui soit plus élégante du point de vue esthétique et soit plus confortable à porter que les solutions de l'art antérieur, notamment la solution décrite dans la demande EP 0 982 639 susmentionnée.Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a solution which is more elegant from an aesthetic point of view and is more comfortable to wear than solutions of the prior art, in particular the solution described in the application EP 0 982 639 mentioned above.

Un but particulier de la présente invention est en outre de faciliter la connexion électrique de l'antenne au module électronique de l'instrument portable.A particular object of the present invention is further to facilitate connection from the antenna to the electronic module of the portable instrument.

La présente invention a ainsi pour objet un instrument électronique portable, telle une montre-bracelet, dont les caractéristiques sont énoncées dans la revendication indépendante 1.The present invention thus relates to a portable electronic instrument, such as a wristwatch, the characteristics of which are set out in the independent claim 1.

Des modes de réalisation avantageux de la présente invention font l'objet des revendications dépendantes.Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of dependent claims.

Selon l'invention, le boítier renfermant le module électronique, le dispositif d'affichage ainsi que la source d'alimentation en énergie électrique comporte avantageusement un corps d'habillage comprenant un fond et des parois latérales, ainsi qu'un élément formant lunette ajusté sur le corps d'habillage et supportant la glace. L'élément formant lunette supporte, sur une face extérieure de cet élément, l'antenne de réception et/ou d'émission de signaux radiofréquences. According to the invention, the housing containing the electronic module, the device display as well as the electrical power supply source advantageously a covering body comprising a bottom and side walls, as well as a fitting element fitted on the covering body and supporting the ice cream. The spectacle element supports, on an external face of this element, the antenna for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals.

De la sorte, l'antenne repose avec une grande robustesse sur le boítier et est éloignée autant que possible des composants électroniques situés à l'intérieur du boítier de l'instrument. Selon l'invention, la connexion électrique de l'antenne au module électronique n'est toutefois pas rendue plus complexe. Cette solution permet en particulier la réalisation d'un instrument possédant un boítier en matériau métallique, l'antenne étant disposée entièrement à l'extérieur de ce boítier.In this way, the antenna rests with great robustness on the housing and is as far away as possible from the electronic components located inside the instrument case. According to the invention, the electrical connection of the antenna to the electronic module is however not made more complex. This solution allows in particular the production of an instrument having a case made of material metal, the antenna being disposed entirely outside of this housing.

L'assemblage de l'instrument est en outre facilité de part le fait que l'antenne peut être préalablement disposée sur l'élément formant lunette, cet élément étant disposé, en dernier lieu seulement, dans le corps d'habillage.The assembly of the instrument is further facilitated by the fact that the antenna may be previously arranged on the spectacle element, this element being disposed, last only, in the covering body.

Un autre avantage de la présente invention, notamment par rapport à l'instrument décrit dans la demande EP 0 982 639, réside dans le fait que le boítier joue réellement office de support mécanique et non uniquement un rôle esthétique. En particulier, l'invention s'inspire de techniques de construction horlogères éprouvées assurant une grande robustesse à l'ensemble.Another advantage of the present invention, in particular compared to the instrument described in application EP 0 982 639, resides in the fact that the case really plays the role of mechanical support and not only an aesthetic role. In particular, the invention is inspired by proven watchmaking construction techniques ensuring great robustness to the whole.

En outre, par rapport aux solutions décrites dans la demande EP 0 982 639 susmentionnée, l'instrument électronique selon l'invention présente une compacité plus élevée favorisant le confort au poignet de l'utilisateur.In addition, compared to the solutions described in application EP 0 982 639 mentioned above, the electronic instrument according to the invention has a compactness higher promoting comfort on the user's wrist.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, l'instrument comporte en outre un élément formant cercle d'emboítage disposé entre l'élément formant lunette et le fond, le module électronique et le dispositif d'affichage étant disposés entre l'élément formant lunette et l'élément formant cercle d'emboítage. Un sous-ensemble complet renfermant notamment le module électronique et le dispositif d'affichage peut ainsi aisément être réalisé au préalable puis monté en dernier lieu sur le fond du corps d'habillage. Préférablement, l'élément formant lunette et l'élément formant cercle d'emboítage sont rendus solidaires l'un de l'autre, par exemple par soudage ou collage.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the instrument comprises further an element forming a casing circle disposed between the element forming bezel and the back, the electronic module and the display device being arranged between the element forming a bezel and the element forming a casing circle. A subset complete including the electronic module and the device display can easily be made beforehand and then last mounted on the bottom of the covering body. Preferably, the spectacle element and the element forming a socket circle are made integral with each other, for example by welding or gluing.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, l'antenne est une antenne permettant la réception de signaux de navigation et de positionnement par satellites. Cette antenne est préférablement une antenne de type patch comprenant un élément radiant séparé d'un plan de masse par un diélectrique et connecté électriquement au module électronique par un conducteur d'excitation, le plan de masse de l'antenne reposant sur la face extérieure de l'élément formant lunette et étant connecté électriquement au module électronique par un conducteur de masse. Le plan de masse peut avantageusement être formé d'une plaque de métal étampée comportant au moins un pied replié hors du plan de masse et reliant directement celui-ci au module électronique, ce pied formant le conducteur de masse de l'antenne.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the antenna is an antenna allowing the reception of navigation and positioning signals by satellites. This antenna is preferably a patch type antenna comprising an element radiant separated from a ground plane by a dielectric and electrically connected to the electronic module by an excitation conductor, the antenna ground plane resting on the outer face of the lens element and being connected electrically to the electronic module by a ground conductor. The plan mass can advantageously be formed from a stamped metal plate comprising at least one foot folded out of the ground plane and directly connecting it to the electronic module, this foot forming the ground conductor of the antenna.

Selon ce mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, l'assemblage et la connexion de l'antenne, bien que celle-ci se trouve relativement éloignée du module électronique, est grandement facilité. Selon ce mode de réalisation, il n'est en effet pas nécessaire de pourvoir l'instrument d'une paire de conducteurs distincts, tel un conducteur coaxial, pour permettre l'excitation de l'antenne, le conducteur de masse faisant avantageusement partie intégrante du plan de masse de l'antenne. En outre, la disposition de l'antenne est telle que les divers composants électroniques et électriques de l'instrument sont situés sensiblement derrière le plan de masse de l'antenne, ceci s'avérant un avantage dans l'optique de réduire les interférences avec l'antenne.According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly and the antenna connection, although it is relatively far from the module electronic, is greatly facilitated. According to this embodiment, it is indeed no need to provide the instrument with a separate pair of conductors, such as a coaxial conductor, to allow the excitation of the antenna, the ground conductor advantageously forming an integral part of the antenna ground plane. In addition, the antenna layout is such that the various electronic components and electrical instrument are located substantially behind the ground plane of the antenna, this is an advantage in order to reduce interference with the antenna.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaítront plus clairement à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit d'un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention donné uniquement à titre d'exemple non limitatif et illustré par les dessins annexés où :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en plan d'une montre-bracelet constituant un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe de la montre-bracelet prise selon la ligne de coupe A-A' dans la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe de la montre-bracelet prise selon la ligne de coupe B-B' dans la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe partielle de la montre-bracelet prise selon la ligne de coupe C-C' dans la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue en plan du dos de la montre-bracelet de la figure 1 ;
  • les figures 5a et 5b sont respectivement une vue en plan partielle agrandie du dos de la montre-bracelet ainsi qu'une vue en coupe partielle prise selon la ligne de coupe D-D' dans la figure 5 montrant la disposition d'un élément de transmission infrarouge et d'une bobine de charge inductive dans la montre-bracelet selon l'invention ;
  • les figures 6a et 6b sont respectivement des vues en coupe et en plan d'une antenne de type patch équipant la montre-bracelet de la figure 1 ;
  • les figures 7a et 7b sont respectivement des vues en coupe et en plan du plan de masse de l'antenne illustrée dans les figures 6a et 6b ;
  • les figures 8a et 8b sont des vues en plan, respectivement du côté glace et du côté fond, du module électronique de la montre-bracelet ;
  • la figure 9a est une vue en plan du module électronique et du dispositif d'affichage de la montre-bracelet montrant notamment le blindage du module électronique du côté glace ;
  • la figure 9b est une vue en plan, du côté fond, du module électronique et du dispositif d'affichage de la montre-bracelet montrant une partie du blindage du module électronique du côté fond ;
  • la figure 9c est une vue latérale du module électronique et du dispositif d'affichage illustré dans les figures 9a et 9b ;
  • la figure 9d est une vue en plan, du côté fond, du module électronique et du dispositif d'affichage de la montre-bracelet montrant l'ensemble du blindage du module électronique du côté fond ; et
  • la figure 9e est une vue latérale du module électronique et du dispositif d'affichage illustré dans la figure 9d.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention given solely by way of nonlimiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings where:
  • Figure 1 is a plan view of a wristwatch constituting a preferred embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view of the wristwatch taken along the section line AA 'in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view of the wristwatch taken along the section line BB 'in Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a partial sectional view of the wristwatch taken along the section line CC 'in Figure 1;
  • Figure 5 is a plan view of the back of the wristwatch of Figure 1;
  • Figures 5a and 5b are respectively an enlarged partial plan view of the back of the wristwatch as well as a partial sectional view taken along the cutting line DD 'in Figure 5 showing the arrangement of an infrared transmission element and an inductive charging coil in the wristwatch according to the invention;
  • Figures 6a and 6b are respectively sectional and plan views of a patch type antenna fitted to the wristwatch of Figure 1;
  • Figures 7a and 7b are respectively sectional and plan views of the ground plane of the antenna illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b;
  • Figures 8a and 8b are plan views, respectively on the glass side and the bottom side, of the electronic module of the wristwatch;
  • FIG. 9a is a plan view of the electronic module and of the display device of the wristwatch showing in particular the shielding of the electronic module on the glass side;
  • FIG. 9b is a plan view, from the bottom side, of the electronic module and of the display device of the wristwatch showing part of the shielding of the electronic module from the bottom side;
  • Figure 9c is a side view of the electronic module and the display device illustrated in Figures 9a and 9b;
  • FIG. 9d is a plan view, from the bottom side, of the electronic module and of the display device of the wristwatch showing all the shielding of the electronic module from the bottom side; and
  • Figure 9e is a side view of the electronic module and the display device illustrated in Figure 9d.

