EP1334410B1 - Housing for an emergency call transmitter - Google Patents

Abstract

A wristwatch is converted into an emergency call device by unscrewing a rear cover from the back of the wristwatch housing and screwing in a transmitter housing that carries a signal-emitting mechanism.

Description

The invention relates to a housing for an emergency transmitter according to the preamble of claim 1.

Studies have shown that about 90% of those injured in a plane crash survived the next six hours. To their survival rate is only 10% after two days. Similar Figures apply to seafaring. Because of this knowledge have been so-called in aviation for years ELTs (Emergency Locator Transmitters) are used in an emergency Send signals for direction finding in the 121.5 MHz or 243 MHz band. These are comparatively powerful and due to the large sizes involved in the Aircraft installed equipment.

In 1979 the United States, the USSR, Canada and France a satellite-based location system for emergency transmitters to develop and operate the so-called COSPAS-SARSAT system (COSPAS = Russian for "Space System for the Search of Vessels in Distress "- SARSAT =" Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking ").

COSPAS-SARSAT has now proven that a worldwide, nationwide surveillance for the location of emergency transmitters significantly accelerated rescue. For that were low-flying satellites in polar orbital orbit in about 800-1000 km altitude, the so-called LEOSAR satellites (LEOSAR = "Low Earth Orbit Search and Rescue).

COSPAS-SARSAT had six satellites in use in 1996. This made an overflight of every point on earth after about 45-50 Minutes guaranteed. The position is determined by using the "Doppler effect". But there are System inaccuracies.

An alarm within a few minutes was in most Cases with the above LEOSAR satellites not possible because approx. 45 minutes waiting time for a satellite flyover at Equator and in the European latitudes a waiting time of approx. 25-30 minutes was required.

1: Eine sofortige Alarmierung gewährleisten nunmehr drei geostationäre Satelliten, die sogenannten GEOSAR-Satelliten (GEOSAR = "Geostationary Search and Rescue") in ca. 36000 km Höhe über dem Äquator. Sie decken mehr als 80% der Erdoberfläche ab, ausgenommen sind lediglich die Polkappen.

2: Es wurde fernerhin die Übermittlung genauer Positionskoordinaten eingeführt (z.B. mittels GPS = "Global Positioning System"). Die Übertragung erfolgt neben dem individuellen Notsender-Code auf dem 406 MHz-Band.

In order to remedy both disadvantages, the COSPAS SARSAT system 1996/97 was expanded to the extent specified below:

1: An immediate alarm is now guaranteed by three geostationary satellites, the so-called GEOSAR satellites (GEOSAR = "Geostationary Search and Rescue") at a height of approx. 36000 km above the equator. They cover more than 80% of the earth's surface, with the exception of the polar caps.

2: The transmission of precise position coordinates was also introduced (eg using GPS = "Global Positioning System"). The transmission takes place in addition to the individual emergency transmitter code on the 406 MHz band.

In the 1996/97 test phase, the GEOSAR system demonstrated an alarm time minutes in more than 95% of cases.

Emergency transmitters for the COSPAS SARSAT system are on the one hand as to be installed permanently in the respective aircraft or ships Devices or commercially available as portable handheld devices. A disadvantage of such systems is that the previously available devices due to their robustness and battery life have comparatively large dimensions and are therefore only suitable for the above-mentioned purposes.

CH 673 748 G A3 is a housing for a high-frequency transmitter known, which in a back part of a wristwatch case is used. The back part is by means of of a hinge foldable and with the help of a screw designed to be lockable.

FR 2 692 706 A1 describes a housing of a transmission and / or Receiver unit, which is a bracelet of a wristwatch has encirclingly shaped end so that it is at the back of the watch case is held tight.

WO 91 17542 A discloses a carrier for optically stored Data, which is in a kind of watch case of a wristwatch is arranged. The watch case has one in the back usable, detachable via a screw thread arrangement connectable floor.

The object of the invention is now to to provide an emergency transmitter of the type mentioned above, so that it can be used universally and by everyone can be carried with you at all times without being individual adapted holding devices or the like is required.

This task is performed by an emergency transmitter with the features of the characterizing part of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 according to the invention solved. An advantageous embodiment and further training the invention is specified in dependent claim 5.

The essential idea of the invention is one To insert emergency call transmitters of a known type into a housing, which is like the bottom of a conventional wristwatch is executed. It is intended to replace this housing of the usually present in the back of the watch case insert the bottom of the wristwatch. The housing is therefore only with a fastening device to provide, which is in the manner of commercially available Wristwatches existing flange system trained is.

In this way it is possible for any person Assign emergency transmitters without them in one Need to carry clothing or the like. It is still possible without the wristwatch as such Carry emergency transmitters with you. In this case, the transmitter housing simply removed from the back of the watch case and then replaced by the bottom cover. This is particularly so also makes sense if an emergency situation is not too is expected or in the times during which the station is with a new energy source (battery) is operational again is made.

