Portable electronic product

Abstract

One aspect of the utility model relates to a portable electronic product, which comprises a shell provided with a compartment configured to receive and accommodate at least one removable power supply; 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] This invention relates to a portable electronic product powered by a removable power source, such as a battery, accumulator, or battery cell, housed in a compartment within a housing and sealed by a cover.

[0002] More specifically, this invention relates to a safety device configured to secure a cover to a removable power source and prevent its removal, thereby preventing access to power when the safety device is in the appropriate position.

[0003] This invention has a particular focus on the field of watchmaking, and more specifically relates to an electronic or electromechanical watch. Background Technology

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

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

[0006] To allow for easy battery replacement, the cover and case typically feature a quick-connect / disconnect mechanism that allows for rapid access to the battery and quick closure of the compartment after battery replacement. These quick-connect / disconnect mechanisms are, for example, quarter-turn assembly systems or bayonet-type assembly systems.

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

[0008] However, these various interesting and advantageous technological solutions for battery replacement can also have drawbacks in certain situations, especially when operated by children, particularly toddlers. This is because toddlers may unintentionally remove the battery cover and gain access to the battery compartment, potentially leading to the battery being swallowed and all the serious consequences that may result.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to protect such portable products from irresponsible people, especially young children, from accessing the battery compartment, while retaining the advantage that the cover can be easily and quickly removed without special tools. Utility Model Content

[0010] For this purpose, the present invention aims to provide a safety device for securing a cover to a compartment of a portable electronic product with a removable power source (such as a battery cell, accumulator, or battery), which can overcome at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[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, the compartment cover including a first coupling device configured to cooperate with a second coupling device provided on the housing to rigidly connect the cover to the housing by rotating the cover about a rotation axis formed by the central axis of the cover; the cover having a recess provided in the outer surface, the recess being configured to receive a tool for rotating the cover.

[0014] In addition, the portable electronic product includes a safety device rigidly attached to the portable electronic product by adhesive bonding, the safety device being configured to at least partially cover the recess of the compartment cover in order to prevent the introduction of tools for rotating the cover and removing it from the housing.

[0015] Therefore, as long as the safety device is in the proper position, the combined safety device renders the recess unusable by superimposing itself on top of the recess to fill the recess and / or hide the recess.

[0016] In addition to the features mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, the portable electronic product according to this invention may also have one or more supplementary features from among the following features, which are considered individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0017] - The safety device includes a body with a flat surface and an anti-rotation lug that is received in a notch formed in the housing to prevent the cover from rotating relative to the housing;

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

[0019] - The anti-rotation lugs protrude from the flat surface of the body and extend toward the compartment;

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

[0021] - The safety device is rigidly connected to the cover by means of a coupling;

[0022] - The cover includes an outer surface, and the safety device is rigidly connected to the outer surface of the cover by means of a coupling;

[0023] - The product includes adhesive elements formed on the inner surface of the body to rigidly attach the safety device to the outer surface of the cover;

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

[0025] - The product includes an adhesive element formed on the inner surface of the body to rigidly connect the safety device at least inside the recess in the cover;

[0026] - The safety device is rigidly connected to the housing via a coupling;

[0027] - Each anti-rotation lug is rigidly connected to the bottom of the notch in the housing by means of an adhesive element;

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

[0029] - The body has cutouts that allow small tools to enter the recesses to facilitate the removal of security devices from portable electronic products;

[0030] - This safety device is made of metal or polymer materials;

[0031] - This portable electronic product is a timepiece. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The purpose, advantages, and features of this invention will be better understood by reading the detailed embodiments given below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

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

[0034] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a semi-expanded perspective view of a portable electronic product.

[0035] - Figure 3 This shows how the safety equipment is assembled when the compartment is closed by the lid. Figure 1 The portable electronic product shown;

[0036] - Figure 4 This is a view of the back or rear of a portable electronic product according to the present invention, which includes a second example embodiment of a safety device for securing the cover.

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

[0038] Figure 5 A more precise bottom view of the illustration is shown, intended for the side facing the lid;

[0039] - Figure 6 The illustration shows another example embodiment of a cover with recesses of different shapes;

[0040] - Figure 7 The figure illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of the safety device according to the present invention, wherein the safety device is configured to be mounted on... Figure 6 in the recess in the cover as shown in the figure;

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

[0042] In all the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise stated, common elements have the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 This is a view of the back or rear of the housing of a portable electronic product 100 according to the present invention, the portable electronic product including a first example embodiment of a safety device for securing a cover for a removable power source such as a battery cell, accumulator, or battery.

[0044] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a semi-exploded perspective view of the portable electronic product 100.

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

[0046] Portable electronic product 100 includes a housing 10 that encloses an electronic unit (not shown) powered by at least one removable power source, such as a battery cell, rechargeable battery, or battery. (Alternatively, if the product is a watch, a watch case.)

[0047] like Figure 2 As can be seen, 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 on the back of the watch, that is, on the part of the watch intended to come into contact with the user's skin.

