JP4820011B2 - Portable object with timekeeping function - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable object, such as a timer, in particular, that includes means that allow data to be exchanged between the portable object and a personal computer or PC.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, a timepiece such as a wristwatch including a case in which a digital photographic device or the like is accommodated is already well known. Thus, a person wearing such a watch has a permanently available camera that can take pictures of landscapes, family members, or people met during a work meeting. After taking a picture, the picture is digitized by an analog / digital converter and then stored in a memory circuit.
[0003]
The stored photos must then be transferred to a remote electronic receiver and processing unit, which is conventionally a personal computer. This transfer is performed via an electric cable, and one end of the cable is connected to a watch and the other end is connected to a PC. For example, the image transfer cable can be connected to the PC by ohmic contact provided in the central portion of the watch.
[0004]
This solution has the advantage that it is economical in terms of power consumption. In fact, transmitting digital data corresponding to a photograph stored in memory over a cable link requires very little current. Furthermore, during this transfer operation, power supply to the watch can be ensured by the computer itself, which is typically connected to the main electrical supply.
[0005]
However, the main drawback of transmitting over a cable is that the ohmic contact required to connect the transfer cable is very detrimental to the waterproofness of the watch. In fact, this contact involves an opening through which moisture, water, and dust can easily pass through the watch case and interfere with the proper operation of the watch.
[0006]
A system for processing personal data is also available from Biometrics, Inc. In the name of US Pat. No. 5,848,027. For example, with this system, it is possible to monitor the movement of an athlete such as a runner. It is possible to store the running data and time up to the time of each lap, or even the final time achieved by the athlete. The system also allows for the storage of certain physiological parameter values such as heart rate and electrocardiogram (ECG) that reflect the actions performed by the athlete during exercise. All these data are then transmitted via a sonic link to a personal computer where the data is processed and analyzed and finally displayed on the computer screen.
[0007]
It is desirable that the Biometrics system described above can store personal data in a watch and then send this data to a computer via sound waves where the data can be processed and analyzed. Unfortunately, this system is not bidirectional. Therefore, it is impossible to transfer data from a computer to a watch, which considerably limits the possibilities of applying Biometrics systems. Furthermore, transmitting data via sound waves is a technology that uses a lot of power and requires relatively expensive components.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The object of the present invention is to address these and other problems and disadvantages by proposing a particularly simple and inexpensive system capable of exchanging data between a portable object such as a timer and a personal computer or PC. Is to overcome.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to a portable object, such as a timer, which includes an electronic movement operated by a printed circuit. The electronic mechanism includes a time base circuit, a frequency divider circuit that divides the frequency fed by the time base, a control circuit connected to the frequency divider circuit, and a display system controlled by the control circuit. The portable object also includes at least one push button that includes a head and an axis through the central portion of the case closed by the back cover. By pushing the push button, the push button shaft can be electrically connected to the data input of the control circuit. As a result, data generated from an electronic unit for transmitting and receiving digital data such as a personal computer or PC is input to the control circuit via this axis, or data contained in the portable object Can be extracted.
[0010]
As a result of these features, an electrical link is very easily established between a computer and a portable object. The electrical cable is connected to the PC at one end and contacts the push button shaft at the other end. The pushbutton shaft itself is directly connected to the data input of the portable object control unit. Such a solution is economical in terms of power consumption and does not require complex and expensive mechanical or electronic components. In particular, it is not necessary to provide the portable object with ohmic contact in order to connect the cable. Thus, it incorporates all the benefits from all the benefits associated with exchanging data over cable links while avoiding the problems associated with this technology.
[0011]
According to a supplementary feature of the invention, the push button also acts on the control circuit to modify the indication or to start or stop a specific clock function, eg time measurement. For this purpose, the pushbutton shaft has a contact spring that acts as a key to prevent the pushbutton from being removed after it has been installed and as a means for establishing electrical contact with an area of the printed circuit. I have. This contact spring is electrically insulated with respect to the shaft.