La figure 1 montre une vue en plan d'un instrument électronique portable selon l'invention indiqué globalement par la référence numérique 1 et se présentant avantageusement sous la forme d'une montre-bracelet. Cette montre-bracelet 1 est notamment équipée d'une antenne 20 reliée électriquement à un module électronique (6 dans la figure 2) disposé à l'intérieur de la montre-bracelet. Dans cet exemple, cette antenne 20 est destinée à permettre la réception de signaux radiofréquences émis par une ou plusieurs sources d'émission éloignées. Plus particulièrement, cette antenne est destinée à permettre la réception de signaux de positionnement et de navigation par satellites, tels les signaux GPS (Global Positioning System) provenant du système américain NAVSTAR ou d'autres signaux de positionnement par satellites provenant de systèmes analogues tels le système russe GLONASS ou le futur système de positionnement par satellites européen GALILEO.Figure 1 shows a plan view of a portable electronic instrument according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 and advantageously being in the form of a wristwatch. This wristwatch 1 is notably equipped with an antenna 20 electrically connected to an electronic module (6 in FIG. 2) disposed inside the wristwatch. In this example, this antenna 20 is intended to allow the reception of radiofrequency signals emitted by one or more distant emission sources. More particularly, this antenna is intended to allow the reception of positioning and navigation signals by satellites, such as GPS signals ( G lobal P ositioning S ystem) coming from the American system NAVSTAR or other positioning signals by satellites coming from systems analogues such as the Russian GLONASS system or the future European satellite positioning system GALILEO.

Par extension, la présente invention est applicable à tout type d'instrument électronique portable comportant une antenne de réception et/ou d'émission de signaux radiofréquences et n'est donc pas limitée à la seule application comme récepteur de signaux GPS.By extension, the present invention is applicable to any type of instrument portable electronics comprising an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals and is therefore not limited to the single application as GPS signal receiver.

La montre-bracelet 1 présente une allure générale analogue à une montre-bracelet conventionnelle et comporte, outre l'antenne 20, un boítier désigné globalement par la référence numérique 2, un bracelet (non représenté) attaché au boítier 2, une glace 3 sous laquelle est disposé un dispositif d'affichage 5 enfermé dans le boítier 2 (tel un affichage à cristaux liquides), et des organes de commande 12 à 16, à savoir cinq boutons-poussoirs placé l'un (16) à 6 h et les quatre autres (12 à 15) sur la périphérie du boítier 2.Wristwatch 1 has a general appearance similar to a wristwatch conventional and comprises, in addition to the antenna 20, a designated housing overall by the reference numeral 2, a bracelet (not shown) attached to the case 2, a window 3 under which is disposed a display device 5 enclosed in the housing 2 (such as a liquid crystal display), and control members 12 to 16, namely five push-buttons placed one (16) at 6 o'clock and the other four (12 15) on the periphery of the housing 2.

La figure 2 montre une vue en coupe de la montre-bracelet 1 illustrée dans la figure 1 prise selon la ligne de coupe A-A' parallèle à l'axe 6 h-12 h et passant par le centre de la montre-bracelet. On y retrouve le boítier 2, la glace 3, le dispositif d'affichage 5, l'antenne 20 et le bouton-poussoir 16 placé à 6 h. La montre-bracelet 1 comporte en outre, disposés à l'intérieur du boítier 2, un module électronique 6 comprenant notamment un circuit imprimé 60, sur lequel sont montés les divers composants électroniques et électriques de l'instrument, ainsi qu'une source d'alimentation 10 en énergie électrique alimentant notamment le module électronique 6 et le dispositif d'affichage 5. Dans cet exemple, la source d'alimentation 10 est constituée d'un accumulateur rechargeable placé dans le fond du boítier 2. Cette source d'alimentation 10 pourrait néanmoins être constituée d'une pile conventionnelle (auquel cas une trappe de pile devrait préférablement être prévue dans le fond du boítier afin de permettre son échange) ou de toute autre source susceptible de fournir une alimentation adéquate en énergie électrique.FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the wristwatch 1 illustrated in the figure 1 taken along the cutting line A-A 'parallel to the axis 6 am to 12 pm and passing through the center of the wristwatch. We find the case 2, the glass 3, the device display 5, the antenna 20 and the push button 16 placed at 6 o'clock. Wrist watch 1 further includes, arranged inside the housing 2, an electronic module 6 including in particular a printed circuit 60, on which are mounted the various electronic and electrical components of the instrument, as well as a source supply 10 of electrical energy supplying in particular the electronic module 6 and the display device 5. In this example, the power source 10 is consisting of a rechargeable battery placed in the bottom of the case 2. This power source 10 could nevertheless consist of a conventional battery (in which case a battery door should preferably be provided at the bottom of the box to allow its exchange) or any other source likely to provide an adequate supply of electrical energy.

Comme illustré dans la figure 2, le dispositif d'affichage 5, à savoir un affichage à cristaux liquides, est superposé au module électronique 6 et repose sur une face supérieure de ce module électronique 6. Le dispositif d'affichage 5 est relié électriquement au module électronique 6 par un connecteur souple 50. Une feuille électroluminescente désignée par la référence numérique 56 est interposée entre le dispositif d'affichage 5 et le module électronique 6. Cette feuille électroluminescente 56 est reliée électriquement au module électronique 6 par une paire de connecteurs désignés 57, seul l'un d'entre eux étant illustré à titre explicatif dans la figure 2. Chacun de ces connecteurs 57 comporte un tenon et un ressort de contact.As illustrated in FIG. 2, the display device 5, namely a liquid crystal display, is superimposed on the electronic module 6 and rests on an upper face of this electronic module 6. The display device 5 is connected electrically to the electronic module 6 by a flexible connector 50. A sheet light-emitting lamp designated by the reference numeral 56 is interposed between the display device 5 and the electronic module 6. This electroluminescent sheet 56 is electrically connected to the electronic module 6 by a pair of connectors designated 57, only one of them being illustrated by way of explanation in FIG. 2. Each of these connectors 57 comprises a lug and a contact spring.

Dans la figure 2, on notera que les références numériques 100, 102, 104 et 106 indiquent des plaques métalliques assurant un blindage de l'électronique du module 6. Les figures 9a à 9e qui seront discutées ultérieurement montrent de manière plus détaillée la configuration de ce blindage.In FIG. 2, it will be noted that the numerical references 100, 102, 104 and 106 indicate metal plates shielding the electronics of the module 6. Figures 9a to 9e which will be discussed later show some in more detail the configuration of this shielding.

Dans l'exemple illustré, l'accumulateur rechargeable est rechargé au moyen d'un système de charge inductif bien connu de l'homme du métier. A cet effet, la montre-bracelet 1 est équipée d'une bobine destinée à être couplée à une bobine externe d'un dispositif de charge inductif. La disposition de cette bobine de charge inductive sera présenté ultérieurement en référence aux figures 3, 5, 5a et 5b.In the example illustrated, the rechargeable battery is recharged by means of an inductive charging system well known to those skilled in the art. To this end, the wristwatch 1 is equipped with a coil intended to be coupled to a coil external of an inductive charging device. The arrangement of this charging coil inductive will be presented later with reference to Figures 3, 5, 5a and 5b.

Selon l'invention, le boítier 2 comporte un corps d'habillage 4 présentant un fond 4a et des parois latérales 4b ainsi qu'un élément formant lunette 7 ajusté sur le corps d'habillage 4a. Le fond 4a et les parois latérales 4b sont préférablement réalisés d'une pièce, quoiqu'il soit envisageable de prévoir deux pièces distinctes assemblées l'une à l'autre, et forment ensemble, dans cet exemple, un fond-carrure de la montre-bracelet 1 sur lequel est typiquement attaché le bracelet (non représenté).According to the invention, the housing 2 comprises a covering body 4 having a bottom 4a and side walls 4b as well as a lens element 7 adjusted on the covering body 4a. The bottom 4a and the side walls 4b are preferably made of a part, although it is possible to provide for two separate parts assembled to each other, and together form, in this example, a case-back of the wristwatch 1 on which the bracelet is typically attached (not shown).

L'élément formant lunette 7 est ajusté sur le corps d'habillage 4, ou plus exactement sur les parois latérales 4b du corps d'habillage 4, et supporte la glace 3, cette dernière étant préférablement collée ou soudée sur l'élément 7. Avantageusement, cet élément formant lunette 7 est réalisé en matériau plastique et la glace 3 est par exemple soudée par un procédé à ultrasons connu.The spectacle element 7 is adjusted to the covering body 4, or more exactly on the side walls 4b of the covering body 4, and supports the glass 3, the latter preferably being glued or welded to the element 7. Advantageously, this lens element 7 is made of plastic material and the glass 3 is for example welded by a known ultrasonic process.

L'élément formant lunette 7 est préférablement ajusté de manière étanche sur le corps d'habillage, par exemple par l'intermédiaire d'un joint torique 30 placé entre un épaulement ménagé sur la périphérie de l'élément 7 et un épaulement analogue ménagé sur les parois latérales 4b du corps d'habillage 4.The spectacle element 7 is preferably tightly adjusted on the covering body, for example by means of an O-ring 30 placed between a shoulder formed on the periphery of the element 7 and a similar shoulder formed on the side walls 4b of the covering body 4.

Selon l'invention, l'antenne 20 est supportée mécaniquement par l'élément formant lunette 7 et repose sur une face extérieure, désignée 7a, de cet élément. Cette antenne 20 peut le cas échéant être collée sur cette face extérieure 7a ou maintenue par d'autres moyens de fixation adéquats. L'antenne 20 est avantageusement disposée à 12 h et en position inclinée par rapport au plan, désigné Π, dans lequel se trouve le dispositif d'affichage 5. De la sorte, l'antenne est avantageusement orientée sensiblement vers le haut afin d'optimiser la réception des signaux GPS pour la position naturelle du poignet quant le porteur lit les informations sur le dispositif d'affichage 5. Outre l'antenne 20, on notera que l'élément 7 supporte également les organes de commande 12 à 16 de la montre-bracelet.According to the invention, the antenna 20 is mechanically supported by the element forming bezel 7 and rests on an outer face, designated 7a, of this element. This antenna 20 can optionally be glued to this outer face 7a or held by other suitable fastening means. The antenna 20 is advantageously arranged at 12 o'clock and in an inclined position relative to the plane, designated Π, in which the display device 5 is located. In this way, the antenna is advantageously oriented substantially upwards in order to optimize the reception of GPS signals for natural wrist position when wearer reads information on the display device 5. Besides the antenna 20, it will be noted that the element 7 supports also the control members 12 to 16 of the wristwatch.

