Portable electronic device including security device for fixing cove of removal power source

Abstract

To provide a portable electronic device including a security device for fixing a cover of a removable power source.SOLUTION: A portable electronic device 100 includes: a casing 10 having a compartment 11 configured to receive and house at least one removable power source 2; and a compartment cover 20 including first coupling means 23a configured to link to second coupling means 23b which is provided at the casing 10 so as to connect the compartment cover 20 to the casing 10 securely by rotating the compartment cover 20 around a rotation axis formed by a center axis (X) of the compartment cover 20. The security device 30 at least partially covers a recess 22 provided on an outer surface 21 of the compartment cover 20 to prevent insertion of a tool for rotating the compartment cover 20 to remove the compartment cover 20 from the casing 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable electronic device powered by a removable power source, such as a battery, accumulator or cell, housed in a compartment in a casing and closed by a cover.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a security device configured to secure a cover on a removable power supply, preventing removal of the power supply and preventing access to the power supply while the security device is attached.

[0003] The invention is of particular interest in the field of watchmaking, in particular electronic or electromechanical watches. [Background technology]

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

[0005] For example, an electronic or electromechanical watch may be powered, at least in the case of an electromechanical watch, in part, by a removable power source, such as a button cell battery, housed in a compartment within the watch casing, with a removable cover provided to enclose the battery within the compartment and ensuring that the compartment is at least waterproof.

[0006] To facilitate easy battery replacement, covers and cases typically have a rotating quick coupling / disconnection means that allows not only quick access to the battery, but also quick closure of the compartment after battery replacement, for example a quarter turn or bayonet type assembly system.

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

[0008] However, these various interesting and advantageous technical solutions for battery replacement may also present drawbacks in certain circumstances, especially when handled by children, and in particular young children, who may inadvertently remove the battery cover to access the battery compartment and swallow the battery with all the serious consequences that may entail.

[0009] As a result, there is a need to protect this type of portable equipment from irresponsible persons, especially young children, from accessing the battery compartment, while retaining the advantage that the cover can be easily and quickly removed without the need for special tools. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] To this end, the invention aims to propose a security device for fixing a cover to a compartment for a removable power source, such as a cell, accumulator or battery, of a portable electronic device, which device can be used to overcome at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In this context, the present invention relates to - a casing having a compartment configured to receive and house at least one removable power source; - a compartment cover including first coupling means configured to cooperate with second coupling means provided on a casing to rigidly connect the compartment cover to the casing by rotating the compartment cover about an axis of rotation formed by a central axis of the compartment cover, the compartment cover having a recess on an outer surface, the recess configured to receive a tool for rotating the compartment cover.

[0012] Additionally, the portable electronic device includes a security device securely connected to the portable electronic device by adhesive bonding, the security device configured to at least partially cover a recess in the compartment cover and prevent insertion of a tool to rotate and remove the compartment cover from the casing.

[0013] In this manner, the bonded security device renders the dimple unusable by overlaying, filling and / or concealing the dimple for as long as the security device is attached.

[0014] In addition to the features mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, the portable electronic device according to the invention may have one or more of the following complementary features, considered individually or according to any technically possible combination: The security device includes a body having a flat surface and an anti-rotation protrusion that is received in a notch formed in the casing to prevent rotation of the cover relative to the casing. - The anti-rotation projection extends radially relative to the central axis X, in a plane parallel to the plane of the flat surface of the body. -Anti-rotation lugs protrude from a flat surface of the body and extend towards the compartment. The security device is configured to completely cover the recess in the cover. - The security device is rigidly connected to the cover by bonding. The cover includes an exterior surface, and the security device is rigidly connected to the exterior surface of the cover by bonding. The device includes an adhesive element formed on an inner surface of the body that rigidly connects the security device to an outer surface of the cover. - the security device is firmly connected to at least the recess in the cover by bonding; The device includes an adhesive element formed on an inner surface of the body and rigidly connecting the security device at least within the recess of the cover. - The security device is rigidly connected to the casing by bonding. Each anti-rotation lug is firmly connected to the bottom of the casing cutout by bonding with an adhesive element. The adhesive element is an adhesive film or glue. - The body has a cutout that allows a small tool to be passed through the recess to facilitate separation of the security device from the portable electronic device. - The security device is made of metal or polymer material. - The portable electronic device is a timepiece. Effect of the Invention

