Portable electronic product comprising security device for fastening cover of removable power supply

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention relates to a portable electronic product comprising: a housing having a compartment configured to receive and house at least one removable power source; a compartment cover comprising first coupling means configured to cooperate with second coupling means provided on the housing so as to rigidly connect the cover to the housing by rotating the cover about an axis of rotation formed by a central axis of the cover; a cap having a recess provided in an outer face, the recess configured to receive a tool for rotating the cap; the portable electronic product is characterized in that it comprises a security device rigidly connected to the portable electronic product by adhesive bonding, the security device being configured to at least partially cover the recess of the cover of the compartment in order to prevent the introduction of a tool for rotating the cover and removing it from the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to portable electronic products powered by a removable power source, such as a battery, accumulator or battery cell, contained in a compartment of a housing and enclosed by a cover.

[0002] The present invention more particularly relates to a safety device configured to secure a cover of a removable power source and prevent its removal, thereby preventing access to the power source when the safety device is in place.

[0003] The invention is particularly concerned with the field of watchmaking and more particularly with an electronic or electromechanical watch. Background Art

[0004] Portable electronic products may be powered by one or more removable power sources such as batteries, accumulators, or battery cells.

[0005] For example, an electronic or electromechanical watch is powered by a removable power source, such as a button cell battery, housed in a compartment in the watch case; in the case of an electromechanical watch, at least partially by the removable power source. A removable cover is provided to enclose the battery inside the compartment while ensuring that the compartment is at least watertight.

[0006] To allow easy replacement of the battery, the cover and the watch case usually have a quick-turn coupling / uncoupling device that allows quick access to the battery, as well as quick closure of the compartment after the battery has been replaced. These quick coupling / uncoupling devices are, for example, quarter-turn assembly systems or bayonet-type assembly systems.

[0007] In addition, the cover may have a recess in its outer surface configured to receive the end of a tool to enable its rotation. To further facilitate battery replacement, this recess typically has a relatively simple and common shape such as a slot, so that the compartment can be opened using a variety of accessories available to the wearer without the need for specific tools or without having to take the watch to a watchmaker to replace the battery.

[0008] However, these various interesting and advantageous technical solutions for replacing batteries may also have disadvantages in certain circumstances, in particular when handled by children, especially young children, since young children may inadvertently remove the battery cover and gain access to the battery compartment, which may result in the battery being swallowed and all the serious consequences that may entail.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to protect such portable products to prevent irresponsible persons, especially young children, from accessing the battery compartment, while retaining the advantage of easy and quick removal of the cover without the need for specific tools. Summary of the invention

[0010] To this end, the present invention aims to propose a security device for fastening a cover to a compartment of a removable power source, such as a battery cell, accumulator or battery, of a portable electronic product, which device can be used to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0011] In this context, the present invention relates to a portable electronic product comprising:

[0012] - a housing having a compartment configured to receive and house at least one removable power source;

[0013] - a compartment cover comprising a first coupling device configured to cooperate with a second coupling device provided on the housing so as to rigidly connect the cover to the housing by rotating the cover around an axis of rotation formed by the central axis of the cover; the cover having a recess provided in an outer face, the recess being configured to receive a tool for rotating the cover.

[0014] Furthermore, the portable electronic product comprises a security device rigidly connected to the portable electronic product by adhesive bonding, the security device being configured to at least partially cover the recess of the compartment cover so as to prevent the introduction of a tool for rotating the cover and removing it from the housing.

[0015] Thus, as long as the security device is in place, the incorporated security device renders the recess unusable by superimposing itself on top of the recess so as to fill the recess and / or hide the recess.

[0016] In addition to the features mentioned in the previous paragraph, the portable electronic product according to the invention may also have one or more supplementary features from among the following features, considered individually or in any combination that is technically possible:

[0017] - the safety device comprises a body having a flat surface and an anti-rotation lug received in a notch formed in the housing so as to prevent the cover from rotating relative to the housing;

[0018] - the anti-rotation lug extends in a radial direction relative to the central axis X in a plane parallel to the plane of the flat surface of the body;

[0019] - the anti-rotation lug protrudes from the flat surface of the body and extends towards the compartment;

[0020] - the security device is configured to completely cover the recess in the cover;

[0021] - the safety device is rigidly connected to the cover by bonding;

[0022] - the cover comprises an external face, and the safety device is rigidly connected to the external face of the cover by bonding;

[0023] - the product comprises an adhesive element formed on the inner face of the body to rigidly connect the security device to the outer face of the cover;