Préférablement, la montre-bracelet 1 comporte en outre un élément additionnel 8 formant cercle d'emboítage disposé dans le boítier 2 entre l'élément formant lunette 7 et le fond 4a du corps d'habillage 4. Les éléments 7 et 8 forment en quelque sorte les parties supérieure et inférieure d'un container à l'intérieur duquel sont enfermés le dispositif d'affichage 5 et le module électronique 6. La source d'alimentation 10 est disposée entre l'élément formant cercle d'emboítage 8 et le fond 4a du corps d'habillage 4. On comprendra aisément que cet accumulateur pourrait alternativement être enfermé entre les éléments 7 et 8 avec le dispositif d'affichage 5 et le module électronique 6.Preferably, the wristwatch 1 further comprises an element additional 8 forming casing circle disposed in the housing 2 between the element forming bezel 7 and the bottom 4a of the covering body 4. The elements 7 and 8 form sort of the upper and lower parts of a container inside which are enclosed the display device 5 and the electronic module 6. The source supply 10 is disposed between the element forming a casing circle 8 and the bottom 4a of the covering body 4. It will be readily understood that this accumulator could alternatively be enclosed between elements 7 and 8 with the display device 5 and the electronic module 6.

De préférence, les éléments 7 et 8 sont rendus solidaires l'un de l'autre (par exemple par collage, soudage, clipsage ou d'autres moyens de fixation analogues) de manière à former un sous-ensemble comprenant notamment l'antenne 20, la glace 3, le dispositif d'affichage 5, le module électronique 6 et les organes de commande 12 à 16 (voire la source d'alimentation 10 comme déjà mentionné). De la sorte, ce sous-ensemble peut être monté séparément et être testé avant d'être monté dans le fond 4a du corps d'habillage. Inversement, ce sous-ensemble peut aisément être démonté du corps d'habillage pour être remplacé le cas échéant.Preferably, the elements 7 and 8 are made integral with one another (by example by gluing, welding, clipping or other similar fixing means) of so as to form a sub-assembly comprising in particular the antenna 20, the lens 3, the display device 5, the electronic module 6 and the control members 12 to 16 (see the power source 10 as already mentioned). In this way, this subset can be mounted separately and tested before being mounted in the bottom 4a of the covering body. Conversely, this sub-assembly can easily be dismantled of the casing to be replaced if necessary.

Cette construction avantageuse offre par ailleurs une grande flexibilité au niveau de l'habillage, le corps d'habillage 4 pouvant par exemple être réalisé en matériau métallique sans que cela ne compromette le fonctionnement de l'antenne.This advantageous construction also offers great flexibility in level of the covering, the covering body 4 can for example be made in metallic material without compromising the function of the antenna.

Les figures 3 et 4 illustrent d'autres caractéristiques additionnelles du mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention. La figure 3 est une vue en coupe de la montre-bracelet 1 prise selon la ligne de coupe B-B' représentée dans la figure 1 parallèle à l'axe 9 h-3 h de la montre et passant par son centre. La figure 4 est quant à elle une vue en coupe partielle de la montre-bracelet 1 prise selon la ligne de coupe C-C' de la figure 1 parallèle à l'axe 6 h-12 h de la montre dans une position excentrée.Figures 3 and 4 illustrate other additional features of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a sectional view of the wristwatch 1 taken along the cutting line B-B 'shown in Figure 1 parallel to the 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. axis of the watch and passing through its center. Figure 4 is quant to her a partial sectional view of the wristwatch 1 taken along the cutting line C-C 'of Figure 1 parallel to the axis 6 am to 12 pm of the watch in an eccentric position.

La figure 4 illustre en particulier des moyens de fixation permettant de rendre le sous-ensemble susmentionné solidaire du fond 4a du corps d'habillage 4. En l'occurrence, ces moyens de fixation comprennent quatre vis 40 (seule l'une d'entre elles étant représentée dans la figure 4) pénétrant dans l'élément 8 par un orifice ménagé dans le fond 4a du corps d'habillage conformément à l'illustration de la figure 5 qui montre une vue de dos de la montre-bracelet 1. Chaque vis 40 coopère avec un élément de serrage 42 maintenant l'élément 8 en appui contre le fond 4a. Les vis 40 sont par ailleurs pourvue chacune d'un joint torique 45 disposé entre la tête de la vis et le fond 4a du corps d'habillage afin d'assurer également une étanchéité de l'ensemble à ce niveau.FIG. 4 illustrates in particular fixing means making it possible to make the aforementioned sub-assembly secured to the bottom 4a of the covering body 4. In the occurrence, these fixing means comprise four screws 40 (only one of they being shown in Figure 4) entering the element 8 through an orifice formed in the bottom 4a of the covering body in accordance with the illustration in the figure 5 which shows a back view of the wristwatch 1. Each screw 40 cooperates with a clamping element 42 holding the element 8 in abutment against the bottom 4a. The screws 40 are also each provided with an O-ring 45 disposed between the head of the screw and the bottom 4a of the covering body so as to also ensure a tightness of the whole at this level.

Préférablement, le corps d'habillage 4 est réalisé en matériau métallique et l'élément formant lunette 7 (ainsi que l'élément 8) est réalisé en matériau plastique. Un élément d'habillage externe, désigné par la référence numérique 11, de forme essentiellement annulaire est en outre ajusté sur l'élément 7, ici par clipsage comme illustré dans la coupe de la figure 3, afin de couvrir cet élément 7. Dans cet exemple, l'élément d'habillage annulaire 11 est préférablement réalisé dans un matériau métallique analogue au matériau utilisé pour la réalisation du corps d'habillage 4 et présente une ouverture 11a (indiquée dans la figure 1) dans laquelle est logée l'antenne 20. Un capot de protection en matériau diélectrique 9 est en outre rapporté sur l'élément formant lunette 7 afin de protéger l'antenne 20 de l'environnement extérieur. Alternativement, on comprendra aisément que l'élément d'habillage annulaire 11 et le capot de protection 9 pourraient être réalisés d'une pièce en un matériau ne perturbant pas le fonctionnement de l'antenne 20.Preferably, the covering body 4 is made of metallic material and the lens element 7 (as well as element 8) is made of plastic material. An external covering element, designated by the reference numeral 11, of form essentially annular is further adjusted on element 7, here by clipping as illustrated in the section of figure 3, in order to cover this element 7. In this example, the annular covering element 11 is preferably made of a material metallic similar to the material used for the production of the covering body 4 and has an opening 11a (shown in Figure 1) in which is housed the antenna 20. A protective cover made of dielectric material 9 is also added on the lens element 7 in order to protect the antenna 20 from the environment outside. Alternatively, it will be readily understood that the covering element ring 11 and the protective cover 9 could be made in one piece material not disturbing the operation of the antenna 20.

La figure 3 montre par ailleurs partiellement la disposition de la bobine de charge inductive, indiquée par la référence numérique 80, permettant la recharge de l'accumulateur rechargeable 10. Cette bobine de charge 80 est enroulée autour d'un noyau ferromagnétique 81 formé d'une superposition de tôles de faible épaisseur. Comme illustré dans les figures 5a et 5b, ce noyau 81 est disposé dans un logement 8a pratiqué dans l'élément formant cercle d'emboítage 8, ce dernier présentant une portion 8b s'étendant dans une ouverture 4c pratiquée dans le fond 4a du corps d'habillage. Plus spécifiquement, le noyau ferromagnétique 81 présente une forme générale en « U » s'ouvrant vers le fond 4a dans l'ouverture 4c prévue à cet effet. On notera que le rôle essentiel du noyau ferromagnétique 81 est de concentrer le flux et de diriger ce dernier vers l'extérieur du boítier 2 de manière à assurer un couplage inductif adéquat avec une bobine externe d'un dispositif de charge inductif (non représenté).Figure 3 also partially shows the arrangement of the coil inductive load, indicated by the numerical reference 80, allowing the recharging of the rechargeable accumulator 10. This charging coil 80 is wound around a ferromagnetic core 81 formed of a superposition of thin sheets. As illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, this core 81 is placed in a housing 8a made in the element forming a casing circle 8, the latter having a portion 8b extending in an opening 4c made in the bottom 4a of the body dressing. More specifically, the ferromagnetic core 81 has a shape general "U" opening towards the bottom 4a in the opening 4c provided for this purpose. We note that the essential role of the ferromagnetic core 81 is to concentrate the flow and direct the latter out of the housing 2 so as to ensure coupling inductive suitable with an external coil of an inductive charging device (not represented).

Comme précédemment, un joint torique 82 est par ailleurs disposé entre un épaulement ménagé sur l'élément 8 et un épaulement analogue ménagé sur le fond 4a du corps d'habillage afin d'assurer une étanchéité de l'ensemble au niveau de l'ouverture 4c.As before, an O-ring 82 is also disposed between a shoulder provided on element 8 and a similar shoulder provided on the bottom 4a of the covering body in order to ensure sealing of the assembly at the level of opening 4c.