The easiest way to do this is to use a Wrist watch case with conventional screw base is used, so that the transmitter housing by means of an appropriate Screwed into the internal thread in the back of the watch case, replacing the floor, can be screwed in. As Alternatives include those in the following drawing figures Execution examples shown in detail and explained below conceivable.

The emergency transmitter expediently emits a coded one Carrier individualizing emergency call signal, and preferably on a frequency from a commercial satellite emergency call system recorded and possibly from a relay station transmitted to an emergency call center supplemented by position data can be. To reduce the energy consumption over time and restrict local conditions in which a satellite contact is to be expected, i.e. the usable operating time of the To be able to significantly extend the emergency transmitter is the transmitter housing according to a development of the invention except with Operating switch, for example when pulling out a Antenna wire is operated with a manually operated Interrupt switch equipped for broadcasting.

Alternatives and further training as well as further characteristics and Advantages of the invention result from the description below from in the drawing limited to the essentials highly abstracted and not drawn to scale preferred implementation examples for the invention Solution.

Figur 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Gehäuses für einen Notrufsender als Austauschteil eines Bodens einer herkömmlichen, kommerziell erhältlichen Armbanduhr.
-Anordnung im Querschnitt in Sprengdarstellung-

Figur 2

ein erfindungsgemäßes Gehäuse in der Art des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels im Querschnitt
-Flanschsystem in der Art eines Schraubbodens-

Figur 3

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Gehäuses im Querschnitt
-Flanschsystem in der Art einer Pressitzanordnung-

Figur 4

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Gehäuses im Querschnitt
-Flanschsystem in der Art eines aufschraubbaren Bodens-

Figur 5

ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Gehäuses im Querschnitt
-Flanschsystem in der Art eines Bajonettverschlusses

In detail show:

Figure 1

a first embodiment of a housing according to the invention for an emergency transmitter as a replacement part of a base of a conventional, commercially available wristwatch.
- Arrangement in cross section in exploded view -

Figure 2

an inventive housing in the manner of the first embodiment in cross section
-Flange system like a screw bottom-

Figure 3

a second embodiment of a housing according to the invention in cross section
Flange system in the manner of a press fit arrangement

Figure 4

a third embodiment of a housing according to the invention in cross section
-Flange system in the manner of a screw-on base-

Figure 5

a fourth embodiment of a housing according to the invention in cross section
-Flange system in the manner of a bayonet lock

Figure 1 of the drawing shows a side view of a watch case 12 of a wristwatch 13 with the back removed Screw bottom 17, according to the invention against a transmitter housing 19 is interchangeable.

That in the drawing in side view against her crown 11 Outlined watch case 12 of a wrist watch 13 is at least a time display, like a classic pilot's watch equipped with chronograph displays under their watch glass 14. It faces the watch glass 14 in a concentric manner Opening 15 with internal thread 16, in the in as such known a substantially flat-cylindrical bottom 17 can be screwed in with an axially projecting external thread 18.1 is.

Instead of this bottom 17, the wristwatch 13 can also be used be equipped with a pot-shaped housing 19, which the same axially protruding, short ring-shaped external thread 18.2 has. Its free end edge 20 axially opposite is the housing 19 similar to the bottom 17 with a over the radius of the external thread 18 protruding, rotating Flange 21 equipped, the 22 when mounted on the back of the watch case 12 a wear-friendly aligned transition from the relatively high housing 19 to the arcuate side to the watch case 12 adjoining horns 23 for articulation of the two halves of a bracelet, not shown here results.

Inside the pot-shaped housing 19 are an energy source 24 for the operation of the watch circuit in the watch case 12 independent supply of an emergency transmitter 25 and an unwinding device 26 for an initially wound antenna wire 27 arranged. The latter can be done by means of a pull button 28 manually pull out of the housing 19. Therefore the pull button 28 is easily accessible from something Recess 29, which is preferably transverse to the orientation the croissant 23-23 under the crown 11 on the housing 19 of the Emergency transmitter 25 is positioned.

With the manual pulling out of the antenna wire 27 an operating switch via simple centrifugal force or lever kinematics 30 closed to switch on the transmitter 25, in order to emit an emergency signal via the antenna wire 27. This contains an identifier that this transmitter 25th and thus the wearer of the wrist watch 13 equipped therewith individualized. The carrier frequency of the Emergency transmitter 25 in the 406 MHz band, from the commercial satellite emergency system COSPAS-SARSAT added as a relay station and linked with a location to a rescue center to be able to be reported further.