[0015] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description given below in conjunction with the following figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates the rear or back side of a portable electronic device according to the present invention, including a first exemplary embodiment of a security device for securing a cover of a removable power source, such as a cell, accumulator, or battery. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a semi-exploded perspective view of the portable electronic device illustrated in FIG. [Diagram 3]2 illustrates how a security device is attached to the portable electronic device illustrated in FIG. 1 when the compartment is closed by the cover. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a rear or back view of a portable electronic device according to the present invention including a second exemplary embodiment of a security device for securing a cover. [Diagram 5] Figure 5 illustrates more precisely the second exemplary embodiment of the security device illustrated in Figure 4. Figure 5 is a bottom view illustrating more precisely the side intended to face the cover. [Figure 6] 11A-11C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a cover having recesses of different shapes. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of a security device according to the present invention, the security device configured to fit into a recess in the cover illustrated in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth exemplary embodiment of a security device according to the present invention, the security device configured to fit into a recess in the cover illustrated in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] In all figures, common elements are given the same reference numbers unless otherwise noted.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates the rear or back side of a casing of a portable electronic device 100 according to the present invention, including a first exemplary embodiment of a security device for securing the cover of a removable power source, such as a cell, accumulator or battery.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a semi-exploded perspective view of the portable electronic device 100 illustrated in FIG.

[0020] The portable electronic device 100 is, for example, a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, although other exemplary embodiments are possible.

[0021] The portable electronic device 100 includes a casing 10 (i.e. a watch casing if the device is a watch) that encloses an electronic unit (not shown) that is powered by at least one removable power source, for example in the form of a cell, accumulator or battery.

[0022] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the casing 10 has a compartment 11 configured to receive and house at least one removable power source 2 .

[0023] Typically, in a wristwatch, compartment 11 is located at the back of the watch, i.e. in the part of the watch that is intended to be in contact with the user's skin.

[0024] Depending on the power needs of the portable electronic device, compartment 11 may be sized to receive and accommodate multiple removable power sources, such as multiple batteries, accumulators, or batteries.

[0025] In the remainder of this application, the removable power source 2 is considered to be a battery.

[0026] The battery 2 housed in the compartment 11 is, for example, a button cell.

[0027] The compartment 11 of the casing 10 forms a recess, for example cylindrical in shape, extending approximately along a central axis X.

[0028] The compartment 11 of the 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.

[0029] The cover 20 comprises first connecting means 23a configured to cooperate with second connecting means 23b provided on the casing 10. The connecting means 23a, 23b are configured to rigidly connect the cover 20 to the casing 10 by rotating the cover 20 about the central axis X. The first connecting means 23a and the second connecting means 23b thus form a system 23 for attaching the cover 20 to the casing 10.

[0030] Preferably, the coupling means 23a, 23b of the attachment system 23 are rotary quick coupling means, allowing the compartment 11 to be opened quickly and easily.

[0031] Preferably, the coupling means 23a, 23b are means enabling, for example, a quarter turn coupling or a bayonet coupling.

[0032] For example, the cover 20 has tabs 26 extending radially relative to the central axis X. The tabs 26 are configured to cooperatively mate with grooves 16 formed in the casing 10 along the periphery of the compartment 11. Thus, the tabs 26 of the cover 20 form a first coupling means 23a, and the grooves 16 of the casing 10 form a second coupling means 23b.

[0033] According to one alternative embodiment, the coupling means 23a, 23b are screw coupling means, and the cover 20 is firmly connected to the casing 10 by screwing.

[0034] The cover 20 has an exterior surface 21, ie, a recess 22 formed in the surface of the cover 20 that is visible to a user when the cover 20 is coupled to the casing 10.

[0035] The recess 22 is formed by a surface recessed from the outer surface 21. The recess 22 is shaped to receive the end of a tool and ensure that the cover 20 will rotate when a rotational torque is applied to the cover 20 using the tool.

[0036] Preferably, the recess 22 has a simple shape, for example, the recess 22 has the shape of a groove, a linear notch or a slot.

[0037] The recesses 22 can also have other, more complex shapes.

[0038] 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the recess 122 in the form of a linear groove. In this exemplary embodiment, the recess 122 communicates with a circumferential groove 123 that extends around the outer surface 21 of the cover 120.