Outre la bobine de charge inductive 80 et son noyau ferromagnétique 81, la montre-bracelet 1 comporte en outre un élément de transmission infrarouge bidirectionnel, désigné 85, dirigée vers l'ouverture 4c pratiquée dans le fond 4a du corps d'habillage et permettant d'établir une communication bidirectionnelle avec un périphérique de communication externe avantageusement relié à un terminal informatique. Cet élément de transmission infrarouge bidirectionnel 85 comporte typiquement une diode d'émission infrarouge pour la transmission de données depuis la montre ainsi qu'un phototransistor (ou alternativement une photodiode) de réception infrarouge pour la réception de données provenant de l'extérieur. Cet élément forme ainsi un moyen de communication permettant d'échanger des données, telles des données de positionnement, avec un terminal informatique.In addition to the inductive load coil 80 and its ferromagnetic core 81, the wristwatch 1 further comprises an infrared transmission element bidirectional, designated 85, directed towards the opening 4c made in the bottom 4a of the casing and enabling two-way communication with a external communication device advantageously connected to a terminal computer science. This bidirectional infrared transmission element 85 comprises typically an infrared emitting diode for transmitting data from the watch as well as a phototransistor (or alternatively a photodiode) of infrared reception for receiving data from outside. This element thus forms a means of communication for exchanging data, such as positioning data, with a computer terminal.

Plus spécifiquement, comme illustré dans les figures 5a et 5b, l'élément de transmission infrarouge 85 est disposé sur la face inférieure du module électronique 6 et est orientée de sorte que le faisceau infrarouge puisse traverser sans obstacle la portion 8b de l'élément formant cercle d'emboítage 8 qui s'étend dans l'ouverture 4c. Dans ce cas, le matériau utilisé pour la réalisation de l'élément 8, ou tout du moins pour la réalisation de la portion 8b, devra impérativement être transparent au rayonnement infrarouge. On comprendra bien évidemment que l'élément de transmission infrarouge 85 pourrait alternativement être disposé dans un logement séparé et/ou dans une position plus proche du fond 4a du corps d'habillage.More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the element of infrared transmission 85 is arranged on the underside of the electronic module 6 and is oriented so that the infrared beam can pass through the portion 8b of the element forming a casing circle 8 which extends in the opening 4c. In this case, the material used for the production of element 8, or at least for the realization of the portion 8b, must imperatively be transparent to infrared radiation. It will of course be understood that the element of infrared transmission 85 could alternatively be arranged in a housing separate and / or in a position closer to the bottom 4a of the covering body.

Dans le cas où le corps d'habillage 4 et l'élément formant lunette 7 sont respectivement réalisés dans des matériaux métalliques et plastiques, il sera avantageux de métalliser les parois intérieures de l'élément 7, désignées par la référence numérique 7b dans les figures 2 à 4, et de relier électriquement cette métallisation au corps d'habillage métallique 4. Une telle métallisation aurait pour avantage d'améliorer encore le blindage des composants électroniques disposés à l'intérieur de la montre-bracelet. Afin d'assurer une connexion optimale entre une telle métallisation des parois intérieures 7b de l'élément 7 et le corps d'habillage métallique 4, il sera avantageux de prévoir en outre un cordon conducteur, par exemple en matériau métallique, entre l'élément 7 et le corps d'habillage 4. Les figures 2, 3 et 4 montre un tel cordon conducteur, désigné par la référence numérique 35, disposé à la jonction entre les éléments 7 et 8 sur le corps d'habillage 4.In the case where the covering body 4 and the lens element 7 are respectively made of metallic and plastic materials, it will advantageous to metallize the interior walls of element 7, designated by the reference numeral 7b in FIGS. 2 to 4, and to electrically connect this metallization to the metal covering body 4. Such metallization would have advantage of further improving the shielding of the electronic components arranged at inside the wristwatch. In order to ensure an optimal connection between such metallization of the interior walls 7b of the element 7 and the metal covering body 4, it will be advantageous to further provide a conductive cord, for example in metallic material, between the element 7 and the covering body 4. FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 shows such a conductive cord, designated by the reference numeral 35, disposed at the junction between elements 7 and 8 on the covering body 4.

En se référant à nouveau plus particulièrement à la figure 2, on peut voir que l'antenne 20 est une antenne de type patch, c'est-à-dire une antenne de forme essentiellement parallélépipédique comportant un élément radiant 21 séparé d'un plan de masse 23 de plus grande dimension par un diélectrique 22, tel un élément en céramique. L'élément radiant 21 est excité par un conducteur d'excitation 25 isolé du plan de masse 23 et traversant le diélectrique 22 pour être connecté au module électronique 6, l'élément 7 étant pourvu d'une ouverture 7c permettant le passage de ce conducteur d'excitation 25. Le plan de masse 23 est quant à lui relié électriquement au module électronique par un conducteur de masse 26 séparé traversant également l'ouverture 7c. Les antennes de type patch sont couramment utilisées et présentent l'avantage d'une construction simple et des faibles coûts de fabrication.Referring again more particularly to FIG. 2, it can be seen that antenna 20 is a patch type antenna, that is to say a shaped antenna essentially parallelepipedic comprising a radiant element 21 separated from a plane of mass 23 of larger dimension by a dielectric 22, such as an element in ceramic. The radiant element 21 is excited by an excitation conductor 25 isolated from the ground plane 23 and passing through the dielectric 22 to be connected to the module electronic 6, the element 7 being provided with an opening 7c allowing the passage of this excitation conductor 25. The ground plane 23 is in turn connected electrically to the electronic module by a separate ground conductor 26 also passing through the opening 7c. Patch type antennas are commonly used and have the advantage of simple construction and low cost of manufacturing.

Selon l'invention, l'antenne 20 repose ainsi sur la face extérieure 7a de l'élément formant lunette 7 par son plan de masse 23. Dans les solutions de l'art antérieur, ce type d'antenne est généralement disposé à même la surface du module électronique ceci présentant les inconvénients déjà mentionnés, à savoir des interférences plus importantes avec l'électronique de la montre nécessitant un blindage spécifique ainsi que l'impossibilité de réaliser le boítier en un matériau métallique. On notera que le plan de masse 23 de l'antenne 20 sera préférablement collé à la face extérieure 7a de l'élément formant lunette 7.According to the invention, the antenna 20 thus rests on the outer face 7a of the lens element 7 by its ground plane 23. In the solutions of art this type of antenna is generally placed directly on the surface of the module this presents the drawbacks already mentioned, namely greater interference with watch electronics requiring specific shielding as well as the impossibility of realizing the case in a material metallic. It will be noted that the ground plane 23 of the antenna 20 will preferably be bonded to the outer face 7a of the lens element 7.

On se référera maintenant aux figures 6a, 6b, 7a et 7b qui illustrent de manière plus détaillée la structure particulière de l'antenne patch 20 et notamment de son plan de masse 23. Les figures 6a et 6b montrent ainsi respectivement une vue en coupe et une vue en plan de l'antenne patch 20 utilisée dans le cadre du mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention. On y retrouve l'élément radiant 21, le diélectrique 22 et le plan de masse 23, ainsi que les conducteurs d'excitation 25 et de masse 26.We will now refer to Figures 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b which illustrate in more detail the particular structure of the patch antenna 20 and in particular of its ground plane 23. FIGS. 6a and 6b thus respectively show a view in section and a plan view of the patch 20 antenna used in the mode of preferred embodiment of the invention. We find there the radiant element 21, the dielectric 22 and the ground plane 23, as well as the excitation 25 and ground 26 conductors.

Comme illustré dans la figure 6b, le conducteur d'excitation 25 est décentré par rapport au centre de symétrie de l'élément radiant 21, ceci de manière à ce que l'antenne 20 présente une polarisation de type circulaire. La distance séparant le conducteur d'excitation 25 du conducteur de masse 26 en outre sélectionné de manière conventionnelle pour permettre une adaptation adéquate de l'antenne au circuit de réception associé.As illustrated in FIG. 6b, the excitation conductor 25 is off-center relative to the center of symmetry of the radiant element 21, so that the antenna 20 has a circular type polarization. The distance from the excitation conductor 25 earth conductor 26 additionally selected from conventional way to allow an adequate adaptation of the antenna to associated receiving circuit.

Plus particulièrement, selon l'invention, le plan de masse 23 comporte deux pieds 26a et 26b s'étendant hors du plan de masse 23 et formant le conducteur de masse 26. Les figures 7a et 7b montrent de manière plus détaillée la structure du plan de masse 23. Ce plan de masse 23 est avantageusement réalisé à partir d'une plaque de métal formée par un procédé conventionnel d'étampage. Cette plaque est initialement découpée de sorte qu'elle présente une ouverture centrale 23a dans laquelle se projette une extension 23b présentant essentiellement la forme d'un « U » s'ouvrant dans l'ouverture centrale 23a et à partir de laquelle sont finalement formés les pieds 26a, 26b. La structure du plan de masse 23, au terme de l'opération de découpage, est illustrée en traits interrompus dans la figure 7b, les pieds étant désignés à ce stade par les références numériques 26a* et 26b*. L'extension 23b est par la suite repliée de manière à ce que les pieds 26a, 26b ainsi formés s'étendent en dehors du plan de masse 23 comme illustré. On notera que le conducteur d'excitation 25 est formé de manière à présenter un profil analogue comme illustré dans les figures 6a et 6b.More particularly, according to the invention, the ground plane 23 comprises two feet 26a and 26b extending out of the ground plane 23 and forming the conductor of mass 26. Figures 7a and 7b show in more detail the structure of the plane of mass 23. This ground plane 23 is advantageously produced from a plate of metal formed by a conventional stamping process. This plate is initially cut so that it has a central opening 23a in which projects an extension 23b having essentially the shape of a "U" opening in the central opening 23a and from which are finally formed the feet 26a, 26b. The structure of the ground plan 23, at the end of the operation of cutting, is illustrated in broken lines in Figure 7b, the feet being designated at this stage by the reference numerals 26a * and 26b *. The extension 23b is subsequently folded so that the feet 26a, 26b thus formed extend in outside of the ground plane 23 as illustrated. Note that the excitation conductor 25 is formed so as to present a similar profile as illustrated in the Figures 6a and 6b.

De la sorte, le conducteur de masse 26 forme partie intégrante du plan de masse 23, simplifiant ainsi grandement la connexion de l'antenne 20 au module électronique 6, bien que cette antenne 20 ne repose pas directement sur le module électronique 6.In this way, the ground conductor 26 forms an integral part of the plane of mass 23, thus greatly simplifying the connection of antenna 20 to the module electronics 6, although this antenna 20 does not rest directly on the module electronic 6.