[0024] - the safety device is rigidly connected by bonding at least in a recess of the cover;

[0025] - the product comprises an adhesive element formed on the inner face of the body to rigidly attach the safety device at least inside the recess in the cover;

[0026] - the safety device is rigidly connected to the housing by means of a bond;

[0027] - Each anti-rotation lug is rigidly connected at the bottom of the recess in the housing by bonding with the aid of an adhesive element;

[0028] - the adhesive element is an adhesive film or glue;

[0029] - the body has a cutout to allow a small tool to enter the recess to facilitate removal of the security device from the portable electronic product;

[0030] - the safety device is made of metal or polymer material;

[0031] -The portable electronic product is a timepiece. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] By reading the following detailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings, the objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood:

[0033] - Figure 1 is a view illustrating the back or rear portion of a portable electronic product according to the present invention, the portable electronic product including a first exemplary embodiment of a security device for securing a cover of a removable power source such as a battery cell, accumulator or battery;

[0034] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A semi-exploded perspective view of a portable electronic product as shown in FIG.

[0035] - Figure 3 Shows how the safety device fits into the compartment when it is closed by the lid. Figure 1 The portable electronic products shown in;

[0036] - Figure 4 is a view illustrating the back or rear portion of a portable electronic product according to the present invention, the portable electronic product including a second exemplary embodiment of a security device for securing a cover;

[0037] - Figure 5 More precise illustration Figure 4A second example embodiment of the security device illustrated in;

[0038] Figure 5 More precisely the bottom view is shown showing the face intended to face the cover;

[0039] - Figure 6 Another example embodiment of a cover having a differently shaped recess is illustrated;

[0040] - Figure 7 A third exemplary embodiment of a security device according to the present invention is shown, which is configured to be mounted on Figure 6 in the recess in the cover as shown in the figure;

[0041] - Figure 8 A fourth exemplary embodiment of a security device according to the present invention is shown, which is configured to be mounted on Figure 6 into the recess in the cover as shown in the illustration.

[0042] In all figures, common elements have the same reference numerals unless otherwise stated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figure 1 is a view illustrating the back or rear portion of a housing of a portable electronic product 100 including a first exemplary embodiment of a security device for securing a cover of a removable power source such as a battery cell, accumulator or battery in accordance with the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a semi-exploded perspective view of a portable electronic product 100 shown in FIG.

[0045] The portable electronic product 100 is, for example, a timepiece, such as a watch. However, other example embodiments are also possible.

[0046] The portable electronic product 100 comprises a housing 10 (or, when the product is a watch, a watch case) enclosing an electronic unit (not shown) powered by at least one removable power source, for example in the form of a battery cell, accumulator or battery.

[0047] like Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the housing 10 has a compartment 11 configured to receive and house at least one removable power source 2 .

[0048] Typically, on a watch, compartment 11 is located at the back of the watch, ie at the part of the watch intended to come into contact with the skin of the user.

[0049] Depending on the power required by the portable electronic product, compartment 11 may be sized to receive and house multiple removable power sources, such as multiple battery cells, accumulators, or batteries.

[0050] In the remainder of this application, the removable power source 2 will be considered to be a battery cell battery.

[0051] The battery cell battery 2 accommodated in the compartment 11 is, for example, a button cell battery.

[0052] The compartment 11 of the housing 10 forms a recess extending substantially along the central axis X, for example cylindrical in shape.

[0053] The compartment 11 of the housing 10 is closed by a cover 20 having a central axis X. By rotating the cover 20 about the central axis X, the compartment 11 is closed.

[0054] The cover 20 comprises first coupling means 23a configured to cooperate with second coupling means 23b provided on the housing 10. The coupling means 23a, 23b are configured to rigidly connect the cover 20 to the housing 10 by rotating said cover around the central axis X. Thus, the first coupling means 23a and the second coupling means 23b form a system 23 for attaching the cover 20 to the housing 10.

[0055] Preferably, the coupling means 23a, 23b of the attachment system 23 are quick-rotation coupling means, allowing quick and easy opening of the compartment 11.

[0056] Preferably, the coupling means 23a, 23b are means allowing a quarter-turn coupling or a bayonet coupling, for example.

[0057] For example, the cover 20 has a tab 26 extending radially relative to the central axis X. The tab 26 is configured to cooperate with and fit into a groove 16 formed in the housing 10 around the periphery of the compartment 11. Thus, the tab 26 of the cover 20 forms the first coupling means 23a and the groove 16 in the housing 10 forms the second coupling means 23b.