[0012]
As a result of these other features, the portable object can exchange data between the portable object and the computer using only means provided for adjusting and activating its normal clock function. . Therefore, it is no longer necessary to add additional parts to the portable object so that the watch control circuit can be connected to the PC. Therefore, the configuration of the timepiece is simplified, and the manufacturing cost is remarkably suppressed. Similarly, the sealing of the portable object has not changed.
[0013]
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be understood more clearly upon reading the following detailed description of exemplary portable object embodiments according to the present invention. This example is given by way of example only and is not a limiting example in connection with the attached figures.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention starts from a general inventive concept. This concept is generally achieved by using push buttons to control the clock functions that such clocks normally have on integrated circuits that include electronic units for transmitting and receiving digital data such as personal computers or PCs. Is to connect. For this purpose, the PC is electrically connected to a push button which, when pressed, comes into contact with the electrical contact blade provided in the watch's printed circuit, The button itself is connected to the integrated circuit of the watch.
[0015]
On the other hand, although the present invention has been described with reference to a timer, it can be applied to any portable object in the same manner, and data can be input to the object or extracted from outside the portable object. Note that an integrated circuit having a desired memory is included.
[0016]
The timer according to the present invention can be, for example, a wristwatch. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a wristwatch, generally denoted by the general reference numeral 1. Specifically, it includes a case 2 and a back cover 6 whose outer shape is defined by a central portion 4 that can be metal or non-metal.
[0017]
Four push buttons 8, 10, 12 and 14 pass through the central part 4. Needless to say, this example is given merely as an example, and in order to implement the present invention, the watch 1 only needs to contain one push button. In the following description, only the push buttons 8 and 10 will be described. The other two push buttons 12 and 14 can have the same structure as push buttons 8 and 10 or can have different structures known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will not be described in more detail below.
[0018]
The push buttons 8 and 10 are preferably formed in a cylindrical shape mainly by an elongated metal stem 16, but are not limited thereto. When the central part 4 of the watch 1 is made of metal, the stem 16 of the push buttons 8 and 10 passes through a sleeve 18 made of an electrically insulating material, as schematically shown in FIG. For example, the sleeve 18 can be driven into the central portion 4 of the timepiece 1.
[0019]
The central portion 4 of the timepiece 1 forms a central cavity that accommodates an electronic timepiece mechanism carried by the printed circuit 20 in a conventional manner. This clockwork mechanism includes, among other things, a time base circuit, a frequency divider circuit powered by the time base, a control circuit connected to the divider circuit, and a display system controlled by the control circuit 22. Is included. The display system can be an analog system that includes a short hand, a long hand and a second hand moving on the dial. The display system can also be formed with digital liquid crystal display cells.
[0020]
The control circuit 22 performs various functions. In particular, maintain the vibration of the time-based quartz crystal, divide the frequency of the crystal, correct the movement of the watch, power the motor and LCD display if necessary, date, stopwatch, alarm, time zone Control special functions such as, modify certain displays, and set time.
[0021]
The control circuit 22 is supplied with current by an accumulator 24 which is recharged after consumption. Needless to say, the control circuit 22 can be powered by a non-rechargeable battery. As schematically shown in FIG. 1, the accumulator 24 generally has a button shape and can be accommodated in the back cover 6 of the timepiece 1. The bottom surface of the accumulator 24 constitutes its cathode and is electrically connected to the metal back cover 6. Therefore, for example, via a contact spring fixed to the inner surface of the back cover 6 of the watch 1, Part 4 is connected to the ground of the timepiece 1. The anode of the accumulator 24 is formed by its upper surface and is connected to the supply terminal of the control circuit 22 in a normal manner.
[0022]
Of course, the watch, in particular its back cover 6 and central part 4, can be made of an electrically insulating material such as a plastic material. In such a case, the electrode of the accumulator 24 is directly connected to the supply terminal of the control circuit 22.
[0023]
Needless to say, the electrodes of the accumulator 24 can be reversed so that the bottom of the round button forms an anode and the cathode is positioned on the top of the button. In such a case, the anode is electrically connected to the ground of the timepiece 1.
[0024]
As shown in more detail in FIGS. 2-4, each push button 8 and 10 includes a push button head 26 and a metal push button stem 16. The pushbutton stem 16 is configured to slide inside a generally cylindrical housing 28 located in the central portion 4 of the watch 1. The push button stem 16 moves axially within the housing 28 against the restoring force of the spring 30 when a control push is applied to the push button head 26.