Les figures 8a et 8b sont des vue en plan, respectivement du côté glace et du côté fond, du module électronique 6 sur lequel est connectée l'antenne 20. Le circuit imprimé 60 du module électronique porte, sur chacune de ses faces, les composants électriques et électroniques assurant les diverses fonctions de l'instrument. Comme schématiquement illustré dans la figure 8a, le circuit imprimé 60 porte notamment du côté glace un circuit intégré de type horloger 61 assurant les fonctions horlogères conventionnelles de la montre, ainsi que d'autres composants tel un résonateur à quartz et sa chaíne de division (non représentés). Comme illustré dans la figure 8a, une pluralité de bornes de connexion 55 destinées à être connectées au dispositif d'affichage 5 sont en outre aménagées sur le circuit imprimé 60 du côte glace. Sur cette face du module électronique 6 est en outre disposée la paire déjà mentionnée de connecteurs 57 de la feuille électroluminescente 56.FIGS. 8a and 8b are plan views, respectively of the glass side and of the bottom side, of the electronic module 6 to which the antenna 20 is connected. The circuit printed 60 of the electronic module carries, on each of its faces, the components electric and electronic ensuring the various functions of the instrument. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 8a, the printed circuit 60 carries in particular ice-side an integrated watchmaker-type circuit 61 ensuring watchmaking functions conventional watch, as well as other components such as a resonator quartz and its division chain (not shown). As illustrated in Figure 8a, a plurality of connection terminals 55 intended to be connected to the device display 5 are further arranged on the printed circuit 60 of the ice side. Sure this face of the electronic module 6 is also arranged the pair already mentioned of connectors 57 of the light-emitting sheet 56.

La face du côte glace du circuit imprimé 60 comporte en outre deux brides désignées 90 et 91 destinées à coopérer avec les boutons-poussoirs 12 à 15 disposés sur la périphérie de la montre-bracelet. Chaque bride 90 et 91 possède une paire de lames élastiques 90a, 90b et 91a, 91b susceptibles de venir en contact, sous l'action de chaque bouton-poussoir 12 à 15, avec des plots de contacts 92 à 95 disposés sur le circuit imprimé 60 et reliés à des bornes du circuit intégré horloger 61.The face of the ice side of the printed circuit 60 further comprises two flanges designated 90 and 91 intended to cooperate with the pushbuttons 12 to 15 arranged on the periphery of the wristwatch. Each flange 90 and 91 has a pair of elastic blades 90a, 90b and 91a, 91b capable of coming into contact, under the action of each push button 12 to 15, with contact pads 92 to 95 arranged on the printed circuit 60 and connected to terminals of the clock integrated circuit 61.

La face du côté glace du circuit imprimé comporte en outre une première lame de contact 97 d'un contact 96 associé au bouton-poussoir 16 placé à 6 h. Cette première lame de contact 97 coopère avec une seconde lame de contact 98 placée sur la face opposée du circuit imprimé 60 comme illustré dans la figure 8b. Ce contact 96 est également illustré en coupe dans la figure 2.The face of the glass side of the printed circuit further comprises a first blade contact 97 of a contact 96 associated with the push button 16 placed at 6 o'clock. This first contact blade 97 cooperates with a second contact blade 98 placed on the opposite side of the printed circuit 60 as illustrated in Figure 8b. This contact 96 is also illustrated in section in FIG. 2.

Comme illustré schématiquement dans la figure 8b, le circuit imprimé 60 porte notamment du côté fond un circuit de réception 62 des signaux radiofréquences ou circuit RF, un microprocesseur 63 chargé de l'extraction des données de positionnement et de navigation contenues dans les signaux radiofréquences provenant des satellites ainsi qu'une mémoire EEPROM ou mémoire FLASH 64 permettant notamment la mémorisation de certains paramètres nécessaires à l'acquisition des satellites (tels les codes pseudo-aléatoire des divers satellites). On retrouve par ailleurs sur cette face du module électronique 6 l'élément de transmission infrarouge 85 mentionné plus haut.As illustrated schematically in FIG. 8b, the printed circuit 60 carries in particular on the bottom side a circuit 62 for receiving the radiofrequency signals or RF circuit, a microprocessor 63 responsible for extracting data from positioning and navigation contained in radio frequency signals from satellites as well as an EEPROM memory or FLASH 64 memory allowing in particular the memorization of certain parameters necessary for the acquisition of satellites (such as the pseudo-random codes of the various satellites). We also found on this face of the electronic module 6 the transmission element infrared 85 mentioned above.

On ne s'attardera pas ici sur la réalisation particulière de l'électronique permettant l'extraction de données de positionnement et de navigation. L'homme du métier pourra par exemple se référer à la vaste littérature technique relative aux composants GPS disponibles sur le marché.We will not dwell here on the particular realization of electronics allowing the extraction of positioning and navigation data. The man of trade may for example refer to the vast technical literature relating to GPS components available on the market.

Les figures 8a et 8b montrent d'autre part un point d'excitation, désigné 65, auquel est relié le conducteur d'excitation 25 de l'antenne 20, ainsi qu'un point de masse 66 auquel est relié le plan de masse 23 de l'antenne 20. Plus particulièrement, le point de masse 66 comportant deux orifices de contacts 66a et 66b permettant de recevoir les deux pieds 26a et 26b du plan de masse de l'antenne 20.FIGS. 8a and 8b show on the other hand an excitation point, designated 65, to which the excitation conductor 25 of the antenna 20 is connected, as well as a point of ground 66 to which the ground plane 23 of the antenna 20 is linked. More particularly, the earth point 66 comprising two contact openings 66a and 66b making it possible to receive the two feet 26a and 26b of the ground plane of the antenna 20.

Selon la présent invention, il est en outre prévu des moyens de protection permettant de protéger l'antenne 20 et les circuits associés à cette antenne (partie électronique RF, circuit amplificateur d'entrée, etc.) contre des décharges électrostatiques. Ces moyens de protection comprennent avantageusement, réalisé sur le module électronique 6 du côte fond comme illustré dans la figure 8b, un serpentin imprimé désigné 70 formant un circuit résonant relié électriquement par ses extrémités 70a et 70b entre les conducteurs d'excitation 25 et de masse 26 de l'antenne. La première extrémité 70a du serpentin imprimé 70 est ainsi reliée au point d'excitation 65 de l'antenne et l'autre extrémité 70b est reliée électriquement (cette connexion n'étant pas visible sur la figure 8b) au point de masse 66.According to the present invention, there are further provided means of protection. to protect the antenna 20 and the circuits associated with this antenna (part RF electronics, input amplifier circuit, etc.) against discharge electrostatic. These protection means advantageously comprise, produced on the electronic module 6 on the bottom side as illustrated in FIG. 8b, a printed coil designated 70 forming a resonant circuit electrically connected by its ends 70a and 70b between the excitation 25 and ground 26 conductors of the antenna. The first end 70a of the printed coil 70 is thus connected to the point excitation 65 of the antenna and the other end 70b is electrically connected (this connection not visible in Figure 8b) at ground point 66.

En référence aux figures 9a à 9e, on décrira maintenant brièvement la structure employée pour blinder les divers composants électroniques du module 6. La figure 9a montre ainsi le module électronique 6 du côté glace ainsi que le dispositif d'affichage 5 connecté au module électronique 6 par l'intermédiaire du connecteur flexible 50 relié aux bornes de connexion 55 aménagées sur le circuit imprimé 60 du côté glace. Comme illustré dans la figure 2, ce connecteur flexible 50 permet au dispositif d'affichage 5 d'être disposé, après repliement, sur la face supérieure du module électronique 6 une fois que ceux-ci sont montés dans la montre-bracelet 1.With reference to FIGS. 9a to 9e, we will now briefly describe the structure used to shield the various electronic components of module 6. The FIG. 9a thus shows the electronic module 6 on the window side as well as the device display 5 connected to the electronic module 6 via the connector flexible 50 connected to the connection terminals 55 arranged on the printed circuit 60 of the ice side. As illustrated in FIG. 2, this flexible connector 50 allows the display device 5 to be arranged, after folding, on the upper face of the electronic module 6 once these are fitted in wristwatch 1.

Le blindage des composants du côté glace, à savoir notamment le microprocesseur horloger 61, est réalisé au moyen d'une première plaque métallique étampée 100 solidaire (par exemple par soudage) du circuit imprimé 60 et recouvrant sensiblement toute la surface de ce circuit imprimé 60. Cette première plaque métallique 100 comporte en outre un rebord 100a replié vers la surface du circuit imprimé 60 et permettant de former une ouverture en forme de fente aussi étroite que possible au travers de laquelle passe le connecteur flexible 50 du dispositif d'affichage 5. Cette fente étroite a pour objet d'améliorer l'effet de blindage et produire un effet de couplage capacitif maximum contre la masse des signaux sortant du module électronique 6 vers le dispositif d'affichage 5, ce qui contribue à réduire grandement la transmission des perturbations électromagnétiques du module électronique 6 vers l'extérieur du blindage.The shielding of the components on the ice side, namely in particular the watchmaking microprocessor 61, is produced by means of a first metal plate stamped 100 secured (for example by welding) to the printed circuit 60 and covering substantially the entire surface of this printed circuit 60. This first plate metallic 100 further includes a flange 100a folded towards the surface of the circuit printed 60 and allowing to form a slit-like opening as narrow as possible through which the flexible connector 50 of the display device passes 5. The purpose of this narrow slit is to improve the shielding effect and produce a maximum capacitive coupling against ground of the signals leaving the module electronics 6 to display device 5, which greatly reduces the transmission of electromagnetic disturbances from electronic module 6 to the outside of the shield.

Des portions 100b et 100c de la première plaque métallique 100 sont par ailleurs repliées en direction de la glace pour servir notamment d'appui et de butée de positionnement pour le dispositif d'affichage 5 lorsque celui-ci est replié sur le module électronique 6. On notera que la paire de connecteurs 57 de la feuille électroluminescente (non représentée dans cette figure) traverse la plaque métallique 100 par une ouverture ménagée au voisinage de l'une des portions 100b.Portions 100b and 100c of the first metal plate 100 are by elsewhere folded in the direction of the glass to serve in particular as a support and stop for positioning for display device 5 when it is folded over the module electronic 6. It will be noted that the pair of connectors 57 of the sheet light emitting (not shown in this figure) passes through the metal plate 100 by an opening in the vicinity of one of the portions 100b.