[0058] According to an alternative embodiment, the coupling means 23a, 23b are screw coupling means, so that the cover 20 is rigidly connected to the housing 10 by means of a screw joint.

[0059] The cover 20 has a recessed portion 22 formed in an exterior face 21 (ie, a face of the cover 20 that is visible to a user when the cover 20 is coupled to the housing 10 ).

[0060] The recessed portion 22 is formed by a surface that is set back from the outer face 21. The recessed portion 22 is shaped to receive the end of a tool and ensures rotation of the cover 20 when a rotational torque is applied to the cover 20 using the tool.

[0061] Preferably, the concave portion 22 has a simple shape. For example, the concave portion 22 has a shape of a groove, a straight notch or a slot.

[0062] The recessed portion 22 may also have other more complicated shapes.

[0063] Figure 6 Another example embodiment of the recessed portion 122 formed in the shape of a straight groove is shown. In this example embodiment, the recessed portion 122 communicates with a circumferential groove 123 extending around the outer face 21 of the cover 120.

[0064] The housing 10 also comprises a notch 17 which extends substantially along the axis X and into which the groove 16 opens. The housing 10 comprises as many notches 17 as there are tabs 26 on the cover 20.

[0065] The notch 17 is configured to receive the tab 26 of the cover 20 so as to couple the cover 20 by rotation of the cover 20, thereby engaging the tab 26 in the groove 16. When the tab 26 is at the bottom of the groove 16, the cover 20 is coupled to the housing 10 and the compartment 11 is closed.

[0066] The groove 16 may be raised or convex to indicate passage of a certain angular position and provide a sensory indication that the lid 20 has been properly closed.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , an elastic separator 40 is inserted between the battery cell 2 and the cover 20 to seal the compartment 11 .

[0068] The portable electronic product 100 also includes a security device 30 coupled to the portable electronic product 100 .

[0069] The security device 30 is an accessory that is rigidly connected to the portable electronic product 100 by bonding and closes the compartment 11 once the cover 20 is coupled to the housing 10, such as Figure 3 as shown in . Figure 3 The cover 20 is shown in a closed position on the housing 10 with the tab 26 of the cover 20 in the recess 16 .

[0070] The safety device 30 comprises a main body 31 forming a flat surface and an anti-rotation lug 32 .

[0071] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the example embodiment shown in , the anti-rotation lugs 32 protrude from a flat surface of the body 31 .

[0072] The body 31 is rigid enough so that it does not deform under its own weight when one end is held. Thus, the security device 30 is a "rigid" component unlike a flexible tag.

[0073] The anti-rotation lug 32 is a lug that protrudes and extends relative to the flat surface of the body 31. Therefore, it forms an angle between about 45° and 120° relative to the plane formed by the flat surface of the body 31, and points toward the housing 10.

[0074] The anti-rotation lugs 32 are configured to fit into and cooperate with indentations in the housing 10 so as to prevent any rotation of the security device 30 about the axis X. Thus, when the security device 30 is rigidly connected to the portable electronic product 100 by bonding and covers the cover 20 , it is no longer possible to rotate the cover 20 and remove it.

[0075] Preferably, the notch 17 for mounting the cover 20 and which is free when the cover 20 is in the closed position is used to accommodate an anti-rotation lug of the safety device 30 .

[0076] However, if desired, a specific notch may be formed in the housing 10 to receive the anti-rotation lug 32 of the safety device 30 .

[0077] The body 31 of the safety device 30 is configured to at least partially cover the cover 20 and its recess 22 (ie, the recessed surface forming the recess 22 ), and preferably covers most of the cover 20 and most of the recess 22 .

[0078] Thus, as long as the security device 30 is in place, the security device 30 renders the recessed portion 22 unusable by superimposing itself on top of the recessed portion 22 .

[0079] The body 31 is dimensioned sufficiently to cover the recess 22 in the cover 20 , so that it is no longer possible to engage a tool in the recess 22 and thus to rotate the cover 20 using the tool in the recess 22 .

[0080] The body 31 has, for example, the shape of a disk or a cover plate, the diameter of which is substantially equal to the diameter of the cover 20 .

[0081] The body 31 may have a cutout 36, a discontinuity in shape, an opening or a slot configured to allow a small-sized tool to reach the recess 22 of the cover 20 over a limited portion. Thus, a tool smaller than the tool size required to rotate the cover 20 via the recess 22 may be used to make it easier to remove and disassemble the security device 30 from the cover 20, particularly when the compartment 11 must be opened to replace the battery cell 2. However, this cutout 36 is not sufficient to rotate the cover using the recess 22 and a tool adapted for the recess 22.