[0025]
The return spring 30 is configured in a housing 32 disposed on the pushbutton head 26 and is mounted axially at the bottom 34 of a cavity 36 provided in the central portion 4. The push button stem 16 has an annular groove 38 at one place along its entire length, and a sealing gasket 40 is accommodated therein. This sealing gasket 40 reliably seals the housing 32 for waterproofing when the stem 16 slides while the push buttons 8 and 10 are operated by the user.
[0026]
According to a simplified alternative embodiment of the invention, the push buttons 8 and 10 described above are used only for inputting data or extracting data from the watch 1. For this purpose, the push button, after being installed in the central part 4 of the timepiece 1, includes holding means such as a key that prevents only the push buttons 8 and 10 from being removed. According to the main feature of the present invention, the stems 16 of the two push buttons 8 and 10 can be electrically connected to the two data inputs 42 and 44 of the control circuit 22, respectively, by pressing them. . Therefore, as will be described in detail below, an electronic digital data transceiver unit 45 such as a personal computer or a PC is connected to the control circuit 22 of the watch 1, and data from the PC is input to the control circuit 22, Alternatively, data included in the watch 1 can be extracted. For this purpose, the ends of the stems 16 arranged inside the case 2 are connected to the contact blades or strips 46 provided in the printed circuit 20 while pressure is applied to the corresponding push buttons 8, 10. In contact and connected to one of the data inputs 42 and 44 of the control circuit 22, respectively.
[0027]
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the push buttons 8 and 10 not only input data into the clock 1 or extract data from the clock 1, but also perform specific clock functions such as data correction or time measurement. Used to start or stop. Accordingly, push buttons 8 and 10 include contact springs 48. This spring exerts a sufficient force on the push button shaft 16 to operate against the restoring force of the spring 30 and thus prevents the stem 16 from detaching from the housing 28 which slides therein. The contact spring 48 is a W-shaped key and engages with an annular groove 50 in a sleeve 52 mounted on the end of the stem 16 opposite the push button head 26 (see particularly FIG. 7). The sleeve 52 is made of an insulating material, such as a ceramic material or a plastic material, and is held by a washer 54 that is driven into the push button stem 16 after the sleeve 52. Thus, the contact spring 48 is electrically isolated from the push button stem 16. Under normal use conditions, the contact spring 48 is always pressed against the inner surface of the central part 4 of the timepiece 1. It only moves when a control push is applied to one or the other of pushbuttons 8,10.
[0028]
The contact spring 48 is obtained by cutting or stamping a metal sheet along a specific contour and folding it to perform the function of both the key and the contact means after the spring is installed. Accordingly, the contact spring 48 is formed by two strips 56a, 56b extending in the entire plane of the contact spring 48. These two strips 56a, 56b are connected to each other at the tip by a V-shaped notch 58 intended to engage the annular groove 50 of the insulating sleeve 52 and form a key. Each strip 56a, 56b is extended beyond the folds 60a, 60b by contact lugs 62a, 62b which are bent slightly towards the bottom. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the contact lug 62a protrudes out of the entire plane of the contact spring 48 at an angle and establishes a contact, such as a ground contact, on an area of the printed circuit 20, as will be seen below.
[0029]
The printed circuit 20 to which the control circuit 22 is attached includes two contact pads 64a and 64b . Each contact pad is formed of a semi-cylindrical recess having vertical walls 66a, 66b metallized to face the respective contact lugs 62a, 62b of the contact spring 48. One of these contact pads 64 a is electrically connected to the control circuit 22, and the other contact pad 64 b is connected to the ground of the timepiece 1.
[0030]
When a control pressure is applied to one of the push buttons 8 or 10, the contact spring 48 moves and its contact lugs 62a, 62b contact the metallized contact pads 64a, 64b. As described above, the contact lug 62 a protrudes outside the entire plane of the contact spring 48. Thus, when one of the push buttons 8 or 10 is pressed, this contact lug 62a contacts the metallized contact pad 64a facing it, after which the other contact lug 62b itself is the corresponding metal. The coated contact pad 64b is contacted. This prevents electrostatic discharge that is particularly detrimental to the control circuit 22.