Le blindage des composants du côté fond, à savoir notamment le circuit RF 62, le microprocesseur 63 et la mémoire FLASH 64, est réalisé au moyen de trois autres plaques métalliques étampées désignées 102, 104 et 106. La figure 9b montre une partie du blindage côté fond. Le circuit RF 62 est ainsi couvert par une seconde plaque métallique étampée 102 solidaire du circuit imprimé 60. Une troisième plaque métallique étampée ou cadre 104, également solidaire du circuit imprimé 60, recouvre quant à elle le microprocesseur 63 chargé de l'extraction des données de positionnement et de navigation ainsi que la mémoire FLASH 64. Cette troisième plaque métallique étampée 104 ainsi que la seconde 102 servent de support à une quatrième plaque métallique étampée 106, illustrée dans la figure 9d, recouvrant sensiblement toute la surface du circuit imprimé 60 du côté fond et permettant de blinder de manière adéquate l'ensemble des composants électroniques. Cette quatrième plaque métallique 106 repose sur les seconde et troisième plaques 102 et 104, des extrémités 106a de cette quatrième plaque 106 étant repliées sur la périphérie des plaques 102 et 104. Cette quatrième plaque métallique 106 est disposée de la sorte de manière à pouvoir être aisément retirée le cas échéant afin d'accéder aux composants électroniques situés en-dessous ainsi qu'à des bornes de tests (non représentées) aménagées sur cette face du circuit imprimé 60. The shielding of the components on the bottom side, namely in particular the RF circuit 62, the microprocessor 63 and the FLASH memory 64, is produced by means of three other stamped metal plates designated 102, 104 and 106. Figure 9b shows part of the shield on the bottom side. RF circuit 62 is thus covered by a second stamped metal plate 102 secured to the printed circuit 60. A third plate stamped metal or frame 104, also integral with printed circuit 60, covers the microprocessor 63 responsible for extracting data from positioning and navigation as well as FLASH 64 memory. This third stamped metal plate 104 and the second 102 serve to support a fourth stamped metal plate 106, illustrated in FIG. 9d, covering substantially the entire surface of the printed circuit 60 on the bottom side and allowing adequately shield all electronic components. This fourth metal plate 106 rests on the second and third plates 102 and 104, ends 106a of this fourth plate 106 being folded over the periphery of plates 102 and 104. This fourth metal plate 106 is so arranged that it can be easily removed if necessary in order to access the electronic components located below as well as tests (not shown) arranged on this face of the printed circuit 60.

On comprendra que de nombreuses modifications pourraient être apportées à la structure de blindage qui vient d'être décrite. Ce qui vient d'être décrit au sujet du blindage des composants ne doit donc nullement être considéré comme une limitation de la portée de l'invention.It will be understood that many modifications could be made to the shielding structure which has just been described. What has just been described about the shielding of components should therefore in no way be considered as a limitation the scope of the invention.

On comprendra de manière générale que diverses modifications et/ou améliorations évidentes pour l'homme du métier peuvent être apportées au mode de réalisation décrit dans la présente description sans sortir du cadre de l'invention défini par les revendications annexées. En particulier, la présente invention n'est pas limitée à une montre-bracelet ni à un instrument portable comprenant une antenne de type patch. Cette antenne patch constitue néanmoins un exemple d'antenne parfaitement adapté à la réception de signaux de positionnement par satellites et dont la construction est très simple et peu coûteuse.It will generally be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the mode of embodiment described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. In particular, the present invention is not limited a wristwatch or a portable instrument comprising a type antenna patch. This patch antenna nevertheless constitutes an example of an antenna perfectly suitable for the reception of positioning signals by satellites and whose construction is very simple and inexpensive.

On comprendra par ailleurs que l'utilisation de l'élément 8 formant cercle d'emboítage n'est pas strictement nécessaire et que le choix des matériaux utilisés pour la réalisation des divers éléments d'habillage et de construction n'est donnée qu'à titre d'exemple uniquement.It will also be understood that the use of the element 8 forming a circle is not strictly necessary and that the choice of materials used for the realization of the various elements of covering and construction is given as an example only.

Claims (14)

Instrument électronique portable, telle une montre-bracelet (1), comprenant : un boítier (2) renfermant un module électronique (6) et un dispositif d'affichage (5) ; une glace (3) ajustée sur ledit boítier (2) ; une source d'alimentation (10) en énergie électrique logée dans ledit boítier (2) et alimentant ledit module électronique (6) et ledit dispositif d'affichage (5) ; et une antenne (20) de réception et/ou d'émission de signaux radiofréquences connectée électriquement au dit module électronique (6),    caractérisé en ce que ledit boítier (2) comporte un corps d'habillage (4) comprenant un fond (4a) et des parois latérales (4b); et un élément formant lunette (7) ajusté sur ledit corps d'habillage (4) et supportant ladite glace (3),    et en ce que ladite antenne (20) repose sur une face extérieure (7a) dudit élément formant lunette (7).Portable electronic instrument, such as a wristwatch (1), comprising: a housing (2) containing an electronic module (6) and a display device (5); a window (3) fitted on said housing (2); a power source (10) housed in said housing (2) and supplying said electronic module (6) and said display device (5); and an antenna (20) for receiving and / or transmitting radio frequency signals electrically connected to said electronic module (6), characterized in that said housing (2) comprises a covering body (4) comprising a bottom (4a) and side walls (4b); and a lens element (7) fitted to said covering body (4) and supporting said lens (3), and in that said antenna (20) rests on an outer face (7a) of said lens element (7). Instrument selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément formant lunette (7) est ajusté de manière étanche sur ledit corps d'habillage (4).Instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that said lens element (7) is tightly fitted on said covering body (4). Instrument selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre un élément formant cercle d'emboítage (8) disposé entre ledit élément formant lunette (7) et ledit fond (4a), ledit module électronique (6) et ledit dispositif d'affichage (5) étant enfermés entre ledit élément formant lunette (7) et ledit élément formant cercle d'emboítage (8).Instrument according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises an element forming a casing circle (8) disposed between said element forming a bezel (7) and said bottom (4a), said electronic module (6) and said display device (5) being enclosed between said lens element (7) and said casing circle element (8). Instrument selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément formant cercle d'emboítage (8) et ledit élément formant lunette (7) sont rendus solidaires l'un de l'autre de manière à former un sous-ensemble pouvant être monté et démonté dudit corps d'habillage (4).Instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that said element forming a casing circle (8) and said element forming a bezel (7) are made integral with one another so as to form a sub-assembly which can be mounted and disassembled from said covering body (4). Instrument selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément formant cercle d'emboítage (8) est maintenu dans ledit fond (4a) par des moyens de fixation (40, 42).Instrument according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said element forming a casing circle (8) is held in said bottom (4a) by fixing means (40, 42). Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit corps d'habillage (4) est en matériau métallique et en ce que ledit élément formant lunette (7) est en matériau plastique.Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said covering body (4) is made of metallic material and in that said spectacle element (7) is made of plastic material. Instrument selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce qu'une face intérieure (7b) dudit élément formant lunette (7) est métallisée et est connectée électriquement au dit corps d'habillage (4) en matériau métallique.Instrument according to claim 6, characterized in that an inner face (7b) of said spectacle element (7) is metallized and is electrically connected to said covering body (4) made of metallic material. Instrument selon la revendication 6 ou 7, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre un élément d'habillage (11) en matériau métallique de forme essentiellement annulaire ajusté sur ledit élément formant lunette (7), cet élément d'habillage de forme annulaire (11) présentant une ouverture (11a) à l'intérieure de laquelle est logée ladite antenne (20).Instrument according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it further comprises a covering element (11) of metallic material of essentially annular shape fitted on said spectacle element (7), this covering element of annular shape (11) having an opening (11a) inside which is housed said antenna (20). Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte en outre un couvercle de protection (9) en matériau diélectrique ajusté sur ledit élément formant lunette (7) et recouvrant ladite antenne (20).Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a protective cover (9) made of dielectric material fitted on said lens element (7) and covering said antenna (20). Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite antenne (20) est une antenne de type patch comprenant un élément radiant (21) séparé d'un plan de masse (23) par un diélectrique (22) et connecté électriquement au dit module électronique (6) par un conducteur d'excitation (25),
   ledit plan de masse (23) reposant sur ladite face extérieure (7a) dudit élément formant lunette (7) et étant connecté électriquement au dit module électronique (6) par un conducteur de masse (26).Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said antenna (20) is a patch type antenna comprising a radiant element (21) separated from a ground plane (23) by a dielectric (22) and connected electrically to said electronic module (6) by an excitation conductor (25),
said ground plane (23) resting on said outer face (7a) of said lens element (7) and being electrically connected to said electronic module (6) by a ground conductor (26). Instrument selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que ledit plan de masse (23) est formé d'une plaque de métal étampée comportant au moins un pied replié (26a, 26b) hors dudit plan de masse et reliant directement ledit plan de masse (23) au dit module électronique (6), ce pied (26a, 26b) formant ledit conducteur de masse (26) de l'antenne.Instrument according to claim 10, characterized in that said ground plane (23) is formed of a stamped metal plate comprising at least one foot folded (26a, 26b) out of said ground plane and directly connecting said ground plane ( 23) to said electronic module (6), this foot (26a, 26b) forming said ground conductor (26) of the antenna. Instrument selon la revendication 10 ou 11, caractérisé en ce que ladite antenne (20) est disposée à 12 heures par rapport au dit dispositif d'affichage (5) et en position inclinée par rapport au plan (Π) dans lequel se trouve ledit dispositif d'affichage (5).Instrument according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said antenna (20) is arranged at 12 o'clock relative to said display device (5) and in an inclined position relative to the plane (Π) in which said device is located display (5). Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 12, caractérisé en ce que ledit module électronique (6) comporte un circuit imprimé (60) sur lequel est connectée ladite antenne (20),
   et en ce que ledit instrument comporte en outre des moyens de protection (70) permettant de protéger l'antenne (20) et les circuits associés à cette antenne (20) contre des décharges électrostatiques, ces moyens de protection comprenant un serpentin imprimé (70) connecté électriquement par ses extrémités (70a, 70b) entre lesdits conducteurs d'excitation (25) et de masse (26) de l'antenne.Instrument according to any one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the said electronic module (6) comprises a printed circuit (60) to which the said antenna (20) is connected,
and in that said instrument further comprises protection means (70) making it possible to protect the antenna (20) and the circuits associated with this antenna (20) against electrostatic discharges, these protection means comprising a printed coil (70 ) electrically connected by its ends (70a, 70b) between said excitation (25) and ground (26) conductors of the antenna. Instrument selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit fond (4a) et lesdites parois latérales (4b) sont réalisés d'une pièce.Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said bottom (4a) and said side walls (4b) are made in one piece.
EP01202593A 2001-07-05 2001-07-05 Wrist-watch with antenna Withdrawn EP1274150A1 (en)