[0039] The casing 10 further includes notches 17 that extend substantially along the axis X and into which the grooves 16 open. The casing 10 includes as many notches 17 as there are tabs 26 on the cover 20.

[0040] The notches 17 are configured to receive tabs 26 of the cover 20 such that rotation of the cover 20 couples the cover 20 and engages the tabs 26 in the grooves 16. When the tabs 26 are at the bottom of the grooves 16, the cover 20 is coupled to the casing 10 and the compartment 11 is closed.

[0041] The groove 16 may be raised or embossed to indicate passage of a particular angular position to provide a sensory indication that the cover 20 is properly closed.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, an elastic membrane 40 is inserted between the cell battery 2 and the cover 20 to seal the compartment 11 .

[0043] The portable electronic device 100 further includes a security device 30 bonded to the portable electronic device 100 .

[0044] Security device 30 is an attachment that is rigidly connected to portable electronic device 100 by bonding and closes compartment 11 when cover 20 is coupled to casing 10, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 illustrates cover 20 in a closed position on casing 10 and tabs 26 of cover 20 within grooves 16.

[0045] The security device 30 includes a body 31 forming a flat surface and an anti-rotation protrusion 32 .

[0046] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the anti-rotation protrusions 32 protrude from a flat surface of the body 31 .

[0047] The body 31 is sufficiently rigid that it will not deform under its own weight when held by one end, and therefore the security device 30 is a "rigid" part as opposed to a flexible label.

[0048] The anti-rotation projection 32 is a projection that extends in relief relative to the flat surface of the body 31. The anti-rotation projection 32 therefore forms an angle of approximately 45° to 120° with respect to the plane formed by the flat surface of the body 31 and is directed towards the casing 10.

[0049] The anti-rotation protrusions 32 are configured to fit and cooperate with notches in the casing 10 so as to prevent rotation of the security device 30 about the axis X. Thus, when the security device 30 is firmly connected to the portable electronic device 100 by bonding and covers the cover 20, it is no longer possible to rotate and remove the cover 20.

[0050] Preferably, the notch 17 used to attach the cover 20 and which is free when the cover 20 is in the closed position is used to accommodate an anti-rotation protrusion of the security device 30 .

[0051] However, specific cutouts can be made in the casing 10 to accommodate the anti-rotation projections 32 of the security device 30, if desired.

[0052] Body 31 of security device 30 is configured to at least partially cover cover 20 and its recess 22 , ie, the concave surface forming recess 22 , and preferably to cover most of cover 20 and recess 22 .

[0053] Thus, the security device 30 disables the recess 22 by overlapping it so long as the security device 30 is in place.

[0054] Body 31 is sized to sufficiently cover recess 22 in cover 20 to prevent a tool from engaging recess 22 and also to prevent the tool in recess 22 from being used to rotate cover 20 .

[0055] The body 31 has, for example, the shape of a disk or patch, the diameter of which is substantially equal to the diameter of the cover 20 .

[0056] The body 31 may have a notch 36, shaped break, opening or slot configured to allow a tool of small dimensions to reach the recess 22 of the cover 20 in a limited area. It is therefore possible to use a tool of smaller dimensions than is necessary to rotate the cover 20 through the recess 22, making it easier to remove and separate the security device 30 from the cover 20, especially when it is necessary to open the compartment 11 to replace the battery 2. However, this notch 36 is not sufficient to rotate the cover using the recess 22 and a tool adapted to the recess 22.

[0057] The security device 30 is rigidly connected to the portable electronic device 100 , for example by bonding with an adhesive element 35 .

[0058] In this first exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the security device 20 is rigidly connected to the cover 20 by bonding with an adhesive element 35 .

[0059] In this first embodiment, an adhesive element 35 is provided on the inner surface 33 of the body 31 of the security device 30 for firmly connecting the security device 30 to the outer surface 21 of the cover 20 by bonding.

[0060] In this manner, 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 .

[0061] Of course, typically in this application, an exterior surface is a surface that faces the exterior of the portable electronic device, and conversely, an interior surface is a surface that faces the interior of the portable electronic device.

[0062] The adhesive element 35 is, for example, a double-sided adhesive film, adhesive, or other equivalent element.