[0082] The security device 30 is rigidly connected to the portable electronic product 100 by bonding, for example by means of an adhesive element 35 .

[0083] exist Figures 1 to 3In this first example embodiment illustrated in , the security device 20 is rigidly connected to the cover 20 by bonding using an adhesive element 35 .

[0084] In this first exemplary embodiment, an adhesive element 35 is provided on the inner face 33 of the body 31 of the security device 30 in order to rigidly connect the security device 30 to the outer face 21 of the cover 20 by bonding.

[0085] Thus, the adhesive element 35 forms a bonding interface between the interior face 33 of the body 31 and the exterior face 21 of the cover 20 .

[0086] It goes without saying that in the present application, generally speaking, the external surface is a surface pointing to the outside of the portable electronic product; and conversely, the internal surface is a surface pointing to the inside of the portable electronic product.

[0087] The adhesive element 35 is, for example, a double-sided adhesive film, glue or other equivalent elements.

[0088] When adhesive element 35 is an adhesive film, the shape of the adhesive film may be substantially equivalent to the shape of body 31 , following the shape of cutout 36 in body 31 if necessary.

[0089] The adhesive film, or in general the adhesive element 35 , may also be smaller in size than the body 31 of the security device 30 .

[0090] Preferably, the adhesive element 35 can withstand temperatures of at least 90°C.

[0091] like Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , when the safety device 30 is coupled to the cover 20 , the anti-rotation lug 32 is received in the indentation 17 , such that it prevents rotation of the cover 20 .

[0092] To remove the security device 30 during battery replacement, the user can easily use a small tool and insert it under the body 31 at the cutout 36 in the body 31, thereby advantageously taking advantage of the recessed portion 22 in the cover 20 to remove material. Once the security device 30 has been removed, the user has access to the recessed portion 22 in the cover 20, allowing the user to rotate the cover 20 and access the battery cells 2 housed in the compartment 11.

[0093] exist Figures 4 to 5 In the second exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the safety device 30 ′ is rigidly connected to the housing 10 by means of an anti-rotation lug 32 ′ through bonding.

[0094] For this purpose, Figure 5As shown in FIG, the anti-rotation lug 32' has an S-shape that delimits a bearing surface 39 that is configured to abut against the bottom of the notch 17. The bearing surface 39 is wide and flat enough to cooperate with the bottom of the notch 17 and receive the adhesive interface element 35 to rigidly connect the security device 30' in the notch 17 of the housing 10 by bonding.

[0095] Preferably, the bearing surface 39 of the anti-rotation lug 32 ′ is substantially parallel to the flat surface of the body 31 .

[0096] Figure 7 A third example embodiment of a security device 130 for a battery or battery cell cover 120 is illustrated.

[0097] This third exemplary embodiment is configured with Figure 6 In cooperation with the shape of the cover 120 shown in FIG. 1 , the outer face 21 of the cover 120 has a recessed portion 122 in the form of a straight groove which communicates with a circumferential groove 123 extending around the outer face 21 of the cover 120 .

[0098] In this third example embodiment, the safety device 130 includes a body 131 having a flat surface configured to fit into the recess 122 so as to at least partially fill the recess 122 and cover the recess 122 , or more precisely, to cover a recessed surface forming the recess 122 .

[0099] Thus, in this third exemplary embodiment, the body 131 has a central portion 131a and a peripheral portion 131b configured to fit into the recessed portion 122 and the circumferential groove 123, respectively, in the cover 120. Thus, the body 131 has a circular shape with a line passing through it, representing a "prohibited" symbol covering the recessed portion 122.

[0100] Preferably, the thickness of the body 131 is substantially equal to the depth of the recessed portion 122 .

[0101] The security device 130 is bonded via an adhesive element 35 produced on the inner face of the body 131 .

[0102] The safety device 130 is integrated at least in the recess 122 , preferably in the recess 122 and in the circumferential groove 123 in the cover 120 .

[0103] In this third example embodiment, the safety device 130 comprises an anti-rotation lug 132 extending radially with respect to the central axis X and extending in a plane that is the same plane as or parallel to the plane of the flat surface of the body 131 .