Priority Applications (14)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01202593A EP1274150A1 (en) 2001-07-05 2001-07-05 Wrist-watch with antenna
CNB028134974A CN1331272C (en) 2001-07-05 2002-06-17 Wristwatch with antenna
JP2003511340A JP2004534239A (en) 2001-07-05 2002-06-17 Wristwatch with antenna
PCT/EP2002/006669 WO2003005484A1 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-06-17 Wristwatch with antenna
US10/571,198 US20070041275A1 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-06-17 Wristwatch with antenna
DE60230515T DE60230515D1 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-06-17 WRISTWATCH WITH ANTENNA
EP02743215A EP1407510B1 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-06-17 Wristwatch with antenna
DE60202213T DE60202213T2 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-07-04 ANTENNA FOR WRISTWATCH
JP2003511342A JP4044898B2 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-07-04 Watch band antenna
PCT/EP2002/007494 WO2003005486A1 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-07-04 Watchband antenna
EP02764633A EP1407513B1 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-07-04 Watchband antenna
CNB028134869A CN100373696C (en) 2001-07-05 2002-07-04 Watchband antenna
US10/478,659 US6914564B2 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-07-04 Watchband antenna
US10/754,084 US20040145975A1 (en) 2001-07-05 2004-01-05 Portable electronic instrument, such as a wristwatch, including, in particular, an antenna for receiving and/or transmitting radio-frequency signals

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01202593A EP1274150A1 (en) 2001-07-05 2001-07-05 Wrist-watch with antenna

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1274150A1 true EP1274150A1 (en) 2003-01-08

Family

ID=8180600

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01202593A Withdrawn EP1274150A1 (en) 2001-07-05 2001-07-05 Wrist-watch with antenna
EP02743215A Expired - Lifetime EP1407510B1 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-06-17 Wristwatch with antenna
EP02764633A Expired - Lifetime EP1407513B1 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-07-04 Watchband antenna

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02743215A Expired - Lifetime EP1407510B1 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-06-17 Wristwatch with antenna
EP02764633A Expired - Lifetime EP1407513B1 (en) 2001-07-05 2002-07-04 Watchband antenna

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (3) US20070041275A1 (en)
EP (3) EP1274150A1 (en)
JP (2) JP2004534239A (en)
CN (2) CN1331272C (en)
DE (2) DE60230515D1 (en)
WO (2) WO2003005484A1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1489471A1 (en) * 2003-06-18 2004-12-22 Asulab S.A. Ground connection of a printed circuit board placed in a wristwatch-type electronic device
WO2015025152A1 (en) * 2013-08-19 2015-02-26 Arm Ip Limited Placement of an antenna in a wrist worn device
CN104536288A (en) * 2015-01-26 2015-04-22 成都天奥电子股份有限公司 Satellite time service watch using novel antenna
EP3273313A1 (en) * 2016-07-19 2018-01-24 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Cladding element with metallic appearance, with integrated communication system
FR3055760A1 (en) * 2016-09-02 2018-03-09 Sigfox ELECTRONIC APPARATUS COMPRISING AN ANTENNA STRUCTURE FOR TRANSMITTING AND / OR RECEIVING RADIO SIGNALS AND A STRING FOR ATTACHING THE APPARATUS
CN109411875A (en) * 2017-08-17 2019-03-01 佛山市顺德区顺达电脑厂有限公司 Electronics retaining ring

Families Citing this family (66)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE602004014082D1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2008-07-10 Seiko Epson Corp ELECTRONIC CLOCK WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FUNCTION
JP2005098975A (en) * 2003-09-01 2005-04-14 Casio Comput Co Ltd Watch case
EP1513220B1 (en) * 2003-09-03 2018-10-31 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Patch antenna integrated in a wrist-watch
US7263406B2 (en) 2003-10-02 2007-08-28 Medtronic, Inc. Medical device programmer with selective disablement of display during telemetry
US7729766B2 (en) 2003-10-02 2010-06-01 Medtronic, Inc. Circuit board construction for handheld programmer
JP4191669B2 (en) * 2004-11-26 2008-12-03 カシオ計算機株式会社 Antenna, wristwatch, and antenna manufacturing method
US7921369B2 (en) * 2004-12-30 2011-04-05 Aol Inc. Mood-based organization and display of instant messenger buddy lists
JP2006234436A (en) * 2005-02-22 2006-09-07 Seiko Instruments Inc Radio controlled timepiece
JP4765717B2 (en) * 2006-03-28 2011-09-07 カシオ計算機株式会社 Antenna device and manufacturing method thereof
US8328415B2 (en) * 2006-07-13 2012-12-11 Citizens Holdings Co., Ltd. Clock with wireless function
JP5029201B2 (en) * 2007-08-08 2012-09-19 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Receiving device, radio clock, and receiving method
US7778118B2 (en) * 2007-08-28 2010-08-17 Garmin Ltd. Watch device having touch-bezel user interface
JP5569668B2 (en) * 2008-10-20 2014-08-13 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Electronic watch
KR101604704B1 (en) * 2008-10-30 2016-03-18 엘지전자 주식회사 Watch type mobile terminal
KR101529921B1 (en) * 2008-11-04 2015-06-18 엘지전자 주식회사 Wrist watch type mobile terminal
KR101652516B1 (en) * 2009-07-13 2016-08-30 엘지전자 주식회사 A method for controlling a mobile terminal using a wireless sub terminal
JP5609310B2 (en) 2009-09-01 2014-10-22 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Antenna built-in clock
KR101639406B1 (en) * 2010-01-04 2016-07-13 엘지전자 주식회사 Mobile terminal
US8744098B2 (en) * 2010-02-04 2014-06-03 Apple Inc. Using an audio cable as an inductive charging coil
JP5413318B2 (en) * 2010-07-05 2014-02-12 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Electronic clock
CN101938541A (en) * 2010-09-17 2011-01-05 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 Wrist-wearing electronic device with wireless communication function
CN102447165B (en) * 2010-09-30 2014-12-31 联想(北京)有限公司 Electronic equipment
EP2447790A1 (en) * 2010-10-27 2012-05-02 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Glass for sealing the top of the housing of a portable object
JP5866860B2 (en) * 2011-01-05 2016-02-24 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Clock with wireless function
CN102122128A (en) * 2011-04-11 2011-07-13 深圳市格雅表业有限公司 Watch with global positioning function
JP5760730B2 (en) * 2011-06-15 2015-08-12 カシオ計算機株式会社 Electronic equipment and radio clock
EP3575887A1 (en) * 2011-10-05 2019-12-04 Suunto Oy Watch case and wrist watch device
EP2647689A4 (en) * 2012-02-08 2015-01-14 Panasonic Corp Yttrium aluminum garnet-type phosphor
GB201304220D0 (en) * 2013-03-08 2013-04-24 Tomtom Int Bv Fitness watch case
USD741202S1 (en) * 2013-03-29 2015-10-20 Casio Keisanki Kabushiki Kaisha Wrist watch
USD733602S1 (en) * 2013-03-29 2015-07-07 Casio Keisanki Kabushiki Kaisha Watch case
KR102043338B1 (en) 2013-07-29 2019-11-11 삼성전자주식회사 Wireless communication apparatus
GB2517419A (en) * 2013-08-19 2015-02-25 Arm Ip Ltd Wrist worn device
US9691239B2 (en) 2013-12-30 2017-06-27 Timmy Lee Fugate Electronic system for locating remote objects
US9786981B2 (en) 2014-07-15 2017-10-10 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Antenna for electronic device
JP6458437B2 (en) * 2014-10-09 2019-01-30 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Electronic clock
US9525201B2 (en) 2014-10-27 2016-12-20 Nokia Technologies Oy Hinge that serves as a radiator
USD742763S1 (en) * 2014-11-21 2015-11-10 Casio Keisanki Kabushiki Kaisha Wrist watch
US10498158B2 (en) * 2015-03-31 2019-12-03 Superior Communications, Inc. Watch strap battery
CN104768349A (en) * 2015-05-04 2015-07-08 张毓 Mini electronic terminal
JP2016225736A (en) * 2015-05-28 2016-12-28 Tdk株式会社 Electronic equipment
US11208183B2 (en) * 2015-06-02 2021-12-28 Acr Electronics, Inc. EPIRB having retention carriage strap for hands free carriage
EP3112958B1 (en) * 2015-07-01 2022-03-16 Bulgari Horlogerie S.A. Timepiece comprising a near field communication device
JP6638247B2 (en) * 2015-08-07 2020-01-29 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Electronic clock
JP6593228B2 (en) * 2016-03-09 2019-10-23 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Electronic clock
CN105929681A (en) * 2016-06-30 2016-09-07 广州润芯信息技术有限公司 SOS automatic time service smart watch based on first generation of Beidou satellite navigation system
JP6384738B2 (en) * 2016-07-07 2018-09-05 カシオ計算機株式会社 Module and clock
US10879596B2 (en) * 2017-01-31 2020-12-29 Intel Corporation Antenna for wearable devices methods, apparatuses, and systems
US10116044B2 (en) * 2017-03-08 2018-10-30 Google Llc Body-mountable device to provide radio-frequency wireless communication
US10276925B2 (en) * 2017-03-29 2019-04-30 Garmin Switzerland Gmbh Watch with slot antenna configuration
CN107133665A (en) * 2017-06-22 2017-09-05 中南大学 Resist the intelligent wearable device that the support RFID tag of electromagnetic interference is read
JP6624525B2 (en) * 2017-10-05 2019-12-25 カシオ計算機株式会社 Antenna device and clock
US11271291B2 (en) * 2017-10-30 2022-03-08 Garmin Switzerland Gmbh Watch with integrated antenna configuration
JP6848820B2 (en) * 2017-11-07 2021-03-24 カシオ計算機株式会社 Electronic clock
NL2020241B1 (en) 2018-01-05 2019-07-12 Smartline B V Smart wearable device
JP2019124477A (en) * 2018-01-12 2019-07-25 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Electronic apparatus
US11296731B2 (en) 2018-03-07 2022-04-05 Phc Holdings Corporation Communication device
USD912541S1 (en) * 2018-03-22 2021-03-09 Casio Keisanki Kabushiki Kaisha Watch case
SE541969C2 (en) * 2018-04-03 2020-01-14 Festina Lotus S A Hybrid watch patch-antenna
US11036188B2 (en) 2018-05-29 2021-06-15 Timex Group Usa, Inc. Wearable device with RF transmitter
CN108539384A (en) * 2018-05-29 2018-09-14 宇龙计算机通信科技(深圳)有限公司 A kind of communication terminal
US11050452B2 (en) 2018-12-06 2021-06-29 Apple Inc. Electronic devices having circuitry in housing attachment structures
JP6883015B2 (en) * 2018-12-18 2021-06-02 シチズン時計株式会社 Radio watch
JP7312573B2 (en) * 2019-02-27 2023-07-21 ラピスセミコンダクタ株式会社 antenna device
CN113994345A (en) * 2019-04-17 2022-01-28 苹果公司 Wireless locatable tag
US11962102B2 (en) 2021-06-17 2024-04-16 Neptune Technology Group Inc. Multi-band stamped sheet metal antenna