[0031]
Two contact lugs 62a, the contact pads 64a and 62b are metallized, when in contact with 64b, two contact pads 64a, caused a short circuit between the 64b, thereby the instruction to the control circuit 22 arrives. Conversely, when the watch 1 according to the present invention is connected to the computer 45, the push buttons 8 and 10 remain pressed for the entire time that data is exchanged between the watch 1 and the computer 45. Yes. The control circuit 22 does not correspond to the activation or deactivation of the clock function of the timepiece 1, but the control circuit 22 inputs data from the PC 45 to the control circuit 22 or receives the data included in the timepiece 1. It is programmed to understand that it corresponds to extracting. When pushbuttons 8 and 10 are pressed, they are electrically connected to data inputs 42 and 44 of control circuit 22 via contact strips 46, respectively.
[0032]
As already explained above, the push buttons 8, 10 are electrically connected to the respective data inputs 42 and 44 of the control circuit 22 via the pressure on the push buttons 8, 10.
[0033]
In order to input data into or extract data from the control circuit 22 of the watch 1, the electronic unit or computer 45 has two electronic plugs 68 and contacts with the push buttons 8 and 10, respectively. 70. According to a first alternative embodiment, the push buttons 8 and 10 include a metal push button head 26 that is driven into the push button stem 16. The metal push button head 26 must then be sure to not short circuit with its surroundings.
[0034]
According to a second alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the push button head 26 is made of an injection molded plastic material or elastic material and is in close contact with the push button stem 16. As shown in FIG. 8, the metal pushbutton stem 16 is flush with the pushbutton head 26 or slightly protrudes from the surface of the pushbutton head 26, and thus the electrical power of the personal computer 45. Electrical contacts can be established with the plugs 68,70.
[0035]
According to another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the pushbutton stem 16 is embedded in a pushbutton head 26 that is made of a relatively soft plastic or elastic material. The electrical plugs 68, 70 of the electronic unit 45 have a pointed end 72 that easily penetrates the soft material making up the push button head 26 and is electrically connected to the push button stem 16. Can touch.
[0036]
The push button stem 16 can be made as one piece. However, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10, the pushbutton stem 16 is formed of two parts 74 and 76, one penetrating part 74 being made of conventional stainless steel 4C27A. The other 76 is driven into the first penetrating portion and is made of high performance stainless steel 316L, and the action of transpiration or friction caused by contact with the electrical plugs 68, 70 of the electronic unit 45. Prevent corrosion due to.
[0037]
Needless to say, various simple changes and modifications are within the scope of the present invention. In particular, the contact spring 48 described above acts both as a key to prevent the push buttons 8, 10 from being removed and as a means for establishing electrical contact with an area of the printed circuit 20, although 2 It can be replaced by two separate parts, one used to keep the push button stem 16 in place, the other to ensure electrical contact with the contact pads 64a, 64b of the printed circuit 20. To.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a top view of a timer including four push buttons according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a detailed view showing one of the push buttons of FIG. 1 on a larger scale.
FIG. 3 is a top view of a push button.
4 is a cross-sectional view of the push button of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a contact spring mounted on a push button shaft.