[0104] In the same way as in the exemplary embodiment described above, the anti-rotation lug 132 is configured to be received in the indentation 17 in the housing 10. Thus, as long as the security device 130 is rigidly connected to the cover by bonding, it is no longer possible to rotate the cover 120.

[0105] Figure 8 The fourth exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 7 In this fourth exemplary embodiment, the safety device 130' comprises an anti-rotation lug 132' which protrudes from the flat surface of the body 131' and extends towards the compartment 11 so as to be received deeper inside the indentation 17 in the housing 10. Thus, as long as the safety device 130' is in place on the cover, it is no longer possible to rotate the cover 120.

[0106] In a fifth simplified example embodiment, the safety device does not include an anti-rotation lug. In this fifth example embodiment, the body 31, 131 is rigidly connected to the cover by bonding so that as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figures 6 to 8 The recesses 22, 122 are covered as described.

[0107] In this fifth exemplary embodiment, the body 31 may be disc-shaped or spherical, with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cap.

[0108] In this fifth exemplary embodiment, the main body 31 may also have Figure 7 and Figure 8 The shape described.

[0109] Regardless of which example embodiment is applied, the security device 30, 30', 130, 130' is made of metal or polymer material.

[0110] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the safety device 30, 30' may also include a safety, hazard or precaution icon 38 visible on an exterior face of the safety device 30, 30'.

Claims

1. A portable electronic product (100), comprising: - a housing (10) having a compartment (11) configured to receive and house at least one removable power source (2); a compartment cover (20, 120) comprising first coupling means (23a) configured to cooperate with second coupling means (23b) provided on the housing (10) so as to rigidly connect the cover (20, 120) to the housing (10) by rotating the cover around an axis of rotation formed by a central axis (X) of the cover (20, 120); the cover (20, 120) having a recess (22, 122) provided in an outer face (21), the recess being configured to receive a tool for rotating the cover (20, 120); The portable electronic product (100) is characterized in that it includes a security device (30, 30', 130, 130') rigidly connected to the portable electronic product by adhesive bonding, and the security device (30, 30', 130, 130') is configured to at least partially cover the recessed portion (22, 122) of the cover (20, 120) of the compartment (11) so as to prevent the introduction of a tool for rotating the cover (20, 120) and removing it from the housing (10).

2. The portable electronic product (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The safety device (30, 30', 130, 130') comprises: - a body (31, 131) having a flat surface, and - anti-rotation lugs (32, 32', 132, 132'), The anti-rotation lugs (32, 32', 132, 132') are received in notches (17) formed in the housing (10) to prevent the cover (20) from rotating relative to the housing (10).

3. The portable electronic product (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The anti-rotation lug (132) extends in a radial direction relative to the central axis (X) in a plane parallel to the plane of the flat surface of the body (131).

4. The portable electronic product (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The anti-rotation lug (32, 32', 132') protrudes from a flat surface of the body (31, 131) and extends toward the compartment (11).

5. The portable electronic product (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The safety device (130, 130') is configured to completely cover the recessed portion (122) in the cover (120).

6. The portable electronic product (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The safety device (30, 30', 130, 130') is rigidly connected to the cover (20, 120) by bonding.

7. The portable electronic product (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cover (20) comprises an outer face (21), and the safety device (30) is rigidly connected to the outer face (21) of the cover (20) by bonding.

8. The portable electronic product (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: It comprises an adhesive element (35) formed on the inner face (33) of the body (31) to rigidly connect the safety device (30) to the outer face (21) of the cover (20).

9. The portable electronic product (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The safety device (130, 130') is rigidly connected by bonding at least in the recess (122) in the cover (120).

10. The portable electronic product (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that: It comprises an adhesive element (35) formed on the inner face (33) of the body (131) to rigidly connect the safety device (130, 130') at least inside the recess (122) in the cover (120).

11. The portable electronic product (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The safety device (30') is rigidly connected to the housing (10) by bonding.

12. The portable electronic product (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that: Each of the anti-rotation lugs (32') is rigidly connected at the bottom of a notch (17) in the housing (10) by bonding with the aid of an adhesive element (35).

13. The portable electronic product (100) according to claim 8, 10 or 12, characterized in that: The adhesive element (35) is an adhesive film or glue.

14. The portable electronic product (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The body (31) has a cutout (36) to allow a small tool to enter the recess (22) to facilitate removal of the security device (30, 30') from the portable electronic product (100).

15. The portable electronic product (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The safety device (30, 30', 130, 130') is made of metal or polymer material.

16. The portable electronic product (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The portable electronic product (100) is a timepiece.

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