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

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

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

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

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

[0054] The cover 20 includes a first coupling device 23a configured to cooperate with a second coupling device 23b provided on the housing 10. The coupling devices 23a and 23b are configured to rigidly attach the cover 20 to the housing 10 by rotating the cover about a central axis X. Therefore, the first coupling device 23a and the second coupling device 23b form a system 23 for attaching the cover 20 to the housing 10.

[0055] Preferably, the connecting devices 23a and 23b of the attachment system 23 are quick-rotation connecting devices, thereby allowing the compartment 11 to be opened quickly and easily.

[0056] Preferably, the connecting devices 23a, 23b are, for example, devices that allow quarter-turn connections or bayonet connections.

[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 a first connecting device 23a, and the groove 16 in the housing 10 forms a second connecting device 23b.

[0058] According to an alternative embodiment, the connecting devices 23a, 23b are screw connecting devices, such that the cover 20 is rigidly connected to the housing 10 by screw engagement.

[0059] The cover 20 has a recess 22 formed in the outer surface 21 (i.e., the surface of the cover 20 visible to the user when the cover 20 is attached to the housing 10).

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

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

[0062] The recess 22 can also have other more complex shapes.

[0063] Figure 6 The illustration shows another example embodiment of a recess 122 formed in the shape of a straight groove. In this example embodiment, the recess 122 communicates with a circumferential groove 123 extending around the outer surface 21 of the cover 120.

[0064] The housing 10 also includes a notch 17 that extends substantially along the axis X, and a recess 16 leads to the notch 17. The housing 10 includes as many notches 17 as the tabs 26 on the cover 20.

[0065] Notch 17 is configured to receive tab 26 of cover 20 so that cover 20 is engaged by rotation of cover 20, thus causing tab 26 to engage in recess 16. When tab 26 is at the bottom of recess 16, cover 20 is engaged to housing 10 and compartment 11 is closed.

[0066] The groove 16 may be raised or protruding to indicate passing through a corner position and to provide a tactile indication that the cover 20 has been properly closed.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, a flexible diaphragm 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 incorporated into the portable electronic product 100.

[0069] Safety device 30 is an accessory that, once cover 20 is attached to housing 10, is rigidly connected to portable electronic product 100 by means of a coupling, and seals compartment 11, as... Figure 3 As shown in the image. Figure 3 The cover 20 is shown in the closed position on the housing 10, and the tab 26 of the cover 20 is in the groove 16.

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

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

[0072] The main body 31 is rigid enough that it does not deform due to its own weight when held at one end. Therefore, the safety 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 approximately 45° and 120° with respect to the plane formed by the flat surface of the body 31 and points towards the outer casing 10.

[0074] The anti-rotation lug 32 is configured to fit into and cooperate with a notch in the housing 10 to prevent any rotation of the safety device 30 about axis X. Therefore, when the safety device 30 is rigidly attached to the portable electronic product 100 by combination and covers the cover 20, it is no longer possible to rotate the cover 20 and remove the cover 20.

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

[0076] However, if necessary, 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 (i.e., the recessed surface forming the recess 22), and preferably covers most of the cover 20 and most of the recess 22.

[0078] Therefore, as long as the safety device 30 is in the proper position, the safety device 30 renders the recess 22 unusable by superimposing itself on top of the recess 22.

[0079] The body 31 is sized to cover the recess 22 in the cover 20, making it impossible to engage a tool in the recess 22 and thus use a tool in the recess 22 to rotate the cover 20.

[0080] The main body 31 has, for example, the shape of a disc 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 cut 36, a shaped interruption, an opening, or a groove, configured to allow small tools to reach the recess 22 of the cover 20 in a limited extent. Therefore, tools smaller than those required to rotate the cover 20 via the recess 22 can be used, making it easier to remove and detach the safety device 30 from the cover 20, especially when the compartment 11 must be opened to replace the battery cell 2. However, this cut 36 is insufficient to rotate the cover using the recess 22 and a tool suitable for the recess 22.

[0082] Safety device 30 is rigidly attached to portable electronic product 100 by means of adhesive element 35, for example.

[0083] exist Figures 1 to 3In this first example embodiment illustrated, the safety device 20 is rigidly attached to the cover 20 by means of an adhesive element 35.

[0084] In this first example embodiment, adhesive element 35 is provided on the inner surface 33 of the body 31 of the safety device 30 so as to rigidly attach the safety device 30 to the outer surface 21 of the cover 20 by bonding.

[0085] Therefore, the adhesive element 35 forms a bonding interface between the inner surface 33 of the body 31 and the outer surface 21 of the cover 20.

[0086] It goes without saying that in this application, generally speaking, the outer surface refers to the surface facing outwards of the portable electronic product; conversely, the inner surface refers to the surface facing inwards of the portable electronic product.

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

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

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

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

[0091] like Figure 1 As can be seen, when the safety device 30 is attached to the cover 20, the anti-rotation lug 32 is accommodated in the notch 17, thereby preventing the cover 20 from rotating.