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0564236A2 (en) * 1992-03-31 1993-10-06 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Electronic watch equipped with receiving device
EP0703513A1 (en) * 1994-04-08 1996-03-27 Citizen Watch Co. Ltd. Antenna for portable electronic equipment
EP0982639A2 (en) * 1998-08-27 2000-03-01 Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Wrist instrument and electronic apparatus

Family Cites Families (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH618829B (en) * 1979-02-01 Bulova Watch Co Inc MANUAL CONTACT ARRANGEMENT FOR ELECTRONIC WATCH.
JPS58148526A (en) * 1982-02-26 1983-09-03 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Device for rescue signal
US4543544A (en) * 1984-01-04 1985-09-24 Motorola, Inc. LCC co-planar lead frame semiconductor IC package
US4918433A (en) * 1989-09-21 1990-04-17 Moore Robert L Water immersion alarm belt
US5392049A (en) * 1990-07-24 1995-02-21 Gunnarsson; Staffan Device for positioning a first object relative to a second object
JP2605502B2 (en) * 1991-05-14 1997-04-30 三菱電機株式会社 package
US5539414A (en) * 1993-09-02 1996-07-23 Inmarsat Folded dipole microstrip antenna
JPH07221512A (en) * 1994-02-04 1995-08-18 Sony Corp High frequency connection line
US5502446A (en) * 1994-05-02 1996-03-26 Trimble Navigation Limited GPS-based automatic target reporting and finding network and components
FR2726127B1 (en) * 1994-10-19 1996-11-29 Asulab Sa MINIATURIZED ANTENNA FOR CONVERTING AN ALTERNATIVE VOLTAGE TO A MICROWAVE AND VICE-VERSA, PARTICULARLY FOR WATCHMAKING APPLICATIONS
GB2299898B (en) * 1995-04-13 1999-05-19 Northern Telecom Ltd A layered antenna
FR2739200B1 (en) * 1995-09-26 1997-10-31 Asulab Sa WATCHMAKING PIECE WITH AN ANTENNA
US5627548A (en) * 1995-11-30 1997-05-06 Trimble Navigation Limited Navigation wristwear
CH690525A5 (en) * 1996-11-22 2000-09-29 Ebauchesfabrik Eta Ag Timepiece including a receiving antenna and / or transmitting a radio broadcast signal.
FR2778500B1 (en) * 1998-05-05 2000-08-04 Socapex Amphenol PLATE ANTENNA
JP2000114856A (en) * 1998-09-30 2000-04-21 Nec Saitama Ltd Reversed f antenna and radio equipment using the same
US6049314A (en) * 1998-11-17 2000-04-11 Xertex Technologies, Inc. Wide band antenna having unitary radiator/ground plane
US6215671B1 (en) * 1998-12-10 2001-04-10 Garmin Corporation Method and apparatus for connecting circuit boards
DE19926271C2 (en) * 1999-06-09 2002-09-26 Junghans Uhren Gmbh Funkarmbanduhr
DE69941025D1 (en) * 1999-07-09 2009-08-06 Ipcom Gmbh & Co Kg Two band radio
SE516474C2 (en) * 1999-11-19 2002-01-22 Allgon Ab Antenna device and communication device comprising such an antenna device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0564236A2 (en) * 1992-03-31 1993-10-06 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Electronic watch equipped with receiving device
EP0703513A1 (en) * 1994-04-08 1996-03-27 Citizen Watch Co. Ltd. Antenna for portable electronic equipment
EP0982639A2 (en) * 1998-08-27 2000-03-01 Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Wrist instrument and electronic apparatus

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1489471A1 (en) * 2003-06-18 2004-12-22 Asulab S.A. Ground connection of a printed circuit board placed in a wristwatch-type electronic device
WO2004114029A1 (en) * 2003-06-18 2004-12-29 Asulab S.A. Ground connection of a printed circuit board placed in a wristwatch type electronic device
US7417596B2 (en) 2003-06-18 2008-08-26 Asulab S.A. Ground connection of a printed circuit board placed in a wristwatch type electronic device
WO2015025152A1 (en) * 2013-08-19 2015-02-26 Arm Ip Limited Placement of an antenna in a wrist worn device
US9602642B2 (en) 2013-08-19 2017-03-21 Arm Ip Limited Placement of an antenna in a wrist worn device
CN104536288A (en) * 2015-01-26 2015-04-22 成都天奥电子股份有限公司 Satellite time service watch using novel antenna
EP3273313A1 (en) * 2016-07-19 2018-01-24 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Cladding element with metallic appearance, with integrated communication system
WO2018015249A1 (en) 2016-07-19 2018-01-25 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Casing element of metallic appearance with integrated communication system
US11300931B2 (en) 2016-07-19 2022-04-12 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd External element of metallic appearance having an integral communication system
FR3055760A1 (en) * 2016-09-02 2018-03-09 Sigfox ELECTRONIC APPARATUS COMPRISING AN ANTENNA STRUCTURE FOR TRANSMITTING AND / OR RECEIVING RADIO SIGNALS AND A STRING FOR ATTACHING THE APPARATUS
CN109411875A (en) * 2017-08-17 2019-03-01 佛山市顺德区顺达电脑厂有限公司 Electronics retaining ring
CN109411875B (en) * 2017-08-17 2020-12-08 佛山市顺德区顺达电脑厂有限公司 Electronic buckle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1331272C (en) 2007-08-08
EP1407510B1 (en) 2008-12-24
CN1524320A (en) 2004-08-25
US20040155818A1 (en) 2004-08-12
CN100373696C (en) 2008-03-05
US20070041275A1 (en) 2007-02-22
US6914564B2 (en) 2005-07-05
WO2003005486A1 (en) 2003-01-16
DE60202213D1 (en) 2005-01-13
JP4044898B2 (en) 2008-02-06
DE60230515D1 (en) 2009-02-05
CN1524317A (en) 2004-08-25
EP1407513B1 (en) 2004-12-08
JP2004534239A (en) 2004-11-11
EP1407510A1 (en) 2004-04-14
JP2004534467A (en) 2004-11-11
DE60202213T2 (en) 2005-12-08
WO2003005484A1 (en) 2003-01-16
EP1407513A1 (en) 2004-04-14
US20040145975A1 (en) 2004-07-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1274150A1 (en) Wrist-watch with antenna
EP0766152B1 (en) Timepiece provided with an antenna
EP1489471A1 (en) Ground connection of a printed circuit board placed in a wristwatch-type electronic device
EP1093098B1 (en) Antenna structure with a casing including electronic components
FR2505105A1 (en) AM RADIO BRACELET
EP1513220B1 (en) Patch antenna integrated in a wrist-watch
EP1513032A1 (en) Object with a metallic case comprising an electronic module suitable for the memorization of information, and electronic module compatible with such an object
CH690525A5 (en) Timepiece including a receiving antenna and / or transmitting a radio broadcast signal.
EP0603721B1 (en) Timepiece provided with an electromagnetic signal transmitting antenna
EP1540427B1 (en) Watch comprising an electronic information-storage unit in the base of the case thereof
EP0974878A1 (en) Sub-assembly combining an antenna and a position detector on a single substrate, in particular for timepieces
EP1063574B1 (en) Watch with an additional electrical apparatus
EP1431847B1 (en) Portable electronic device, particularly timepiece, comprising an antenna, which is formed by a coil of large diameter
EP1519457B1 (en) Adaptor for a portable electronic device and transmission system between these elements
EP0844685B1 (en) Timepiece provided with an antenna for receiving and/or transmitting radio signals
EP1213629A1 (en) Portable object, in particular time piece, containing a waterproof container mounted within metal case
EP1593317B1 (en) Bracelet, in particular for a watch, incorporating an electrically conductive element
EP1318437A1 (en) Watch with transponder that is, at least partially, located in a control member
EP0954051A1 (en) Slot antenna in particular for a timepiece
CH686696B5 (en) Watch with an antenna, including the wristwatch type.
EP1113346B1 (en) Wrist-watch with an antenna
EP1416343A1 (en) Push button control, in particular for time piece, and portable electronic instrument comprising such a button
WO2019034958A1 (en) Electromechanical timepiece module comprising an antenna
EP1315052A1 (en) Structure of a PIFA antenna and a shielding case for a portable electronic apparatus
CH715745B1 (en) Patch antenna integrated into a wristwatch.

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): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

AKX Designation fees paid
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8566

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20030709