[0063] When the adhesive element 35 is an adhesive film, the adhesive film can have a shape substantially similar to that of the body 31 and, if necessary, can have a shape that conforms to the notch 36 of the body 31 .

[0064] The adhesive film, or more generally the adhesive element 35 , may also have smaller dimensions than the body 31 of the security device 30 .

[0065] Preferably, the adhesive element 35 will withstand a temperature of at least 90°C.

[0066] As seen in FIG. 1, when security device 30 is bonded to cover 20, anti-rotation protrusions 32 are received in notches 17 and prevent cover 20 from rotating.

[0067] To separate security device 30 during battery replacement, a user can easily use a small tool to insert under body 31 at notch 36 in body 31, which advantageously removes material from recess 22 in cover 20. Once security device 30 is separated, the user can access recess 22 in cover 20 and rotate cover 20 to access cell battery 2 housed in compartment 11.

[0068] In a second exemplary embodiment, illustrated in Figures 4-5, the security device 30' is rigidly connected to the casing 10 by bonding with anti-rotation protrusions 32'.

[0069] To this end, as illustrated in Figure 5, the anti-rotation projection 32' has an S-shape that defines a support surface 39 configured to abut against the bottom of the notch 17. The support surface 39 is sufficiently wide and flat to cooperate with the bottom of the notch 17 and receive the adhesive interface element 35 to firmly connect the security device 30' within the notch 17 of the casing 10 by bonding.

[0070] Preferably, the support surface 39 of the anti-rotation projection 32 ′ is substantially parallel to the planar surface of the body 31 .

[0071] FIG. 7 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of a security device 130 for a battery or cell cover 120 .

[0072] This third exemplary embodiment is configured to cooperate with the shape of the cover 120 illustrated in FIG. 6, the outer surface 21 of which has a recess 122 in the form of a linear groove that communicates with a circumferential groove 123 that extends around the outer surface 21 of the cover 120.

[0073] In this third exemplary embodiment, security device 130 includes a body 131 having a flat surface configured to fit into recess 122 and can at least partially fill and cover recess 122, or, more precisely, can cover the concave surface that forms recess 122.

[0074] Thus, in this third exemplary embodiment, the body 131 has a central portion 131a and a peripheral portion 131b configured to fit into the recess 122 and the circumferential groove 123, respectively, of the cover 120. The body 131 has the shape of a circle with a line through it representing the prohibition mark covering the recess 122.

[0075] Preferably, the thickness of the body 131 is substantially equal to the depth of the recess 122 .

[0076] The security device 130 is bonded via adhesive elements 35 formed on the inner surface of the body 131 .

[0077] The security device 130 is bonded at least within the recess 122 , and preferably within the recess 122 and within the circumferential groove 123 of the cover 120 .

[0078] In this third exemplary embodiment, security device 130 includes anti-rotation protrusions 132 that extend radially relative to a central axis X and in a plane that is co-planar with or parallel to the plane of a planar surface of body 131 .

[0079] Similar to the exemplary embodiment described above, the anti-rotation protrusion 132 is configured to be received in the notch 17 of the casing 10. Thus, the cover 120 cannot be rotated at all as long as the security device 130 is rigidly connected to the cover by bonding.

[0080] Figure 8 illustrates a fourth exemplary embodiment, which is an alternative embodiment to the third exemplary embodiment described above with reference to Figure 7. In this fourth exemplary embodiment, the security device 130' includes an anti-rotation protrusion 132' that protrudes from a flat surface of the body 131' and extends towards the compartment 11 so as to be housed deeper within the notch 17 of the casing 10. Thus, the cover 120 cannot be rotated at all as long as the security device 130' is placed on the cover.

[0081] In a fifth simplified exemplary embodiment, the security device does not include an anti-rotation protrusion, in which the body 31, 131 is rigidly connected to the cover by bonding, covering the recess 22, 122, as described above with reference to Figures 1-3 and 6-8.

[0082] In this fifth exemplary embodiment, the body 31 can be disk- or pellet-shaped having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cover.

[0083] In this fifth exemplary embodiment, the body 31 may also have a shape as described with reference to FIGS.

[0084] Regardless of which exemplary embodiment is applied, the security device 30, 30', 130, 130' is made from a metal or polymer material.