[0092] To remove the safety device 30 during battery replacement, the user can easily use a small tool and insert it under the body 31 through the cut 36 in the body 31, thereby advantageously utilizing the recess 22 in the cover 20 to remove material. Once the safety device 30 has been removed, the user can access the recess 22 in the cover 20, allowing the user to rotate the cover 20 and access the battery cell 2 housed in the compartment 11.

[0093] exist Figures 4 to 5 In the second example embodiment shown, the safety device 30' is rigidly connected to the housing 10 by means of an anti-rotation lug 32'.

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

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

[0096] Figure 7 The illustration shows a third example embodiment of a safety device 130 for a battery or battery cell cover 120.

[0097] This third example embodiment is configured to be consistent with Figure 6 The shape of the cover 120 shown is coordinated, and the outer surface 21 of the cover 120 has a recess 122 in the form of a straight groove, which communicates with a circumferential groove 123 extending around the outer surface 21 of the cover 120.

[0098] In this third example embodiment, the safety device 130 includes a body 131 having a flat surface, which is 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, cover the recessed surface forming the recess 122.

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

[0100] Preferably, the thickness of the body 131 is approximately equal to the depth of the recess 122.

[0101] The safety device 130 is bonded via an adhesive element 35 formed on the inner surface of the body 131.

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

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

[0104] In the same manner as the example embodiment described above, the anti-rotation lug 132 is configured to be received in the notch 17 in the housing 10. Therefore, it is no longer possible to rotate the cover 120 once the safety device 130 is rigidly connected to the cover by coupling.

[0105] Figure 8 The fourth example embodiment is shown in the figure, which is referenced above. Figure 7 An alternative embodiment to the third example described. In this fourth example embodiment, the safety device 130' includes an anti-rotation lug 132' that protrudes from the flat surface of the body 131' and extends toward the compartment 11 to be received more deeply within the notch 17 in the housing 10. Therefore, once the safety device 130' is in place on the cover, it is no longer possible to rotate the cover 120.

[0106] In the fifth simplified example embodiment, the safety device does not include an anti-rotation lug. In this fifth example embodiment, the bodies 31, 131 are rigidly connected to the cover by means of a joint, as referenced above. Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figures 6 to 8 The recesses 22 and 122 are covered as described.

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

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

[0109] Regardless of which example embodiment is used, the safety devices 30, 30', 130, and 130' are made of metal or polymer materials.

[0110] like Figure 1 As shown, safety devices 30, 30' may also include safety, danger, or prevention icons 38 visible on the outer surface of safety devices 30, 30'.

Claims

1. A portable electronic product (100), comprising: - Housing (10), the housing (10) having a compartment (11) configured to receive and accommodate at least one removable power source (2); - Compartment covers (20, 120), the compartment covers (20, 120) including a first connecting device (23a) configured to cooperate with a second connecting device (23b) provided on the housing (10) to rigidly connect the covers (20, 120) to the housing (10) by rotating the covers about a rotation axis formed by the central axis (X) of the covers (20, 120); the covers (20, 120) have recesses (22, 122) provided in an outer surface (21) configured to receive a tool for rotating the covers (20, 120); The portable electronic product (100) is characterized in that it includes a safety device (30, 30', 130, 130') rigidly attached to the portable electronic product by adhesive bonding, the safety device (30, 30', 130, 130') being configured to at least partially cover the recess (22, 122) of the cover (20, 120) of the compartment (11) in order to prevent the introduction of tools for rotating the cover (20, 120) and removing it from the housing (10).

2. The portable electronic product (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The safety devices (30, 30', 130, 130') include: -A main body with a flat surface (31, 131), and - Anti-rotation lugs (32, 32', 132, 132'), The anti-rotation lugs (32, 32', 132, 132') are accommodated in a notch (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 radially 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 lugs (32, 32', 132') protrude from the flat surface of the body (31, 131) and extend toward the compartment (11).

5. The portable electronic product (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The safety devices (130, 130') are configured to completely cover the recess (122) in the cover (120).

6. The portable electronic product (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The safety devices (30, 30', 130, 130') are rigidly connected to the cover (20, 120) by means of a combination.

7. The portable electronic product (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cover (20) includes an outer surface (21), and the safety device (30) is rigidly connected to the outer surface (21) of the cover (20) by means of a combination.

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

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

10. The portable electronic product (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, It includes an adhesive element (35) formed on the inner surface (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 4, characterized in that, The safety device (30') is rigidly connected to the housing (10) by means of a combination.

12. The portable electronic product (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the anti-rotation lugs (32') is rigidly attached to the bottom of the notch (17) in the housing (10) by means 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 claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The body (31) has a cutout (36) to allow small tools to enter the recess (22) to facilitate the removal of the safety devices (30, 30') from the portable electronic product (100).

15. The portable electronic product (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The safety devices (30, 30', 130, 130') are made of metal or polymer materials.

16. The portable electronic product (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The portable electronic product (100) is a timepiece.

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