6 is a front view of the contact spring of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an insulating sleeve through which a contact spring is mounted on a push button shaft.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a first alternative embodiment of a push button.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a second alternative embodiment of a push button.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a push button shaft.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Wristwatch 2 Case 4 Center part 6 Back cover 8, 10, 12, 14 Push button 16 Stem 18, 52 Sleeve 20 Print circuit 22 Control circuit 24 Accumulator 26 Push button head 28, 32 Housing 30 Return spring 34 Bottom 36 Cavity 38, 50 annular groove 40 sealing gasket 42, 44 data input 45 electronic digital data transceiver unit 46 contact strip 48 contact spring 52 sleeve 54 washer 56a, 56b strip 58 notch 60a, 60b fold 62a, 62b contact lug 64a, 64b Contact pad 66a, 66b Vertical wall 68, 70 Electronic plug 72 Pointed end 74, 76 part

Claims (15)

A portable object having a timekeeping function including an electronic mechanism provided in a printed circuit (20), the electronic mechanism comprising a time base circuit, a frequency divider circuit fed by the time base, and a frequency divider A control circuit (22) connected to the circuit and a display system controlled by the control circuit , the portable object being closed by a head (26) and a back cover (6) A push button stem comprising at least one push button (8, 10) having a stem (16) passing through a central portion (4) of (2) and pressing the push button (8, 10) (16) can be electrically connected to the data inputs (42, 44) of the control circuit (22), via this stem (16), a device such as a personal computer or a PC. Or the data generated from the electronic unit for transmitting and receiving Tal data (45) input to said control circuit (22), or portable, wherein it is possible to extract the data contained in the portable object An object, said push button (8, 10) further acting on the control circuit (22) to modify the indication or to start or stop a specific clock function, eg time measurement, for this purpose In addition, the push button stem (16) serves as a key to prevent the push button (8, 10) from being removed after being placed and to establish electrical contact with an area of the printed circuit (20). A portable object comprising a contact spring (48) acting as a means, the contact spring (48) being electrically insulated from the stem (16). When the push button (8, 10) is pressed, the end of the stem (16) arranged inside the case (2) contacts the contact strip (46) fixed to the printed circuit (20). the contact strip (46) itself is portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that it is connected to one data input of the control circuit (22) (42, 44). A sleeve (52) made of insulating material is attached to the end of the stem (16) located inside the case (2), which sleeve (52) holds the contact spring (48). 3. Portable object according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that it is held by a washer (54) driven onto the stem (16) after the sleeve (52). 4. Portable object according to claim 3 , characterized in that the sleeve (52) is made of a ceramic material or a plastic material. The push button stem (16) is formed from two parts (74, 76), one being a penetration part (74) made of stainless steel 4C27A and the other (76) being a first penetration part. The portable object according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the portable object is made of stainless steel 316L to prevent corrosion caused by transpiration or friction. Portable object according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the contact spring (48) is a key W-shape. The contact spring (48) includes two strips (56a, 56b) that extend in the entire plane of the contact spring (48), and the two strips (56a, 56b) are V- 7. A portable device according to claim 6 , characterized in that it is connected by letter-shaped notches (58) and extends downwards by bent contact lugs (62a, 62b), each over the fold (60a, 60b). Object. 8. Portable object according to claim 7 , characterized in that one of the contact lugs (62a) protrudes outside the entire plane of the contact spring (48) at an angle. Portable object according to any one of claims 1 to 8 buttons stem (16) is characterized in that it is a metal pressing. 10. Portable object according to claim 9 , characterized in that the push button head (26) is metal and is driven into the push button stem (16). The push button head (26) is made of plastic or elastic material, and the push button stem (16) is flush with the push button head (26) or the push button head ( 26. The portable object according to claim 9 , wherein the portable object protrudes slightly from 26). A push button stem (16) is embedded in a push button head (26) made of a relatively soft plastic or elastic material to transfer data to a portable object or vice versa. One of the electrical plugs (68, 79) of the electronic unit (45) intended to be transferred penetrates the soft material creating the push button head (26) and push button stem (16) 10. Portable object according to claim 9 , characterized in that it has a pointed end (72) that can be in electrical contact with the object. The push button stem (16) is configured to slide inside the housing (28) disposed in the central portion (4) of the portable object, and the return spring (30) head is configured in a housing (32) which are arranged in (26), said central portion (4) bottom provided in (34) in claims 1, characterized in that in the axial direction 12 of the The portable object according to any one of the above. The printed circuit (20) has two contact pads (64a, 64b) configured to face the contact lugs (62a, 62b) of the contact spring (48), respectively. The portable object according to any one of 1 to 13 . Contact pads (64a, 64b), respectively, metallized vertical wall (66a, 66b) are formed by a semi-cylindrical recess having the portable These contact pads out one contact pad (64a) is 15. Portable object according to claim 14 , characterized in that it is connected to the object control circuit (22) and the other contact pad (64b) is connected to the ground of the portable object.

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