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the security device 30, 30' may also include a security, danger, or prevention pictogram 38 visible on the exterior surface of the security device 30, 30'. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 2 cell battery 10 Casing 11 Compartments 16 groove 17 Cutting 20 Compartment Cover 21 Exterior 22 Depression 23 Attachment System 23a First connecting means 23b Second connecting means 26 Tabs 30 Security Devices 30' Security Device 31 Main unit 32 Anti-rotation protrusion 32' Anti-rotation protrusion 33 Inside 35 Adhesive elements 36 Notch 38 Pictograms 39 Support surface 40 Elastic Membrane 100 Portable Electronic Devices 120 Compartment Cover 122 Depression 123 Circumferential Groove 130 Security Devices 130' Security Device 131 Main unit 131' Main Body 131a central part 131b Surrounding area 132 Anti-rotation protrusion 132' Anti-rotation protrusion X center axis

Claims

1. A portable electronic device (100), comprising: - a casing (10) having a compartment (11) adapted to receive and house at least one removable power source (2); a compartment cover (20, 120) including first coupling means (23a) configured to cooperate with second coupling means (23b) provided on said casing (10) to rigidly connect said compartment cover (20, 120) to said casing (10) by rotating said compartment cover about an axis of rotation formed by a central axis (X) of said compartment cover (20, 120), said compartment cover (20, 120) having a recess (22, 122) on its outer surface (21), said recess being configured to receive a tool for rotating said compartment cover (20, 120); The portable electronic device (100) is characterized in that it includes a security device (30, 30', 130, 130') firmly connected to the portable electronic device by adhesive bonding, the security device (30, 30', 130, 130') being configured to at least partially cover the recess (22, 122) in the compartment cover (20, 120) of the compartment (11) and to prevent insertion of a tool to rotate the compartment cover (20, 120) and remove it from the casing (10).

2. The security device (30, 30', 130, 130') a body (31, 131) having a flat surface; - anti-rotation projections (32, 32', 132, 132'), The portable electronic device (100) of claim 1, characterized in that the anti-rotation protrusions (32, 32', 132, 132') are received in notches (17) made in the casing (10) and prevent the compartment cover (20) from rotating relative to the casing (10).

3. 3. The portable electronic device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the anti-rotation protrusions (132) extend radially relative to the central axis (X) in a plane parallel to the plane of the flat surface of the body (131).

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

5. 2. The portable electronic device (100) of claim 1, wherein the security device (130, 130') is configured to completely cover the recess (122) of the compartment cover (120).

6. 2. The portable electronic device (100) of claim 1, wherein said security device (30, 30', 130, 130') is rigidly connected to said compartment cover (20, 120) by bonding.

7. 7. The portable electronic device (100) of claim 6, wherein the compartment cover (20) includes an outer surface (21), and the security device (30) is firmly connected to the outer surface (21) of the compartment cover (20) by bonding.

8. 8. The portable electronic device (100) of claim 7, further comprising an adhesive element (35) formed on an inner surface (33) of the body (31) and firmly connecting the security device (30) to the outer surface (21) of the compartment cover (20).

9. 7. The portable electronic device (100) of claim 6, wherein said security device (130, 130') is rigidly connected to at least said recess (122) of said compartment cover (120) by bonding.

10. 10. The portable electronic device (100) of claim 9, further comprising an adhesive element (35) formed on an inner surface (33) of the body (131) and firmly connecting the security device (130, 130') at least within the recess (122) of the compartment cover (120).

11. 3. The portable electronic device (100) of claim 2, characterized in that said security device (30') is rigidly connected to said casing (10) by bonding.

12. The portable electronic device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that each of the anti-rotation projections (32') is firmly connected to the bottom of the notch (17) of the casing (10) by bonding with an adhesive element (35).

13. 2. The portable electronic device (100) of claim 1, wherein said security device (30, 30', 130, 130') is firmly connected to said portable electronic device by adhesive bonding with an adhesive film or glue.

14. 2. The portable electronic device (100) of claim 1, wherein the body (31) has a notch (36) that allows a small tool to pass through the recess (22) to facilitate separation of the security device (30, 30') from the portable electronic device (100).

15. 2. Portable electronic device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said security device (30, 30', 130, 130') is made of metal or polymer material.

16. The portable electronic device (100) of claim 1, characterized in that said portable electronic device (100) is a timepiece.

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