Flexible bridge for a watch module
AssigneeTimex Group B.V.
InventorJacques Muller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A one-piece molded plastic bridge for use in a timepiece module that itself comprises a frame assembly, at least two stepping motors each comprising at least a stator and rotor, and a plurality of gears assemblies, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the bridge comprises sections separated by connecting members, with each of the connecting members being sufficiently flexible to accommodate for the needed spacing constraints on each section.
Claims16
A bridge for use in a timepiece module that itself comprises a frame assembly, at least three stepping motors each comprising at least a stator and rotor, and a plurality of gears assemblies, wherein the bridge comprises:
- a first section having a first top surface area;
- a second section, having a second top surface area, and spaced apart from the first section;
- a third section, having a third top surface area, and spaced apart from the first and second sections;
- a first connecting member connecting the first section to the second section, a second connecting member connecting the second section to the third section and a third connecting member connecting the third section to the first section;
- wherein:
- each of the first, second and third surface areas of the respective first, second and third sections areas are substantially larger than the respective surface areas of each of the connecting members;
- a channel opening is formed and perimetered by the first, second and third connecting members and an inner edge of each of the respective first, second and third sections;
- and
- the channel opening is substantially larger in area than the surface area of any of the first, second or third connecting members;
- and
- wherein one of the stators and rotors lie intermediate the first section and the frame assembly;
- another stator and rotor lies intermediate the second section and the frame assembly;
- and
- at least a third stator and rotor lies intermediate the third section and the frame assembly.
(canceled)
A bridge for use in a timepiece module that itself comprises a frame assembly, at least two stepping motors each comprising at least a stator and rotor, and a plurality of gears assemblies, wherein the bridge comprises:
- a first section having a first top surface area;
- a second section, having a second top surface area, and spaced apart from the first section;
- a first connecting member connecting the first section to the second section;
- wherein:
- each of the first and second surface areas of the respective first and second sections are substantially larger than the surface area of the connecting member;
- wherein the bridge is constructed from one piece of molded plastic;
- and
- wherein one of the stators and rotors lie intermediate the first section and the frame assembly;
- and
- another stator and rotor lies intermediate the second section and the frame assembly.
(canceled)
A method of manufacturing a bridge for use in a timepiece module that itself comprises a frame assembly, at least three stepping motors each comprising at least a stator and rotor, and a plurality of gears assemblies, wherein the bridge comprises a first section having a first top surface area;
- a second section having a second top surface area and spaced apart from the first section;
- a third section having a third top surface area and spaced apart from the first and second sections;
- a first connecting member connecting the first section to the second section, a second connecting member connecting the second section to the third section and a third connecting member connecting the third section to the first section, wherein each of the first, second and third surface areas of the respective first, second and third sections areas are substantially larger than the respective surface areas of each of the connecting members;
- and a channel opening formed and perimetered by the first, second and third connecting members and an inner edge of each of the respective first, second and third sections, wherein the channel opening is substantially larger in area than the surface area of any of the first, second or third connecting members;
- wherein the method comprises the steps of:
- molding each section to accommodate the stepping motor and/or gear assembly to be contacted or supported by the respective bridge section;
- providing sufficiently flexibility in each of the connecting members so that each of the sections can be properly aligned with respect to each of the respective stepping motors and/or gear assembly.
A bridge for use in a timepiece module that itself comprises a frame assembly, at least three stepping motors each comprising at least a stator and rotor, and a plurality of gears assemblies, wherein the bridge comprises:
- a first section having a first top surface area;
- a second section, having a second top surface area, and spaced apart from the first section;
- a third section, having a third top surface area, and spaced apart from the first and second sections;
- a first connecting member connecting the first section to the second section, a second connecting member connecting the second section to the third section and a third connecting member connecting the third section to the first section;
- wherein:
- each of the first, second and third surface areas of the respective first, second and third sections areas are substantially larger than the respective surface areas of each of the connecting members;
- a channel opening is formed and perimetered by the first, second and third connecting members and an inner edge of each of the respective first, second and third sections;
- and
- the channel opening is substantially larger in area than the surface area of any of the first, second or third connecting members;
- wherein the bridge is constructed from one piece of molded plastic.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.