In addition, the housing 19 can be operated manually Interrupt switch 31 to be equipped to the emergency transmitter 25 to be able to temporarily switch off manually, for example if due to the topographical or temporal circumstances currently not to expect satellite contact or about your own location in a threat situation not to reveal. It may be this break switch 31 simply by one with the operation main switch 30 electrical pressure switches in series act like outlined opposite the antenna pull button and preferably under a croissant 23 against unintentional actuation protected sunk under the outer wall of the housing 19 can be operated with a pointed object.

When to equip the housing 19 with a new energy source or if no emergency call situation is to be expected, the Wrist watch 13 is conventionally equipped with a bottom 17 be worn.

FIG. 2 shows a housing 19.1 according to the invention, which in the manner described above with a screw thread arrangement is trained. The drawing figure presented here shows the state by the housing 19.1 instead that of a commercially available wristwatch Soil is used. In the exemplary embodiment described here is a so-called screw bottom for the wristwatch available. This screw bottom has on its outer circumference an external thread to match one in the watch case 12.1 existing internal thread 16.1. To the housing 19.1 for the emergency transmitter instead of that in the commercially available To be able to use the wristwatch of the existing screw back, it is provided according to the invention that the housing 19.1 External thread identical to the screw thread of the base 18.3 has. Usually there is an additional Sealing against dirt, moisture and the like by means of a sealing ring 10.1 on the contact surfaces of the watch case 12.1 and housing 19.1.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of an inventive Housing 19.2. Here it is assumed that part the commercial wristwatch has a so-called press base which is only due to precisely fitting contact surfaces is held on the watch case. In the drawing figure is the press-fit arrangement in accordance with the press edge 33 of the Watch case 12.2 adapted press rim 34 of the case 19.2 of the emergency transmitter shown by means of which the housing 19.2 is fixed to the watch case 12.2. In the present embodiment has the preferably cylindrical press rim 34 of the housing 19.2 on its end face, all around here trained radially outwardly facing locking lug 32, which in the corresponding here also trained all around Recess 40 engages. Again, to prevent the Penetration of dirt or moisture a sealing ring 10.2 provided which between the corresponding contact surfaces of the watch case 12.2 and the case 19.2 for the emergency transmitter is arranged.

Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of an inventive Case 19.3, in which the fixation to the watch case 12.3 accomplished by means of a screw connection is. Here are the back of the standard wristwatch preferably annular end face of the watch case 12.3 threaded holes 35 are provided, in which corresponding Screws for fixing the floor can be screwed in. The fixation of the housing is corresponding in the present case 19.3 with the help of corresponding screws 36. Here too is in accordance with the description above Sealing ring 10.3 provided.

As a fourth exemplary embodiment, FIG. 5 shows an inventive one Housing 19.4 with bayonet lock on the front 39 known per se. Appropriate locking lugs engage here 37 on the housing 19.4 in recesses on the back of the Watch case 12.4 or locking lugs 38 on the watch case 12.4 in corresponding recesses on the housing 19.4. Also here is a sealing ring described in detail above 10.4 provided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4

seal

11

Crown

12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4

watch case

13

watch

14

watch glass

15

opening

16, 16.1

inner thread

17

ground

18.1, 18.2, 18.3

external thread

19, 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4

casing

20

end edge

21

flange

22

back

23

croissant

24

energy

25

Notrufsender

26

unwinding

27

antenna wire

28

pull knob

29

recess

30

switches

31

disconnect switch

32

locking lug

33

Press edge

34

Press edge

35

inner thread

36

screw

37

locking lug

38

locking lug

39

bayonet

40

recess

Claims (6)

1. An emergency call transmitter (25) having a housing (19, 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4), which is constructed in the manner of a base (17) that can be inserted into the rear side (22) of a watch case (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4) of a wristwatch (13) and can be fixed with the aid of a flange system (16, 16.1, 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38),
   characterised in that the flange system is an internal screw thread (16, 16.1) formed in the rear side (22) of the watch case (12, 12.1) and a screw thread configuration comprising an external screw thread (18.2, 18.3) formed in the housing (19, 19.1).
2. An emergency call transmitter (25) according to the precharacterising clause of Claim 1,
   characterised in that the flange system is a screw thread configuration comprising several internal screw threads (35) that are formed in the rear side (22) of the watch case (12.3) and into which fastening screws (36) for the housing (19.3) can be inserted.
3. An emergency call transmitter (25) according to the precharacterising clause of Claim 1,
   characterised in that the flange system is a press fit configuration (33, 34).
4. An emergency call transmitter (25) according to the precharacterising clause of Claim 1,
   characterised in that the flange system is a bayonet catch configuration (37, 38, 39).
5. An emergency call transmitter (25) according to one of the preceding Claims,
   characterised in that a device (26) for withdrawing an antenna wire (27) of the emergency call transmitter (25) is provided.
6. A wristwatch (13) having an emergency call transmitter (25) according to one of the preceding Claims.

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